Pumpkin Patch Fun

Saturday we went to the pumpkin patch! It was visit 1/3 coming up! I love fall and everything that goes with it, so that's fine by me!  

We spent about 3 hrs there....but an hr of that was spent waiting in line for the hayride! Ahhhh, but that's really the only reason Cole wanted to go, so we did it!! 

We had a good time! Got stuck in a down pour on the way back to the car....I had a white shirt on, and when we got back to the car we found that I had left the vent to the sunroof open. Oops!! :) we went to dinner afterwards where Drew decided that he would throw food at my friend multiple times! Ahhhh to be 18 months old again! Maybe we need to take a break from restaurants for a while. I kind of remember doing that with Cole at about the same age. 

On a side note; I have started eating more calories in order to jump start weight loss. I follow the number www.fat2fitradio.com suggested for me. I was having no luck my way, so I'll try this way! Yesterday was the first day I started trying to eat more. Felt like I was going to explode!!! Lol. Apparently 1200 calories a day is not enough to get you started burning calories?? Hopefully this starts to work for me!!

Snap out of it!

Help!! I'm falling! Falling off the wagon that is! I feel some bad habits slowly creeping back in and I don't like it! 

I've started barely eating anything all day so that I can shovel terrible food in my mouth at dinner time. I've slacked big time on walking on the treadmill. Let's face it.....the treadmill is the most boring place on earth! Ughhhh. 

The past few days I've just been lacking energy and wanting to eat terrible food. I eat my emotions and have just been feeling blah lately. I need to snap out of it. Getting healthier is a long process....but it's doable and I know I can do it. 

The scale still isn't moving. I think that is what upsets me most and makes it harder for me to keep going. But, I don't have a choice but to keep going. I need to snap out of this blah attitude and get moving again!!!  

Which way is best?

I have been getting conflicting advice about this weight loss stuff. It used to be that I could live on Dr. Pepper for a week and drop ten pounds. Whatever happened to those days?? Now, if I even look at a dr pepper just add ten pounds to my next weigh in. 

Now on to the conflicting advice....a friend of mine just lost 50 pounds. It took her only 7 months! She advised me to go to www.fat2fitradio.com and find out how many calories I should be eating for my weight. I did, and the outcome was that I need to he eating about 900 more calories a day than I am now. What?!?!? That scares me! 

I've been eating 1200. Well most days 1300, after I deduct what I burn on the treadmill. 

So which way is best?? I fear eating more calories because our minds are trained to think less is better! But, my concern is....am I not eating enough for my body to actually burn calories?? Which method do you follow??

I'm not seeing big changes on the scale yet....but I'm losing inches, and my clothes are fitting better! Both steps in the right direction!! 

This is what I've had to face the past month! No. More. Excuses.

Cheat meals or cheat days?

Do you have cheat meals or cheat days? In my head, I don't deserve either of these until I enter the maintain stage...which is far away! But yesterday, we are going to call a cheat day. I didn't even finish tracking my calories for the day because I can't even remember everything that I shoved in my mouth. 

Lately, I have discovered I eat my emotions. I've always known that really, but it's been slapping me in the face this week. I got a text from my hubs two days ago telling me he's working another 48 hr shift this weekend...this is while he's already been gone for two days, and will only be home today for a few hours then gone again....basically till Sunday. When I got his text I was immediately ready to eat! I wanted to cry and eat. 

Yesterday, I was having another day where I was just sick of him being gone....hence the cheat day. I controlled the urge a couple days before but yesterday....I didn't. Funny how your mind plays tricks on you. 

I've said it before and I will continue to say it. I don't know how single moms and millitary wives do it. I'm alone for days at a time and it takes a serious toll on me. I don't know if it's harder on me because I do stay at home with the kids...so the hours just kind of blend together lol. Maybe I'd feel different if I were gone during the day. But, while being home...we feel like those 24 and 36, and 48 hr shifts are a month long lol. 

So the goal is to keep pushing myself and to not let my emotions get the best of me! A cheat meal is one thing, but I can't afford a cheat DAY.....yet. 

