Craft Cherry

Wordless Wednesday - Photography by Munch

2012-02-08T17:38:00.001-08:00

Fitness Friday - Week 5

2012-02-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

Original Starting Weight: 223

Last Weigh In: 147

Current Weight: 146

Pounds lost since last weight in: 1

Total Pounds Lost: 77

Only 16 days left till The Color Run. I am super excited, but also really nervous. I missed pretty much a whole week of running due to my stupid injury. (See last weeks post.)

Monday I got in an easy 2 mile jog/run with the pup.

Wednesday we dropped Kaiser off at doggy boarding school. I miss him terribly. Even with 2 kids and 3 cats the house seems terribly quiet and not quite as cozy without him here. After we dropped him off we went to the nature reserve by our house for a 2 mile walk.

During nap time I was able to get a run in while the hubby stayed home with the kiddos. I went to the green belt by our house and did a total of 3.76 miles, most of which was an attempt at day 3 of week 6 on C25K. I made it 9 minutes without having to walk...which annoyed me at the time, but looking back the terrain is really all over the place so it really was a good run. I was super sore afterwards, but the weather was so perfect and I really needed it to clear my head.

Yesterday, I got in a good 2.4 mile walk with the boys. It was a lot easier without the pup in tow, but goodness it's getting harder to push them. They need to stop growing for just a second so I can build up some upper body strength!

Today it's rainy and sad outside, but I'm hoping to get in some much needed yoga. I don't think I'm ready for Jillian yet. Hopefully next week my finger will be healed enough that I can put more of my body weight on it. Until then I'll just be doing a relaxing yoga session. The rain is supposed to stop tomorrow, so I'm hoping to get a morning run in and then I have a day date with the hubby :o)

I don't have a page for it (yet) but I do have a new recipe for you! We tried this Tuna Noodle Casserole a couple weeks ago and it was delicious!

We added an extra can of tuna, a small can of mushrooms and half a can of peas to "beef" up the meal a little and it was PERFECT. We actually made it again this week and I'm having left overs for lunch. YUM.

I hope everyone has a happy and healthy week!

National Embroidery Month

2012-02-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Did you know that February is National Embroidery Month? Embroidery is something I've always enjoyed. It calms my over thinking brain and I'm usually pleased the the pretty colorful results.

I really want to expand my embroidery knowledge and maybe work on a sampler. However, I'm a tad lazy and don't REALLY feel like creating my own. I'm kinda loving this pattern by Polka and Bloom.

A couple weeks ago my hubby went by his grandmother's to pick up some stuff and brought home his grandmother's embroidery kit for me. It included a TON of thread, some great iron on sets and a few cross stitch patterns.

He also brought home some beautifully embroidered table runners with crocheted borders.
I LOVE that they are in pink and green, as those are the colors I eventually would love to do our dining room in.

Now, I'm going to find a fun embroidery project to complete this month.

Fitness Friday - Week 4

2012-01-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

Original Starting Weight: 223

Last Weigh In: 144

Current Weight: 147

Pounds GAINED since last weight in: 3

Total Pounds Lost: 76

Saturday I got in my week 6, 20 minute run. It was wonderful.

Sunday and Monday I got some gardening in...

Tuesday I took the boys and the pup for a walk...and my whole week took a really bad turn.

Kaiser is a sweet dog. He LOVES people. He adores playing and going for walks and runs. And he is fantastic at cuddling. However, he is NOT a huge fan of other dogs. Especially ones that are running loose.

I made the a turn down the WRONG street. There were two dogs that we saw running around free. No owner in site. I crossed the street and they were fine staying on the opposite side from us, although they did follow us...putting Kaiser on to FULL alert. We were passing a driveway when a corgi came running out and Kaiser just reacted. Badly. Then I reacted STUPIDLY. I tried to break things up and got bit. Not sure by which dog, but I'm almost positive it wasn't Kaiser. Cause Kaiser got a vice like grip on the corgi and would NOT let go. It took two guys (including the corgi's owner) to pull Kaiser off. Thankfully, the corgi was fine. I don't know how, but Kaiser didn't hurt her.

One of my biggest pet peeves is people completely ignoring leash laws. Even worse if you just let your dog out your front door cause they need to potty and then forget all about them. I don't care how tame or friendly you think they are. Stuff happens. If you care about your pup you would have them on a leash or let them out into a fenced area. My control is limited to my strength and the length of Kaiser's leash. Ugh...nightmare. Kaiser will be going to training for his dog related aggression issues. I wish the other owner could go to training on how to be a better owner.

