April comes, and April goes

Another month has flown by...seriously unbelievable! April has been a busy month, but a VERY good one!

The week following Easter brought us Casey's birthday WEEK. He was off work Thursday and Friday to burn some forced time off. We went receiver shopping at Stereo Shoppe on Thursday and he got his BIG (aka expensive) birthday present. I have to admit, even I can tell a difference... the other one was definitely dying, and this one works VERY well! I feel like I'm at a theater when we watch movies together on Saturday evenings! His birthday weekend also brought the Masters golf tournament, and Tiger's return to golf. We didn't watch as much golf as we normally do for the Masters, but we watched enough to enjoy seeing Tiger back in the swing of it...hoping that the media will leave his personal life alone for awhile now since he did well. And I was misty eyed at the end, when Phil Mickelson won, and gave his wife Amy a huge hug and kiss (she's fighting breast cancer). Phil is such a GREAT guy! He's replaced Tiger as the golf role model for my kids!! We managed a date night on Friday with Pete and Misty to celebrate Casey's birthday. We tried Bonefish Grill...and it was surprisingly not my idea!! Casey had tuna and I had Chilean sea bass...both were fabulous and I was surprised at how low cal the fish was!!!! We finished off dinner with a heavenly chocolate mousse dessert at a little french bakery downtown. And then we learned how to play a new game...Settlers of Catan. It was a LOT of fun, and I cannot wait to play it again! Saturday we took the kiddos to see the new movie How to Train Your Dragon. It was a hoot! It was Zach's first time at the movie theater and he did wonderful, of course, a little lemonade and popcorn didn't hurt! : )

The following week brought some wonderfully beautiful weather, so we did another park tour week! : ) We visited Tully park, Settler's park, and I rode my bike pulling the boys in the trailer over to Jullion park. We played at the school behind the house, which the boys call the park. I started running outside, training for the 5k on the 8th of May. And on the 19th I took my bike down to the greenbelt and did a fabulous 10.5 mile ride, from Ann Morrison Park down to Harris Ranch. As I rode past the Warm Springs golf course I got a craving for some golf time! I don't think I have the time to devote to lessons this year...but I'd like to get back into it, maybe even do 9 holes with Casey sometime here in the near future!

This past weekend we loaded up the bike trailer and the bikes, packed a picnic lunch and set off for the greenbelt again. We rode from Ann Morrison park down to Municipal park. We visited the MK Nature Center, had lunch in the park, and let the kiddos play for awhile, then headed back to Ann Morrison. And no trip to that park is complete without feeding the ducks/geese. There were a ton of babies there, so we had to be careful, but the boys had a ball feeding them. Too bad the wind was blowing and making it sooooo cold or we could've stayed and played longer!

The weight loss game is starting to get the best of me! I'm stuck in a rut trying to get rid of these last 6 pounds!!! Even with my bodybugg and my running it's making me fight for every ounce of loss! I broke down and did my measurements because I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere, however, I've lost another 2.75 inches, so I'm doing something right! And whether it be capris, shorts or jeans, I feel like I'm wearing a cinch sack everytime I put pants on! That's a good thing, except it means that it's time to go shopping for pants/shorts again...and I dread trying to find stuff that fits over the junk in the trunk, but isn't too big for the tiny waist! It always makes me think of the Baby Got Back song by Sir Mix a Lot...36, 24, 36, only if she's 5'3"...and Fonda ain't got a motor in the back of her honda. While my measurements are oh so close to these, I definitely have a motor in the back of my honda, and it's nothing but trouble!!! I'm hoping to run it off...eventually! : ) I have been wanting a pink armband for my bodybugg, but they've been sold out for weeks now. I finally got disgusted and sent an email to them inquiring about if and when they would have more in stock. I got a phone call from them on Tuesday, after a crappy day at work, and they said it was back in stock...best darn news of the day!!!!! Can't wait to wear a pink one, instead of boring black!

