Seasons Of Life

TRADER JOE'S PRODUCT REVIEW

2012-01-15T11:20:00.008-05:00

These are wonderful...five stars...out of five....*****.... I bought these and kept forgetting to make them.

So Saturday night I got them out and this is how they look before they sit over night.

After letting them sit and rise for 9 hours.. this is what I saw when I woke up.

Turned on the oven put them in and oh did our home smell so good while they baked..

this is the end result...See the chocolate, they were really good and a nice easy pastry for every once and awhile. If you have a Trader Joe's around you or you do go their...give them a try.

GOING FROM RED'S AND GREENS TO RED'S AND WHITES

2012-01-14T19:21:00.014-05:00

After I put my Christmas things away, I start with Reds and White's added with some pink...for the month of Love... That would be February...It is fun and whimsical to decorate and add little touches through out our home. I took my glass hurricane and added candy hearts to it and a red candle, I now have this on our dinette table. You can see the picture frame on the table in the distance I do for each month...pics of it to coming next.

I was asked can we eat those...umm no...but I will get some you can...lol

So simple yet so fun and colorful.

Next is my monthly picture frame that I change out every month.. I took a piece of scrapbook paper and

added heart stickers all over it. I got the stickers at Walmart for 1.00 a pack..I bought two packs but didn't use them all.

This pic is of our dinning room glass and oak stand..I added some red in with the white and crystal.

Now this is part of what I had made for Christmas...I took some pieces out and now use it,

as a centerpiece on the table. It has a wintery look with Valentine colors..So this is what I got started, I now need to get downstairs and get out my Valentine stuff that is packed away. That reminds me I need to get my Valentine Coffee mugs out...Tooddles...I'm going searching..

DON'T MESS WITH A MOM AND HER CHILD.

2012-01-04T12:40:00.003-05:00

DON'T MESS WITH A MOM THAT HAS A CHILD!!!! Have you seen the mom that was talking to 911 with a shotgun in her hand as intruders were trying to get into her home.. She is 18 years old, was home alone with her baby...and there was no one going to harm her child...As the intruder was coming inside she shot and killed him, the other guy took off running only to turn himself in later.. The intruder had like a 12 inch blade knife...This happened New Years Eve... You ask where was her husband??? He died on Christmas day of cancer...She has been through a lot in her 18 years and a horrific tragedy all in a week...

(ABC News) - A young Oklahoma mother shot and killed an intruder to protect her 3-month-old baby on New Year's Eve, less than a week after the baby's father died of cancer. Sarah McKinley says that a week earlier a man named Justin Martin dropped by on the day of her husband's funeral, claiming that he was a neighbor who wanted to say hello. The 18-year-old Oklahoma City area woman did not let him into her home that day. On New Year's Eve Martin returned with another man, Dustin Stewart, and this time was armed with a 12-inch hunting knife. The two soon began trying to break into McKinley's home. As one of the men was going from door to door outside her home trying to gain entry, McKinley called 911 and grabbed her 12-gauge shotgun. McKinley told ABC News Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO that she quickly got her 12 gauge, went into her bedroom and got a pistol, put the bottle in the baby's mouth and called 911. "I've got two guns in my hand -- is it okay to shoot him if he comes in this door?" the young mother asked the 911 dispatcher. "I'm here by myself with my infant baby, can I please get a dispatcher out here immediately?" The 911 dispatcher confirmed with McKinley that the doors to her home were locked as she asked again if it was okay to shoot the intruder if he were to come through her door. "I can't tell you that you can do that but you do what you have to do to protect your baby," the dispatcher told her. McKinley was on the phone with 911 for a total of 21 minutes. When Martin kicked in the door and came after her with the knife, the teen mom shot and killed the 24-year-old. Police are calling the shooting justified. "You're allowed to shoot an unauthorized person that is in your home. The law provides you the remedy, and sanctions the use of deadly force," Det. Dan Huff of the Blanchard police said. Stewart soon turned himself in to police. McKinley said that she was at home alone with her newborn that night because her husband just died of cancer on Christmas Day. "I wouldn't have done it, but it was my son," McKinley told ABC News Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO. "It's not an easy decision to make, but it was either going to be him or my son. And it wasn't going to be my son. There's nothing more dangerous than a woman with a child."

IT ALL STARTED OUT SO EXCITING....

2012-01-04T10:06:00.008-05:00

Who would have thought..a night that I was so excited about...would end so bad... The picture of me on our way to dinner...we were meeting great friends from Florida..John and Les...Got to the restaurant, had reservations so table was ready..I ordered a drink and then we..

ordered crab stuffed mushrooms...They are to die for.... Well I shouldn't use that word die....I will saw they are fabulous.. we get these every time we go...PLUS

sauteed hot and mild banana peppers with olive oil and garlic with parm cheese over top...Melt in your mouth delish....So I had ONE slice of pepper and ONE mushroom..not even 5 minutes later I was ordering dinner and as others were placing their order I got up and headed to the restroom... I'M SICK!!!!! Like puking sick...dripping wet sweaty sick dizzy nausea pass out sick...Can't dial phone to get help sick...Finally got Mike on cell and barely got out help before he was at the bathroom door...

He said Oh my gosh what is wrong with you... I couldn't move or talk....He said I'm calling an ambulance.....no please no...I just need a minute...I said... 45 minutes I was in there.. He had one of the guys bring truck to front door.. They got me to truck and home...Then my daughter was freaking when she seen me....scared she got my mom ... I started freezing and couldn't move without headache and dizziness...still nausea..Still wanting to take me to emergency room..I said just take my BP and Sugar... all was good...I said just let me be and not move..UNTIL..the headache got worse and my face started going numb...Mike had me up and to the emergency before I realized I was going...Daughter following in her car right behind us...Oh my goodness you both are crazy...I was thinking later on....What if......They came out with wheel chair and I couldn't move....got me in and the slightest movement started it all over again...

After my Husband told them my symptoms and previous history with brain aneurysm...I was taken right for ekg and put in room.

They started IV with Morphine and anti nausea meds...after cat scan and ekg was ok.. no bleed on my brain...Thank God.. but I knew it wasn't that since my BP was good at home. SO WHAT THEN!!!

My blood work came back with low /or high.. I forget white blood count and poison in my system...WHAT???? it wasn't food poisoning..but food that came in contact with a poison!!!!! What the Heck.. no way we all ate the same thing...I only had ONE!!!! it hit with in 5minutes...Doctor said this and I'm thinking more vertigo.. that is what they thought before blood work came back...

I had to stay there till after 3 am and then sent home with vicoden and nausea meds..and told do nothing for 48 hours....

It did take me about 3 to 4 days to feel better and what a way to mess up a wonderful evening.

So glad it wasn't worse or life threatening...BUT don't want to go through it again EVER!!!! December 15th,2011....I wonder how much this dram to ER will cost.....Now that that is behind me I am about ready to start blogging for the new year....

Oh 2012 what do you hold for us???

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE???

2011-12-16T14:37:00.015-05:00

I went from warm beautiful tropical no cares no worries from last post....Remind me why we had to leave Cancun.....Ok since being back home, it has been one thing after another..That is how it gets from Thanksgiving till the New Year...Some of our highlights Thanksgiving was very low key this year...I usually have the family all over but for one reason or another that kind of stopped...But this year, it was my Mom and Mother in law along with Autumn, Mike and I...that is it..Dad had to work...and So did Michael...First time in 18 years Michael wasn't at the dinner table for a holiday.. I was in tears when he left for work...it had me really wishing time would just slow down..and thinking back through the years. Well clean up after dinner was very easy..lol.. We did have a lot of deserts for people to stop by..Once again for one reason or another many couldn't make it or chose not to come..But good friends of Mike and I stopped by and Dad got home and ate..then we sat around and talked...it was a good time...but different.

This post is me catching up on the last month and half...The picture above is a centerpiece my Dad had got me and it is still alive...except some carnations.. I really love the container and live greens. It is special times like this gift that gives me that warm happy feeling and memories that are cherished.

Speaking of memories...This photo is me after receiving this beautiful Christmas basket full of wonderful items...The colors and items picked out were so perfect and all will be used and cherished for years...and when I take them out each year it will bring great memories of our yearly Christmas dinner out with our wonderful Italian friends..I so look forward to this every year...not my gift....our time spent together at dinner...that lasts ummm at least 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

This year my parents got Mike and I along with my brother and sister in law tickets to this Live Theater in Lancaster PA. We all went together for a nice long weekend the 6 of us. It was night time when I took this picture..it is so beautiful. We left Friday afternoon and got to our hotel..met later in the evening for dinner together..Saturday after breakfast we met up and went shopping at the Outlet's, and the sun was out..little cool but with sun and shopping we didn't notice...went to Apple Bee's for a drink and snack then to our hotel to get ready for the evening.

This picture was taken during the day when my parents went earlier in the summer...they enjoyed it so much they got tickets for us to go in December together. We saw Miracle of Christmas..it was nice and they used live animals...The way they portrayed Mary and Joseph in this play was done in such a way you can relate and truly feel the emotion Mary had of being the Mother of Jesus..Very well done.

This year I used our red and green decorations in the family room and on our tree. The last 4 years I have been doing the tree in glass, crystal, white, golds and much more elegant...This year I was in a more whimsical mood.

This year for Chistmas Eve things were changed around do to both of the kids work schedule..another first but we worked it all out. My mother in law had us over early before Autumn went to work on Christmas Eve...So we celebrated with her around two...autumn had to be at work at 5 and worked till 9....Once again I watched my other child head to work on Christmas Eve. I didn't let on like it was a big deal..she was such a trooper..So very proud of her and her excitement to work...anyway later in the evening we went to my brother's in laws, I had a good time. Always very festive and I got to spend time with my niece and nephew that we don't ever get to see till day after Christmas. It is so good having little ones around this time of year.. Love seeing all their excitement.. My nephew is at that perfect age of 3. Christmas morning we always do a big breakfast of Egg Casserole and Overnight Baked French Toast...so good. We did this a little earlier because Michael had to go to work 12 until 8.. then we usually go to see my Aunt and my Grandpa but this year I decided to fix a Christmas dinner for us, my parents and my mother in law...It was really nice..We ordered honey baked ham and a turkey..cheesy hashbrown potatoes and brocoli...we missed the sweet potato casserole for dinner...I will just say that my 77 year old mother in law's memory isn't what it used to be and she confused it and made it Christmas Eve instead of Christmas day...but we laughed about it and of course all had to make jokes about it at dinner..like wow sweet potato casserole would have really tasted good..or Could someone pass the sweet potato casserole please...all in good fun of course.. Christmas night Mike and I went to friends of ours for a little bit then home and enjoyed the rest of the evening by the fire, with the tree and mantel lights on.

Day after Christmas is a day I really look forward to...That is the day we all get together at my brothers and we exchange gifts...it is laid back and relaxed and much enjoyed.. This year I was the one that got harassed and teased...I will just say it has to do with me taking pictures of myself and my smile....Yep I was teased all night...Let's just say I have a lot of pictures to make up for all the years I never would get my picture taken because of my weight...At least they noticed I am smiling!!!!

I love this wall hanging i got at a craft show this year..I did craft shows with my girlfriend that makes jewelry that is one of a kind... I would keep her company and help get set up and taken down..When I first got there I saw these wall hangings at this one booth..she had beautiful things and wanted 35.00 for this..So I waited and would go back now and then and see if this was still there and it was..So towards closing time everything was about sold out and this was still there and marked down to 15.00...Wooo Whooo I said I will take it!!!! So in a nut shell that is what I have been up to since coming home from Cancun...Paridise....and of course all the other holiday things you do like sending Christmas cards, decorating, Shopping, wrapping...you know how it goes..

Oh ya and dinners out with friends...hold on to that thought..I will tell you about one of those dinners out on next post...hopefully tomorrow..

WE ARE BACK FROM PARADISE..

2011-11-15T10:46:00.013-05:00

Home from Cancun Mexico area..We stayed at Excellence all inclusive all adult Resort. Very nice place. The picture above was one of the piers we walked out on and would sit, very pretty and the sand was like powder sugar...

One of the nights we went off the resort to a Mexican restaurant with a large group. They had it all fixed up outside by the ocean with white lights everywhere. As we ate our dinner these Indian's did a story/dance and it was very good.. The guy I am standing but is all painted top to bottom.

LOL... I will just say this was after our farewell dinner our last night..I started doing the stripper dance....I will just say...I enjoyed my Tanquray and Tonic...

My camera didn't do this picture any good but this was a ship they set up for our food table for the farewell dinner. We watched them all day down at the ocean setting this up on the beach... at 3:00 they called it to be switched to the ball room because of the wind...Great job they did...with smiles I might add.

Another drink of choice through out the week was chocolate martini's and mudslides...oh so good. There was a great Martini bar here... Apple Martini's are one of my favorite..but not a Mexican one..lol

Another evening we ate at the Italian Restaurant...this was one of our appetizers...this was beautiful..and the shrimp was even better...DELISH!!!

My dear friend Tammie and I at the Presidential Suite for Cocktail party before dinner...First I loved these Giraffe's..and second each year on our trip Tammie and I get a new Pandora charm for our bracelets that means something from where we are.. so that is what we are trying to show in this picture..We got the Aqua one with silver around it...reminds us of our trip into Cancun and stopped at the lookout of the beautiful Aqua colored water at that part of the ocean...

Oh boy this is another picture of me in trouble...See that big huge pepper grinder in my hand?? Well the joke all week was when I got to loud talked to much or got out of control someone would set a salt or pepper shaker by me...saying calm down...and then it also came with my Hubby taking my drink away and giving me water...Yep then I was cut off...even the waiters were notified...not good..But everyone sure did have good laughs..So this night...don't know what i did or said but I will say the BIG GUY!!!! got up from his seat walked over to the waiters tray and brought the BIG PEPPER GRINDER to the table and sat it right in front of me....OH BOY!!!!!

On Wednesday 10 of us went into Playa Del Carma a little town to do some shopping...This picture is showing how GIRLS...THEY WANT TO HAVE FUN UN OHHH GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN!!!! Sharlene,Tammie, Jamie and I found a great spot for my Hubby to take or picture...Oh the fun we had..

It was a fabulous trip...Our flight down and back was good. The weather this year was perfect. About 3 years ago when we where there it was so very hot and humid..we were wet the whole week not one bit of breeze...

We had an awesome welcome dinner our first night..with a show done with fire...on the ocean.

We saw a show one night that was a tribute to Michael Jackson...they did a fabulous job and the Mexican Michael Jackson was amazing..