So true!!! Haha :)

Weekend Recap

This weekend my hubs ran his second half marathon. He and his friend, do it for "fun". Which I totally don't understand. I would not run 13.1 miles for fun, but hey whatev. I'm just not wired that way I guess. 

That's my hubs on the right with the goody thumbs up pose :) 

My moms birthday was the end of last week. We tried to make her day special, even though she was sick. Drew's favorite part was the balloon. Or the "ba" as he calls it. 

On Friday, he took a tumble into the tv stand in the playroom. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. It was awful. I may have cried more than he did! 

He looks much better today, thank goodness!! And I need a picture of Cole on here just for good measure! He was pretending he was Papa, drinking coffee. 

Lifestyle change update: today is day 20. I've lost about 8 pounds. But today was weigh in day, and I have lost nothing in a week! Not happy! This is why I hate the scale! I may break up with it again for a while. I feel like I'm losing, but when I saw that number this morning, I immediately get discouraged. I'll give it one more chance, and if it doesn't change....it's outta here for a while!! 

Happy Monday! 

Week 3

Well it's the beginning of week 3 of my lifestyle change. So far so good! I'm not feeling nearly as hungry as I was the first week. I actually need to work on eating a little more. I have recently learned that eating 1200 calories a day doesn't really work. Who knew? Lol 

I am doing things my own way, and I hope I find some success. I'm eating as "normal" as possible. I'm just watching calories and serving sizes and measuring everything! I may not be eating clean, or super healthy but I am conscious of everything that goes in my mouth! If this ends up not working then I will have to reevaluate but for now.....I believe the key to success for me is to not feel like I "can't " have anything. So far if I've had a craving for something.....I give in to it, within reason....I just make sure I'm accountable for it. I make sure I have enough calories for it. This actually hasn't happened much. Last Friday night I wanted a coke. So I had one! Done. It hit the spot, and it made me happy. :) 

I have been walking/jogging ( I don't even use the word run lol) I do a minimum of 30 min 6 days a week. I'm soooo slow so I still don't burn many calories at this pace. Actually hardly any......but I'm moving. 160 calories for 30 min isn't much but it's better than nothing. I burn around 250 cals when I go 50 min. Still not a lot......but better than sitting on my big butt!! 

I'm finding it easier to say no to foods that I just don't need, and also learning when I'm hungry and when I'm just bored. I'm seeing changes in myself and my attitude. I believe I can do this! 

Weekend recap

This weekend was a busy one! My husband is running for school board, so he's been very busy with all that! This weekend our town has their little festival. So the hubs had a table, and spent most of the weekend talking to potential voters!! 

 

The kiddos had a good time riding rides all weekend, and staying up past their bedtimes! But then they both caught something. Low grade fevers, and just not feeling good. Poor guys

Saturday night he left his campaigning post to go to his high school reunion. It was fun, until I started feeling very sick! He kept telling me it was anxiety, but here it is two days later and ......yep I STILL don't feel good! Blah. Here is a picture of us BEFORE I started feeling terrible! 

I can't wait till this weight starts coming off. I felt so embarrassed for my hubs. No one wants to be the guy with the fat wife. I feel like I have failed him. Men get better with age, I have just gotten fatter with age! I also forgot to switch purses! Yikes! 

I am heading into week 3 of my lifestyle change.....can't wait to start seeing some results! Down 5 pounds so far. Better than nothing! 

Reunion

This weekend is my husbands class reunion. It's kind of fancy! He spoke to two fellow classmates and they are wearing suits!! Which means I have to get something to wear in a hurry! Probably a dress. I do not look good in dresses since I've gained all this weight! 

I'm freaking out! My hair situation is not going well either! I want some dark back in my hair. It's too blonde....

My roots are too light, I need more dark to balance the dark eyebrows! 

I asked my hubs yesterday "why does it feel like I have more to do for this reunion than you do?" His response was....because you do! Ahh this is not even right lol. I have a hair situation to correct, and now a dress to find! Ahhh. I've found a few dresses I like but haven't tried any on yet. 

Now I don't even feel like this is dressy enough! Help!!! 

