George's First Birthday!

Hard to believe that my littlest sunshine is already one! This past year has gone by so fast.
(click to see it bigger)

In my fantasy world

Here's what we would be wearing for the Holiday picture that I haven't taken yet:



It will probably never happen this way, since stuff usually never does, but it's a fun thought!

My two little "Caricatures"

When we last got to IKEA in May, they were having a Kids Day and there was a very nice Caricature artist there named Susan Johnson (artbysue@sbcglobal.net). Somehow, the line was only one kid long when we walked in, so we wrangled her into doing both boys. George sat pretty well for only 7 months old at the time. Sue asked them what they liked to do, so Harry is building a Lego raft and Georgie is playing with blocks. I don't recall George ever really getting into blocks, but I imagine that's what Harry told her that he liked to do.

Latest Pages

I am way too lazy to worry about cut-off edges and perfect scans, but here they are!

What I wouldn't do for Georgie's Head

Poor George seems to always have a "bruised apple" head. If he doesn't have a fresh one, he's got an old yellowing one. He is constantly pulling out drawers, getting on top of things or under them, or otherwise banging his head.

Consequently, I've had to elevate my drafting table really high to keep him from using it as a target and since it is so high now, my short self has to stand to use it and keep it at an angle to do so, which means that everything slides off because long ago I took off the bottom tray because it was broken.

So.... after this steam roller of events, I got a new trimmer that has grippy feet. Pretty much everything else will stay put for short periods, but my old gigantic guillotine trimmer was just too scary to ever put on there. With discount coupon in hand, I got this little guy at Michael's and it really works great. They have really improved upon the rotary trimmer since I last had one and the price was great.



I don't know if it was the new trimmer or what, but I have been scrapbooking like a maniac this past week. Fun to have my mojo back! Maybe I will even scan some to post!

Goodbye Mrs. Martin

We were so thrilled to find out that Harry LOVED his 2nd grade teacher this year. He was truly excited to go to school everyday and did his homework without any fuss. He was happy and thriving until we found out that due to decreased enrollment, they were going to eliminate one of the 2nd grade classes, and you guessed it, it was Harry's class with Mrs. Martin. She is normally a 1st grade teacher and got bumped back into 1st grade and Harry's class got split up between the other 2nd grade classes. He's back in a team teaching class, which I think is incredibly stupid. One teacher teaches the class while the other grades homework and does paperwork. I'm not impressed with the idea.

This photo was taken on the last day that Harry went to Mrs. Martin's class. What a sad day for him.

Signs of Fall

Harry left this for me on my desk. He thought it was so cute, he knew I would like it, but wanted to make sure I didn't eat it. So like him, the sweetest little boy on earth.

11 Months Old

Hard to believe we're coming upon the big 1st Birthday already. George started the celebration early by rolling right out of my bed at 1am. While he was not very happy ending up on the floor, he spends pretty much his entire day trying to dive off of things. He did NOT get the stuntman gene from me, that's for sure. None of my other kids were so fearless, they learned quickly that they didn't like the end result, but good old George just keeps trying. My little thrill seeker.

Slacker Update

So, it has been two weeks since I've darkened the doors at Gold's Gym. Not really because I want to skip it, but I have not had any opportunity (read: no one likes to babysit for me for free anymore).

I have been doing quite an extensive routine of exercises at home. Almost an hour of crunches, leg work, and very light weight training. No cardio at all though. Not good.

Will I resort to driving a 30 mile, just for gym trip at night to fit it in? When evening is Georgie's MOST clingy time? and when he still nurses himself to sleep. Can't really see it happening, but I don't know what else to do.

The Agony of Defeat

So, I had an appointment for an assessment with a personal trainer this past Wednesday. She evaluated pretty much every single muscle in my body, even though I told her that quite a few of them have never been used before.

She won.

I was thoroughly and completely convinced that I needed some serious help. I couldn't even balance on a damn ball thing because my quads were so much weaker than my glutes. (?) Even my most valiant efforts were obviously not. good. enough.

Problem is, I don't have $2268 to spend on 36 sessions with her. Not even in the realm of possibility right now. I haven't worked in over a year and Brian has taken some big pay cuts. Their payment plan was still WAAAYY out of reach.

So after being rendered practically crippled by the intensity of that 1 1/4 hours, I went to the library and got some books to hopefully incorporate resistance training into my usual workout.