This past weekend, one of Casey's good friends came into town to pick up a truck that he bought. We went out to dinner with Joe, Pete n Misty, and Drew. We tried another new to us place, Bar Gernika in the basque block downtown. Some very yummy food, even better company! We finished that off with dessert and drinks at Bardenay, LOVE me some lava cake from Bardenay! And of course it wouldn't be a visit from Joe if it wasn't followed by a 'friendly' game of rummy...which we affectionately refer to as F*** your neighbor! Too bad his stay wasn't longer, it was great to visit with him, even if it was so brief!

This Saturday is the best scrapbook event of the year...FIESTA! I'll be at Michelle's house from 10am to 10pm, scrappin' my little heart out! She has a fiesta project, and we'll be doing the Rock Star pages for our May scrapbook group, and I need to figure out what else I'd like to work on. Can't wait to spend the day with the girls! I will need to take a break in there somewhere and go for a run...should be fun anyways though! : )

Don't know how many posts I'll get done in May. Cinco de Mayo is a dinner date night with the Neisen clan. The 8th is Race for the Cure, my VERY first 5k. May 12th is my ablation procedure. May 15th is a friend's graduation celebration, and another friend's birthday celebration. And of course there is Memorial Day...which means a trip to Council to decorate my mom's grave, and the other family members that are also buried there near her. I'll do my best to document some of it though!

I'd better get back to the movie. I'm watching Snow White with the boys. Lucas ensures me that it is 'THE BEST movie in town'!!! He cracks me up! I find it amusing how addicted to this movie my boys are, given that they are boys, and it's a princess tale! Oh well, whatever floats their boats, and prevents fighting, yelling and screaming! : ) Until next time...

It was a Happy Easter indeed!

I have always loved holidays, getting to spend time with family that you don't get to see often enough, and all of the spirit that comes with the holidays...but now that I have children, they are even better! This was the first Easter that Zach really had a clue about what was going on! They got to do an Easter egg hunt with their daycare friends, and we went to a community one as well. They had soooooo much fun! Easter morning and afternoon was spent preparing a feast for the family, and tidying up the house, and hiding Easter eggs...AGAIN, and AGAIN, and AGAIN! Even once the eggs had been emptied of their treasures the kids couldn't get enough of the darn things. And Zach's laugh when he'd excitedly find one, and then have to show Lucas, as if to get his permission to collect it...priceless! The Easter bunny spoiled them as per usual...the game Chutes and Ladders, a playdoh spaghetti factory, bubble guns, Toy Story 2 and the original Madagascar DVD's...and of course, a metric TON of candy!

Dinner with the family was very fun as well! The boys had to show off their mad Mario n Sonic Winter Olympic Games skills to Grandma. They got some time in with Sanjuana, Doug n Trin. They missed Uncle Mike, who was home with some sort of illness...I was sad that he didn't make it, but thankful that he didn't come and infect the boys (they've been healthy for over 2 weeks now...knocking on wood). Some good conversations were had, including the one where I learned my new thing for the day...beer pancakes! I seriously do not know who comes up with these things, but it NEVER would have occured to me to mix beer with my pancake batter...and what in the heck do you put on these pancakes? Neither syrup nor jam sounds appealing in the least bit...but I am nonetheless interested in trying out these creatures, as is the hubby! ; )

I had my 2nd day since January 7th (the first day that I wore my bodybugg) where I was a complete pig, and didn't even come close to my 500 calorie deficit for the day. I was praying that even after running for 30 minutes, that I'd at least break even. I ended up with a horrible stomach ache, and a little over a 100 calorie deficit for the day. The problem...one hard boiled egg here, one there, another one here, another one there...they are only 80 calories after all! Coupled with one peanut butter kiss cookie here, another one there, repeat...same thing, only about 80 calories per cookie. That adds up by the end of the day, and I about had a heart attack when I entered all of those cookies and eggs into the bodybugg program at the end of the day!!!! Lesson of the day...enter each one as it's eaten, then I can see exactly what I'm doing to myself and prevent it from happening again! : ) Someone seriously needs to invent a bodybugg that administers small electric shocks to deter you from eating so much!!!! Granted, I would've likely been electrocuted, but I wouldn't have eaten so many eggs and cookies! : ) I've hit a plateau again...not all that surprising since I've had a couple of really good weeks previously!