I did a spa day.. while my Hubby went golfing....Can I say this was the most unbelievable spa.. They had a water hydrotherapy area you go through the stations before whatever treatment you are going to do...I have never done this or have I ever seen one like this...it was about an hour, then I went for my Deep Tissue Relaxation Message...I will just say.. the Mexican men may be short but the guy I had sure did have strength...I about lost my breath a couple times while he worked on my shoulder back area...Then I adjusted my breathing to breath through it...I was sore for 3 days after this massage but I had now stress and tightness at all...well till I got back home...lol I will say this particular message I did but won't do again..I like a much softer massage..therefore I will stick with my bi-weekly massages I get with my wonderful massotherapist...

We felt like we were on our honeymoon and totally enjoyed this fabulous week...I did take over 500 pictures....but this was a highlight of our week in paradise.

Our trip next year will be in Costa Rica...so I am going to get working on my strengthening and weight..we will be riding horses up the mountains and bungee jumping back down through the jungle and waterfalls...I feel if I ever want to bungee jump this would be the place..

I did a great job with my weight while gone..I gained 4.3 pounds and lost 4 of it already.. a lot of water retention...and um maybe those good drinks.....

Now on to preparing for the upcoming holiday's...

FIGHTING IT ALL THE WAY!!!!

2011-11-05T08:03:00.005-04:00

And this body is not going to win...I have been dealing with the same 3 pounds for like ever. My body is saying no way you are not going to loose one more pound, I am telling it you are so wrong and I will fight through this.

When I hit 75-76 pound loss it has stopped...So I will keep going on about my life and when my body decides this isn't maintance time...I will continue with the next 65 pounds.

I can't get all wrapped up in these numbers and let them control my daily mood. I was getting all worked up and having panic when I wasn't loosing. It would set my mood for the day. If I got on the scale and it was down, I would be so excited and it was a good day...This isn't the kind of life I want daily...that would be leaving one control for another control over me.

I will continue on the path of a healthy life style and aiming for a better all round healthy living life.

As for other things going on in my life....I just celebrated 12 extra years that I have been given ...It was 12 years ago on October 31st that I had a ruptured Brain Aneurysm....I am a survivor by the Grace of God and many many prayers from family friends and many people all over the country. I thank everyone for this and for everyone that took care of my children, who were 4 and 6 at the time... It was a long year of recovery...but my solid rock and a big part of my recovery was due to my Husband...He was my support, nurse, doctor, therapist, house keeper, cook, childcare provider.....everything for over a year...The company he worked for gave him all the time he needed off and never asked when will you be back in the office...He worked from home for over 3 months..plus a month he spent with me while I was in the hospital...God was there with us the whole time...So on days I want to scream,yell, hate, leave.....list goes on...I think back to How blessed I have been.

Anyway didn't mean to get off on all that but, but it is and was a very memoral time in our life. So other things going on..Our youngest is still working and carrying a heavy load at school, plus her Tennis..she has been a trooper with it all. She is totally loving driving now and having her own money to do her favorite thing.....SHOP!!! She went and made a big purchase the other night...A pair of black sparkle Uggg boots...and she was so excited seeing that she has wanted these boots for several years now.
Our oldest is working and going to collage..just finished up on testing for the semester. He is branching out more and more in life and becoming more independent. Last weekend he took time off from work to go to Ohio State to spend with friends..He drove on his own and went to Cincinnati U first to pick up a friend then back to OSU...found his way and made it home....lol Had a wonderful time.
Mike and I are preparing for our trip to Riviera Maya, in Mexico coming up. We are staying at the Excellance Resort with many friends...we go yearly somewhere..Last year was Cabo San Lucas...next year I believe we will be going to Costa Rica..anyways so looking forward to this and I will post pics when we get back...Sure dont want to come back with much weight gain...looking forward to many walks on the ocean...

So till next time have a wonderful day..and try not to get so excited and caught up in Christmas that we forget THANKSGIVING....

Hugs to all...

HOW I WILL KEEP ACTIVE THIS WINTER...

2011-10-15T15:09:00.006-04:00

Today was my first day on my own after signing up for Curves...I got a good workout, and feel great and it is a Monday...by the way the sun is also out...Wonderful start to the week. So Curves is what I will be doing now since the weather will be getting colder. This will give me resistance training and getting my heart rate up. I get and have met some wonderful ladies, and this will keep me from staying wrapped up in a blanket and complaining how cold and cloudy it is outside.

A long with Curves I will be doing Yoga...I have done this before and it was wonderful, the one I did before was yoga and Pilate's mixed..This will be good for keeping me flexible but will also help relieve my stress and anxiety I deal with.

There are so many different levels of yoga, but we can each take the class and work at our own level. Plus we have different things we are all dealing with along with different ages.. So love the mixture of our group.

Last but not least ZUMBA!!! Now this is where I get to use my love of dancing, and get to be out with the Ladies and still be working on getting stronger and loosing inches... The music reminds me of our time away in Mexico..I get lost in it all.

Here again we do different steps of dance like the samba, and different ones.. Some ladies have back problems and thats ok just do what you can do and what you can't put your own move in...That is the whole idea...JUST KEEP YOURSELF MOVING!!! This is what I plan on doing..

Weight update...Let me just say my body thinks it is on maintenance again...I will just keep it going and reminding myself I am building muscle and it weighs more than fat...So right now looking to loose inches and reshape my body as well as continue to loose the weight and get healthier. Can not wait to be in the world of ONE-DERLAND!!! To NEVER return to the 200's again.

AS LONG AS IT IS GOING DOWN!!!

2011-10-11T08:10:00.004-04:00

I have finally moved, to a number I haven't been in a long long time, like 30 years..It has taken me over a month to get to 213.5... but I will take it. I have been bouncing around the 215 for like ever...The last couple weeks I have been eating things I haven't for awhile, a bite here and there of this and that has left me with horrible headaches, achy all over, tired, grumpy and my knees have hurt...I was thinking what is going on? But after realizing some of what I have added in my diet had sugar and more wheat and grains...hmmm.

So about three days ago I cut it all back out again and I have already noticed some changes...one being the scales...it will take awhile to get the stuff out of my system again.

I am going today to join Curves for the winter..they also have zummba classes and Yoga...So looking forward to doing this with a good friend. This will get me out of the house during the cold cloudy dreary days.

So glad to see October here and September gone...it was a stressfull, sad, full of emotions month. Just a little of what went on was, 10 of the children from my childrens school lost 5 parents in different situations all in a weeks time..Sad situation and a couple of them hit close to us. Then 5 students the following week were in a awful car wreak...One still in hospital and was given 3 percent chance of ever being normal again..Well God is answering prayers on this and he is recovering more and more everyday. Another one of the students won't be back to school for a couple more months.. still can't walk, she had a crushed pelivic and lung along with other ingury's. Then if that wasn't enough 3 of our students are being charged with aggrevated burglery and rape..of a couple in the neighborhood...Now your thinking what kind of neighborhood do you live in...I will just say middle to upper class and it doesn't matter any more who you are or where you live stuff happens...One of the guys was our Mr Football for our state 2 years in a row with a promising career in pro football if he wanted...It is all in the choices you make each and every minute of your life...
So on to October and the brillance of the colorful leaves..We had a gorgous weekend with temps in the upper 70's and we took advantage of enjoying it all.

Also my youngest got her first job 2 weeks ago, at a place she said she wanted to work at since she was in kindergarden...it is at a Greek restaurant that friends of ours own..she is hostessing and cashier along with taking carry out orders..She has been coming home with tips and we are like how are you getting tips? She said people do tip in carry out!!!!! Oh really I never thought of doing that if I am coming to pick it up...well good for her...
Another thing she is learning is that everyone pays taxes to Uncle Sam and that it isn't just mom and dad.. she was counting up her hours and said my paycheck will be....., and I said yes but you won't bring that home..they will take out taxes and s.s. and....The look on her face was priceless..she said are you serious...I thought you and dad payed that....LOL
Our oldest is still working and going to college...he is going through some life lesson's of his own and trying to figure it all out...Moving from teenager and high school to college and maturing into a man and what life is like as an adult...Not all about Fun and Games...
So untill next post hope everything is good with everyone and you are enjoying this fall weather wherever you live..
HUGS,
Jolyn

4 MONTH DOCTOR VISIT...

2011-09-27T15:26:00.004-04:00

Went for my 4 month check up and blood work...and they were all so excited to see what I have done since my last visit...SO...

My weight was down 74 pounds since January 12th 2011. Next my blood work was all good, but we needed to make a change with my thyroid medicine since my pituitary gland got bottomed out...All I know about this or understood was it is from getting the fat out of my system and loosing the weight...Your pituitary deals with hormone's and growth in our body's..anyway Dr. lowered my thyroid med and I get blood checked again in 21 days. Dr. said I may even need it lowered more...this is great...

My Cholesterol number came down about 20 points since last 4 months and my hdl that is good cholesterol is doing better but still only 39...it was always around 52..Working on getting it up higher.

My Dr. asked me what are my goals from here...I told him I would like to get to 150...but not sure till I get there...lol So we looked at the BMI- body mass index.. and he said he would like me to get to 25...I am at 32 or 34 right now...To get to 25 would be about 140 to 145....

He also told me that platue's would last longer and more often right now..Not to get discouraged but to keep doing what I'm doing..

So meanwhile till my next blood work in 4 months...which will also be my 1 year of living a healthier life style...I will continue to better my health, get stronger, move more, and working on becoming the best me I can be....

IT'S BEEN TWO WEEKS WHY?

2011-09-25T13:00:00.004-04:00

Well I didn't loose one ounce last week stayed the same, so truthfully I just didn't feel like posting it. It was first frustrating but...I went on how I feel and not on what a scale says. Plus I had to look at how far I have came in the last 9 months...
So after a very busy two weeks I have went from 217....to 215.2..... almost 2 pounds..I am just happy to be going in the right direction...lol
I go to the Dr. tomorrow and will get my results from blood work. It has been 4 months since the last one. Very excited to see the difference...
Had a wonderful day yesterday with friends out at the pumpkin patch (winery) they had a craft fall balloon fest. We had perfect weather. Then went out to dinner and came home and ended it with a glass of wine...
Till tomorrow have a great night..
Hugs,
Jolyn

WALKING THEN AND NOW AND WHY

2011-09-08T10:07:00.007-04:00

Wow I have noticed, finally, that I am getting somewhere with my walking. I was like the picture above, a walk to the mailbox or to laundry room was getting walking in for the day. Then I started walking around the block....out of breath and tired and not walking faster than a stroll.

Now I have been doing more and adding in steps for extra strengthening of my heart. When I first started my new life style in January I did no exercising...until after I lost my first 50 or so. I started walking with a good friend now in the morning and my husband went on a walk with me the other night, after saying he needs to get walking again. I said lets go...he said but you already walk in the morning...I said I can still walk now...so away we went....he kept look over at me and laughing. I said why are you laughing? He said wow you are moving now, I am having a hard time keeping up with you. That was so neat to hear. It was usually me saying slow down...but now away I went...Progress is being made.

I must have thought if your thin you don't need to work out or why would you work out...I have found it doesn't matter how large or small you are, you must strengthen your muscles and heart..You have to keep moving your body. I could go on and on about why we need to be active but we all know we need this.

At times when I am walking I feel like I can't go any faster unless I jog. I have tried at different times to do this, but my head gets dizzy and the bouncing from it hurts my head...Now I did have a brain aneurysm and maybe that is why, the bouncing and up and down makes it so sensitive. Or maybe because of my weight and still being to heavy..I don't know..I will try again another time.

So friends lets keep active and keep moving doing something other than sitting around...

HUGS,

Jolyn

COME ON I'M NOT ON MAINTENCE....

2011-09-07T10:08:00.004-04:00

On August 29th I hit my 70 pounds lost..Today, 10 days later I am still at 70 pound loss...Now I want to get frustrated but at the same time I have not been on my regular eating. For example over the Labor day weekend there was foods I don't eat on a regular basis. I had some strawberry cake,some different dips.... so I thank God that I have stayed the same, and also I was satisfied and didn't deny myself of anything.
As for the exercise I have done no walking or steps since last Thursday. I did do my stretching and arm and leg exercise on floor and standing.
I have been dealing with a lot of bloating, so I am trying to take care of that. This morning I made a blueberry spinach smoothie...very good, a lot of protein and some fiber.
I am going to walk the track this afternoon if no rain, instead of going in the morning..I have found I just can't get moving and feel good all day early...I feel better doing my exercise later in the day or evening, not that I am totally stopping my morning with my walking buddy, but when I got things to do or feel out of whack I will change..
I need to get back to simple eating for awhile so I can get to my goal of 80 pound loss by October 31...I am not liking this maintaining....I want to keep going see the pounds drop and not sit and stay the same...
SO 54 days...to loose this 10 pounds that is 7 1/2 weeks..so I need to loose more than 1 pound a week now...I WILL DO THIS!!!!
It has been 34 weeks today since I have started this new lifestyle... and get 70 pounds off. I doubt I will have 100 pounds off by my 1 year anniversary...but that is ok..I do want it off by May of 2012...That leaves my to get 30 pounds off in about 7 months...Now that is definitely do able...
I would also like to have my tummy surgery by April so I will be pretty much healed by the beginning of June...
So I have goals and I got work to do to meet them...

LAST WEEK WAS A FIRST....

2011-08-31T21:05:00.005-04:00

Wow...what a week it was...Pain and Fun...well it wasn't actually fun fun...But I did workouts 4 days in a row...Now this is great for me...and was a first. It was also a first for starting this with a wonderful friend...We started the week off Monday by doing the steps..Now we seem to push each other that extra step...no punt intended...lol But up we went all 96 steps...walked around the top 3 x's and did 48 up and down of the side steps...Then we did them walking up sideways...ya we were having fun pushing it..( and really thinking we were marathon runners)...I also found four quarters....That will buy us each a vanilla cone at McDonalds...lol Hey that is my treat this summer..150 calories....Anyway we worked our self back down and then walked the front platform..we did it twice and I EVEN JOGGED....a little...

Me coming up one of the side steps of 48...

So on tuesday we walked around the neighborhood...and challenged our self with some foothills. On wendsday back to the steps...and we talked to a trainer out there that was working with a couple ladies...and she was working them hard..had some kind of roping hooked to a tree and they were doing push ups with legs in stirups off the ground...it was crazy wild...I got her card...but I am know where ready for that YET!!!!

Thursday we went to the High School stadium..and walked the track...we did two extra laps...it was humid and hot out...then I went home and before my shower started doing squats like the ladies at the steps and jumped in the shower...Let's just say friday I felt like I was beaten and battered...So sore...

Now it is Labor day weekend...and I didn't get any steps or walking in the last two days..hopefully tonight after family reunion.

So I will continue with Cindy on Tuesday...Last week kicked my butt because I am not a get up and move girl first thing in the morning...I now get up between 7-8 but not moving much till elevenish...So after work outs starting around 9...I was so off my regular schedule and would come home and sit and one day I fell asleep...Not that I'm complaining, just saying...