I went back to the gym yesterday and it was hard, I felt embarrassed and like a big loser for wasting her time, but I did it and I'll keep going until it feels like fun again. Right now all I feel is pain and frustration. Wish I could go back to that state of ignorance and bliss, where I thought I was doing alright.

Back in the Day

So, as I am trying to determine what the kids need to go back to school, I remembered how every year at the end of summer, my mom would take us to Kinney Shoes to get a new pair for school. I always had a hard time deciding what I wanted to live with for the entire school year and almost never got them big enough to last anyway.

Gold's Gym Rocks!

At the end of June, Brian and I joined Gold's Gym. The first two weeks were pretty hard, we both stuck to the treadmill. Brian's heart race reached some scary levels and every workout made me really dizzy and nauseous. We hung in there though and we get there at least twice a week, usually 3 times.

We are a little dismayed that of the 7 channels of TV to watch, one of the constants is Fox News. It's hard to look away from that train wreck.

I have graduated from the treadmill to the elliptical, doing 2.25 miles in 30 minutes. No more dizziness for me and Brian's heart rates are in normal range now. Brian has lost weight, but mine hasn't changed significantly. I'm afraid that I might be one of those fit but fat people unless I go on some kind of meal plan. I hope it's too soon to worry about that and since I'm still breastfeeding, there isn't too much I want to do about it at this point.

I'm ready to test out my new fitness level with a bike ride or something. We live in the foothills and have some crazy streets, so it will probably still kick my ass, but I'm still curious to try.

School Days, School Days

Today was registration at Harry's school. After being in a two-teacher, very full class last year, I asked for him to be moved to a traditional classroom. He is not a needy kid, but all that chaos didn't work for him. The whole idea of having two teachers seemed to make sense at first until I found out that in practice, it meant one teacher was teaching ALL 37 kids while the other teacher graded papers.

All spring semester, they insisted that my son could hardly read and then when they gave him a standardized test, he suddenly "could" read above grade level. I wasn't impressed. It told me that he was not going to excel in that environment.

Only 12 days left until we start finding out!

Target gets me every time.

Everytime I go to Target and think, "I just need ____ and ____." they have something new or cheap that I just cannot resist.
I saw it and it was the ONLY one and I HAD to have it.
Today's find:

Here's a linky if you like it too: Mossimo Tote

Lucky mom gets to watch this every day

So last week, just two days before he turned 9 months old, my little sunshine started walking. He's been teasing us for a few weeks, but now he takes off pretty much whenever he wants. Truly amazing.

How's that for a slice of fried gold?

So, for the first time in ages, I woke up before George and was able to do the whole wake up and get your coffee thing in peace. I had a full hour all to myself to check email, start some laundry and get my mind in gear. It was great.

Unfortunately, I did something truly dumb yesterday. Just to entertain George, we went around the house "knocking" on all kinds of different things to hear the sound it made. Guess that wasn't such a great idea because this morning my "knocking" knuckle hurts like hell. People who have arthritis probably shouldn't go around smashing their joints on things. I hope it calms down soon.

Whew!

After three summers, we have finally established a lawn! In my opinion, it is just WAY too much effort and cost here in the high desert, but it was already there.

We have aerated and dethatched, seeded and overseeded, fertilized and watered and it finally looks like a lawn!

Ummmm, that's not fog

According to my Google Weather Gadget:

85°F
Current:Fog
Wind: NW at 2 mph
Humidity: 10%

Pretty much wishing that it WAS fog. This was after the first full day of smoke:

I resemble that remark

So, my daughter and I were leaving Gold's Gym today and when we were waiting for M Night Shyamalan to cross the street (not really, but the guy kinda looked like him), we decided that in no way did I have any kind of resemblance in any way to any celebrity. I thought that was a very good thing since if there was some characteristic that one would recognize in me, it would likely not be a good one. "Hey, she's got a pooch that looks just like Roseanne Barr's!" Catch my drift?

Anyway, I suddenly remembered that the owner of a silk shop in Virginia City a few months ago was so intent on selling me a wrap, that when I was trying it on, he told me, "See! You look just like Angelina Jolie!" I think you will have to agree:

My Little Carnivore is 8 Months Old

Georgie doesn't really eat the meat; he just chews on it for a while-still doesn't have any teeth. Little dude is pulling up and walking all around the furniture and can crawl wherever he wants to go. Some serious babyproofing is going to happen here this weekend. It's been so long since we've had a baby in the house that it feels like a minefield now.
I realize that I sound like a really bad reporter, but George has become so demanding in the last few weeks, I am totally frazzled. He wants constant interaction and attention and it is exhausting. I know that this stage will quickly pass when he is fully walking, but I am drained right now.
I can't believe my little lamb is already 8 months old. It is flying by and as usual, I wish I was less tired and enjoying it more.

