Going Down, Down, Down

Finally I have some positive stuff to say... A while ago I blogged about the fat girl that ate the skinny me. Well the skinny me has been struggling to kick that fat girls booty for a long time and I'm happy to report she is making progress, HOORAY! Recently my friend Becca shared a meal plan with me that she has been having amazing success with. When I received my copy in the mail I was surprised how simple it was. The motto, "Eat clean, eat often, hydrate, recover, mindset" Simple right?! This little meal plan didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know, thats right folks there was no earth shattering awakening. The plan breaks meals down into something I am sure we have all heard a million times... You need to eat several small meals a day, breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. For each category it tells you how many grains, proteins/dairy, fruits, veggies, and fats to eat. Then there is a list of good foods for each food group and the serving size. Once again, simple! I started using this about 3 weeks ago and if I am being honest I haven't followed it 100%, but I have used it as a guide. For some silly reason this little plan has seriously helped me balance my meals and watch my portion control. Even when I don't pick foods listed I am always thinking about which food groups I need at which times and trying to fit that into my meal choices. So far I am down 7 pounds and I feel great! I only have 2 pounds to go until I am at my first weight goal, and no I am not telling what that might be. After so many years of dieting and failing, I am finally succeeding and I can see and feel the results. I am feeling much more confident and happy. Thanks Becca for sharing this simple little life changer! My goal for this week is to make time for my work out so I can really kick that fat girls booty...

Just one of my breakfasts I enjoy...

1 vanilla greek yogurt

1.25 cups whole strawberries which I slice and add to the yogurt

1 slice of whole wheat toast buttered with approximately 1 tbs. reduced fat butter

16oz. glass of water

YUM!

Run Run As Fast As You Can

Once upon a time there was a girl who ran all the time. She ran when she was excited. She ran when she was sad. She ran when she was angry until she couldn't run anymore. She ran for time to think, time, to process things. She ran to compete. She ran to reward herself and she ran to punish herself. she wasn't a fast runner, but she could run far and she almost always came in first. She loved to hear her feet pounding the pavement, her heart pounding relentlessly as it she willed herself to run farther, faster. She loved the burn in her legs and the fire in her chest. She loved the steady puff of air exhaling as the oxygen helped fuel her fire to run just a little bit farther. She just loved to run! For some reason that girl stopped running and over time she forgot how good it felt to push herself to run. She forgot how weightless physically and emotionally it made her feel to just let go and run. She forgot how much she loved the limitless simplicity of running. She became overweight, and lost the confidence she once had that gave her the strength to run. She forgot how to run. I hope she finds her lost love of running and once again runs, runs as fast as she can!

Valentine tutorial plus Monday weigh in...

I know on Mondays I usually write some little blog completely dedicated to my attempt at losing weight and becoming healthier... Usually "whoa is me" and all that blah blah, but today is Valentines so I am going to post a tutorial (my very first) for a fun way to dress up your Valentine treats. On this wonderful day we for some reason we feel the need to shower the ones we love with chocolate and flowers, proclaiming our undying love for them... While I think we really should do this more then once a year, I am a sucker for any excuses to do something special for the ones I love! So anyone can buy chocolates, but doesn't it mean more when you add a personal touch? I think so! It's so easy and cheap to personalize your chocolates with a cute homemade wrapper. what you'll need...

Cute paper

Scissors

Measuring tape

Double sided tape

and

chocolates of course

What you'll need to do is measure all the way around your chocolate of choice and measure how long it is from end to end across the top as well. You want to leave a little room for the ends of the candy bar to show so if your doing a small chocolate (like the ones I did) leave about 1/4 of an inch (1/8 inch for each end). For a longer chocolate bar leave about 1/4 inch on each end showing. So if your Chocolate is 3 inches long then you would want to cut your paper 2 and 3/4 inches wide. Now if you use a full or king size chocolate bar, lets say 6 inches long the you would want you paper to be 5-1/2 inches wide. I used Hersey Chocolate Nuggets so my strips are cut 3-1/4 inches long by 1 inch wide.

Cut all of your strips. Apply a small piece of double sided tape to each end of your paper.

Stick one end onto the bottom of your chocolate and then wrap the paper around the chocolate.

You should have just enough to over lap where you started on the bottom.

Stick down and wallah ...

You have cute little chocolate to give to the ones you love... Make it even more personal by writing little messages on the chocolates or stamping their initials on them... Lots of fun, super cheap, very easy, and best of all personal!