As for my weight I am staying right at the 70 pound loss...I haven't had the water I am used to the last two days... and with picnics and stuff not on my regular eating...but you know I'm ok with that..this is how I have to live...so I am enjoying it one day at a time...

Well time to get ready for or family reunion today so I will be checking in again soon. I hope you all are doing great..some of you I have left messages with...Keep up the wonderful job, and those getting ready to start the next challenge...I wish you all the best and want to see the goals hit for you all..

HUGS,

Jolyn

YIPPY YIPPY 70 LEFTYYYY

2011-08-29T08:14:00.009-04:00

Wow it is getting harder to loose the weight now...Not because I am having a hard time doing it, but because I am hitting long platoes ...To get this ten pounds off it took me from July 5th till August 28th...now I lost 8 of the 10 fast but for 3 1/2 weeks I could not get the last 2 pounds off..NOT NO MORE...I DID IT...70 IS OFF AND GONE...

This is what I feel right now...I have got 70 off and once again I feel fat...It is hard to explain except to say..when I first started loosing I couldn't see a difference, only in my clothes...then about 50 pounds I could notice in pictures with my face and neck..But now I feel like a person that says I really need to start loosing weight...I feel saggy and impatient...I want this stomach gone..my loose skin on arms and legs gone.

Most my problem is in my core area...So this is where I will really work on...of course along with all over. To those Ladies that have a behind....be happy..mine is so flat...Ok enough of this negativity..I'm done venting..I am truly thankful to have lost every single pound.

So back to positive thinking. My next goal is 10 pounds off by October 31st. I will be doing walking, steps, riding bike, weights for arms, floor exercises for legs.

I will continue to drink my water and eat healthy, staying at 1200 calories.

People tell me I can't give up this or that, or I will get discouraged and stop what I'm doing. My answer to this is... I AM NOT DIETING!!!! I am living a more healthy lifestyle...when I choose to take a food out of my life it is for a reason..now that doesn't mean if I start to crave it or really want some I won't have a bite or a piece and go on. Now everyone is different on how they lower their weight and what works for them.

I do have to say once I get out of 2's and into 1's I never ever ever want to see 200 and something again...It is what it is why I was and am there..but it is a place I never want to return to.

My motto is now: I want to be the best darn looking 50 year old out there!!! Sorry Ladies step a side my 50's I will be living my life doing things I haven't been able to do in years...Now I do have 3 years to get to this FABULOUS 50 YEAR OLD... So till next post....I am a work in progress..hold on....I got things to do...

HUGS,

Jolyn

THOSE PANTS HAVE TO GO....

2011-08-14T15:47:00.007-04:00

This outfit I got sometime in May for Michael's graduation...Since I had been loosing weight I knew I needed something nice for that day..I was so excited to get these from Macy's and they are a size 20 pants..a little snug at waist but that's ok I would be loosing weight. This picture was taken June 5th 2011

So this is a picture from August 14th 2011... It is kind of a funny story... We went out to dinner to meet some wonderful friends for dinner and I wore these...Boy were they comfortable...so after dinner my friend and I were walking to the Ladies room before heading back home...And SHE SAYS....It is about time to get rid of those pants...You need some new ones those are saggy in the butt...Then we started laughing...but they are comfortable.... She says and you have no BUTT!!!

She is right, I also have no hips...So we get outside to meet the guys waiting for us, and my dear sweet wonderful friend says to her hubby look at her BUTT... she needs to get rid of these and get smaller size....We were all laughing and I said I never knew a wife would tell her husband to look at another womens backside....lol I guess you had to be there... we were all laughing so hard...

The next day I took these pic's and they are now gone...To another wonderful friend....I am so thankful I can pass my clothes on to other Ladies that can use them...

I am also having a wonderful time shopping and trying things I could never try before... I am having a whole new world open to me all the time..

SUMMER IS FLYING BY....BUT THE POUNDS...

2011-08-06T18:55:00.005-04:00

Aren't falling off...It has been real slow the last couple months. So while I am waiting for some pounds to fall off, I am adding some different work outs to my life. The picture above was taken at McKinnley Monument...I have always wanted to be able to run up and down the 96 steps and still live to tell about it...The night this pic was taken, I did it!!!! Hubby and I did the 96 steps and walked around the top area 2 times, then back down the steps and walked the lower level once around..It really felt good, well once it was over. Once I got to the top of the steps, my legs were like jello after about 80 steps...lol The next night was much cooler and no humidity, it was so much easier and we even did more steps...I can now mark this off my Bucket List!!!

As of this morning I am down 65 pounds since January 12th 2011.I have some goals I am working on right now. First goal is to loose a total of 73 pounds by September 22nd. I have a Dr.s appointment and have all my blood work done..So looking forward to seeing my new numbers on everything.

Second goal is to loose a total of 80 pounds by the beginning of November...We have something special going on so that means 15 pounds more to loose in 3 months.

How have I been feeling since loosing 65 pounds? I have been feeling good, more energy, I now get up anytime between 7:30 and 8:30am, if you know me you know I am not a morning person at all...well I wasn't a morning person. I now look forward to my 3 cups of coffee in the morning that my hubby makes. There are days I am up and waiting for the coffee to get made...now that is a huge change. Some of you may be asking yourself why doesn't she make her own coffee...answer to that is I have no clue how..Yes I know I could learn, but then it won't taste as good...lol Hubby grinds the beans everyday and actually I may be up but not real awake..
I have noticed I am not having highs and lows through out the day like I did before. Times when I would be so tired I couldn't do anything. Not now, I feel good all day, no spikes of sugar or tiredness.

Today we went to Bob Evans for breakfast, well it was 11:45 am, remember we had to have our coffee, and I have energy now so I got ready and washed a load of clothes.......So anyway I was looking at their menu and they have a section of food that is healthy and gives calorie count, fat and something else. I also noticed sugar free syrup, sugar free jelly packs...I was so excited. So I ordered the scrambled eggs (egg beaters), sliced tomato, dish of fruit-cantaloupe,grapes, pineapple chucks, plus 2 whole wheat cranberry pancakes....very good and filling it was about 360 calories plus your syrup 20 calories 1/4 cup...Thank you Bob Evans.

A new thing I have been reading on is fiber. Why we need fiber, how much we need, what fiber does and what foods are high in fiber. See not only am I working on my weight, I am working on having a healthy life style all around. This is working for me and I don't feel like I am missing out on anything. I am also not having cravings, well except that time of month and how I solved my need for some chocolate was by getting some Nuttela..Oh my goodness is this good. It just takes a 1/2 teaspoon and it taste just like creamy fudge...YUMMY!!! It is high in calories I believe 200 for 2 tablespoons but a couple times a month taking a tad is much better than a whole chocolate bar.

One of my extras this year through the summer has been a 50 cent cone from McDonald's. It is about 150 calories. If we are out in the vet, or out watching boats come inat the marina, we stop and get a cone. It is yogurt and refreshing.

Now you have to be thinking why in the world did you post this picture... And you did not leave the house looking like that did you? Let me answer....I wore this top, yes top last year and it was kind of tight around the leather belt area. So we were going out and I thought hmmmm wonder how this would look now with my white crops....lets say it got much longer since my stomach isn't taking up all the space...So, I am always doing something crazy...this time I put on my daughters wedges (that now fit since I have went down 1 size in my shoes and longer needing wide) slipped on my dress (top) and walked into the family room and said Honey do you think this looks ok to wear tonight or do you think it's to big????? Let's say I got a look that words can't express....

So till next time I wish you all the best and may you meet all your goals you set...

IT HAS BEEN 3 1/2 WEEKS....SINCE LAST POST

2011-07-05T21:15:00.011-04:00

Look how happy Wynona Judd is...She did it!!! She lost 60 pounds..And guess what

Yep I lost 60 lbs also...

It is gone and gone for good may I add..Since my last post on June 12th when I weighed 56 pounds it has been slow going..Yes I did loose 60 pounds but then 59 then back to 60 and down 2 more to 62 then 60 then 58 and as of today it is 61...I have been back and forth within 3 or 4 pounds...UGGG that gets frustrating...BUT it seems to be what my body has done through this. I go back and forth a while then boom drop 4 to 5 overnight...

So I thought to myself...self it is time to sweat some...Now those that know me know I do not like to sweat...it totally grosses me out..It is bad enough when I would just GLISTEN...So the pic above is the bike I would love to have..Isn't is so cute...But I got my daughters bike out, cleaned it up and went to another city to try it out...Oh what was that...Why another city? Hub calls it pride I call it keeping my dignity...Do I want everyone I know and don't know in my town to see me on a bike...NO WAY!!! Well I quickly found out I need a different seat... OUCH!!! I found I have bones in my rear...that seat hurt...So now I got a big comfy seat...hmm maybe I can ride in my neighborhood..Let's go, so off I went for 1.3 miles on the flat straight road...What did I discover..# 1 I can't stop very well...lol and OMGoodness am I out of shape..(No Kidding) but I found out if nothing else I need to get this HEART in shape and keep this up..I got off in my driveway breathing HARD and weak leggs..So 2nd day and 3rd day..Now I have a neighborhood audience, yes I feel like I am running a race ( well I am I guess). I get keep going, Good for you, have fun, Good job getting out here and exercising, Good thing to do to get away from our teens..lol so you get the drift..

Me end of December beginning or January..Before 60 pound loss

Me now, after 60 pound loss...as of July 3rd 2011.

Goal is to keep going and to keep riding my bike adding distance as I can, and adding some water aerobics..and some weights with my arms...(weights as in Campbell's soup can)..lol My next update will be in October right around my birthday and leaving for a wonderful trip..

I would love to be down 75 or 80, but would be okay with 70 to 75...Stay tuned...

WHO SAID YOU CAN'T EAT THAT??

2011-06-12T21:07:00.006-04:00

Sunday night I wanted Olive Garden...some of you might think What you can't eat there...well in the beginning of my weight loss..I would say no way...And personally until you know it won't be a problem and you can go and have control..Don't do it...But as of right now I just don't want certain things and even though bread was my down fall....it didn't even bother me a bit NO DESIRE!! Sooooo

I started with their wonderful salad...No I got the light Italian and Hubby wanted regular so are sweet waitress brought us each a bowl and I got mine on the side...

I took croutons off and hubs ate them..I had parm cheese on it and a tad drizzle of dressing...Now I said tad of dressing because I really never did like much dressing on my salads, well unless ranch but still don't like tons of dressing...I would rather have salt and garlic powder on my salad. Anyway this tasted so fresh and good.

No instead of going and saying I can't get that and I can't have this...I knew what I wanted from the commercial on tv....lol So I planned for this during the day. for breakfast I had cereal and skim milk...My breakfast like this is usually around 450 to 500 calories. I have 2 c of kashi and or special k or shredded wheat, usually mix 2 of them but a total of 2 cups with about 1 cup milk over it. The rest of the day I drank lots of water and this isn't good but I was busy and didn't eat a thing till 5 when we went to dinner...

But.....I ate 1 of the chicken breasts and 1 1/2 of the lasagna noodles stuffed with cheese..not all the garlic sauce..So for the whole dinner above the calorie count is 1210... I pretty much ate half so I if I ate say 800 calories plus breakfast of 500 I was at 1300..over by 100 or so ...

Now I so enjoyed this will I do this weekly? NO!!...But if I crave or want something now I will have some...But I have not had any cravings at all through this last 5 1/2 months..I also waited till my first 50 pounds before doing this...

Did it hurt me on the scales for eating here...NO!!! I am still loosing and as of this morning I have lost a total of 56 pounds..Still want to loose 63 more...maybe more but for now my goal is 15 more by October for total of 70...I would love to hit this goal by august and recalculate the October goal...

GRADUATION PARTY

2011-06-08T15:58:00.026-04:00

A lot of pics on this post...We had a great turn out of close friends and family. We had Michael's party at a brand new park that opened Memorial weekend...Everything was new and clean.

Some friends of Michael's, actually he and David the one in the striped shirt have been friends since 1st grade...

My Grandpa and I....Grandpa is 87 years old and doing wonderful...So blessed to have him...Grandpa is a giver and always like to make people laugh...Oh the stories he tells...

Michael and David playing corn hole.

I got a whole sheet cake...plus we had 80 cookies...Reminder only 1/2 sheet cake for Autumn...Well maybe...with her we could be inviting everyone she ever new....lol she is miss personality and don't know where to cut....But we have 3 years to figure this out.

My Aunt Alice...you got caught...luv this....She was my life saver when Michael was born and almost the only one I would leave my baby boy with...She would show up and take over...many nights rocking him and calming him from his colic!!!! U r the Best..

My Mom and Baby brother...My brother is like one of Michael's idol's he wants to be like his Uncle Joe and have what Uncle Joe has and Live like Uncle Joe lives and....well you get the point Uncle Joe can do know wrong in Michael's eyes...Love you Joey..

Girls my Autumn in the middle.

Sister and Brother....Boy do we look ornery...

sister in law and my nephew Tyler he will be 3 in August...Let's say he had to have slept very good that night...He ran and ran....loved the rain when it came...FULL OF ENERGY!!!!

So loving the look on Michael's face...Aunt Kelly made this gift for him, he saw one she had done for her father and wanted one so bad....So of course Aunt Kelly made him his STEELER collage..

PRICELESS....something he will have forever...that is Aunt Kelly and Uncle Mike behind Michael..Now Mike is like Uncle Joe to Michael...He really truly loves them and I so appreciate them for taking Michael under their wing...And for Kelly for all the help and preparing him for collage and studies....Love u both!!

Now on to Uncle Joe's gift for Michael...Now this all started before last Christmas, when Michael asked for a cross necklace for Christmas...My brother said I am going to take care of that for his Graduation if that's ok, I already have something planned. So here is Michael opening his gift. Love how Joey is looking at Michael..

Michael opened a gold chain necklace in the pic above...but wait Uncle Joe has something up his sleeve I mean in his pocket......look at Michael's face...

Joey hand a little wrapped gift to Michael....The seriousness on Joeys face and Michael is thinking this is a joke what is it...

IT was a gold cross my brother wore for the last 18 years, he past it on to Michael with a lot of love and memories...What an awesome gift with memories and a whole lot of love. Michael was in shock...he said I can't believe he gave me his Cross...Aunt Lori is putting it on the chain...I don't know if Michael will ever take it off.

This picture says it all.

My sweet precious dear friends of ours from PA...Thank you all so much for taking time to celebrate with us...

My Meghan...we will be going to her graduation in 2 weeks..love her so very much...