I looooove this jumpsuit but I know I can't pull that off. I may or may not make it to this reunion!!!! 

Weekend Recap

This weekend we did a whole lotta nothin! It was nice. My hubs was home Saturday and Sunday which never happens! I got a lot of cleaning done, he did some yard work. I finally got the outside of the house decorated for fall. 

We watched some Buckeye football on Saturday night, and went to the neighbors for some corn hole in the culdesac. Always fun to hang out and let the kids play. It's power wheel chaos and tons of fun! 

On Sunday, we watched our Cleveland   fail us again. It's just become a part of life now! It's what they do. But, we watch anyway....and we looked cute doing it! 

It was a good weekend! Ready for another week! 

Guest Post.....anyone?

I want to get some more traffic going on my blog!! I can't sponser at this time, so I'm thinking a guest post ?!? 

I am so thankful for the 4 of you who actually read some of my posts....Holly, Erin, Kimmy, and my hubs .....you guys are awesome for giving my lil ole blog some attention!! Also Rhonda and Meredith sometimes as well.

But I've been stuck at 36 followers for a looooong time! I don't even know how guest posts work! If you would be interested in doing a guest post to help a girl out, please let me know!!  

Maybe more traffic is what I need to get these posts more interesting!! 😉 

A Big Deal

I  think I had a break through today! I have been struggling for months with trying to workout. I workout one time, feel absolutely awful during and after, and then dread doing it again. So, I usually don't do it again! 

Let me clarify, when I say I feel awful...I must explain that my hips are very uneven, need to be at the chiro all the time!!! But I don't go often. Oh and there is the fact that I'm very much overweight. So you get the normal back pain, knee pain etc. I have been having trouble with what I thought were shin splints. Turns out, I think they are just sore muscles. 

Today, I thought darn it.....everyone else can workout, I can to. I've been having this urge to try  to run lately. It's weird. I decided today I would try. So I get on the treadmill, and start out walking very slow. Then I tried jogging. Usually I can barely make it a minute. Today, I was doing 3-4 min intervals. And pain free!!! I was ecstatic! I totally went at a snails pace, but I went! I wanted to just keep going! It's been so long since I have been pain free! 

So I kept going until Drew woke up from his nap! That says 50 min and 22 seconds!! I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. I feel like I see a light at the end of the tunnel! That maybe I can do this!! It felt goooooood!

And of course a little proof that I was attempting to workout to send to the hubs!! I really can't explain the feeling I had today. I have struggled so much with so many things since I've gained all the weight. Today, I felt on top of the world, to be able to move, and not hurt! 

I could have pushed myself harder. When I was done, I was sweating, but I didn't feel like I was going to fall over. I felt like I could go more! My face wasn't beat red, and my heart wasn't pounding out of my chest. Usually all these things are happening in addition to my not being able to walk because my hip, and shins hurt so bad. 

So, did I work as hard as I could have? No. But I just wanted to feel good!! I haven't been on the treadmill for 50 min in years!! I went soooo slow today, but it made all the difference! 

So, for the first time in years......I can honestly say I think there is hope to lose this weight!!!

Finish This Sentence Link Up

My happy place....My room after my kids go to bed. Watching my shows, painting my nails, and checking fb a million times. Tonight, you know I'll be watching the Honey Boo Boo commitment ceremony. Don't judge!

What ever happened to...That show "Just the 10 of us" I loved that show!

So what if I.....can't get my 18 month old son off the darn bottle!!

E! Needs a reality show about... The modern moms!! C'mon A&E has modern dads! 

My go to fast food meal is.....a number 1 at Wendy's. that's a single w no onions!! Yum!  And a big freaking coke!!!!

You might not know that I..... Am my own worst enemy!  

The hottest quarterback in the NFL is....Tom Brady. Also like Jake Plummer. Where did he even go??

If I could.....I would find a good legit job I can do from home!!!!! Who can help me with this?!? Anyone?? I have a bachelors, help!! 

My personality is awesome because...I have a big heart, and like to laugh a lot. 