Now a little tidbit about my Monday weigh in... I am down one pound from last week. Not much, but slow and steady wins the race I think... Going to have a yummy dinner of roast, asparagus, and salad and I am sure some chocolates since it's Valentines day. I feel good!

Oh Monday Weigh In AGAIN!

Going to keep it short and sweet this week... Unfortunately I didn't lose a pound this week. On a positive not I also didn't gain a pound so I have neither won nor lost. I was expecting the worst when I pulled the scale out this morning. Several nights of eating out since I was out of town most of the week and then we had my parents here for the weekend. I thought for sure that those dreaded two pounds I blogged about last week were going to be back and possibly with a friend or two... To my surprise the scale is holding steady. So, this week no eating out and hopefully the scale will showing a decrease next week. For a little something to share this week... Last Thursday my amazing friend Amy came and taught a cooking class for my Girl Scout troop. Among other things she taught them how to make some smoothies and so I have been hooked... My favorite was the Avocado-Pear Smoothie... I know YUCK, avocado and pear how could that be good?! Well trust me friends, it's super YUMMY! So put your brave face on and give it a try...

1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

1/4 cup plain yogurt ( I would go for greek since it's high in protein, but to each their own)

1/2 cup pear juice

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup ice...

Put all ingredients into the blender and blend it up until it's smooth and creamy. Put the glass to your lips and enjoy some yummy goodness!

I'm interested to see what people think about this one so, if you try it leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

A Little Man Named Lincoln

It's crazy to think that just six months ago I was rockin' this baby belly, waiting to add another member to our family. John and I felt we already were blessed with more love then we could ever ask for, so when we found out we were going to have another baby we were overwhelmed with excitement.

On August 4th, 2010 we welcomed Lincoln Johnathan Scott Meier into our family. He weighed in at 7 pounds 8 ounces and we 20.5 inches long. It was love at first site for all of us.

After three months time we were still totally taken by this little man. Watching him grow and change on a daily basis is so much fun.

Now this little man named Lincoln is six months old and still holding the key to everyones heart. These big blue eyes always have a sparkle in them that makes everyone smile. He is hitting all of his milestones and weighs a whopping 14 pounds 15 ounces (small for his age they say). He is worth every sleepless night and tired moment we have had. A little man named Lincoln completes this Meier family!

Monday Weigh In and Tasty Breakfast

Oh Monday how I love to hate you, even more now that I weigh in first thing in the morning. The way I figure it is, Monday is already one of "those" days so why not weigh on Monday?! If the scale tells me that I have made no progress or that the cheese cake I ate added another dimple to my thighs I'll already be grumpy cause it's Monday so it won't ruin my day. On the other hand if the scale tells me that those afternoon walks I have been taking have got me shedding a pound or two then it makes my Monday a little more bearable.

My plan for this past week was to eat a little better and make it to the gym at least three times. I shouldn't have planned for that cause "plans" never work out. So I did make healthier choices... Smaller portions and less junk. I didn't bake this week so that always makes a difference. However John brought home cheese cake that we snacked on all weekend... Oh so delicious, but ughhh for my waist line. Of course I only made it to the gym once, but I had a great work out and it gave me the motivation that I needed. The sun was out so we played outside a lot and went for a walk several days.

The week wasn't a total loss, but it didn't go how I had envisioned it so I was beating myself up a little last night when I remembered "Monday weigh in". This morning I got up and totally forgot to weigh so I came out and ate my breakfast. As I was taking the last bite I cursed at myself, how could I forget to weigh before I ate?! Oh well it's Monday after all so belly full of oatmeal and blueberries I went in and weighed.... To my pleasant surprise I lost two pounds last week.

Now my scale and I seem to be having a constant battle over these two pounds, I lose it, I gain it, I maintain it... So this is a small victory and I am determined to continue winning and not let that scale give me those two pounds back.

Ok so here is a little yummy breakfast that I love as I am sure a lot of people do...

Fruit Loaded Oatmeal

3/4 cup quaker quick cooking oats

1/2 cup fruit

1-3/4 cups water

2 TBS. brown sugar

1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)

2 TBS. milk (optional)

In a microwave safe bowl add oats, fruit, water, brown sugar and almonds. Stir... Place in microwave and heat for 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 minutes. Add milk (I like the creaminess the milk adds) stir and enjoy.