Autumn and her friends...I think the girls were checking out all the boy's that came and went...lol

And we ended the party a couple hours short with this and storms that came through, along with tornado watches...So we packed up..well the guys and Kelly packed up and alot headed to our house and finished up the celebration their..

I thank My Family and friends for coming and celebrating this time in our first born's life, as he ends one journey and moves on to his next...Love to you all...

OUR SON'S GRADUATION DAY

2011-06-08T08:27:00.007-04:00

Our first born has just graduated. He just turned 18...Time flies by, birth to 18 seems like 1 year at times. We are so proud of you Michael.

Michael graduated with honors, and had a fabulous senior year...His Business Management Class will be one of his best memories of this year...Awesome job Michael being president of the company and Getting employee of the year through out the Nation...that is one great accomplishment..

Michael with GG his Great Grandpa...This is my Grandpa's first great grandchild to graduate. Grandpa is 86 years old and did really good for such a long time of sitting and walking. Let's just say we had a little accident in the bathroom that he cut his arm open an we needed to get to a drug store for some bandages and neosporan...What a trooper you are Grandpa...

Michael with his grandpa and his best friends dad patting his back..special moments.

I love this picture I snapped as we were leaving for the Civic Center..Michael along with his Nana. Thank you for those that came to the Graduation to celebrate Michael's special day in his life.

WHAT DID I EAT TODAY

2011-06-07T16:23:00.009-04:00

Dinner was chicken stir fry with 2/3 c of brown rice...veggies an chicken.

For my breakfast today I took some peppers that were sauted yesterday and added them to a skillet to warm. Then added eggs and made scrambled eggs with sauted peppers.

I toasted 1/2 of a whole wheat tortilla

Put 2 tablespoons of hummus on my plate to eat with the tortilla

My eggs I used today were these cheese an chive egg beaters...yum it was so good.

I had some mixed seeds and raisins for snack I don't eat over 1/4 of cup...that is 165 calories.

Little later I had my one apple a day..it was so good. Right now I have been eating the Gala ones.

I also snacked on this kashi tlc choc. coconut bar...Along with my many many glasses of water. I made a lot of potty trips today...

This morning I had my two cups of coffee with creamer no fat.. no sugar...

All in all it was a good day...But no Exercise....I need to get a move on this. Now heading to bed I have been feeling dizzy the last 4 days.. don't know why maybe sinus's....

IM TEETERING....BUT DETERMINDED

2011-06-02T21:51:00.013-04:00

I will remember the moment when it happened..

I was shouting, and jumping around....because.

Goals are fabulous when you hit them...I did it!!

pound weight loss...wooo whoooo yippy....way to go me....Thank you Lord Jesus...I did it I did it ....Mom runs in the powder room whats wrong what happened....I said I DID IT....!!!!! what did you do, hit the next set of tens...YES AND NOT ONLY THAT... I HIT 50 POUNDS.....I LOST IT!!

I can't comprehend that I carried 10 bags of sugar on me...50 POUNDS

This is disgusting.. 50 pounds of meat fat...So glad I flushed it all out..So as of Thursday June 2, 2011 I hit my goal...

Now as of June 7th 2011 I have been going up 1/2 down 1 up 2 down 6 tenths...today up 1 an 2 tenths...But I understand why...

This was a long totally out of schedule weekend...We had our oldest Child's graduation party on Saturday...it was very hot, we had it outside at a park..Well I had my cereal in the morning and one meatball along with a cracker an 1 Tablespoon of hummus to eat all day and hardly much WATER!!!!

On Sunday I had cereal and then didn't eat till 5:30 at Texas Roadhouse..Salad 1 teaspoon of dressing lite Italian, chicken breast and plain sweet potato..around 8:30 some cereal..better on the Water but not great...

Now getting back on track...and feeling so much better...Let's work on my next goal. The next one is 20 pounds more off by my birthday in October..That gives me 4 months...Very doable..if this is a word...By beginning of November I would Love to be 25 to 30 off total but I want to make goals I can hit...So I don't feel defeated..We have something big going on then...But 20 to 25 I would be a static...

HUGS,

Jolyn

WHAT ARE YOU EATING?

2011-06-01T16:34:00.009-04:00

I am getting asked, So what are you doing? What are you eating? What diet are you on? Then when I tell them I am eating healthy and no white flours, no processed foods and no added sugars..They look at me and say Oh...Now I know it isn't what we all want to hear...But the magic pill isn't out there and there is no miracle food out there to take or blink your eyes four times for 30 pound weight loss...SORRY it just isn't out there..
I also never liked when people would say you have to want to loose weight to do it..Do you know anyone that is heavy that doesn't want to loose weight..
For me, something just happened to me, I just started watching for my sugar I was just diagnosed with..then making small changes.. and one thing led to another and pounds started coming off.
Like in the picture above I STARTED EATING AN APPLE A DAY...to some of you it might not be a big thing.. to me I never ate fruit..some allergy issues..and not a choice I went for.

I really like Kushi products..they aren't filled with artificial junk and they taste good and are great to keep with you at all times..Yesterday I had the choc. coconut bar in the afternoon for a snack..ANOTHER THING I STARTED DOING IS EAT SOMETHING (try and make it protein)EVERY 2 1/2 TO 3 HOURS... Ex. breakfast, snack,lunch,snack,dinner,if needed snack...along with WATER!!!!!

I am so not a breakfast person, now don't get me wrong I love breakfast food but I would sleep in when I could and get up go without eating till around 1 or 2 in the afternoon..then I would eat then eat again my dinner and if dessert is there have that...What is wrong with this is all my calories are at the end of my day not much time to burn off, plus I didn't get my metabolism started in the morning to start burning off calories..MUST EAT BREAKFAST

I had about 2 cups special K fruit and yogurt with 1 cup of skim milk. Other days I would eat oatmeal cooked (not instant) with 1 teaspoon of raisins an 1 teaspoon of honey along with some cinnamon. Kashi cereal is very good, but I had ran out..I mix some of them. Or scrambled eggs with veggies or chives use olive oil, a dash in the pan...can add onions,red peppers, mushrooms, spinach...it is endless so the taste is always different.

I love avocado's..yummy...And yesterday for lunch I got to have some...guess who serves them now...

SUBWAY does...I had a chicken 6 inch on Italian with spinach,green pepper,cucumber, tomato, salt and pepper with a tad of light mayo(in beginning didn't use mayo) also shredded cheese a little bit and AVOCADO... they will add that now it is a 50 cent charge but well worth it. then I asked for lightly toasted..like it warm but not hard and crusty...drink WATER.....

My dinner was yuck I got a bag of grilled chicken veggie something from Sam club and Mike and I did not like it..Why because it had sooo much Oregano in it, that is all we could taste. So I got my cheese and chive egg beaters out and made me some of those...then my apple in the evening..

HOW I STARTED AND NEXT GOAL

2011-05-31T21:57:00.005-04:00

Here I am at a 48 pound loss...As I said in another post something clicked and I started watching what I was eating since I was put on Metforman for my sugar...I cut out processed foods, sweets, fats, white flour, white potato's, pasta, white rice...At first I was afraid to eat, I had to check my sugar 2x's a day in the beginning a keep track of it..Then when I went back to Dr.s I had lost 7 pounds..hmm then a couple weeks later a total of 16...and it just kept going.
In the beginning the weight was just falling off me till I hit about 26 to 30 pounds...What happened? Oh no I can't gain this back..So I cut back on what I was eating..lost a couple here and there so what did I do panic..Oh no I can't stop at this weight so I questioned everything I ate. Would say do you think I ate to much, no I better not eat that...and I would bounce from 30 to 35 pounds for 8 to 10 weeks...
Then I talked with someone involved in nutrition and He said you have bottomed out your metabolism..WHAT I asked how??? Well I had my body in starvation mode. I was eating about 800 calories a day. So my metabolism re calculated to help it survive...Say it went to 600 calories and I'm now eating 800 calories...what does that mean??? I was gaining and losing and staying with in the 5 pounds...So I had my metabolic body scan done..It showed I should eat 1400 calories a day to loose..So this Man is telling me I need to EAT MORE!!!
Now this is something I don't ever hear...It got so scary for me...Eat to much I gain, Eat to little I gain...Ok now I am having anxiety....HELP!!!
As humans we have to eat...this is like the only addiction where you have to still consume it... Drugs stop them, Alcohol don't drink it, gambling don't go to casino...lol now we all know it isn't that easy, addictions are very hard and you go through so much to try and stop them..they can be life threatening...But food you still have to eat it...We would die without it...I'm not saying at all it is the hardest to get through...why did I even go here...Let's forget I brought this up...Just to say I have to eat food to survive...WHEWWW moving right along..
So I started counting calories and tracking my daily food and water along with protein and fiber I am eating...and I started losing again...Thank You Lord!!!
I made little goals for myself the big one coming up was at my May 19Th Dr. visit I wanted to have a weight loss of 40 pounds...I worked hard and the day was coming fast...The last visit in Feb or march I had lost 26 pounds....So it was that time to step on the scales....down 30,35,40,47 pounds...wooo whoooo yes I was so pumped.. The nurses were all excited and happy some shocked...
My next goal is 23 pounds down more for a total of 70 by my birthday in October...I have 4 1/2 months to do this....28 pounds by beginning of November would be fantastic...Something big is going on then...
Stay with me on my journey and follow me through...I will be posting my foods, my challenges and my progress...I also need to get more physical in my life...Let's see how it all works out.

Hugs,
Jolyn

I WILL SUCCEED AND I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU

2011-05-26T12:26:00.008-04:00

Well it has been awhile since I have posted. This is always a crazy busy time of year, wrapping up the school year. My oldest graduates this year, so there is extra things going on with this. Tryouts for cheerleading going on for my youngest, wow you can only imagine the stress level in our home just with this. Tonight is final part of tryouts and posting the results will be tomorrow at 3:30...Dear Lord be with my baby girl during this time and always.

We are planning a graduation party, we will be having it at a park. the park is brand new and doesn't have a grand opening till this memorial weekend. We are the first ones to book the shelter. So happy my cousin's wife thought of this, I won't have all the stress of getting the home ready or the mess. Praying that there is no rain..I won't even talk about all the rain and storms.

As the title says I WILL SUCCEED!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU!!! This and many following posts are gong to be my journey as I go through my weight loss and reach my goal to meeting THE NEW HEALTHY ME...with half of me gone.

Why I started this journey this time? It all started with my doctor appointment Dec 23rd 2010. The picture above was taken of me on December 26Th 2010. Me at my highest weight. Me not feeling the best and feeling out of control. Back to my appointment, I go to my Dr. every 4 months for my complete blood work up and get b.p. checked. I need to do this since I had my Aneurysm October of 1999. My counts all need to stay low and we keep an eye on it all. But this day my results were really off and to make a long story short It showed my glucose as being high....What High..not me..see I have so many family members on my mom's side that are diabetics and I always said I may get some weird things but thank God I don't have sugar!!! I took this like hitting a brick wall, thinking ok now I really have health problems..what do I do How do I eat ( of course I knew how since I have been around it my whole life)...Please Dr. S don't put my on meds.. please lets wait I don't want to start this...What happened what changed, that it went up..Just questions after questions I asked..So stressed about this...And this is where it all began...

Stay tuned to part 2...To get you to today...

Have a wonderful Memorial weekend.

HUGS,

Jolyn

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH BLOGGER????

2011-05-10T12:45:00.004-04:00

Having problems with blogger not showing the blogs I follow. Even if I go to one of the blogs and re follow it, it still says I am not following any blogs at this time...Ok now I am getting impatient, this has been going on since last Saturday..Are any of you going through this or do you have any idea how to fix it? Till then I am going through the blogs I follow from manage the blogs you follow..HELP!!!

THOUGHT THIS WAS HILARIOUS

2011-05-07T13:20:00.005-04:00

COME ON HAVEN'T WE ALL FELT LIKE THIS ONE TIME OR ANOTHER!!??!!

The scarey part is when you feel like more than one of these at a time..lol

Have a great day and I hope you don't have any of these menopausal Dwarfs in you today.

HUGS,

Jolyn

THEY SOLD...SO MOVING ON TO

2011-04-28T12:02:00.011-04:00

THE LIVING ROOM... Yes the piano has sold and the desk and cherry file cabinet has sold. In the next couple weeks we will have it all out of the living room and we can then start the re-do. This is the table tops that will be going in this room.

My paint color will be this one that we used in master bath, family room and kitchen area. It is called Hazelnut Cream..It is creamy with a tad hint of gray. I really like the fresh, bright, clean look it gives.

This blue is the color of the two wing chairs that will also be in the room.

A picture of two of the tables.

Found a pic from google of the chairs.

This is a picture of some of the colors that will be in our living room like wall color, chairs, We have two windows in this room not one big but was thinking about curtains...hmm do I go with a pattern something like this or Go with a pewter silvery color...I want to stick with a modern traditional, with a elegant glam feeling...with crystal, glass, grays, ?????

Again looking at navy, wall color, and pattern curtains...not style of this room... we will be putting new carpet in...Do I go Plush or Berber? What about adding hardwood flooring with area rug??? The foyer and stairway is all oak floor and steps along with railing...I so don't like the 90's orangish oak...Can I put a darker walnut wood floor in here or not?

So I have decisions to make and I want this room as a wow factor a room for me to escape to to read in or do my blog in or just sit and watch the birds in...

What will I end up...Stay tuned to the process..Any suggestions would be wonderful..

THEY SAY ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN....

2011-04-28T11:00:00.007-04:00

A boy and a man is his toy's... Yep this is a new toy for one of the Men in our home...The Patriarch...MY DAD!!!

Her he is with his new Harley, the color is Root beer..Very nice..

Check out that helmet and that jacket and gloves..!!! Get Ready!!

Get Set!!! for a nice ride on this cold windy day..But sun is out...after many many days of cloudy rainy days..

Go DAD Go...BUT Be Careful....He was back in 10 minutes...lol it was way to cold...He tried.. It is pretty cool to see your parent getting out enjoying them self at this point in their life...

TRANSFORMING OUR FAMILY ROOM

2011-04-12T15:43:00.015-04:00

Walls are painted furniture put back in place. Swag and holder was not put back up..Looking for Drapes...Something different than Swag. But not a lot of heaviness, I love this window open, so I can see out into the back yard. This wall was a dark wineish color..Now gone!!

On this side of the family room it was painted a tan taupe color. Now look at the light refreshed color, Hazelnut Cream from Beher.

Trimming it out..WoW what a difference this will make.. I'm so excited..I went with the dark and now that I'm tired of it, I couldn't get rid of it fast enough!!

More trimming, it continues from family room through dinette area into kitchen..Mr T has went from hating painting to now an awesome painter...no need for taping off for him..and he does fabulous around the ceiling...

A new purchase from Kirkland's, I fell in love with this pic.