I've graduated to monthly allergy shots!!!!!! It's such a relief, not having to give up about an hour of my 'me time' EVERY Monday morning just to get a shot! I'm not sure how long I have to do this for, but it sure is paying off! I was miserable by this time last year!!!!! Now I'm only taking my Zyrtec daily, and doing fabulous! I'm wanting to try to give up the daily Zyrtec to see how I do, but I'm a big ol' chicken!! We'll see!

Casey's birthday is this coming Friday, and he was told to use up some more of his time off. So he has a short work week this week...taking off Thursday and Friday. I love that he'll be home with us 4 days this week...even if it means he'll be parked in the chair watching the Masters all weekend long! : )

I must get on the treadmill and get on with my day! Hoping that the weather finally starts to act like spring so I can start running outside in preparation for the Race for the Cure 5k on May 8th...it's approaching so quickly! Until next time...

Time warp

I seriously cannot believe that spring is here, and it's already the last full week of March! I've decided that children are time accelerators, because time was moving along quickly before I had 2 of them, but it is exponentially quicker these days! So much to talk about since the last post, and so little time...

I'm down 15 pounds and 11 inches since starting with my Bodybugg back in January! I've completed the Couch to 5k running program, and am now able to run for 30 minutes at a time, without walking in between (provided that I'm on the treadmill!!). I gave running outdoors a try for the 1st time the other day, and with the wind, and wind resistance and all, I didn't even come close to running for 25 minutes without walking. However, I have signed up for my first 5k!!!! It will be the Race for the Cure on May 8. So now I'm working on being able to run 3.1 miles without walking...and hopefully before May 8th, I'll even be a little faster about it! : ) I have also made my 1st real running shoe purchase! I am now the proud owner of a pair of Saucony Hurricanes!! They weren't the cutest, pink pair of shoes I could find...but for once in my life I did the fitting and bought the smartest pair for my feet and form! They feel like I'm running in slippers, they are sooooo comfy and light on my feet!

I had a saline ultrasound done on March 10th. It was slightly uncomfortable, but I was given the green light to schedule my ablation procedure. I was given the choice of the old school rollerball technique, Novasure, or Novasure with a D&C. After much thought and debate amongst the techniques...I chose the Novasure with a D&C. So, the big day shall be May 12th. Since I'm having the D&C before the Novasure I'll be at the St Luke's surgery center, instead of just doing the in office procedure. I'm somewhat scared...but I've been assured that it's not as painful as childbirth...which is the WORST pain I've ever experienced, so I know I can survive it!!!!

Zach has been diagnosed with asthma...UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This child is seriously going to be the death of me! We are currently in the twice daily nebulizer stage of this, and have just added Singulair (both to help the asthma and the allergies). He is still doing well with his breathing treatments, but it's a time consuming pain in the butt!!! It could definitely be worse though, and I have to keep reminding myself of that!

Zach is almost done with the potty training...hasn't had a real accident in days! Have even had a few nights where he has stayed dry! We used the last diaper the other day, and are going to use up the rest of the pull ups, however, I'm hoping that I don't have to buy any more! : ) It's funny though, because instead of telling us that he has to go potty or poop, he tells us 'I'm poopy' when he has to go! Cookies (specifically Thin Mints, Girl Scout Cookies) and Super Mario Brothers Wii are still his rewards and the only incentives that seem to work!

I had my first (and trust me on this, it will be the ONLY) mortifying hair cutting experience with Lucas! I've known for over a week now that my boys needed to get their hair cut, but for one reason or another, haven't made the mile trek over to Great Clips. I decided that since Casey had a razor with a blade that supposedly adjusted out to a 5, that I'd cut Lucas' hair by myself. I've seen them take the 5 blade to his whole head...and it looks soooooo freaking easy, surely I can do it too! Uh, maybe if the 5 setting on this razor was actually 5/8 inch like at the salon, I could've pulled it off! Thank goodness I started at the bottom, and back of his head...and thank goodness I could tell right away that it was MUCH shorter than when they cut his hair with a 5 blade. Had to take him in for repair work. They laughed, they see it all the time. I probably made the status of the day or week on that stylist's Facebook page! : ) She did a good job, and now you have to know that it's there, or you can't tell the difference! NEVER AGAIN!!!!!

