DECEMBER'S BIGGEST LOSER

Okay, we all know what happens this time of year. From Thanksgiving Day 'til 01/01/09, it never fails that we all pack on the pounds. What with all those sweet and savory goodies, it's a wonder I don't gain more!!! With that said, Nick and I have decided to do a Biggest Loser competition in our home. We are trying to avoid all the weight that we usually gain this time of year. Don't know what the prize is yet, but here are our rules:

1) Record initial weight beginning Monday, 12/01/08.
2) Weigh and record weight every Monday (I will post about our results each week.)
3) Stick to a healthy daily diet with one cheat meal each week.
4) Try to get in three 30-minute sessions of exercise each week.
5) The person with the biggest percentage of weight lost at the end of December WINS!

*The rules have two exceptions: work party and Christmas dinner. We will partake in the goodies in moderation for those two occasions.

I was telling Kim about this and she wanted to join in on the fun so I thought I'd open it up to all my blog buddies out there. Whether you do it publicly or privately, take a step to stay healthier this holiday season. Even just a smidge can go a long way!!!

I have been out of town for the past week and haven't gotten a chance to blog or visit anyone's blogs. Sorry for my absence. Anyhoo, we had the M&M kickoff recently and I had a blast. Thanks to Crystal for letting us host it at her home and thanks to everyone who came. I appreciate all the prayers for this program. I had so much fun and I hope it is a good work for the Lord.

After the gathering, Kim, Anna, Autumn and I went to see Twilight. As most have said, not as good as the book but enjoyable nonetheless. I have read all the books and can't wait to see what the next movie is like. I'm sure it will have a bigger budget now that they know the craze is spreading.

Thanksgiving holidays were great. We spent a week in the Smoky Mountains. We go to the same cabin every year where we sit by the fire and eat too much. FUN! We relaxed and the kids had a great time. Can't wait to do it again next year.

Look for an upcoming blog for December's Biggest Loser. Join in the fun!

Thanksgiving in the Mountains

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Baby Fat Blues

It's a record, 2 posts in a day. But I can't help it. I was sitting here thinking about the chocolate almond pie I just ate and got a big case of the baby fat blues. I realize that I am doing myself no good at all by continuing to eat like a hog, but I am about ready to make a change. I have GOT to start eating right, because right now that's all I can do. When you don't get home until 4:30 and you have two kids and a household to take care of AND you are breastfeeding, it's almost impossible to find an hour to exercise. I have promised myself that as soon as I wean the baby IT'S ON! I am going to start running again. But until then, all I can do is watch what I eat. Right now, all I'm watching is more food go into my mouth and the numbers on the scales creep higher and higher...

Diagnoses and drama...

Well, I finally went to the doctor and found out I have mycoplasma (walking pneumonia), which is highly contagious! GREAT! So I went ahead and made appts for the kids, knowing that's probably what they would have. Turns out Peyton just had an upper respiratory infection. Andrew, however, has mycoplamsa in his EAR! Yes, it can happen. Apparently it's more rare than a regular ear infection, but can happen nonetheless. Leave it to one of my kids to get something weird.

Now for the drama part...we leave St.V intending for at least Nick and Peyton to go to church. Get to Wal-Mart in G'dale at 5:00 to get the prescriptions filled. They say it will be an hour. No big deal, we will just go get dinner. One our and forty-five minutes later they tell me that they ran out of what Andrew needs. GRRRRRRR! It's 6:45 and we are looking for someone to fill the presciption. We were at Walgreen's until 7:20. Finally got home with two sick, crying babies at 7:45. Talk about frustrated.

I wanted to hit that woman at Wal-Mart. When I asked why no one called my cell to tell me, she said they aren't allowed to do that. She asked did I want them to order it. "It will be in next week!" Boy, I had to call on God right then to keep from smacking the stupid out of her. I said, "I have a 7-month-old with an ear infection in the car and I'm going out of town next week. No, I can't wait for you to order it!"

I am thankful that we are all safe and sound. I am feeling much better and looking forward to the T'giving dinner tonight and the mentor kick off tomorrow!!!

House of the sick Rouses...

Ugh, I hate being sick. Especially when you can't take a decongestant because you are breastfeeding. Me, Peyton and Andrew are all cruddy. No fever, just nasty cough and congestion. Hopefully it will improve in the next few days. I don't want to be sick for Thanksgiving.

Growing by the minute...

Andrew had his 6-month checkup yesterday, even though he will be 7 months old next week. He weighs 16 pounds 13 ounces (50-75th percentile) and is 26.25 inches long (75-95th percentile). I cannot believe he is growing so quickly. DrW said he fully expects a mouth full of teeth the next time we come in. He took his four shots like a little trooper. As soon as I picked him up, he took a deep breath and was fine. He's such a big boy!

On a roll

Well, I guess Andrew has got it down pat (for now, at least.) He is consistently sleeping from about 9:00 until between 3:00 and 4:00. I still don't get in the bed until almost 11:00, but it's good knowing I won't be up an hour after that. Maybe if I can tweak my schedule I can get in bed an hour early...who knew it takes so long to get clothes ready and pack lunches??? Thanks to all who have been rooting me on!

On a down note, Andrew has thrush. Not fun for me or him. Calling the doctor today to see if they will phone something in. He has to get his 6-month shots Thursday and I really don't want to make 2 trips to St.V's this week. Keep your fingers crossed.

Woohoo!

Andrew slept until 5:10 this morning. When I put him down last night, he grinned up at me and never even cried. I dried Peyton's hair and by the time I was done, that sweet little man was fast asleep. I love my boy!

Sleep comes at a price...

I have gotten almost 6 hours of sleep the past two nights, but it came at a price. I decided that it was time to let my rotten son realize that he can go to sleep on his own. Night before last, I did his bedtime routine (nursing, cereal, bath time, lavender lotion) and lovingly put him in his crib with his aquarium on the "ocean waves" setting. He proceeded to scream his head off for about 30 minutes before he finally gave up and passed out. Because he never cries, it is SO hard to sit and listen to him cry. I had to go put Peyton in the tub so I wasn't able to hear him scream over the water running. Every few minutes I would go check on him, but he was fine...just showing us his Rouse temper!

Last night, same routine but he only cried about 5 minutes. Think he might be getting the hang of it? Let's not jump the gun. Say a little prayer that my smart cookie will figure it out sooner than later.