A week later, after hanging what I thought I wanted above the couch, I just wasn't feeling it. So back to Kirkland's I went and got the picture that goes very well with my last purchase.

TA DA..this is pic of left side of family room, added a new black leather chase lounge, new pillows made by my MIL.

Our new couch, and more pillows made by my MIL, you can see some of my drapes I purchased at JC Penney's. I was able to get rid of our other couch and a chair. Still need to get rid of the love seat and another chair....lol

Here is my new picture from Kirkland's with a mirror I had and the sconce I had.

This picture is the view of the right side of our family room.. I am totally enjoying the all the new in here... couch, chair,chase lounge, pillows, my curtains, curtain rods, and the nice light coloring of Hazelnut Cream paint...Not liking the cords showing by the plant!! Anyway when I get some final items done I will show completion of the whole room..

Still working on built in's and mantal...Enjoy your day..

HUGS, Jolyn

OUR VACATION IN SOUTH BEACH

2011-04-06T18:43:00.041-04:00

Mr T and I had a wonderful time along with our youngest child..The oldest did not want to go, I tried and tried but he had no interest.. So let me show you some of our trip...

Entrance at the Harbor Beach Resort and Spa...Very nice place.

Coming off the street pulling into Resort...We really like Marriott's they have always been nice and clean with nice staff.

The flowers and greenery looked so brilliant to me after being in winter since November.

This pic was taken off our balcony to the left of us. See the draw bridge was up.

This was the palm tree's and flowers at the entrance, but from our balcony it is straight down.

The beautiful ships, we could see to the right of our balcony.

Our first day at lunch we went to Bubba Gump's...From Forest Gump....movie. We went to our first one in Hawaii and enjoyed it...

This quickly became Autumn's favorite...We got peel an eat shrimp that was soaked in beer and seasoned with garlic butter...very good. and in front of Autumn was stuffed shrimp with crab stuffing over jasmine rice and a melted cheese sauce....Delish..

Of course there was shopping afterwards...I love all the Forest Gump sayings.

Daddy and Daughter pic...check out Mikes feet....lol

Ok this was another memoral time for Autumn..look how embarrassed she was when they sat her dessert down next to her....Oh my goodness look how big...This restaurant was called RARE...very mod art deco style decor...nice evening.

Back at our Resort on the lower level this was all done in sand..with plants..

Ok I had to take a picture of this down by the pool..now these were basic burgers and nothing big or fancy..check out the prices....Mike ran to sub way and brought that back to the pool..all three ate less than the price of the grilled burger....lol Only thing if I had to say anything was we need all inclusive in the United States....Those are the best...

Now time for some fun...Waverunners...Autumn started out driving...And she had NO fear...

Away they went...out in the big ocean.

So long my job of picture taker is over to the pool I went...

Sitting in the lounge chair pool side I looked up an snapped this pic...Weather was perfect 85 to 90 degrees every day with nice breeze...Paradise!!!

We took a drive down the ocean strip..This year is Fort Lauderdales 100 year anniversary.

This is the valet parking area of our resort, I have never seen so many Bentley's and Rolls Royce's in one place like I did this past week.

Hmmm who's were these...what do they do for a living??? very nice!

We had a Toyota Solaris convertible for the week..Highlight for Autumn...I really liked this car..Oh honey, can we sell your vet for a new Toyota??? Doesn't hurt to ask, right?

Loving our ride down the ocean strip..Perfect weather and not a care in the world.

Our trip to Miami,Now this was one of the things Autumn waited for, to go to Dash..it is a store owned by the Kardashine sisters..BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!!!! door was dirty not cleaned at close night before and they didn't clean it before they opened this day...very very little and hardly anything in the store..A DASH T-shirt was 60.00...doesn't look like it will hold up after 2 washes....BOO Don't waste your time..

As we were walking around Miami, we stopped at this place for a drink...it was really different unique and fun..See the couple standing on the bar..they work there and stop and dance..they have wild crazy outfits on...I think this was called MANGO"S.

So continuing on our walk, we came to the Mansion of Versage..This is where he was shot.

Back to the Resort, loving the flowers again.

Autumn sitting by the pool.

I love this picture so much, look at that ornery face...and that thumbs up...Why

She just snuck up on her dad and dunked him...I got a great shot of that...

Resort pool side rooms.

Waterfall along side of the pool.

Well all good things must come to an end...I never wanted this to end..Mike shaking the had of one of our guys that parked our car all week and new us buy name...Very nice guys!! This will be a vacation we will never forget...Fabulous time, place and weather..Headed back to Ohio where the temp was about 50 degrees colder and snow flurries coming down... but our summer is right around the corner.

Now working on Son's graduation party and his 18th birthday,Easter, we got Mike and I's 27th wedding anniversary coming up,along with Mother's day. This time of ear gets very busy, wrapping up on school year for my children and cheerleading tryouts is just around the corner..Oh boy I need to close this and get busy...Have a great weekend...HUGS Jolyn

IT MAKES THIS SO MUCH EASIER....

2011-03-07T13:59:00.011-05:00

To look at...After waking up to all this snow again this morning and another snow day for our children...This looks wonderful compared to ... having a Earthquake like Japan is going through. This led to a Tsunami for them with hundreds dead.

Alaska, Hawaii and California are getting effects from this. Lord I pray for all that have been and will be effected by this.

We can all choose to complain about this snow or we can be Thankful this is what we got and not anything that is as severe as what others are dealing with... I always say no matter what I am going through there is always someone else going through much worse. It is a choice to be positive or negative....what will you choose for each day....I like my glass half full. Another thought I live with is This to shall pass....Sometimes we are in situations for a Season of our Life...But there is always light at the end of the tunnel..

Have a wonderful blessed day and enjoy each moment with those you love.

HUGS,

Jolyn

IS MASTER BATH DONE YET ??

2011-03-06T11:09:00.014-05:00

Well, it is done as for new cabinets, and trim...painted new mirror faucets and lights... This is a picture I snapped as we had already started but you will get to see the difference. Here is the old mirror, sink and faucet and old cabinets and counter top..See in the mirror no door for the linen closet....really...that is awful.

Here is pic of old floor, tile around tub and tub decking, the oak trim on window and old faucet.

Now to the new complete but no Decor yet..New mirror, paint by Beher from Home Depot called Hazelnut Cream. Also new granite counter top, brushed nickel faucet and new white sink. Our light is from Home Depot also and is brushed nickel.

Picture of new tile floor and our panels we had made for the front of the tub surround. I went with an exspresso colored stain, and raised panel design for the wood.

My camera did awful job on the colors.. This is a pic from the sink area looking to the other end of the bath. we had the granite put on the tub decking also. The color wall is same in bath, the color you see by the tub is most like the real color. Trim is painted white and the baseboard is 51/2 inches. as you can see no towel holders or tp holder... The faucet in Jacuzzi tub is brushed nickel also...I went with brushed nickel instead of Oil rubbed bronze cuz that is what I see everywhere, I wanted different. The paint has a grayish hint to it and the counter and floor has black through it...So more white and nickel look.

Still need new shower door and trim painted around window when it gets warmer and won't stick..

Look as I walk into Master bath from Master Bedroom.

If you look in the mirror you can see my DOOR!!!!! Yes we have a door on our linen closet...cha ching!!!!

Closer look of sink faucet.

My cabinet and handles.

Better view of lights.

So now I need to decide on the Decor. I want to pop a color, but what one. I need some rugs, I want something in front of the tub the makes a statement. Curtains or and Shades...but what don't know yet. There are several different ways I can go...Mediterranean, spa, safari...would peacock blue work as a pop color or stay with grays black and whites with rich brown any idea's welcome...

NOT ONLY DID I NEED YELLOW

2011-02-09T11:48:00.006-05:00

I need bright and airy. How did I do that? Well it was in the dining room. This is my dining room window area before changing paint and putting up white trim and chair rail.

Oops this picture is before we put chair rail up and trim, but look at the windows, I have copper rust color curtains up. we added those last year after painting walls soft gray and trim from orange oak to white..Not showing in this pic I also recovered the chairs in white and black...anyways I can see the dining room windows from the family room, and all the sun comes in the front windows. I need SUNSHINE so...

TA DA!!! I took down the copper curtains and added the new white linen...So much lighter and brighter.

This makes for a much better mood and warmth from the sun, when it shines...So this is my new look for spring and summer....AHHHHH

SO NOT ME, BUT I HAD TO GET SOME.

2011-02-07T17:47:00.014-05:00

New true lemon YELLOW kitchen towel, target for 2.99. Yep I needed some YELLOW in our home. I even search our home for something YELLOW and couldn't find a thing. So out shopping I go on a search for bright true YELLOW. (Tie a YELLOW ribbon round the old oak tree.)

Also from Target a place mat (clearance for 1.98) and a blue bird 5.99. I added this to out dinette table. The YELLOW in the place mat is a softer shade of YELLOW. Not sure if I like the bird or not still deciding. (Goodbye YELLOW brick road.)

From TJMaxx this floral arrangement was 24.99, but on clearance for 5.00 chu ching!!! (They call me Mellow YELLOW.)

Also TJMaxx this nice warm yellow vase...3.99 (We all live in a YELLOW Submarine)

Container of lemons nice and YELLOW also from TJMAX..6.99. How can you be shopping for YELLOW and pass up bright lemons. ( YELLOW Rose of Texas. )

I placed them in this glass container and set it on the kitchen counter. I ran out of song titles with YELLOW in it, so how about.... You Are My Sunshine..

Now this was my best deal of the day...I was so excited, my lemon wreath from Pier One. Regular price was 46.00 or 49.00, drum roll please tatatattaadada...I got it for 11.98...Yippy!! Let The Sunshine In.

I took my two pictures down and added the wreath above these little boxes. You Light Up My Life

So that is my YELLOW shopping spree yesterday. Hubby came home and said My looks like you got some YELLOW for the home, All we need now is a Lemon Meringue Pie....HMMM

As you can see from this post I need some sunshine and brightness..all this snow and ice has me longing for warmth and sun...Spring please come early...

I TRIED BOTH OF THE RECIPES..

2011-02-01T16:04:00.011-05:00

I have been asked to share these two wonderful recipes I made Sunday night, so here they are Lady's. First Recipe was this delicious Sour Cream and Cherry Coffee Cake...And very easy to do, just what I like. I got this recipe from one of the bloggers I read at Mommy's Kitchen. Recipes that remind you of home.
Sour Cream & Cherry Coffee Cake
1 - 18 oz package white cake mix
1 - 8 oz container sour cream
3 - eggs
1/4 - cup water
1 - 21 oz can Lucky Leaf cherry pie filling
1/4 - cup sliced almonds, optional
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a jelly-roll pan or 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
Mix together the sour cream, eggs and water.
Combine with the cake mix.
Spread mixture into a greased baking dish and drop the pie filling over the batter in spoonfuls.
Make sure to swirl the pie filling throughout the batter.
If not the pie filling will settle in the middle.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned and cooked through.
Test with toothpick for doneness.
Cool in pan and drizzle with a simple icing if desired.
Simple Icing
1 ½ - cups powdered sugar
2 - tablespoons milk
½ - teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle over coffee cake and garnish with sliced almonds.
This is picture of cake before going in the oven.

And after before icing was drizzled. The family loved it, and some ate two pieces that night. I would like to try it with blueberry pie filling. I don't like Cherry but a lot of people do..Very quick and good.

Thanks again to Mommy's Kitchen Blog...Head over a check out all her other great recipe's.

Now my next recipe I read from another blog. This is a picture of soup before cream and cheese...

Second recipe I tried was from Cheri at cheriquitecontrary.blogspot.com It is Creamy Cheeseburger Soup...This is what you need

1 package ground beef
Onions, garlic, seasonings, bell peppers, optional
4 cups beef broth
3 cups diced potatoes
4 tsp. butter, melted
4 tsp. flour or 2 tsp. corn starch
2 cups light cream
8 oz. Velveeta cheese

First brown hamburger onions and I put 3 cloves of crushed garlic ( love my garlic)

Then Drain.

Add 4 cups of Beef Broth

Bring to a boil and add potatoes turn heat down and cook about 20 minutes

In sauce pan melt butter and add corn starch till thickens...( I did not do this part)

I next added velveeta cheese in chunks till melted

on low heat add half and half...

Now you can look at her recipe on her blog after thickening butter and corn starch she added to soup then cream and cheese..

So this is the basic recipe...I had 2 pds beef was going to double but couldn't find more beef broth.

A friend said she adds sour cream...

Let me know if you try it and what you think..

Tonight I am taking the rest of the soup adding hashbrown potato's and dumping soup over it with more velveeta and I will bake it and have it as a casserole.

Thank you Cheri for sharing...Stop by and check Cheri's blog out.

Have a wonderful blessed day everyone, enjoy and stay safe and warm with this awful snow and ice we are getting.

HUGS,

Jolyn

HELP PAINT AND FIXTURES

2011-01-25T12:07:00.012-05:00

Are needed, and Hubby wants my decision NOW!!! Here is a before of floor and cabinet, counter. We built out home in 1993 and moved in in 1994. So due for remodel.

Here is new tile we just laid..well hubby laid.

pic of before. For got to take pics before we started doing work.. put wallpaper down and all decor. floor already started being laid at this point.

Here is before of Jacuzzi area.

before counter area minus the mirror.

So glad mirror came down in one piece..The new mirror will be a framed one with dark espresso stain.

New counter top and sink.

Got cabinet in and new sink. Floor can now get finished. Still need to put drawer fronts and doors on. But you can see by the side the color we our staining the birch wood.

So until I make my mind up on paint color and fixtures...we are sitting still. The question is...do I go Rubbed Bronze or Nickel..don't want chrome it shows every water spot. And what color do I paint the walls.

Do I go Tuscan??? Or do I want Glamour...Traditional contemporary? Our trim will all be white. The Jacuzzi area on top will be same as my counter and around the front and sides will be raised panel wood espresso colored like cabinet..jacuzzi, shower, potty, and sink and trim all white...I don't want it dark looking in there, but fresh and clean. Oh decisions....What will I choose???

NICE NIGHT OUT AND GREAT TO GET AWAY

2011-01-15T19:14:00.010-05:00

This past weekend Mr.T and I went over night to Cleveland.

Where we met up with awesome friends.

Here I am as we are leaving our hotel room for the evening. This pic is dark, but the rooms went all around the 2nd and 3rd floor. we were on the 2nd floor then it over looks down to the first floor lobby with shops and restaurants....

You could see the sky.. this was built in 1890's it was really nice.

Our room, check out the curtains from ceiling to floor, my husband is 6ft 2 so you can see how high the ceiling are. The door was very heavy.