With all of this spring weather comes lots of work to do outside, and spring cleaning! I got the main level of the house spring cleaned this weekend. Now I only have 3 more levels to go...remind me again...why in the heck did I think I needed 3000 sq ft of house????? Lots of cleaning and lots of yard work to be done! Best get to work first though! Until next time...

Diaperless days coming to a home near you!

Zach has done it! He has become a big boy...it's been 2 weeks as of tomorrow, that he's been using the potty! While we were near completion with potty training with Lucas by this point, we're still taking baby steps with Zach...slowly but surely, he's getting there! It was pretty cute the first time though...it was 100% his idea! He told me that he wanted to go potty, and then that he wanted to make bubbles like Lucas...and voila...he did! For weeks now I've been asking him what he wants when he starts going potty in the toilet, and the answer is ALWAYS the same...Lollipop store! So he told the bubbles to come out, and as soon as they did, he asked me, 'mommy, you drive lollipop store now?' I said heck yeah, get your shoes, dinner can wait! : ) The next day we went to Target and bought the poop in the potty reward, the new Ice Age DVD. That Sunday, he pooped in the potty and got to watch his movie as a reward! It's funny how each child is sooooo different both in this process, and in what motivates them to do it! With Lucas, he was dry thru the day and night with virtually no accidents, right away. But he was reluctant to poop in the potty. Zach still has accidents, but wasn't really reluctant to poop in the potty...and thinks it's soooo cool to flush (the noise doesn't bother him in the least, whereas it totally bothered Lucas). Lucas was motivated by stickers and Thomas trains (expensive rewards) and Zach is motivated by food, movies and Super Mario Brothers!! At any rate, I'll take it and run with it! I can't wait for the day when I'm done with diapers for good! : )

I'm still kicking butt with my weight loss program. It's been 7 weeks tomorrow, and I'm down 11 pounds and 7 inches! : ) I'm fitting into clothes that I haven't even looked at since before we got married!!!!! Week 5 of the Couch to 5k is quite the challenge though! On Monday I seriously thought that the opening should have said, Welcome to Couch to 5k, week 5...today we'll take you on a run thru hell. No, you won't die...you'll just wish that you had. Today wasn't any better, it increased my 5 minute intervals up to 8 minute intervals. Might not seem like much to those who run...but it was HUGE for my pansy, non-runner's butt! : ) Thanks to the Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga, I was able to push thru the mental block, and continue to run! Can hardly wait to see what next week will bring (and that my friends, is HEAVILY laced with sarcasm).

I've managed to survive the weekly allergy shots...what a time consuming pain that has been. However, I'm proud to report that I've graduated from weekly, to every other week...for another grueling 6 months! I've only had one REALLY bad reaction...but those lumps sure do hurt lately! I'm just hopeful that with spring right around the corner I'll have a good ride thru allergy season.

Speaking of spring...my crocuses are already blooming! : ) However, it was trying to snow here this morning...didn't stick, thankfully! And I'm in the midst of spring cleaning the house. I see little fixer upper projects everywhere when I do this though, and it always sidetracks me! I'm trying to stay on track...and trying to remind myself why I thought I needed 3000 sq ft of house.

Anyways, time to get the munchkin up from his nap...until next time!

Life is good...MOSTLY!

It's becoming quite obvious at this point, that there is no way I'm going to be able to get in the habit of doing one blog post each week. So I'm just going to have to hit the highlights since the last time I posted.