One less Son this Summer

My oldest son, Steven is leaving today to stay with his dad for the summer. We get to do this every year, but I never really get used to it. On one hand, it's nice not having to try and entertain an almost-17 year old boy, but it is also a constant nagging worry about where he is and what he is doing. Hopefully, he will take good care of himself AND have a good time.

See my Husband Get Nailed

Here he is in a commercial for AlphaFlex. (yep, he's the guy getting tackled-he had the nasty abrasions to prove it!)

AlphaFlex Commercial

An outlaw for my love...

I don't think I've ever heard another song that quite nailed down the early teen experience like this one. I stumbled across it when I was ripping CD's onto our new computer. I dont' know how I missed it the first time around, but I can't stop playing it now. It has a lovely, swoony melody. I can't find a sample of it since it was from a compliation CD called "Double Take," but here are the lyrics.

Thirteen by Garbage

Won't you let me walk you home from school?
Won't you let me meet you at the pool?
Maybe, Friday I can
Get tickets for the dance
And I'll take you.

Won't you tell your dad, "Get off my back"?
Tell him what we said 'bout "Paint It, Black".
Rock n' roll is here to stay.
Come inside, now; it's okay.
And I'll shake you.

Won't you tell me what you're thinking of?
And would you be an outlaw for my love?
If it's so, then, let me know.
If it's "no", well, I can go.
I won't make you.

Silly Boys in a Box

While Georgie would LOVE to get his little hands on Harry's Legos and tiny cars, we can sometimes find things that amuse them both in a way that nobody gets hurt.

Shakin'

We are having an earthquake "storm" here in Northern Nevada. Last night we had a 4.7 that woke me out of a sound sleep. Going to stock up on water today.

Home-Decor challenged

I will be the first to admit, I have never taken an interest in or made any kind of effort at all to decorate a home I lived in, except for maybe my first apartment, which in all honesty, had a lot more style than any other home I've lived in.

Anyhoo, almost every single thing in our house is a hand-me-down, or bought quickly out of necessity or on impulse. Needless to say, it looks like shit.

Since I am creeping up on 40, it is pretty embarrassing to have anyone come into our house. The theme song from "Sanford and Son" constantly plays in my mind. I am almost to the point where I'd like to chuck everything and live on cushions because at least it would have some kind of flair. The problem with that is, since everything I've collected so far is some kind of weird rustic flavor and that is NOT AT ALL where I'd like to be and I would literally have to toss EVERYTHING. I can't get rid of the quilt my mom made or the brass candlesticks my grandma gave me, but I can't figure out how they could be incorporated into color schemes like this:



The whole idea seems very overwhelming and horribly expensive. I think it might require a few more years of looking and dreaming.

Living in Sin

Just read a post from a midwesterner who is looking to relocate to the west. She wasn't sure about "Navada" because of the gambling. I guess we can't help from bumping into all the hookers walking around either. (the only ones I've ever seen were in ads on top of taxis)

I find it quite hilarious since I grew up in Wisconsin where there is a freaking bar or liquor store on every corner, even in most neighborhoods. I can remember going to church on Sunday and then going to Grandma's house, where the booze was flowing. It's five o' clock somewhere, right?

Then I thought, what the hell am I bitching about? Like I really want some religious nut moving anywhere near me anyway.

Yes, yes, Nevada is chock full o' brothels and casinos and don't forget that we have the highest meth use per capita in the entire world!

WWYD?

I was just wondering; if you put aside all matters related to health, would you rather:

1) be just the right size; not too drastically skinny, but whatever amount is ideal to you without starving yourself or going crazy with the exercising thing (whatever that is).

2) be rich, but have to be chunky, with no reprieve via plastic surgery or whatever. So you could dress well and all that, but you'd have to be a chunk.

I honestly don't know which I would choose.

Little bit scary.

Harry's Award

Here's a video of Harry getting a principal's award at school. His reading level went up a whole grade since January. I kind of knew that he would just suddenly "get" reading since that's exactly how it happened with Steven. Way to go Dude!

Bringing it back

My brother and I were talking about great catchphrases from the 80's. He wants to bring back "Gimme a Break" and I remembered "Where's the Beef?" but I think the coup de grace is this....

Went to Virginia City today

it was pretty fun. elevation 6200 ft. too tired now to write complete sentences or capitalize.