We went across the street to the House of Blues...This band did karaoke all the guys were doing YMCA...yes Mr.T went up for this one. Some were great others lets say....not even Idol would listen to them...but it was a good time...Got up next day went to breakfast with friends and headed back home....Love the friendships and laughter...

THANK YOU FOR OPENING YOU HOME

2011-01-12T17:31:00.009-05:00

My cousin and his wife opened their home for our family Christmas get together this year. We all had such a nice time, and for most of us we got to see their new home for the first time, and I got my own tour from Brady.

This is one of my favorite rooms in their home..There is also a wood burning stove. I have always wanted a room like this with all the windows...so homey...and relaxing.

My Mom and Aunt...or as I call them Laverne and Shirley....hehehehe remember that show? Please say you do...I know I'm not getting that old...

How can you have a get together with out food..not this family....You never know when you will be caught by the camera....My cousin and Aunt.

Here is two of my guys....My nephew and my brother..Love having the different generations all together.

Besides eating there was a lot of talking and remember when.... going on.

What? Syd telling me goodbye....no it's not over all ready... We will all be together again on Labor Day weekend....Till next time I pray for health and safety for us all.

All my Love Family...

THIS IS FOR MY FAMILY, OUR CHRISTMAS

2011-01-10T23:18:00.019-05:00

Christmas is such a magical time of year, and having little ones around makes you see things in their eyes..How wonderful it was this year my nephew is 2 1/2 fun fun age.

My daughter and niece....love them and the age they are..growing into such beautiful ladies.

All I can say is this is adorable....

Playing football with Uncle Mike..I can still here the laughter.

Opening up his new nerf football from us...He said Daddy football....he also already got a basketball...He knew how to catch and throw it.

Look at that face...Merry Christmas my sweet nephew..

In January, I miss all this family time and getting together. We so enjoyed this evening together just the 10 of us.

This lawnmower is adorable..look at the little gas container....fun

Tyler went from football to basketball...

Setting up the new Lincoln log set..Grandma and Grandpa got him.

Another look at the bunch of us..gifts being open, food being ate, talking, football on,laughing...

Syd thinking ummm how about me.. can I open a gift.....Hello!!!!!

This is over at my Aunts...I had to laugh at Sandy the lab giving my Autumn a big old wet Merry Christmas kiss....love look on her face...

A very special moment for me Christmas morning was this gift on the tree from my Son. He gave me my gift, I opened it and there was nothing in it....Ummm honey I think they forgot to put the charm in the box.....He said nope you got to go find it on the tree...So here in this picture is me finding it in this Pandora sleigh...What a creative way of giving me my gift...Thank you so much my son.

I will end this long post with my wonderful mom God bless her...I got her a new hair wrap for when washing face, in shower or as she uses this to sleep in her curlers...yes curlers...She was using a scarf with skull heads on it Autumn had to use for a pirate costume...Mom yes you are beautiful in my eyes.....

NEW YEAR, NEW PROJECTS

2011-01-07T19:21:00.013-05:00

Ok This is a picture of our master bathroom, already in process of being remodeled. we started building our home in march of 1992. We did everything on our own except block and brick. We worked on it nights and weekends. We finally moved in with some work still needing done in January of 1993. So that makes this master bath 18 years old and in need of remodel really bad. So in the pic above we are taking out cabinet, counter , sink and faucet along with taking mirror off the wall. Of course that light will be gone. The linen closet you see in the mirror will get a door and trim...one thing we never finished. We are having our new cabinet made out of birch and stained a dark walnut color. New sink will be white oval. Still debating on oil rubbed bronze fixtures or nickel...Everyone seems to have the same oil rubbed bronze.

Next this is our jacuzzi tub..it is huge..I would love to have it gone...and just make a big door less walk in shower....But there is know way to get this out of the house. So plan b is tile will be gone. New faucet, the tub will have raised panel birch wood front we are making to match cabinet.

New floor will be put down, new white trim around window.

Checking on the tile I want, this is tile A. but the cabinet we will have will be darker.

Or tile C....I'm going with tile C it is warmer and I really like it...Was worried about it all being to dark in the bath but with white tub, shower, sink, and I will use light paint, I should be good.

Of course all trim will be white fresh and clean looking.. Getting rid of Honey oak in the bath..so happy about that.

This is a picture of our granite that will go around top of tub and back part of wall, also our counter top.
I am having a mirror made the same color as our cabinet..so no more full wall mirror, it will be a nice framed one...I am so excited...

TIME TO SAY GOOD BYE

2010-12-13T19:53:00.013-05:00

I guess I need to put my Christmas all away...I did take tree down before new years, but other items I left out. One of my precious angels that hung on our tree.

Our white doves. Sea shell ornament we got in Hawaii.

A new ornament from my Aunt this year was the silver glass with crystals on it..So beautiful.
She also got me a glass humming bird ornament. We love to watch are humming birds arrive every year..I love get new ornaments each year from people they all have a story.

Our mantel this year, My dears and Angel.

Close up.

Another view...

Well time to move on as we are in the 2nd week of the new year. Next year I will be going back to my green, red, and white...I haven't used that in about 4 years.

IT'S BEGINING TO LOOK ALOT LIKE ..

2010-12-11T12:52:00.006-05:00

Christmas...everywhere you go...Doing some errands with my mom...love this picture of here.

Gifts are being delivered to our home. Who doesn't like gifts and Chocolate.

We are going to Basketball games and bowling matches for Michael...All while preparing for Jesus's birthday.

GOODBYE NOVEMBER.....AND ILLNESSES

2010-12-06T15:38:00.010-05:00

Let's say Thanksgiving is a time to give Thanks....This month we have had many things to be Thankful for...Just glad to move on to December.Yep that's my Mom...doesn't she look great..She is 7 1/2 weeks post op from hip surgery..She has done fabulous I am so proud of her and her determination to get better. She is standing in front of this rocking horse and seal...(you know me I had to get a picture while Dad was parking the car) we are at Children's hospital my 2 yr old nephew is going into surgery today, we are on our way to be with my brother during this difficult time. All ended up great and he is back him doing well. We thank God for this and the many friends and family that prayed.

My Aunt and my Mom as we were over at my Aunts house, Autumn went to help decorate the top of her kitchen cabinets for Christmas, you can see some of it from this picture. we had a really nice time us four together. Mom is holding an Christmas decoration my Aunt got her, it has a red cardinal inside...My Grandma always loved red birds and So do Mom and I, we watch them in our yard and feed them. They are so precious and beautiful this time of year against the white snow.

Autumn so excited that Suzie my aunts dog is letting her hold her....For some reason she isn't to sure of Autumn...

Don't we look like a lively bunch, we just had our Thanksgiving dinner and Mike has to go to the hospital in the morning for surgery. So he couldn't eat much..and we are all a bit nervous about it.

Autumn and Nana cleaning up from dinner.

Dad carving the turkey, as Michael waits to grab a piece. We were all so hungry, we wait till my Dad gets home from work to eat our Thanksgiving dinner with him.

Mike the day before, always make a brine to soak the turkey in. He was so very sick and in pain but was so happy to take care of the turkey that he wasn't going to get to eat much of at all if any.

See we usually have Thanksgiving every year for the family, but for some reason I just didn't have it in me. My mom had had hip surgery and I wasn't sure how she would be, and frankly I was tired. So I let everyone know I was passing this year. Well Now I know why and so glad I listened to that small voice inside me...Mike ended up with Dr. visits and a scheduled surgery the next day. Then my nephew wasn't feeling well and ended up in the hospital the day I was bringing Mike home...Then when we were at the hospital the day of my nephews surgery we were leaving and my Dad fell in the parking lot when he went to get the car. Bruised his arm and ribs along with cutting up his knee...I said Dear Lord I know the meaning of laughter is the best medicine...because if I didn't laugh and stay positive I would have cried for days...Our God is so good and I am truly so Thankful for all of my family and friends...

Next year Lord willing Thanksgiving is back at our Home...It was very quiet and boring without everyone around to laugh and joke with...Till next time God bless

ONE OF OUR EXCURSIONS IN CABO

2010-11-20T12:53:00.012-05:00

I started my pictures backwards on this blog...we start here with me wondering around like a lost soul taking in all I can on our last morning before our flight home. : (

My spot for the week, right in the chair sitting in the pool across from the bar...Heaven

Breakfast with special friends Jim and Tammie.

My buddy that works at the Resort....I will give you hug...you sad...you leave today...

Wondering as I stare out at all Gods beauty.

Now here we are on one of our excursions.. Mike walking up from the ocean.

We took a bottom glass boat over to this Island.. Look how beautiful.

Island

On the other side is the Pacific ocean. We got to go snorkeling here then back to shore for lunch.

This is one trip I will never ever forget...I have been so blessed.

A TRIP OF A LIFE TIME....

2010-11-19T13:51:00.026-05:00

In Cabo San Lucas...I have a lot of pictures and it was hard to pick what I wanted to blog on...I wish all my family could have been there with us. First off in this picture the wonderful Man in the middle of the singers is Paul, he is truly a special person to us in many ways. This night he went forward to sing this song with the guys, I found out later no matter where he is if this song is played he sings it....This was his mothers favorite song....Now that in its self says a lot about him.

The group at our table, we were at a dinner in Cabo and it was in a building, but yet there was no roof, so we were outside under the stars.. very nice

Paul had just thanked us all for being there, and thanked the wives for being supportive of our spouses and their jobs.

Paul then past out to us wives purses and wristlets...I was really surprised...

Here is Tammie and I with our purses..

The next day we had a luncheon in Los Cabos. Mike was walking back to our bus.

This luncheon was outside also...We were sitting with friends of ours Todd and Jamie.

View from the Resort Lobby

Looking into the lobby.

My cabana spot for the week..This was the Adult pool area that I stayed at, see my chair it sits in the water. Then you can slip right in the pool just like Mike did. AHHHHHH

Our cook at the Japanese restaurant at the Resort, I ate my whole meal with chopsticks, that was a challenge, but one I was willing to tackle.

After dinner We went to sit out on the floating rock pool. Here is Tammie and I as the guys were sitting across from us...it was so nice out and relaxing with lots of laughs...and a snort here and there!!!

Looking out our Balcony as they set up for our Farewell dinner.

Our last night, with shots of Tequila...with good friends.

Last morning out taking our photo shots of the resort...So hating to leave.

Great picture of our footprints in the sand and a big wave coming in.

Mike and I...r we really leaving this behind?

Another pic of lobby area and rock water sitting area..

First night here, the resort help is setting up for our Welcoming dinner on the ocean...What hard workers they are. And never complain as they are sweating and dragging carts through the sand.

Another view of our welcome dinner from our balcony.

View from our Balcony..This was just paradise.

We left the resort one night and headed to Ruth's Chris for a fabulous dinner with some our wonderful friends. Our Ruth's Chris isn't here anymore and it is one of my favorite places, to make it even better we sat outside. Awesome night. Tequila shots again...

My super drooper friend Tammie and I.....We are laughing cuz at dinner we got separated at opposite ends of the table!!! I would yell Hey my Friend hows ur dinner....What r u getting for desert....Oh what a night to remember forever.

HE GOT ME ....

2010-11-02T11:40:00.005-04:00

JARED..... Sunday was my 11 year anniversary since my Brain Aneurysm. I was in the office blogging, packing, and cleaning out the office when Mike came in with a Jared Jewelry bag...WOW. what is this.??? He got me some charms to go on my Pandora Braclet that he got me for my birthday. This was a wonderful surprise..Thank you so much. And Thank YOU GOD for 11 more years...I am looking forward to many more to come.

Now exuse the mess in the picture and me also I hadn't even combed my hair yet...This office is in the process of being turned back into our living room. So I will be updating on this redo. I know longer need this as office (catch all) area. So I have my wheels turning on what I will do..Stay tuned.

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME...

2010-10-26T20:00:00.015-04:00

Wow time has just flew by, It has been a long fast month...I know you are thinking that makes no sense at all, but this is what I'm talking about..It all started from the begining..haha that is where most things start.anyway enough of my humor..

Mike is working on getting the steps and porch finished before the 7th of October...Look he is even looking at directions...I never knew men did this..It must not have helped cuz next time I looked out our dear friend Joe was their. But it got all finished and has been wonderful...see Mom went in the Hospital on the 7th of October for her hip surgery and this needed done before she got home...and it was.

Also this month we have been going back and forth to Strongesville area on Saturdays for a couple reasons. One is a great friend of our, his parents bring the their children fruit every Saturday...now I'm not talking an apple, banana and a pear.. I'm talking the freshiest sweetest fruit there is. Like 5 pds grapes and 2 huge bundles of bananas, pineapple, pears, oranges, cantaloup..strawberries...on and on and I love baby pickling cucumbers...she adds that also..So they have included us in and we head up there and get our fruit..We so love this family...wonderful people everyone of them. I'll get to the other reason is one second.

All so this month I have been able to get out the last couple weekends to take pictures of the spectacular color of the season. I so love fall and taking drives to look and snap pictures of it all.

This month was also my birthday, It was a couple days after we got my mom home from the hospital. My Aunt bless her heart came over the day of my birthday and looked after my mom while my precious cousin took me to lunch and we shopped a little then headed back. When I got back my aunt had made me a jello poke cake that I have been wanting and surprised me with it. Before we left Kelly gave me the most beautifully wrapped presents...It was such a blessing from the both of them...I thank you both so very much.

Of course that night I was still stuffed from lunch, so Mike Autumn and I went to Red Robin for dinner I was hungry for their chicken sandwich...when we got home the family had gotten me a cake from the Cake Lady..Oh my Do I Have To EAT Another Piece Of Cake!!!! YUMMY For my Birthday Mike got me a Pandora Bracelet and Charms for it. I love it and have wanted one for a while now.

Some more of my picture taking, this is our Pin Oak tree in the back yard.

A photo shoot of our dogs and Autumn in the back yard. My three girls..

This is a day we looked forward to..October 27th the day after mom had here post op visit from the Dr. all has gone terrific with mom and her surgery..Look at her not even 3 weeks since hip surgery and this is her first day out..I dropped her over to spend time with her sister for a little bit, while Kelly and I went to lunch and get some things I needed for our up coming trip to Cabo. Kelly even shared with me her Bath and Body store on her side of town....get this You Do Not Have To go In The MALL!!! Love it...I so don't like the Mall and avoid it and it's price's at all cost. Then I picked mom up and she got to see the leaves and all the fall colors on our ride to and from home. The Dr. gave her all is good she can start putting full weight on her leg and go from walker to cain.. Tomorrow is her last day of therapy...Woo Whoo. except we have had a wonderful Physical Therapist that we have grown to really like, her name is Edna. She is truly a sweetheart..We will miss her.