Twerking is.....ummm I'm ashamed to say, I don't even know what this means lol

I think it's super gross when....pregnant women take bare belly pics. I know I know pregnancy is a beautiful thing. Take all the belly pics you want with clothes on! But for the love, I cannot look at pregnant women's belly buttons. Omgeee, I gag. I know I'm a minority..,.i didn't take one preggo pic, I just dont get into that lol

Someone needs to tell Miley Cyrus....honey you're name is Destiny Hope. And your hair is a mess just as much as your life!! You are definitely taking a toll on your dads achey breaky heart!

Day 1

Well, I survived day 1 of my new lifestyle change. It wasn't bad. I didn't get super hungry, and kept things healthy. I am happy with that. I didn't workout though. That is a fail, because that was a goal of mine. But, I plan to today! 

I made small changes yesterday, but they were good for me. Instead of left over tacos for lunch...I left out the tortilla, and made a taco salad. I used salsa for dressing, but I did crumble up a few tortilla chips and throw them in. But again, baby steps. Normally, I would have pounded two tacos, and chips! 

For dinner, I had half a turkey sandwich on wheat bread. I did have cheese on it, but no mayo or anything else. But here is the bad part......I had fries on the side. We went out to dinner. Could I have found a better side dish? Probably. Did I try hard enough? No. Fail #2. But, all in all it was a good day. I feel better than I normally do for sure!! I'm proud of myself. 

Some of you are probably thinking that I didn't do that well.....that's ok. From where I have been, it's a great start! I will ease into more drastic changes. 

I would chalk day 1 up as a success. On to better things in day 2! After dinner and before bed are the hardest time of the day for me. After my kids go to bed, I always think lets watch the DVR and eat! That's an excellent idea! Ummm it's not, don't do that! I lived through the temptation of day 1, come on day 2!

21 Day Challenge

Ahhh!! I don't know what I just committed to, but it scares me to death! A friend/neighbor of mine and her coworkers are doing a 21 day challenge. 

Just reading all that blows my mind! To make it even scarier, we are not just doing it for 21 days.....but for as long as it takes! Yikes! I use food as comfort. So to take my comfort away really scares me. But, I know it has to be done. I'm so miserable with the way I look right now. I had Cole take pictures of me from the front and back. OMGEEEE I wanted to cry. I avoid the camera at all costs normally. But, I had to face it! It was not pretty. So really, I have no choice but to do this challenge. 

I've also decided that I want to start running, or at least try. I've got to start making some big changes. This half way, but not really approach hasnt done anything for me. Time to step it up, and suck it up! I am terrified lol. But those pictures my son took yesterday....say it all. I won't share those just yet. But, I will share this scary pic!! I got my hair highlighted again and I don't think it was quite time yet, because I am like white blonde!! 

Look out! Hopefully that fades soon or we will need sunglasses around here! 

Helicopter Mom

I know I'm late to the party with this one but I didn't know the term "helicopter mom". I suppose I've heard it before but never really knew what it meant? Then I was watching Mama Laughlins video where she answered some questions...,and she mentioned it. I think I've come to the conclusion that I may be one of "those moms" ahhhh!!!!

I don't get all bent out of shape if the kids are dirty, clothes aren't perfect, or anything like that. They are boys. They are going to get dirty. Whatev. But, I do hover. Mostly around Drew. I'm sure I did it when Cole was younger too, I just don't remember, or maybe I just wasn't as bad. But, with Drew....I kind of annoy myself! He's still in the weeble wobble stage with walking. He's been walking for a few months, but he's still not what I consider "stable" lol. I am a ball of nerves when he's walking on concrete. Mainly because he doesn't walk, he runs! I'm scared of him falling. Yes, he falls approx 37500 times a day.....but the whole concrete thing scares me! He's also a climber. His new favorite thing is to climb up on the couches or the recliner and try to climb over the back! Our house is open concept. Only one couch is against the wall. If he climbs over, he's falling on hardwood floors! And let me tell you, he's close! Seriously, I need a drink before bed every night because my nerves are shot by then! There is no relaxation with this kid! 