Interesting choice

ya' know, when I'm getting ready to take my son to school, I tend to put on a coat or sweatshirt.

I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't reach for the cotton throw that I drape over my couch, particularly if it had a pattern of pot leaves all over it.

My first grader wouldn't know what they were, but I think that his teachers would.

Just sayin'.

Scots are Funny

I was at Target this morning buying the Easter goodies and a young man named Kristopher was checking me out, chatting about Peeps and I asked him if he was Scottish and he said "yes, but one time...."

He proceeded to tell me a funny story about a woman who was convinced he was from Maine. I wish I had the brain cells to either remember the story or write it down, but I think they are leaking out along with the breast milk.

Anyway, he gave me quite a lovely chuckle, though the lady behind me looked at me like I was daffy.

I think that this entire post quite perfectly describes the aforementioned brain cell leakage.

Carry on.

things to be happy about

I am not very good at the collage thing, but

1) get to spend my days with this cute little guy
2) gave myself a office/scrap space (in progress)
3) the same little guy doesn't mind sleeping
4) we could actually pay all our March bills-whew!
5) totally perfect pancakes-none were thrown away
6) a secret stash of Girl Scout cookies

First Foods

Georgie has been trying solid foods for the last few weeks, but this was by far his favorite.

I Remember when...

even if I didn't get all the grooming I needed on a daily basis, I at least brushed my hair. (hence a serious dearth of photos of George & me.)

I would watch a movie all the way through in one sitting. (didn't know I could make a single DVD last three days. Same goes for books. I've been reading "Atonement" for weeks now.)

I could cook real meals. (attempted this on Friday and it was horrifyingly exhausting.)

my house was clean. (just when it most needs it; it is beyond disgusting.)

I actually cared about any of the above.

The most Beautiful Baby in the World

Now that I've put another sun in my sky, I have to qualify the "most beautiful" with either boy or baby, depending on if Harry is listening or not.

Brotherly Love

Just in time for Valentine's Day

Dreaming of Spring

I am SO done with winter!

1. Had enough of colds and coughs. Poor Harry has a nasty one right now; waiting for a call from the doctor because his ear is infected.

2. I can't stand how dirty the car is; even if we wash it, the next snow & melt cruds it right back up again.

3. Georgie hates being bundled up with a passion. He gets really mad.

4. I want nice, longs days again. they go far too fast right now.

5. The house is downright stinky; we need some fresh air in here!

Seven year old angst

I guess the combination of winter, school, & some jealousy of our baby is getting to Harry:

Translation: "I am sad and miserable. I would like it if you made me happy. Can you play with me?"
Awwww, poor dude!

My Top 25 in iTunes

This post is a total ripoff from Cathy Zielske's blog.



Most of them make sense, but some are puzzlers. Like, I can't remember the last time I listened to Alanis Morissette, yet, there she is. I had to replace my hard drive in 2005, so these are from the last few years. I'd bet it would look pretty different if it was from 2000, when I got this iBook.

Tomorrow is the BIG day!

I am so excited and nervous. I am scheduled for a c-section tomorrow at 4:30pm. It feels like of strange to not only know the date, and time and place already. The only unknown is the size!

Less than a month to go!

I have been trying to get all the kids caught up on all their dental/doctor visits before Georgie arrives. By the end of next week, I should be through! It has been quite an adventure. Harry had two cavities and they only do one side at a time, so he is going on his THIRD dental appointment. Steven and Savanna each had two because they do the exam and cleaning seperate. Steven and Savanna also have eye appointments and Steven gets extra visits to the endocrinologist because his blood sugars are not under control. Between all that and my bi-weekly appointments, I am so worn out!

Simple minds, simple pleasures

Every time I see a large dog sitting up nicely in the front seat of a car, it totally makes me laugh. There is just something so human and stately about them (very unlike my dog) sitting there so calmly.

First Day of School!

Harry started first grade today and all went very well. He got up when it was time, ate breakfast, got dressed and brushed his teeth without complaint. It was GREAT! He has not been thrilled with the idea of going back to school, so I was terrified that this day would be a struggle, but he was a champ! He's got one friend from Kindergarten in his class this year, so the boys sat together when they got there. I can't wait to hear about his day!

Getting ready for school

So, I am a little overprotective. I know it! When I was packing Harry's lunch for the very first time, I realized that some of those packages are freakin' hard to open. I didn't want him to sit there and not eat (he does that often enough) so I took everything out of the little packages and put it in ziplock bags.