Anyway...my finger is okay. Hurts like hell, but it's still there, even though Munch will tell you "A dog ate it." I had to have a tetanus shot...which still feels awful. The Dr. wouldn't give me stitches on Tuesday, but I go back today to see if it's healing the way it should. If not, then stitches it is. It looks like it's doing okay though.

Badly injured finger means no yoga, heavy rain means no running. Badly injured finger also means medication..which means I can't drink. And after the pain and stress of getting bitten while breaking up a dog fight I feel like I deserve a few drinks. I drowned my misery in junk food instead. I know, I know, AWFUL. If the weather were better and the meds didn't make me dizzy I may have gone for a run to clear my head and de-stress. Alas that was not meant to be.

It looks like we will be rain free next week, so I hope to get some outdoor workouts in soon. Even if they are just some good walks.

At least I had an adventure! I'm looking forward to a MUCH happier and healthier week.

My Boys Monday: Gifts from Alexander Girl

2012-01-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

For Christmas the boys each got a handmade item from my father's girlfriend.

Munch got these adorbale blue cord overalls. Usually he's not a fan of overalls, but he LOVES these. They are really well made and look super comfy. Of course no overalls are complete without your pirate gear!

Nox got this adorable shirt that she drew his name onto. She made a shirt like this for Munch last year, so I was really excited when Nox got one too. This isn't a great picture of the shirt, but it's beach themed and super cute.

If you are looking for some fun shirts she also has a store on etsy: Alexander Girl.

She doesn't sell these items in it, but she has some great reverse applique. I'm kinda partial to this Texas tee.

Fitness Friday - Week 3

2012-01-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

Original Starting Weight: 223

Last Weigh In: 146

Current Weight: 144

Pounds lost since last weight in: 2

Total Pounds Lost: 79

The weather has been awesome this week for getting runs and walks in. I haven't gotten up to jogging the whole time again, but I did find a great 5k route. I'm going to work on that a couple times a week and then do an easier jog once a week. The easy jog will be with my sister, although she is catching me up quickly on c25k so it won't be easy for long! She is in NYC this weekend, so I don't have a jogging buddy. :o(

On Wednesday I was going through my closet and I found an old dress I stole out of my sister's donate pile. Honestly I NEVER EVER thought this dress would fit. I was so excited that it did, even if I don't have anywhere to wear it and it has a coffee stain down the front of it.

Our new recipe this week is for a turkey mushroom swiss burger. Super yummy.

credits: National Scrapbook Day
Templates from Sweet Shoppe Design and Autumn Potpourri by Mscraps

For the original recipe w/nutritional facts please visit SparkPeople: HERE.

Have a happy and healthy week!

Valentine's Day Wreath

2012-01-19T16:37:00.000-08:00

Last year I got a heart shaped wreath on clearance. It took me until just last week to find it again. (note to self: please organize better)

Usually I kinda hate pink, but I had some pink yarn on hand and I decided for Valentine's Day I could make an exception.

I crocheted up a bunch of little hearts to add a little something.

They are perfect for using up my yarn remnants. I will be making a LOT more.

Fitness Friday - Week 2

2012-01-13T16:03:00.000-08:00

Original Starting Weight: 223

Last Weigh In: 147

Current Weight: 146

Pounds lost since last weight in: 1

Total Pounds Lost: 77

Despite losing a pound I've actually had a rough week eating. It's like my body was desperate to reject all things healthy. Tuesday I just gave up completely and spent all my time (that wasn't spent parenting) on the couch curled into a tight ball and wishing my stomach would just die and leave me alone.

However if we pretend Tuesday didn't happen this week has been great as far as workouts are concerned.

Saturday I went on an early morning jog. I started C25K again(ish) and decided I could handle Week 5 Day 1.
Sunday my sister and I went for a jog at a local nature reserve. It was awesome having a jogging buddy and even better that we were able to talk a majority of the time. We ended our workout with brunch, which just made the morning even more perfect. When I got home I decided to go crazy and rake our front yard. Our neighbors cedar lost all it's needles all over our yard. Between the front and back we filled almost 6 bags. Ridiculous.
Monday, I was SO sore. I did yoga, but not my usual video because that woman was just too happy for me to deal with...and I was already feeling kinda crap.
Wednesdays John is home so I got to take an awesome jog and pretty much found my new 5k route. Just need to add a street somewhere.
Thursday, John worked from home so when the boys went down for their naps I went out with the pup for a nice long walk.