My hubs is always telling me to stop, or to relax. But, I am just afraid with him! He doesn't stop, and certainly doesn't sit still! He makes me a nervous wreck! He will be 18 months old the middle of this month, and he's already close to getting out if his crib! Help!!! Is my worrying for his safety a hellicopter mom trait?? I think  in other areas, I'm pretty laid back. I don't stress about the boys being boys. But, if making sure they are safe is hovering.....then so be it! I realize that I can't protect them from everything. But, I also don't believe letting them get hurt is a good thing. I absolutely hate when my husbands response is "he'll learn" or "that'll teach em" seriously??? Ummm no. Do I wish my anxiety level could go down a few notches?? Sure!! But, as far as me not hovering at all.....not gonna happen! 

My baby is growing up!

Yesterday was a big day. Cole started Pre-K. I really can't believe it. Next year at this time he will be in Kindergarten! I don't think I'm ready for that. I can handle preschool.....probably because he only goes 3 days a week for 2 hours and 15 minutes! That's alright with me! I'm ready for him to come home by 11:15! But, in our town kindergarten is full day....so I worry that I should have sent him to a longer day Pre-K. The programs that I looked in to have regular class in the morning, lunch, then they have them lay on cots for 2 hours, snack, and go home. I just don't like the idea of having him lay on a cot for 2 hours! He doesn't nap anymore, and I think asking a 4.5 year old to lay on a cot for 2 hours is asking for trouble! Besides, I am at home! That is precious time I could be spending with my boy his last year before Kindergarten!

 

After I picked Cole up from school, he informed me he hates school and doesn't want to go back. When I asked him why, he said "the kids are too loud" lol. He's had a quiet summer apparently. But, 15 minutes later he decided he liked it. Thank goodness. I really don't know how I will handle him being in Kindergarten next year. All day, everyday. That will be the longest I have EVER been away from him. I guess I'll worry about that when the time comes! Until then, I'm going to cherish every second that I have my little man home with me! He can sometimes stress me out but, he's my whole heart! I don't like him growing up so fast! 

I love that he's such a little man now. He's so smart, the things he comes up with blow my mind. In some ways he's so grown up, and in other ways he's still my baby. I love that. I'm so thankful that I can be at home with him. I'll never get these years back, so I plan to take in every second. 

Things are difficult when you go from a two income household to one income. I'm hoping and praying that we can continue to make it work, so that I can keep staying home with my boys. It's a constant worry I have. That I will have to leave them. I am trying to do the best I can to cut out unnecessary spending, and make sure money goes where it's supposed to go. It's an adjustment for sure. I feel myself always thinking that if I had an income things wouldn't be this tight....I could help with this, or I could help with that. But, I'm trying to constantly remind myself....that day will come. Right now, my boys need me to be their Mom. If we can swing it financially, until they are in school....then that's what I'm going to do. I wouldn't trade these crazy, stressful days with them for all the money in the world.

Fall Decor

This week most of the schools in the area, began their new school year. When school starts that always means fall to me. Fall is my favorite season. I love to decorate for fall, inside and out. I'm trying my best to hold off until after Labor Day. We'll see!! All these things I'm finding on Pinterest, are making it very hard to wait! Annnnd nothing makes me clean more than redecorating!! Here are some of of the things I'm loving for fall decor.

I hope I can make my house look half as good as these people did. We will find out. It's taking everything I have not to go to the pumpkin patch already. I keep reminding myself that it's still August lol. It's been a rainy two days in Ohio. Perfect time to start decorating inside right? Have you started decorating yet? 

Drugstore Makeup

I'm pretty crazy about watching youtube videos about makeup, and following some ladies on keek who post fotd (face of the day) pics. Yes, it took me a minute to figure out what fotd meant, so I thought I would clarify in case you were as clueless as I was!

I love seeing what they do with makeup, because I get bored with the same look all the time. And, let's face it....I'm a stay at home mom...I need makeup in my life or I'll get frumpy in a hurry! But, in these videos most of the products are expensive. The only non-drug store products I use are the naked pallet, and naked 2 pallet, and I JUST got those in July for my birthday. I'm late to the party, I know. I know.