This gives you a breakfast packed full of fiber (and protein if you add the nuts) that will keep you full all morning. Right now I have been using blueberries, but I also love to use... raisins, sliced strawberries, peaches, and bananas.

Tears in the Check out Line

These little cakes had my eyes watering in the check out line the other day. Now I know your thinking Little Debbie snacks are good, but thats a little over the top to be nearly crying over them, right?! Well I was almost brought to tears not because they are so good (because they aren't), but because they remind me of my great grandma.

Imagine John and I standing in the check out line talking, having a great day. I look up and see these cakes on an end base and immediately there is a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. These little cakes have brought my gram to the front of my thoughts and made my heart ache just a little as I miss her more then words can express.

My grandma lived across the street from us when I was a teenager. We would go to grams everyday for nothing more then a hug and a treat. Gram always had boxes of these Little Debbie snack cakes and fun size candy bars that were readily available for us. I don't really like the cakes that much, but if you put them in the freezer they aren't to bad. Between my siblings and I, I think I probably spent the most time with gram. I checked on her everyday and loved sitting with her while she watched cheesy afternoon talk shows and napped in her chair. She would tell me stories. They weren't anything spectacular, just life stories and I loved them. I would pull out all of grams pictures and she would tell me who everyone was and stories about them. Gram's was where I always ran when I was upset with mom and dad. She never had earth shattering advice, but she always listened and often tried to reprimand my dad. That never really worked though because my dad was her "little Scotty". I don't think Gram loved anyone the way she loved her "little Scotty". Even at 80 years old she would try to get my dad to sit on her lap. When I had Hayley my dad was in for some serious competition. Gram loved Hayley so much. She really enjoyed just watching Hayley play. Hayley loved to boss gram (their roles were kind of reversed) and gram would laugh and let Hayley tell her what to do. Even when gram moved into assisted living (I happened to work there so I spent lots of time with her) she still watched Hayley. I worked grave yard and John worked days so he would bring Hayley at 6am and Hayley would go up to grams room and play legos, boss gram, and watch cartoons. Gram looked forward to Hayley coming every morning. Gram always made us laugh with her crazy antics and the "swirl fry" and she drove us nuts from time to time with her stubborn nature. The bottom line is that my gram was simply my gram, she loved us and we loved her. Broke my heart the day she passed away and a little part of me went with her. She was my friend and I miss having her to sit with and talk to. I really miss the way she would laugh at us like we were crazy when we would try to tell her what she needed to do.

Gram always told us that she would "be sitting on the stairs to heaven waiting for all of us". Just a couple weeks ago Hayley asked me if I thought grandma was still waiting... Really pulled at my heart strings and all I could say was "I really hope so".

I realize this post is a mess, but so are my thoughts when I think about my grandma... I just have so many memories that it's hard to stay focused, so bear with me and my random babbling.

Girls, Girls, Girls

These girls of mine keep me so busy. They have personalities that are bigger then most adults I know. They are silly, playful, joyful, out going, and adventurous. They have imaginations that are wonderful, full and bright. They are full of laughter.

These girls are caring, passionate, and helpful. They have hearts that are always overflowing with love and the desire to please others. They are daughters, sisters, friends, and some times enemies.

These girls are loud, messy, creative, smart, independent, strong, stubborn, brave and artistic. They love to dance and sing. They have eyes that sparkle and smiles that could melt your heart. They are larger then life. When they do something they don't hold back. They are shy at times and always sensitive, never wanting to hurt others and being hurt easily. I would expect nothing less since these girls are a fair mix of Meier's and Naughton's.

Above all they are mine and I am so full of pride, and love for them it's overwhelming sometimes. Each day is something new with these girls and I look forward to seeing where this little adventure called life takes them. I hope that they achieve great things and bless the world as much as they have blessed me. They are just to wonderful not to share!

The Fat Girl Ate The Skinny Me!

It's been a long time since I have blogged about anything and I guess thats because I always want to "please" people so I was having a hard time coming up with things I thought people would want to read about. I have decided to redirect my blog and make it more like a journal. I am going to write about what is on my mind, write for myself, write for anyone who cares to read.