I'm still losing weight with the Bodybugg and the Couch to 5k training program. Some days I curse every minute of the running, other days I start off asking why I'm torturing myself, and end up feeling great by the end of the session! And there have even been a few rest days where I find myself wishing that I had time to run! : ) All in all, I'm proud of myself for sticking with both programs, and I can't wait to see the end result! I did have to go buy new bras however...yes, the last place that I can afford to lose the weight appears to once again be the first place that it's vacating from. So, I've decided, that since I never got to spend that first paycheck as a pharmacist on a boob job, I'm going to get a boob job as my reward at the end of the weight loss rainbow!!!!! I didn't even have to do much talking to convince the hubby...there's a big shock I know! : ) At first I wanted a new wardrobe, that wouldn't be coming from my allowance, but I think the boob job is a much better incentive/reward!

I have a very funny story to share about Lucas. He was questioning me the other day about where to go for college. He of course wants to be a BSU bronco, of which I informed him he'd have to talk to his dad about that, and if he wants us to help pay for college he shouldn't be picking BSU! : ) Anyways, he then asked what you go to college for, and where you could work after you're done with college. We were headed to Subway for lunch, so he asked if he could work at Subway. I, of course, told him yes, he COULD work at Subway...while secretly thinking that I have much higher aspirations for him than being a sandwich artist!! He got all excited, and quickly asked about Taco Bell. When I told him that he COULD work for Taco Bell, but he could work just about anywhere if he went to college, he quickly asked Zach if he wanted to work at Taco Bell, and then asked me if they could BOTH work together at Taco Bell. I said yes, but that I hoped he would want to do something that used his college degree. How do you tell a 4 year old, that it takes all kinds of people to run this world, BUT, I'd REALLY like to see him do something bigger and better than that...without crushing his hopes that Taco Bell would be the best place EVER to work at?!? Made me laugh, if nothing else!!!

Decided to check out the new Hobby Lobby in Meridian. Not at all impressed with the scrapbooking section...but their home decor section could get me into some serious trouble with the hubby! : ) It was nice to have some time in the morning, just to myself, to go 'window shopping', and impressed the hubby when I walked out of there for under $10!

Had a great date night with the hubby Friday night. Our friends had a surprise birthday party at The Lift. It was soooo good to get away from the kids, and reminisce about the good ol' days! We even ended up at Club Savvy (in the heart of Garden City, mind you) for a little karoake! I do admit that I regret talking the hubby into this dive bar...but the white trash grinding away on the dance floor, and the mostly terrible karoake did make it entertaining! ; )

Superbowl Sunday brought another annual tradition...food, friends, beer, and football at our house! We didn't really care who won, although Casey really likes Peyton Manning and the Colts, so we rooted for them. The Saints pulled off an amazing win, and it was cool since they had never been to the superbowl...let alone won one! The only drawback is that Lucas started spiking a fever about halftime of the game. He and Casey have this one pretty bad! So far I've managed to escape a visit from this virus (knocking on the wood desk with one hand, as I type this with the other). Hopefully Casey will be better by Friday night, for our Valentine's date night!

We've canceled our home phone line!!!! And as Discover card called to talk to Case this morning, I've decided it is sooooo for the better! ; ) How I won't be missing those annoying phone calls, even though we supposedly paid money to have telemarketing calls blocked. We have a Magic Jack, but we've decided not to really give out that number, and just use our cell phones. We'll see how that goes! It's a pain in the butt trying to remember who all you need to change your phone number with!

Anyways, have another million things to accomplish besides this blog post. Until next time...

Another pound bites the dust!

As I have previously mentioned...I'm really serious about losing those last several pounds of 'baby weight' this year. And I'm happy to report that I'm still sticking to my guns, and I've lost 6.8 pounds in 3 weeks!!! Most of the credit goes to my bodybugg...the whole calories in, calories out concept has turned me into an obsessed calorie nazi! : ) But I've also started eating healthier, and even started drinking more water! (The only other time that I've been able to tolerate drinking boring ol' water was with each pregnancy!) I detest how boring water is, and don't want to add even more artifical sweeteners to rev it up, so I'm starting slow, and working my way up. Still haven't managed to bring down the amount of Cherry Coke Zero...but there is always hope!