I thought I'd list some of the drug store products I have, and like.....in case like me, you are on a budget!

Some of these products, I really like....some I'm looking for something a little better. Let me know what you use!

Foundation: Loreal Lumi Foundation. This is NOT a full coverage foundation. It's very sheer. I am on the hunt for something with a little more coverage for fall and winter. Suggestions?

Blush: Wet n Wild Pearlescent Pink.....LOVE! :)

Eyeliner: Revlon Hipster ......I bought this after a haul I watched on the best drugstore eyeliner done by makeupgeektv on youtube. I'm not sure I have the exact one she has. It's ok....I don't really have much to compare it to. Someday I will splurge and get an eyeliner from Mac. I have also used mabeline gel liner. I like it......but mine gets clumpy....and I don't think I have the right brush or something.


 
Mascara: Loreal Beauty Tubes. I like this stuff.....but I hate that I can't get it off without being in the shower. It comes off in little balls. You literally think your eyelashes are falling out! But it's good for now.

Lipstick: I have used wet n wild because it's cheap. It DOES not stay on. Prob why it's cheap. I have also tried the loreal 24 hour stuff. The shade I have now, DOES NOT last either.....I have also tried Cover Girl color stay. Again, DOES NOT stay on. Maybe it's me?? taking suggestions for lip color!

What are your favorite drug store products? 

Debbie Downer

Lately, I feel like I'm having a hard time not throwing my struggles on anyone who will listen! I don't like being that person. We all have struggles in life, but we all also have many blessings. I'm choosing to try to focus very hard on my blessings. I have a lot of them! But, on the other hand I feel that things get better when you talk about them. Whether it be in a blog, or to a friend...whatever. It feels like when one thing in your life is out of whack, it all goes out of whack. I can't say that it's just one thing right now that I'm struggling with. It's a few things. All things that will pass, yet right now....they are on my mind constantly. Anyone ever feel like this? I don't like to be Debbie Downer.....but sometimes a girl just feels that way! I have a hard time writing about negative feelings. I feel like it makes me weak or something lol. My moms advice to me was "suck it up" thanks mom!
Being a SAHM is a tough job in its own, but it's even harder being a firefighter wife and a SAHM at the same time. My hubs is gone for days at a time. Let me tell ya, being alone with two small kids for 2 and 3 days at a time puts you in one heck of a downer mood! I start feeling very alone.
I try to keep us busy in the evenings with the park or walking/playing in our neighborhood. But, sometimes that's just not enough! This too shall pass, I'll work through my issues.....but for now....I'm still learning ways to deal!

Ok.....on to a happier note.....I had some questions about my makeup again. Love these questions!! :)
9 times out of 10 I use the naked pallet 1 or 2. I don't really have a specific go to look. Sometimes I try to match it to my outfit....sometimes I just do whatever. I know, helpful right??

In this picture, it's just an everyday look. Not heading out anywhere special. It's half baked from both the naked pallet 1 and 2 on the lid.....buck in the crease, and sin on the brow bone. I also use naked all over the lid, crease, and brow bone before I apply anything else. I feel like this is a good neutral look. And it's easy!! I've been debating about starting a YouTube channel....and showing some of these looks. We'll see!! Thank you for the questions, keep em coming!!

I'll leave you with a picture of my big boy at the fair last night!! Pure joy on his face. Love it!!!