Today (and every other day) whats on my mind is the "fat girl" that ate the "skinny me". Thats right this is as real and raw as it gets. For 10 years I have been Fat and unhappy. Sometimes I am happy and forget whats on the outside, but then I catch my reflection in the mirror and am shocked by what I see. What I see in the mirror is not at all what I feel like or who I really am. On the inside I am fit, strong, fun, silly, full of energy, passionate, and ready to take life by the horns. I am "skinny", healthy, and beautiful on the inside, but this fat girl on the outside keeps holding that me back. The fat girl keeps telling that awesome skinny chick that she isn't good enough, shouldn't try, and one more cupcake is fine. Well that skinny me is taking a stand and is ready to put up a fight against that fat girl.

The fat girl is always telling the skinny girl that she can eat healthy tomorrow, she can go to the gym tomorrow, she can be happy tomorrow and the skinny me just lets her run the show. What I have finally realized is that the skinny me is not weak, the fat girl is. The skinny me has made up her mind and it's on. From today on out I promise the skinny me that I won't let that fat girl win!

So here it goes, no yo yo diets just healthy choices. I am not about to state my weight and I don't really think that is the most important part of this journey, but my goal is to lose 30 pounds by June. Thats about 2 pounds a week and I think that is perfectly reasonable. Every Monday I will weigh and then blog about my week. Hopefully this will be a positive outlet that will inspire and encourage the skinny me to keep pushing until that fat girl no longer exists.

Life's Little Trials...

This afternoon I find myself feeling beyond frustrated! Between the pregnancy hormones, running a house hold, and the kiddos pushing me to the brink of insanity, I ask what else can I be dealt?! i know waaa-waaa-waaaaaa! Considering nothing major has happened besides daily life in the past 24 hours, I guess you could say that I am having a mommy melt down.

I'm 28 weeks 5 days into my pregnancy and feeling generally good still. Sure I am a little more emotional, my back aches, my legs/feet are the size of an elephants legs, and sleep is interrupted by numerous bathroom trips, but I am still smiling and happy to be pregnant. I just keep imagining in 12 weeks or so I will be looking into the face of my third most precious gift God has to offer. A son (who still has no name). I can take the aches and lack of sleep for such an awesome thing as human life.

Being a stay at home mom (as many of you know) is very rewarding, but once in a while it becomes a bit repetitive. I find myself feeling like I am on auto pilot. Get up, get breakfast, take Hayley to school, come home, get Emma bathed, pick up the living room and kitchen, have a snack and play with Emma, spend a little time on the computer, have lunch, put Emma down for a nap, clean the house, get Hayley from the bus stop, have snack, pick up some more, start dinner, greet John, eat dinner, clean up yet again, watch a little TV, put the girl's to bed, spend an hour or so with John, go to bed. REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT... Once in a while we throw the library and sports or Girl Scouts into the mix, but basically I feel like I spend all my time chasing little ones, cleaning the house, and cooking. Most days I feel like this is a blessing, some days (today especially) I feel like I'm not doing much with my life.

It's been 1 year and 3.5 months since we moved from Salem to Florence and still I don't feel like this is home. I haven't made any friends and I am lonely to say the least. I thought that moving here would be great and that my life would be just like it was in Salem, but I couldn't have been more wrong about that! I miss my family, I miss my friends, I miss civilization, I miss the comfort and convience of knowing that there was always some one near by that I could rely on for help or company. I NEED socialization!

Hayley is very trying right now. Most days she pushes me about as far as humanly possible. Don't get me wrong she has so many wonderful qualities that I am so very proud of, but she seems to be struggling as much as I am when it comes to our relationship. I know it's normal for her to push and test to see what she can get away with, but it really makes me feel like I am failing as a mother and that breaks my heart! I just want her to listen, not talk back, and be respectful. She doesn't seem to have a problem with this with anyone besides me...

Emma is a handful. Fiercely independent yet really needs her mommy. It's nice to be needed and I love it when she wraps her arms around my neck, puts her cheek against mine, and says "I lub zyou" which is Emma for I love you. Today however she has been very fussy and hard to please which has added to everything else that is pulling at my spirits.

Oh then there is my wonderful husband, John. He is such a great guy and really tries hard to give three very difficult girls everything they want and need. However he works 12+ hours a day. So we get very little time with him and usually that is what we all need more then anything. He leaves before the girl's and I wake up and doesn't get home until 6:00 or 7:00 at night. We eat dinner and most night he is dozing off on the couch by 8pm. I know he is tired because he works very hard (even though it doesn't sound like it I admire that very much), but that gives us about an hour of his time. I joke that I am his second wife that he sneaks away to see when he can get away from his first wife (his job). Good thing we love each other!!!!!