I decided that it would make life easier if I also started getting some exercise on a regular basis (both to lose the weight, and then to maintain it once I reach my goal). I checked out the selection of work out videos on Netflix...determined to find one that I like before I actually spend the money to buy it. I chose Jillian Michael's 30 day shred, because I LOVE Jillian and her no excuses attitude about weight loss. I tried it last Friday for the first time...it was a 20 minute trip through hell, and I was quite sure that I was going to die before the 20 minutes was up! I was sweating so badly that I had to take a shower afterwards, and my arms hurt so bad that I had a hard time washing my hair! That's how out of shape I am!!!!! I could barely walk all weekend long, and my dear husband laughed at me everytime he witnessed my old lady butt walking up or down the stairs...my quads were seriously the sorest they have ever been (it even hurt to let my kids sit on my lap with their bony little butts)! However, I perservered, and even started another work out program (that I'm much more likely to stick with).

I decided that since I have a limited amount of time to work out, I needed to get the most bang for my buck...thus the idea of running came into my mind. However, NEVER have been a runner, and the thought of it scares me...REALLY scares me. I have a friend in Portland that I've reconnected with on Facebook, and she did this Couch to 5k training program, with much success and really liked it. So I figured I'd give it a try...downloaded the program to my iphone... and I've almost finished the first week, and it was way worse in my head than what it is in reality!!!! I really think I can do this running thing! And to keep me even more on track with it, I'm going to go get fitted for some running shoes (because we all know how cheap my hubby is, and how mad he'll be at me if I buy expensive shoes and then quit doing the program), what better motivator is there than a new pair of shoes! : )

Enough about me...the boys are also obsessed with something new...Super Mario Brothers Wii. I was informed this morning that they are now known as the Bowser brothers...how cute is that?!? Lucas is Dry Bowser, and Zach is Bowser Jr...pretty fitting I'd say! Last night Casey managed to save the princess and finish world 8! The boys were beyond excited with his accomplishment, and can hardly wait to see what is in the secret world 9 that he has unlocked!

I was reading my Family Fun magazine again yesterday. And this month they've provided me with yet another great idea! Whenever the boys say something cute and I tell someone, they always ask if I'm writing this down...and while it sounds like a good idea, I've never really known how to go about it. The family in this article has index cards with the date on them, one for each day of the year. Then at dinner time they all contribute something to the card about their day...and since sharing stories about our day is what the family dinnertime is all about...I'm going to try this out, starting tonight! You can put the cards in a card box, and save them for years to come. What an interesting way to keep track of the little things that made you smile or laugh from day to day!

We finally have a nice, sunny day! So after the dreaded nap time we're off to the park! It's a good thing for both of us...the boys LOVE playing outside, and mom can always use the exercise! Until next time....

Must make blog a weekly priority, AGAIN!

The boys in their new tent

H bowl game day

GO VANDALS!!

I don't even know where to start since my last blog attempt. It has been a whirlwind holiday season, and here I sit almost 2 weeks into the new year. I guess I'll sort of pick up where I left off!

I decided that this year I too was going to have a birthday WEEK. I pampered myself and when the going got tough reminded myself and everyone else, that it was my WEEK and I'd do it as I pleased. We had a fabulous date night on Thursday, Dec 17th. We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner and followed up a dinner of 1 million calories with a friendly game of black light miniature golf. Since it was my birthday WEEK, I was declared the winner, even though the score was actually Casey -10 and me +2. Friday night, Casey's parents spoiled me with a cherry cheesecake, and the scrapbooking cubes for my scrap room. It was great fun to have them over. On my actual birthday, we went to Pojo's in the morning for a little family fun. Won some silly prizes with all of our tickets, but that's a huge part of the fun! And we topped the day off with a wonderful dinner of mexican food, at one of my fave restaurants, Casa Mexico! Ryan joined us for dinner, and brought over the movie The Proposal for us adults to watch after the kiddies went to bed. We also watched Up with the boys before their bedtime. It was a fabulous night, and I got a lot of cool CTMH scrapbooking stuff to make my day even better! : ) Sunday night my dad and stepmom came over bearing gifts and more CAKE! My fave gift, which was also a gift for the hubby was a Vandal snowman! He hates that I decorate the house with at least a million snowmen every year for Christmas...but this is one snowman he actually tolerates! I had a blast with my birthday WEEK, and will try for another fabulous repeat next year...minus all the calories in the food!