Harry is a haircut convert

For as long as he has needed haircuts, Harry has just HATED them. When he was little, he cried throughout the whole ordeal and then when he outgrew the tears, he just became uncooperative. He would hold his head at funny angles and slump down; generally try to sabotage the haircut. After four months of letting his hair grow (and I really thought it was kind of surfer-boy cute), we finally took him in because he just wasn't keeping it clean enough. Well, he must have gotten lucky because the stylist knew just how to chat him up and he was Mr. Personality for her, talking a blue streak and sitting like a little statue. Now he says that he ALWAYS wants his hair short.

10 Weeks Left!

Gorgeous George!

Here is the latest u/s of our baby. (at 27 weeks) He is measuring just right and all is okay with him.

Finally got a zoom lens

I love being able to take pics without being in his face! I hope to take a bunch tomorrow, but I'm not sure what we are going to do. We are supposed to have some record heat and being 6+ months pregnant does not really jive with 105 degrees.

Now I just need a camera bag that the lens fits in!

An interesting side to my personality...

I have realized that for a few weeks right after my big kids leave each summer to visit their dad, I turn into a total slob. Clothes on the floor, dishes on the sink, "stuff" everywhere. I ususally revert back to my normal "neat-nik" self LONG before they come home. I don't really know why it is such a release for me to let the house go for a while, but I do it every single summer.

Ultrasound #2

Here is a face shot of little George. Yes, it is another boy! That is three in a row for me.

Where do all the fingernail clippers go?

Every couple of years, I buy a bunch and put them in the car, my nightstand, the bathroom, the desk, etc. and somehow they all slowly disappear.

All we have left right now is ONE that I got free when I bought some nail polish; none of the ones I purchased (which by the way, are always the TRIM brand, they are the only ones that cut decently for me) have vanished.

Good thing they're cheap.

Getting caught up...

Harry has been sick since Saturday, well, probably longer. On Monday I took him to the doctor and he has strep throat. This is his first major illness and we've been home all this week. Aside from the panic attacks, lack of sleep and images of ER visits, I have gotten caught up on all our filing, laundry and other assorted B.S. and it feels really really good.

Wee Beastie

Here is our first baby picture! I am 13 weeks, 5 days pregnant! It has been a rough 1st trimester, I lost all of Spring Break to feeling like absolute hell, but the worst is over now.

My Ancient Parakeet

This poor old bird will be TEN years old in May. He is finally starting to get "old" and I am worried about him. He doesn't file down his beak anymore and his left foot (or whatever its called) is kind of crippled and clawed. He also rarely sqwaks or sings anymore; which is very sad. I am afraid to help him out with that beak because I don't want to have to try and grab him and give him a heart attack. Since he is so old, I'm probably going to let nature take its course, but I dread the day when I find him dead in his cage.

She fooled us...

but considering that we are the dumbest people alive, it probably wasn't the most difficult task.

Our dog is a GIRL.

We just found this out yesterday at the vet. The breeder said that the dog was a boy and we took their word for it.

Since Barnaby is not a girl name at all, we are going to call her Daisy, which was my first choice for a girl dog's name.

I feel very lame and guilty about missing the boy dog that we never had.

You know you're getting older when...

it takes some work just to look regular-acceptable-humanish.

Here's what I mean. I am getting ready for the day. I look in the mirror after brushing my teeth, brushing my hair, putting on some moisturizer and am dressed and I think ACK! Too Scary! Even for just taking Harry to school and maybe running to the store.

So, I put on my BE, AND eyeshadow, AND eyeliner, AND mascara, AND my eyebrows (I have invisible brows-why can't my hair be that blonde? not fair) and at that point, I feel like I look "normal."

I think I can see why older women tend to have hair that gets shorter and shorter. If you've got to put on your 'face' every damn day, who has time for futzing with hair?

Now I just need some elastic waist pants and slip on shoes.

Our new Car?

I don't think it technically is a car. Anyway, it is a 2004 Saturn Vue and I just love it. Tons of room, lots of stuff I'm not used to (like, power door locks and windows and keyless entry, etc. Oh and a 6-disc CD player!) and these crazy big tires that plow through anything. Bring on the snow!

Goodbye Little Red Saturn and Goodbye long hair!

On Dec. 29, Brian was smashed into by some guy and my Saturn is officially totaled. (Brian is perfectly fine) Such a bummer. It was grand and glorious having no car payments!

I also made Brian chop off a ton of my hair, probably about 6 inches of dry, frizzy, fried-out ick. I will post a picture when I have one.