So lets recap... I am having a pity party and need to vent because I am home sick, seriously lacking in adult socialization, hormonal, and my kiddos while amazing don't understand that mommy needs them to behave for the day. Also I miss my husband even though he hasn't gone any where. Yesterday Hayley broke my camera, today she has been n her room "cleaning" it all day but it looks the same (possibly worse), she also broke her lava lamp, Emma won't get off my leg for five minutes, but she doesn't want me to pick her up, I decided to sew the baby some burp rags and the thread ran out on the bobbin and no I don't know how to solve that problem, I have only cried twice today so it can't be that bad! Sounds like life right?!

All in all I know that God doesn't give me anything I cannot handle and I am thankful for all he gives me, even the bad. I feel better already just venting... I am laughing right now cause I am so upset over nothing, but life. Oh SIGH. one more time SSSIIIIGGGHHH. There I feel better and resolve to not let "life" get the best of me!

Happy Days

Hayley riding her scooter...

Notice the happy smiles on both Hayley and Emma's face... Thank you Mr. Sunshine!

Emma learning to blow bubbles and so surprised when she actually blew a bubble...

What is about the sun being out that just makes all of our worries and stresses melt away? I love it and on the Oregon coast we don't get enough days where the sun is out and it's actually warm. So today was one of those exceptions and I decided to take advantage of it! Hayley had base ball pictures and the pitch, hit, run, this morning and then she went to play at her friends house for the afternoon. We had a rough morning and I was a little cranky, as was Emma. Her and I came home so she could take a nap and I could enjoy a little quiet time. Nice thought, but Emma wasn't about to go there. After she cried for 45 minutes in her crib I said enough, it's we need some sun. Outside we headed, bubbles, chalk, and Pooh Bear train in tow. I was blowing bubbles for Emma and she loved it, so I taught her to do it. I wasn't sure at 18 months if she would be able to grasp the concept of blowing bubbles, but she had it down in about 5 minutes. She was entertained for about an hour blowing bubbles. She was puffing away try so hard to get a bubble or two and every time she manages to get one she would make a surprised face and then giggle. It was so cute! Once Hayley got home the girl's rode their bikes/scooters and then. They had so much fun and we all felt much better. The sun made for a happy day!

My Little Emma

Seeing that I am now 26 weeks into my pregnancy I have been really trying to enjoy my time with just Emma. I kind of thought that she would be my baby and boy was I wrong. I am so excited to be having another baby (3rd and final, but I am a little sad that I didn't get more one on one time with Emma. She is such a joyous handful and brightens our lives even on the darkest day. For being only 18 months she has more personality then several adults I know. She is stubborn, silly, determined, loving, smart, and full of sass! I have started taking her to story time at the public library on Tuesday's and she has so much fun. Today we listened to stories, sang silly songs, and then painted for craft time. Emma loved it! I had tutu orders to fill today so I got to work while Emma was down for her nap and when she woke up she wanted to wear them, so I let her put them on for a couple minutes so I could get some cute pics of them. These pics captured a little glimpse of her personality and I wanted to share them... Enjoy!

Emma cheesing it up during crafts...

Tada, here I am in all my glory!

She thought it was so funny that I was taking her picture she kept laughing...

This is by far my favorite of the bunch... Notice the hand on her hip, there is a little of that sass I mentioned :)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Hayley had her first base ball game of the 2010 season last night. This year she is playing for the braves and has wonderful coaches! She was very excited and nervous fro her game and really wanted her dad to be there. About half an hour after the game started Hayley was all smiles when she noticed her dad in the stands. She has improved dramatically since last year and is one of the tallest players on her team. She proudly wears number 14 and walks to the plate when it's her turn to bat with confidence I haven't yet seen in her. Over all she has three at bats resulting in one base hit and two doubles. Anyone who has seen Hayley run knows that two doubles is amazing since she runs pretty slow! She played left center, right center, short stop, and pitcher. She made several good plays and was quick to get in front of the ball not letting anything past her. I am so proud of her and the growth I see in her confidence and skills on a daily basis. I love seeing her happy and the sparkle she gets in her eye when she is proud of herself.
We are huge base ball fans and our family has housed minor league base ball player since I was a little girl. Salem-Keizer has a farm team (the Volcanoes) for the SF Giants so we are devoted Giants fans. Last night Hayley said "Oh NO, mom were playing the Giants"... It was very cute. Emma enjoyed picking daisy's and sitting in the grass and we happily cheered, welcoming the start of a new season and new memories. This Meier family is eagerly saying "Take me out to the ball game!"