I spent the first night with mom after surgery, she had some complications with her pain meds. The morphine they gave her she could only take 1/4 th of the dose in her Iv. Then a nurse came in and shot it in fast and low down the line so her heart started pounding and raising fast she got real hot and nausea...So at that point I was Yep I'm staying not leaving..So we had a nice first night together then I was there pretty much from morning till night helping her out, for 5 days...It has been one of the best things I have been able to do. First of all I will not let a family member of mine spend the night in the hospital after surgery alone.. It helps them so much to have a person there. No waiting on nurses when needing one, I can get her drink Put ice fix bed get ice pack brush hair bath her.. when cold add extra blanket when hot take off..hahah. in pain get the nurse, hold her hand and talk with her. I wouldn't have missed this for nothing. After coming home..I got to take care of her..But its the little things I learned..my Mom loves to look pretty and have her hair fixed...she likes her skin nice and soft with lotion on her..Autumn painted her finger nails for here one day and mom just loved her pretty tropical pink polish she had on...it made her feel good and pretty. I was with her during her fear of stepping up the steps to come home...also when she had to face learning to step down the stairs,, she was so scared and cried after doing it...but felt so good she did it. My mom is not a sit and do nothing type of woman, she gets moving in the morning and goes and so does her mind...So having to sit around was not easy for her...and I told her she has that positive outlook on getting better and doing it herself.. that along with many prayers is why she has done awesome through this...I have also had to step out of my comfort zone..every day I have to give her a shot...now that is not easy..the first 5 days or so I felt faint..but was strong for her.. we laughed and teased about it...But between you and me thank God she will be done with those in 8 more days... I love you Mom.

So back to our second reason we head to Strongsville every Saturday.. Beside spending time together and getting fruit..our good friends are building a new home. So we get to see what was done one week to the next.

Their back yard goes to a pie shape...and this is 1/2 the back yard from the middle down..They have it looking like a park setting..

Here is the back part of their home and I didn't even get the whole home in the picture..Yes this is going to be a Big one...We are so very excited for them...Next time I'm there the rest of the second floor and the roof will be on..we will miss going this coming Saturday..For very good reason I"ll post on later.

So ending the month of October with a nice fall pictures of the entrance into Mom and Dad's fence..So thankful for a wonderful month and answered prayers and to watching mom continue to heal and get back to feeling fabulous with no problems.. 2011 there will be no surgeries...

WHAT IS MY PASSION IN LIFE???? hmmmm

2010-10-01T11:43:00.009-04:00

Passion ( from Latin verb patior meaning to suffer or to endure) is an emotion applied to a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something. The term is also often applied to a lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity or love. Passion can be expressed as a feeling of unusual excitement, enthusiasm or compelling emotion towards a subject, idea, person, or object. A person is said to have a passion for something when he has a strong positive affinity for it. A

love for something and a passion for something are often used synonymously.

1.What one subject can you enjoy talking about for many hours?
2.Do any of your hobbies involve working a lot with other people?
3.What specific concerns preoccupy your mind, breaking into whatever else you're thinking about?
4.What do you most enjoy doing for others?

Let's pretend you've reached the end of your life, and you're in heaven looking back on it.

1.What's the one thing you want to be most happy about having done or having been?

2.Who 'out there' in the world have you come to care about the most? 3.Who do you most want to help, enable, or reach? (You define the categories, whatever way you want. Go with your first instincts.)
Now, write down at least five of your life experiences that most gave you a sense of fulfillment and/or growth.

Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am.

After doing some reading last night from a little book called 50 things that really matter, I had stopped after reading a part about Passion. For some reason it really had me thinking...hmm passion, What am I passionate about in my life..So after turning out the light I rolled over and it kept coming to my mind....So I was searching in my mind, in my heart asking myself over and over what am I passionate about?

It said in one part Passion satisfies a vital spiritual need: the need for connection...hmmm It's a feeling we get when we are in tuned with something larger than our self. Passion makes us feel alive...I read that and thought wow have I lost my passion for life, I don't know what my passion truly is...Passion makes us certain we walk this world for some purpose...Well I do have purpose and for know other reason than to raise my children and I have been given so to be on the 31st of October 11 extra years to be here for them...An I am always asking my Lord why am I here, what do you want me to be doing, You kept me here for a reason...I'm still searching at the also.

The section on passion also mentions we have opportunities to experience passion everywhere. Sometimes they're quiet, Like growing your garden, or re doing a room, Sometimes they speak loud and draw us to our faith, or a social cause ,or civic involvement.

Like a battery powers a car, passion powers our souls.

With out passion our hearts go hungry.

To find my passion, I need to open my heart and let the world flood in....

I asked Mike at breakfast this morning...What is your passion in life?? and he had an answer...then I said is that truly a passion....He said good or bad it is my passion in life..that is what makes me go each day....

So in saying all this I am really doing some soul searching to find my passion and drive for life.

A DAY TOGETHER IN MY CALMING PLACE

2010-09-30T19:45:00.014-04:00

Just you and I, on a cloudy cool rainy day, It still felt all warm and cozy to me. We had our dinner at Der Dutchmen in Walnut Creek,,my favorite go to place for comfort and home cooked food with a fabulous view.

While in my peaceful place I see animals.. like cows, goats, sheep, a lot of horses. and barn cats and dogs.

We travel back roads like this in the countryside, along with horse and buggy's.

This is their area, we must respect them and their way of life. My stress level is nothing when I'm here. I don't even have to shop or do anything. The atmosphere alone is so calming and peaceful. I feel like I have traveled so far away yet I'm only 45 minutes from home...It can't get much better.

I love the landscaping, all the fields of hay and pastures, along with barns and Amish homes.

There is know hurry and rushing around here. Back roads are fun to drive through. You never know what you will see next.

Here is an Amish home and their barn.. Clothes hanging out on the line.

Our main reason for going here today was to stop at this place called Lehman's. We got our wood burning stove here and we needed a new seal for the door, along with a new steaming pot to set on top for moisture in the air.

Another picture of Lehman's, they have everything you can think of for wood stoves, canning and preserving, non electrical lighting and old looking stoves and refrigerators. There is dishes and kitchen gadgets, little snack bar, home made fudge... old time gum like Grandma always had.

Drive down another road...with a horse and buggy heading home for the day.

another lovely Amish home and barn. They have the neatest gardens and flowers. I am very respectful of not taking pictures of them. They don't like it, so that's why I have pictures of the back of buggy's. This is definitely my go to place to get away..

AUTUMS FIRST HOMECOMING DANCE

2010-09-27T15:44:00.012-04:00

The day I have dreamed of since being a mom, going through the dances, getting all ready for them...We had a great time with only one break down..that I think was just nerves... Here is my girl at the salon getting her hair done. She already got her mani and pedi done at 8:30am .

A picture of the back of her hair...so beautiful..I always tell her when I grow up I want to be just like her.
Wrist corsage, it was gorgeous, I can not believe the price of them now, when I got them in high school they were about 10 to 15 dollars and they were lovely....now you can double the price plus. See her nails..Aunt Kelly came over on her morning to sleep in to do this for her... and her toes....We thank you so very much.

Autumn and Daddy pic.

Aunt Kelly and Uncle Mike..bless your hearts for taking time to spend this special day with Autumn and coming over to get pictures with us...we both needed you, me for support and thinking about things I may have for got and Autumn for all you did and showing your love to her.

Over at Friends to get pictures of the group...There was about 30 of them guys and girls that got pictures together then went to dinner at 91. Then from there, the dance and back to her friends for all night stay over.

Some of the girls..they all are so beautiful..no one had the same dress...and they all had their own style....PRINCESSES

Another fabulous picture of her and her dear friends.

Look at the laughter and how lovely it was outside that day...It was like a photo shot with paparazzi all over...us adults were snapping pictures at everything and everyone..lol Our first year as freshmen remember!!!

Parents the pictures are over.. away they were going to get to the restaurant....we had an hour of picture taking....Pure Bliss.

THE BEST PART, ADDING FINAL TOUCHES

2010-09-20T10:42:00.012-04:00

I so love changing rooms around and taking from one room and adding to another for a whole new look. This sconce went from dining room to powder room. It adds very nice ambiance when I put a tea light on.

I had the candlestick, it's been everywhere. I got the candle at flower factory for a couple dollars.

Here I added some glass gems to this glass vase.

Some rock (crystals) to this crystal dish...I used these glass rocks at Christmas time for ice around a centerpiece. Hand towel at TJ maxx for $3.99

I love my new picture! I found this at Kirklands the other day, PERFECT addition to this room. Autumn came home from school and of course noticed it right away and said "Mom, do they have this in pink?" LOL No honey....

It is just so posh and color perfect..along with some classiness....It makes me feel giddy.

This sconce along with the other were also in my dining room, but they were bronze color. So I got some chrome color spray paint and Ta Da...I love it, the shine!

I wasn't planning on leaving this flower all alone in the dollar store vase BUT I kind of like the simplicity of it just like it is. I got the flower at Jo Ann's.

So there it is, a view of some added decor. Take some paint for the walls, borrow from other rooms, and be creative.

WHATS ON MY MIND...

2010-09-16T10:02:00.010-04:00

I should be thinking of this right now, But not yet..I have a lot on my mind right now, so first things first. This will have to wait till we get there in November...when we go to Cabo San Lucas.

Until then I will practice what I preach..and take one day at a time. My Michael is going through his last this and that with High School. He sits here with his head sets on at his computer and I look at this thinking hmmm he has always wanted to be a Air Traffic Controller...What are you thinking now Michael...at this time he just isn't sure. At times I wonder do we push to hard on our children out of fear for what they will have to face in this world. But we can't tell them or explain enough what it will be like..I so want him to have a great work ethic and be productive in this world..do something that he enjoys and make a living doing it...I want the best for him and to save him of heartaches and hard times. Then as a mom I know that he has to be able to spread his wings and grow, we all go through it. I so dislike the times when you sit and look back and ask why didn't I this or that or if this would have been different. I want both of my children to be strong and independent with strong values and a love for their Lord. I don't want them to have insecurity's or fear....that is the opposite of faith. I have a lot of feelings roaming around in my head right now as my children are now 17 and 15. As I think on this and the tears are flooding my eyes and my emotions are so strong...I just want my children to know if nothing else in the end I truly love them more than anything and that I always have their best intrust at heart. Wow enough on that right now...maybe my fears of things are overwhelming thinking of what if I were in their shoes right now, looking at my future and having to depend on myself along with my God...This all shows I still deal with so much anxiety and fear....I so need to work on this, it is a situation I have been fighting for a long time....

On to some fun things that is going on. This Saturday we are all going to Olive Garden for dinner. Here is a picture from a couple years ago at Olive Garden with my Mom and Aunt and Sister in Law. We will all be there this Saturday to celebrate my Aunt and Mom's birthday Mom's is the 20th and my Aunts is the 18th...afterwards we will all be coming back to our home for Cake and ice cream. There will be 18 of us....So looking forward to this.

The 25th of this month is Autumns first dance at high school. Her freshman homecoming dance. Let's say this is definitely on my mind..Let's see we got dress, it is getting alterations done now. I just ordered her wrist corsage. Hair appointment needed changed to earlier seeing that everyone is meeting for pictures at 4:15. Spray tan is scheduled for Thursday evening and nails on Saturday morning, both Thursday and Saturday morning will be with her Aunt Kelly...Such a special time they will enjoy together. I am so happy that Autumn has a special someone besides me and Grandma that takes interest in her life and truly want to be a part of what goes on. We then have hair appointment at 11:30 and dinner reservations at 5:30...Then finally the Dance!! We still need some black strappy shoes and earrings...I am so excited for this day and so look forward to seeing all the girls turned into princesses. The picture above was of one of her Father daughter dances in elementary school, those days are gone and now its friends that will all be their not Daddy...Oh time you just fly by.

Oh no not again, yep again. This was about 2 years ago as we waited in the waiting room while mom was having back surgery...This time she will be going in for hip surgery. My prayer is that of course all goes great and healing time with therapy is all good, but when this is over that she is able to have a good life and be able to do things. Like walk in the mall without pain, enjoy getting through a day without pain and feel good.

Mom and dad are leaving soon for the outer banks, they have been going there for over 20 years with their friends. Lord please let her have a great week and enjoy herself.

I am so blessed to be able to have my parents here living with me for reasons like this. She is right here, I can take care of her and she won't have to go to rehabilitation center from the hospital. It will be about 3 to 4 months of getting her back till she will be completely healed from surgery...Good old mom is already worrying how she is going to go Christmas shopping...lol God love her.

MAY WE NEVER FORGET...

2010-09-11T12:13:00.009-04:00

We need to always be in remembrance of this today and everyday.

It doesn't matter if you lost a love one or not...We are one, and this has affected us all.

Keep the lights on and pray for the people that lost love ones, pray for the ones that were there and witnessed this all, and pray for each person that went in to save those that were inside the buildings here, and the Pentagon along with the plane in Penn.

We all need to stand united and live in love not anger, anger gets us know where. We are the great Country.. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA..

God bless the brave men and women that fight for us to keep our freedom daily.

We were attacked yes, but now more than ever we must realize how much we need our Savior. We need to all be on our knees for so much, more now than ever.

May they all Rest In Peace, and God may you comfort and protect us all through this time when our country needs you most..Be with all today who have lost their loved ones and may we never forget how precious life is.

HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY AUTUMN

2010-09-08T10:02:00.022-04:00

Is this not one of the most beautiful cakes ever? I order this from a place called Cake Lady. Look at the Ivory icing and pearls..

Autumn always looks forward to this cake every year. She wants an elegant, pretty cake...not only is this elegant and pretty it is so delicious.

My Aunt putting a Happy Birthday tiera on Autumn as my niece Sydney is looking at her like REALLY!!!

Sydney, Tyler and Autumn...

OKAY you girls are up to something..now your busted...Look at the guilt..

This was from Autumns last birthday party for the year...I had the family over last night.

This was taken after school the day of her Birthday...Look at the surprise all over face!!! This will always be remembered.

A Victoria Secret gift left on the front porch along with the yard and trees all decorated in balloons and streamers..

By two fabulous friends..Kendal and Karissa...This totally made her birthday day... Not only did they decorate they filled the mailbox full of candy and gum..

After opening her card, that by the way played happy birthday when you opened it..and her gift from the twins, we went to dinner with our family just the four of us. Autumn gets to pick anywhere she wants...and she chose....FRIDAY"S....we had a great dinner and it was the first time in along time just the four of us were together....

Now birthday is over and she has moved on to counting the months till she gets her temps...Got to love them...

Our next big event is next Saturday more birthday for my Mom and Aunt. Then the BIG FIRST HOMECOMING DANCE!!!! Stay tuned..

OUR LABOR DAY WEEKEND..

2010-09-07T10:46:00.012-04:00

Friday night started off with two Blueberry Pomegranate Martini's, with chilled glasses..So good!!