Being a Homebody

We have stayed home all week, mostly in PJ's. We get bundled up to take Barnaby for his walk around lunchtime. It has been so wonderful and I actually took some pics too!

Happy Holidays!

from the Hamby-Wimers

More cute puppy pics

His first night home was pretty uneventful; he slept all night. This morning, He and Harry got up before me and he had an accident downstairs, but that was the only one. Pretty great start.

New addition to our family

Welcome our 7 week old Beagle Boy: (name & details to follow)

My Pumpkin

Here is Harry at the Ferrari Farms pumpkin patch.

First Field Trip

Today Harry's class went to Reno Fire Station No.13. Very cool.

Gettin' into the swing

Harry is adapting to school pretty quick. While he does look forward to the weekend, he is still pretty enthusiastic about going to school every day. I'm sure the day will come when we have to drag him out of bed, but for now we are enjoying our new schedule.

As for me, I still haven't gotten used to the "free time" and I tend to fill it up with chores. I am not a big morning person, so it's not like I am really into doing something crafty in the morning.

My house hasn't been this clean in a long, long time.

I'm wearing Savanna's pants!

I cannot believe that I can easily get into them! Granted, she is not a skinny one, but I am just thrilled!

I think I have gotten so used to wearing baggy clothes, that the fact that I really did lose weight hasn't registered except for on the scale. It makes me want to go and try on new clothes that I can't afford.

I am easily entertained!

.9 miles each way

Our school district will not bus elementary kids unless they live more than 1 mile from the school and we live .9 miles from the school. I think that's a pretty fair trek for a 5 year old, so we drive him every day and it takes us 15 minutes! We end up sitting through two traffic lights multiple times because so few cars can get through going only 15 mph and constantly yielding to the walkers. We have tried taking different routes, but the only way it makes the trip faster is for us to go 2 miles in the opposite direction and GET ON THE HIGHWAY and go back that 2 miles so that we can get off at the exit nearest the school approaching from the west.

What's really hilarious is that if we did live that extra tenth of a mile further, we would be in a totally different school attendance area which is much further from the house and then he would be able to take the bus.

I see one poor mom getting off the public bus to drop off and pick up her kindergartener. Can you imagine how much time it eats up for her to make sure she's there on time and then to wait for the next bus? (this is not an urban area, I think the buses run 30 minutes apart) What a drag.

Where was I on 9/11?

Since it was a tuesday and in AZ it was two hours earlier, we were just getting up and getting the kids ready for school. I had the news on and saw everything as it unfolded. I remember being stunned and the whole thing was pretty unreal until my sister called from NY. She lived in the Bronx and had been on her way to work when it happened and she said that traffic locked down so quickly that she decided to turn around and go home.

I don't know how other people experienced it, but for us, it was the beginning of the end of the way we had been living. Up until that day, I felt like everything was going as planned and in order. After 9/11 and the stock market crashed, my husband's company used it as a way to lay off (fire) almost all of its upper management. After 13 years with that company, he was completely blindsided. I had a 9 month old baby and two years of college left. To put it mildly, everything about our lives has been pretty much downhill since then. We've had some brief (but false) glimmers of hope, but it has been a disaster.

We lost everything financially, but we have our lives and I am very grateful for that, probably too much so, because all the other bullshit doesn't seem to matter much. We drive a tiny little old car and that is the only thing we own of value (which ain't sayin' much!) but since we are all still here, breating in and out, I can deal with it.

Harry's First Day of School

It is so hard to believe this is it-no more babies or toddlers or pre-schoolers for me. My third and last kid is off to school. He was great. So happy and excited. I can't wait to hear how his morning went!

Labor Day

I just love holidays like Labor Day...a day off, nothing specific to be done, and best of all, no gifts to exchange or fancy meals to prepare!

Speaking of meals, I was oh so wrong about that one meal not ruining my diet. How can one meal make you gain THREE pounds? I am totally bummed and I guess I will be extra careful from now on. What a rip!

-20 pounds

I think it took about 6 weeks. I'm trying not to sweat the details in this diet thing, it just makes it harder. The food I miss most is pizza. I saw the pizzas at Costco today while I was getting my nonfat frozen yogurt and it looked SOOOOO good!

I am amazed at how little I am craving chocolate. I really thought that would be a biggie, but it hasn't even come on the radar.

For labor day I am going to have one no-diet meal; we want to barbeque and I think it's better to slip a little than to deprive yourself completely and then give up.

{MEAT!}