What a Relief

This morning my mom got a phone call regarding her biopsy. Great news was delivered, they found no cancer. What a relief it was to hear that. I was very worried for my mom and what she (and our family) would have to go through if they did find cancer. You just never know what your going to be dealt. This time my mom had a good hand, but things could have gone very differently. I am so thankful for all of your thoughts and prayers during this anxious time. This situation just reminds me how important it is to have regular check ups. I am so greatful for my families general good health and blessings the lord has given us!

Say a Little Prayer

A few weeks ago my mom went in for her mammogram. She got a phone call a few days later saying they saw something on the mammogram and that she needed some additional testing. She went in Monday morning and they did some scans of her breast and discovered that she does have a mass of some kind and that she needs to have a biopsy done. Thursday she goes in for the biopsy and hopefully she will have the results early next week. Needless to say my mom as well as the rest of us are feeling a little anxious and scared about this. We are hoping that it's just benign, but we all know that not everyone is so lucky. I have been saying lots of prayers for my mom and I have faith that God will not deal her or our family anything we cannot handle. I am asking that you keep my mom in your prayers during this scary time and I will update as soon as the results come back.

Easter

What a wonderful morning. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not very religious. That said I do know this... Their is a God, I have complete faith in him and give thanks every day for the blessing and trials in my life. I do believe that Christ gave his life for us and that he rose so that we shall one day join him. So on this Easter I want everyone to know that I have been truly blessed in my life. Even on the worst day I am not dealt anything I cannot handle. I love my family very much and my heart melted just a little this morning as I watched my girl's happily open their Easter baskets and find their eggs. This year Emma was very excited to find the eggs. She had a look of surprise and joy on her face every time her or Hayley found one. Hayley in turn took joy in helping her find her eggs and relished in the giggles Emma had when she opened her eggs. Today is a good day for Christ has risen and I am blessed with love! I hope each of you has a wonderful Easter!

Parenting...

*SIGH* I am so frustrated, both for myself and my daughter. Being a parent is so difficult! I want my children to be well mannered, listen, do what they are told, and be happy, respectful little people. I don't know if it's just me or if all eight year old girl's are so trying? By the end of each day I am left feeling sad and like I am failing as a parent. I have the most amazing, smart, caring, beautiful daughter, but for what ever reason lately she seems to be pushing me to my limits. She does the opposite of everything she is asked to do and her attitude is awful. I don't know what to do and a little advice would be really appreciated!

Room for Improvement!

Sunday John and I sat down and discussed some things that we would like to improve as a family. We started as parents very young and we all know there is no hand book to guide us along. As we are getting older and our family is growing we realized there is room for improvement. We decided that just because we are in the same room with each other does not mean we are spending time together. We talked about options and ways to change this and the conclusion was that we spend entirely too much time in front of the TV, so we are shutting it off. No more TV until 7:00pm at which point we will watch one hour long show as a family. We usually eat in front of the TV as well, so from now on we will eat our meals at the table. This is day three and so far it is going pretty well. We were met with only minor complaints from Hayley the first night. We are hoping that this will help strengthen all of our relationships, communication, and appreciation for each member of this family as a whole and as individuals. I can honestly say even only three days into this life change, Hayley's attitude is much better and John and I are less irritated. So on that note, I challenge you to step up and not just spend time with your family, but to spend quality time with them. I hope to hear how you are doing this and how it is going. I will update periodically on our progress. GOOD LUCK!

Here Goes Nothing!

So I guess it's time for me to get with it! I am have decided to try my hand at blogging even though I haven't the slightest clue what i am doing. I am one dertemined, crafty wife and mother and aparently I need yet another task on my already over flowing plate. Right now I am a stay at home mom. I have two amazing little girl's, Hayley almost nine and Emma 17 months. 10 years ago today I decided to take a journey though life with my wondeful Husband John. Amazingly we are still going strong and are going to be welcoming a third baby into this crazy world this summer. John works a lot and I am trying to kick off my from home business making tutus. Sassy heart Tutus has become not only a passion, but a bit of an obsession that I hope to share with all of you. I guess thats enough for now... Stay posted cause my little family has plenty of heart and sass to share with you!