Relax

A combination of things made me think about this post. First, hollys posts about anxiety, and letting things go. Second, our experience while trying to have lunch at a restaurant today, and third sitting here watching "table for twelve" while my boys nap.
Our lunch experience was less than perfect today. Cole had been testing our patience all morning, even while at his preschool open house. So when we got to lunch, I thought maybe he would chill. Wrong. And Drew. Ohhh Drew. He wanted down the entire time. We had to wait 20 min for a table which didn't help. He's 17 months old, being held right now is not what he wants! When he finally got a table....I gave him a snack. Usually this helps. Today, didn't help. He was crying, squirming, wanting down. The whole 9 yards. The crying is not like him though. Cole had a cold and fever earlier in the week, and now I'm thinking drew is probably getting it. Anyway, moral of this was.....stress. Well, I don't handle stress well. I get angry, and my nerves get the best of me. Even worse, the hubs does not handle kid stress well. He gets frustrated and angry and next thing you know.....we are turning on each other.
This afternoon while watching "table for 12" while my boys napped I saw them take 12 kids (2 sets of twins, and a set of sextuplets) to Hershey park. The parents never once argued. They laughed together, helped each other, handled all the kids with no stress. They had fun! That is amazing to me. The joy they had with each other made me a little sad. Why can't our outings be like that when we only have 2 kids!!! Seriously the parents on this show would have laughed at is. Like really, you think you have stress?? My goal tonight when we head to the fair....to enjoy. Not stress. Not hate my husband, and have fun. This is hard for me. My anxiety, worry, stress all have a mind of their own. But, there comes a time when you have to take control. Watching this show today really made me see that I've got to relax. Wish me luck!!

Who Are You? Part 5

Describe your relationship with your parents

Well, for starters....I'm an only child. My parents live literally 3 minutes from me. My Mom comes over everyday. No, I'm not kidding. EVERYDAY. I'm very close with my parents, and sometimes that's a problem. There are some boundary issues, lol

Where do I see myself in 5 years, 10 years, 15 years?

hmmm. I've never really thought about this! in 5 years my kids will 9 and 6. Holy moly. Both will be in school. I hope to be active in their school system. (my hubs is running for school board right now) I hope to be part of the PTA, room mom.....or whatever. Just want to be involved. We will probably also build our second home around this time.

in 10 years......my kids will be 14 and 11. I will probably either own a daycare center.....or I will be working somewhere. With both kids in school it may be time to get a job again! (we'll see, lol) Also around this time, my hubs will be eligible for retirement. Crazy, I know. But, he's been a FF/Paramedic since he was 18....and he's almost 39 now.

in 15 years....my kids will be 19 and 16. Ahhhh craziness!!! I can't even think about that! it seems nuts to me.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas is my favorite holiday. Not only for the true reason for the season, but for the all around feeling at this time. The giving, the family/friend togetherness, all the parties. I love the whole feeling of the season. I love the look on my kids faces, I love all of our little family traditions, and can't forget all the decorating!

What is your least favorite thing about parenthood?

I would have to say the worry that comes along with parenting. I'm a worrier to begin with, but that was nothing compared to the worry I have as a parent. I'm constantly worried they will get sick, always worrying if they are safe, worried if I'm doing the right thing, worried if I'm a good mom....and the list goes on. I've seriously developed some anxiety issues after becoming a parent. I feel like my mind never shuts off!

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be, and why?

Princess Diana. I would love to ask her what the attraction was to Prince Charles, lol. I think she would be so interesting to talk to. She'd been so many places, and seen so many people. I'd love to hear her stories. I think she was an icon, and obviously taken way too soon.

Who are you? Part 4

Who are you? Part 4

What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
1. My boys; by far my greatest accomplishment! Love them more than words can say!
2. My husband; he was totally different than anyone from my past. Thank goodness.
3. Graduating from college
4. Owning a home by the age of 24
5. No credit card debt!! May sound crazy, but we don't even have a credit card! Used to have two, paid them off 2 yrs ago, and have never opened any more!

What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

Being content in my own skin. I have lost a lot of confidence with gaining this weight. I wish I still had the self pride I used to have!

What do you think your spouse loves most about you?

That I can take a joke. We laugh and joke with each other all the time. It would be pretty boring around here if we weren't having any fun.

How did you feel the moment you became a parent?

Scared ! Lol. I never knew that kind of love existed. I have never been so worried, or so in love with anything in my life.

Describe 3 significant childhood memories

1. Family vacations with our best friends. Most of the time to myrtle beach
2. My grandparents apple orchard. I remember "helping" with the apples with my cousins every evening.
3. Being excited every Friday night to go to the football games. We always went even when I was in elementary school. I couldn't wait for Friday night! Felt like such a big kid!