Friends of ours had us over Sunday, This is some of their landscaping around the yard and pool area. Just gorgeous all the way around and very private. Saturday I worked in our yard trimming plants and pulling out and cleaning up to get ready for some mums and the cooler weather.

Sunday spent with friends. This is another view of their back yard after we are all there and swimming started...I took more but don't want to post with pictures of people that lets just say known....But we thank them so much for the wonderful time all the laughs and wonderful friends of theirs we got to meet...All the food and drinks and hospitality was tops. I have to say I had thee best rib sauce ever. I wanted to dip my rib bones in the sauce lol...

Moving on to Monday, was all with my family and I always enjoy my time with them. The picture above is of my Uncle, we have had our labor day at his home for at least the last 14 years. He lives in the country with lots of land and woods. A pond and creek with a bridge. Plus a swimming pool for all. I had posted earlier a post here, Autumn brought friends down to celebrate her 15 th birthday. We thank you so much for once again opening your home to us. Standing with my Uncle is his Grandson Sam.

My Uncles wife and one of my terrific Aunt's sitting here chatting with my mother-in-law. While a lot of the family is behind them playing very competitive volley ball.

Up by their pool area my uncle and cousin talking, the building in background we serve all the food and drinks its all screened in. I just love it here.

My Autumn and her friend Madison in the pool.

Volley ball game two going on.

My nephew that just turned two feeding ozzy some snacks. Tyler sitting with my Mom and then friend Debbie and my Aunt Karen.

Two of my cousins my Uncle and my cousins daughter..A lot of talking laughter and memories being made and talked about. We were all there except 6 of us out of I think we up to 43. Thank you Aunt Elsie and Uncle Larry for keeping us all together and sharing your wonderful home with us once again.

Our next big get together is in December for Christmas... Thank you to Rick and Jen for opening their home this year for that..

Until then I pray for each one of my family and for good health,and a blessed rest of the year.

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

IT WAS WORTH ALL THE MONEY AND VISITS

2010-09-02T15:40:00.010-04:00

It all started at the beginning of sixth grade...My baby got her braces..Here she is getting molds made of her mouth...poor thing that was gross..

Getting x-rays and pictures taken...She looks so young...

This is first day of 6Th grade. Right before braces got put on...See those six fingers.. How sweet and precious you are my girl..This was also first day of middle school.

Three years later right before we got out of the car to get the braces all off. The nerves and excitement. She was so afraid of the braces leaving marks on her teeth...

At home with new retainers in and braces all off.

Not only are the braces all off, she has transformed into a beautiful young lady. What a difference three years makes in many ways...God Bless you sweety....Remember to always have a loving heart as big as your smile..I am so very blessed to have you and be your Mom...

Talk about blessing's, I haven't seen these two like this in a very long time...The two of them complete me...I love you both more than you will ever know...

Now Michael we need to get your braces off someday soon...it's been going on seven years.. Now that will be a real change...

Now I pray Dear Lord do not let Autumn in any way destroy or lose her retainers...it's up to 250.00 or more to replace each.....yawzzaaaaa

SEPTEMBER IS HERE, 1ST DAY OF SCHOOL & NEW FRAME

2010-09-01T12:57:00.008-04:00

Not only is this Autumns first day of school it is here first day of High School..

The princess is starting her Freshmen year. Autumn I wish you all the best, enjoy your high school years. Study hard and have lots of fun. Looking forward to your first homecoming dance..

I'm finally changing out my frame. I last did it for July, here is what it looked like then.

Here is how it looks now. September is here and so are the school days.

Here it sits in the foyer..Wow was the sun bright...aww I love the warmth it brings..

I wish everyone a wonderful blessed school year full of good grades, good health and safety..

We never got Michael's first day picture....He thought he was to old for it I guess...well there won't be anymore first days of school...Next school day for him will be collage....hmmm.

BEFORE AND DURING POWDER ROOM RE-DO

2010-09-01T12:23:00.008-04:00

Here is the before of my powder room, I really loved it but as always I needed a change. Take a look at the mirror above the sink..

It is now glossy white.. and the electrical covers are now silver

I took this white cabinet and moved it onto this wall...added some peacock blues in candle and flower. I am still working on flower arrangement...I added on the shelves crystal and clear stones.

This arrangement I'm still playing with..I need to permanently place them and put snow salt in bottom of glass vase...

Another before picture..

And after...fresh clean and calming...I still need wall decor...I want a silver sun burst mirror and not sure what else...Hubby painted it Sharkey Gray by Martha Stewart...I loved the color. Now the fun part is getting the decorating done..the final touches..

LET THE RECEPTION BEGIN...

2010-08-30T16:48:00.025-04:00

My cousins Tracey and Jerry.

Tracey's daughter Kennedy singing happy birthday...the shy little thing that she is...NOT

We had three birthdays this night Grooms mom, Brides sister and one of the best men...

My cousin Rick and his youngest Brent.

My Aunt Elsie along with her daughter Sara and Sara's daughter Emily...Three generations here.

My uncle's left is Brides dad Jerry and right is my Uncle Larry

Cousin Jerry and his my Aunt Jodi....

Autumn and Brent along with my niece Sydney

Aunt Karen and my cousin Jen.

Dancing the night away...

I think Autumn and Sydney were doing the chicken lol

Siblings..my Aunt and Uncle along with my Mom..missing my Uncle Larry in this pic

Here he is with my Aunt Elsie...

Two of the most precious lady's in my life.

Two cutie pies...

Our family table.

My brother, Uncle and my Dad.

One of my favorite parts of the wedding is the cake..It looks black and white here, but it was true purple with scripture on love wrote on the layers...

So there are some pics of the Reception with about 600 more I took I bet your all glad if you looked all the way down this post that I didn't post any more....

Love to all my family...

LORI MAY YOU ALWAYS SMILE SO BIG..

2010-08-29T22:07:00.018-04:00

We left of in April with My Cousin Jerry's wedding..Here they are Jerry and Julie at Jerry's sister Lori's wedding to John... Jerry and Julie are now expecting their first bundle of joy in March...

My cousin Tracy sister of the Bride and her daughter Olivia...

My brother, niece, sister-in-law and my Autumn after wedding.

I love this pic of my brother and cousin Lori....

My cousin's Tracey and Jerry...siblings to Lori...I love them both...Jerry is the baby of us grandchildren and lets say Tracey is in the middle somewhere...

Is it the children blowing bubbles....yes...I mean of course not it is my brother, in his own world..He Joey you can't say you were blowing them for Tyler he wasn't there!!!

This was hilarious..The pastor said at the end may I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs..John...------. Well he said my cousins last name not John's...We laughed so hard...Way to go Lori... Sorry John..

Tracey and Jon's brother as Maid of Honor and Best Man.

My cousin Sara and her two Sam and Emily as they arrived.

My parents, they look so good, along with my cousin Jerry before the wedding.

My Dad and Mom again..

Two little precious flower girls...Kennedy our not shy at all dancer, and singer of the night!!! and John's daughter Ashley.

My brother and sister-in-law..

Jerry and Lauren walking back down aisle after ceremony.. Lauren is Lori's daughter..

My Uncle Jerry walking his very happy Daughter down the aisle...

A day we have waited for, for a long time..May you always keep this smile on your face Lori....I so love you my dear cousin and pray for a wonderful blessed life for you John and the children..

God Bless you all..

Stay tuned for some random reception pictures..

EARLY 15TH BIRTHDAY WITH FRIENDS

2010-08-19T12:12:00.012-04:00

Finally Autumn gets to have something in the summer for her birthday, thanks to her wonderful Aunt and Uncle. Autumns real birthday is like two weeks after school starts and football games are going on. So this year, very last minute, like two nights before I said let's call Uncle Larry ask him about coming down and using their pool and bringing some friends.

Well they were happy that we came down. I packed up the food and ordered her double chocolate chip cookie with buttercream icing in the middle got drinks, called all the girls and on Wednesday we were ready to go....She was so very excited..It is fun doing things spare of the moment.

After getting things cooked on the grill, and they finished eating it was swim time...yea!!!

My mom and Aunt got to spend time together and chat. Mom is on the red chair, she drove down in her car because we needed two of us to drive with all the girls..My Aunt's home and yard is so homey and out in the country. down the hill from where they are sitting is a pond and fountain...lots of land, a creek and bridge...it's quiet and peaceful.

Friends...and swimming can it get any better...

We always get a picture on the bridge...Are the girls not adorable...Very nice respectful girls, I enjoy each one of them.

Some poses and birthday girls is in the middle..

Another pic Autumn has been getting when she visits is the one on top of the barn. The one side the roof touches the ground, so up they go...Yes we are missing two of them, they had to leave a little earlier so Grandma headed back to take them home.

They could almost touch the sky!!!

Autumn I am so glad you enjoyed your day with your friends, it was such a wonderful day with beautiful weather. It is hard to imagine my baby turning 15. I love you so much and you are such a blessing to me. I pray you have many many more wonderful years. Always keep your heart loving and kind. Love you my sweet one.. Mom

FINISHED ONE STARTING ANOTHER

2010-08-14T14:17:00.012-04:00

Woo Whoo Dad and Mom's bathroom is all finished well 98%. Look a washer and dryer, They had room to put this in their bathroom.

Here is shower area.. we went with shower curtain instead of doors...well let's just say if ever you need to help someone shower this would be much easier..

This really looks nice, they did a very nice job on picking out colors and everything they needed.

Mirror and lights.

This is so nice, the colors are in tans. The mirrored wall is lighter than the other 3 walls. Mom is accenting with like a jade blueish green... All that needs done is baseboard, door an frame around linen closet and blinds up on the window....Seeing all the beauty of this makes me ready for change now.

In my powder room and laundry room. Here is my inspriration. These hand towels I got at Marshell's. The charcole gray's and deep powder blue I guess I would call it slate blue.

Some colors I'm looking at...Funny thing is in here (the laundry room) I don't think I want any of these colors now. But I need to keep it flowing from the powder room since they are together..Hmm

This is my powder room now..minus some decor I have already started taking down. I have creamy ceramic tile floor. Sink and potty are soft gray, faucet black...but counter is in creamy color. I do want to make it lighter fresher and sleek...any suggestions???

TRADITION TO KICK OFF THE SEASON

2010-08-14T14:05:00.010-04:00

2010 Football Hall Of Fame game. We go every year, with VIP passes and great seats. We usually have 6 tickets and that is good for my family and my parents. But as years go on and things change mom know longer can go with us because of health issues, Michael was working this year. So as always it's still Mike my Dad and I for sure. This years game was Dallas Cowboys along with

Cincinnati. I had to get my picture taken with a BIG fan of Cincinnati...PIMP DADDY!!

My hubby and Dad, look over Dad's shoulder and you see thee only Dallas Cowboy want to be cheerleader....They did not make it this year. Cincinnati's cheerleaders were there. Hmm could it be that they didn't want a repeat of two years ago with the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders. Those girls had such provocative outfits and very sleazy dance routine that the next day in our home town paper front page people were outraged about it. This is to be family time for the community they were disgusted with it all......So just saying..

We were blessed, to have a couple join us that works for my Dad. As you can see Leroy is a big Dallas fan and has never been to a pro game. He was like a child in a candy factory..it was so exciting just watching him enjoy it all.

Every year they introduce a new class of military and of course sing the National Anthem...then they have military planes fly over...Well for some reason the planes didn't fly over this year..I missed that. Not sure what happened on that. But I always enjoy seeing our Flag rolled out.

Both team out on the field as they introduce the inductee's for the year into the hall of fame. Emmit Smith was one of them and I really like him. I loved when he was on Dancing with the Stars.

We usually leave about 1/2 time. The game starts out with their first string but by 2nd quarter they definitely have their 2nd and 3rd string in..But when the Pittsburgh Steelers are there I hope some year soon...I will be staying and watching that one...Till then...for any and all football fans have a great football season..

FARMERS MARKET FINALLY

2010-08-05T18:07:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to finally get to a farmers market. Look at this delishishness.. I read on my friends face book about this farmers market and I was so excited. I got beets yummy..and I will have to try them baked all cut up in little pieces Reena..yours looked so good. I really liked them boiled and with butter, salt and pepper... I also got little red skin potatoes, peaches for hubby and the kids, Some tomatoes till ours turn good and red.....and

three kinds of lettuce..bib, red and green leaf..I can't wait to clean it all and eat all this freshness. I haven't been to a farmers market since I lived in Pittsburgh, my girlfriend and I would go every thursday and stock up for the week, it was so fun. I wanted to get corn and green beans but they didn't have much and the place I got the peaches from had already sold out. The great news is, I was talking to one of the vendors and he mentioned that starting next week they will be having this market in North Canton on fridays right in the same parking lot as Fazolie's. 3-7 then be in the amish store all winter.. Woo WHOO ..

Truth be known I had thee hardest time staying away from all the breads and cakes Amish made and one stand it was all natural breads....But I made it through.. Now I'm going to clean veggies...

KICK OFF FOR HALL OF FAME WEEK

2010-07-31T10:17:00.010-04:00

It all starts with the balloon fest the weekend before the big Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium. This has been a tradition for many years.

Every year we are at a different spot. It all depends on the wind. This year we were at the strip watching them come over the interstate. The night before we were down on Portage behind Circle K.. It used to be Mike and I and the kids. Then They got busy or went with friends. We did have Michael last year and my parents. This year one night just Mike and I, the next night my Parents.

They are so soothing to watch and they are all so different. Mom says they remind her of Christmas bulbs...hmmm I said Mom that would make one interesting tree...

The men as they look behind them...tones have passed us by.

Look at them all. This was the first night. I had to use my phone camera..We snuck out real fast to see the balloons while dad ran to Home Depot to get a part to finish up the tile floor...how fun!!

Even more..

As we headed home..before Dad got back..one last picture as the balloon was floating over this house...

Oh how I love this time of year here in our area...Next weekend the Big game we go to. Cinncinati plays Dallas...Stay tuned..

CHEER CAMP HERE WE COME

2010-07-27T22:13:00.005-04:00

This is the preview for cheer camp and we were able to watch the girls. The theme for the dance was Grease. The 8th grade football cheerleaders all the way through seniors go to Ohio state for camp.

Each grade had to do a skit. Here is autumn as Twiddle dee or twiddle dum.. The outfit the girls did are so cute. We are still looking for a bald cap for their head. The skit was all based around Alice in Wonderland.

Back to the dance part. Autumn still needs her black wig..but she is danny and the the one behind her is sandy.

Two good friends. Oh the fun they have at camp. all the girls enjoy this part after such a hard work out all summer.

After they were done, autumn and I went out for a nice lunch, we talked and laughed, enjoying our girl time.