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas holiday again this year. We all got spoiled beyond all imaginable belief! Casey and I got a new computer for Christmas, which was planned. We also got a new garage door opener, and snow tires for his BMW...which weren't planned so much! We followed our tradition of cheese soup at my parents house in Kuna on Christmas Eve. The boys had a ball with their good buddy Osso, the sad thing is that he is getting older, and may not be around for many more celebrations, so they have to really enjoy him while they can! Christmas morning is spent at our home in our pj's. Santa spoiled the boys with a kitchen set, a new adjustable bball hoop, and a tent. It was especially fun this year, because they both know about and understand the whole Santa concept...and they were just ecstatic! Uncle Mike and his girlfriend, Sanjuana, came over a few hours later, bearing more gifts of course! Uncle Mike is like a grandparent or Santa times 1000! The kids ALWAYS love what he picks out for them, and he didn't disappoint this year. A HUGE race track, and a big ol' T Rex that walks and talks. After our celebration with Uncle Mike, we packed up the presents and headed over to Casey's parents house. Doug and Trin, Mike and Sanjuana were all there as well. We did the gift exchange with them, and sat around and talked and ate. We assembled the kids toys (a new garage that is WAY cool, and a new bball hoop to replace the stool/bucket assembly). We ate way to much, but had a great time with everyone!!!!

Our friend Joe came to visit from Seattle. He stayed with some other friend's of ours, so it was a pretty easy time for us. He made it just in time for the big Humanitarian bowl. The guys are all Vandals, and Joe bought all of the kids new Vandal's shirts for the game. A great time was had by all, and the Vandal's pulled off an amazing last 30 seconds of the game win! Truly AWESOME!!!

New year's eve was supposed to be a 'slumber' party at our house for the Neisen kids and ours. We had never tried it, so we didn't know what we were getting ourselves into...but we failed! Oh well. We did get to play one round of rummy, and even though I lost AGAIN, it's always fun playing that game when Joe is in town! We didn't stay up until midnight AGAIN this year... maybe next year the boys will want to try it!

The new year got off to an awesome start! I had the girls over for some serious scrapbooking at 9am on the 1st! We scrapped the day away. And our consultant for CTMH came over and did a private showing (along with free goodies) of the new catalog...it was HEAVEN! The girls left, the babysitter arrived, and we were off to dinner with Joe, Pete and Misty. We decided to give Jalapeno's bar n grill a go...some pretty good Mexican food there, but still not as good as Casa! We topped off dinner with dessert at the Cheesecake factory, and a 'friendly' round of the Farming game. I lost so miserably that I was a poor sport and didn't even count my money at the end! Once again, a very fun game to play when Joe visits!

I keep saying that "I'm serious this time, I really want to lose the last of that baby weight", and of course, I never do it! So I decided to get serious about it. After seeing my friend Sarah lose a ton of weight, I decided to give the Bodybugg a try. It arrived on the 7th, and let me tell you... I LOVE IT!!!! It is a dream come true for an OCD person such as myself! I have lost 5 pounds in less than a week...and am only 18 pounds away from my goal! I have always known that I like to eat...I never really had any idea what a pig I was though. It tells me how many calories I burn, and gives me a calorie budget for my day. Between the amount of money I spent on it, and my husband's reverse psychology (saying that I won't stick with it)...I'm on track, and VERY motivated to stay there!

The last of my exciting news, is from today....THE IPHONES ARE IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have decided to enter the new decade in style, so we purchased iphones. Soon the landline home phone will be gone, replaced with a magicJack, and it will mostly just be our cell phones that get used! I may (but please don't hold your breath) learn how to text message! : )

Anyways, apologize for the length of this post...but if you remember, I'm doing it for a journal keepsake. Hope I didn't put anyone to sleep. Until next time...whenever that may be!