In other news. My sister won't be joining me for The Color Run. Somehow she forgot that she was going to be in New Orleans. Punk. I wish I was going with her. John is really excited about joining me though and my sister and I are going to find another 5k to do together.

Last week I tried a Broccoli and Cheese Soup. It was really easy and tasted really good. Wonderful for a cold day. I didn't think it reheated very well, but John did. I'm thinking it may have tasted fine and it was just my quirky stomach overworking my imagination. Here is the recipe!

Created using - Hootin' Annie by Raspberry Road Designs

(Nutritional info can be found on Spark People.)

Have a happy and healthy week!!

Fitness Friday - Week 1

2012-01-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

Original Starting Weight: 223

Last Weigh In: 142

Starting Weight for 2012: 147

Pounds GAINED since last weight in: 5

Total Pounds Lost: 76

I lost a total of 53 pounds in 2011!! I really and truly can't believe it. I did gain a little weight over the holidays but it's NOTHING compared with what is gone and I know I can lose those 5 pounds again. I am just so proud of how far I have come. 76 pounds just amazes me.

Here are my goals for 2012:

1. Run The Color Run with my little sister in February. I haven't run a 5k in a while, but I'm really going to work at being ready for this. It looks like SUCH a fun run for my first race.

2. Drink my 8 glasses EVERY DAY. (So far so good)
3. Try a new healthy recipe once a week. I've been wanting to do this for a while and there are certainly enough of them on my list to try. (Broccoli Cheese Soup is in the crock pot for tonight! I'll be sure to share it next week!)

4. A minimum of 10 fitness per day. Ideally these would be running, but I need to be realistic. I won't run if the weather is horrible and I know it. (check)

5. Reach my goal weight of 135 before my sister's wedding on April 28th.

Easy peasy. There is NO reason I cannot reach these goals.

I was a slacker during November and December, but I'm back to being really active on Spark People. Feel free to friend me if you are chillin' there too! My user name is Rencherry!

As always I'm linking up with Brandy!

Wordless Wednesday - Happy New Year

2012-01-04T18:54:00.001-08:00

Birdseed Ornaments and a House

2012-01-03T14:58:00.000-08:00

Another gift I decided to make this year was birdseed ornaments. I found a great tutorial over at Saltwater - Kids. It was a pretty sticky project, but Munch and I had a great time making them.

We saved some to hang outside for our birdy friends (AND squirrel friends...lets not forget them!)

Munch also did a fantastic job painting a bird house for Nana to go with her batch of ornaments.

Didn't the house turn out great?! I have a couple little ones I have to prep so Munch can paint them for our new garden.
The birdseed ornaments barely lasted a week. I'm so happy the birds found our little yard. Munch and I are going to have to make them more ornaments soon. Perhaps ALL hearts this time since Valentine's Day is right around the corner.

My Boys Monday - Look What Hubby Made

2012-01-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

Okay so technically this post is more about me than the boys...BUT one of the "boys" did make it!

The week before Christmas, John started disappearing into the garage with strict instructions that I was not to enter. I seriously had no idea what on earth he was doing in there.

Christmas morning I opened this:

Isn't it beautiful? I told him I would LOVE one like my best bud, Alisha has (HERE) and he made one. Alisha's had a mat for a picture, but I love that all the thread is visible. It will look even better when I actually get all my thread into it! I love that my husband has found something creative that he likes to do...and that I benefit from. :o)

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Morning

2011-12-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

edited using the coffee shop filter: butterscotch vintage

Fuzzy Dice

2011-12-27T15:59:00.000-08:00

I have a bunch of Christmas type stuff to post, but I thought I would post something a little less seasonal today.

My niece told the Hubby a month or so ago that she would love to find a big pair of pink fuzzy dice for her bedroom. She is in the process of redecorating and these would be perfect for her new room. SO, my hubby very kindly offered my services.

They were actually pretty easy to make, although sewing on each spot was a tad tedious.

I cut the squares 11x11 and the spots are about 3 inches and it took a whole bag of stuffing for both of them. It wasn't something I would have ever normally made, but I'm pleased with the results.

Wordless Wednesday - Crazy Cat Move of the Day

2011-12-21T10:52:00.001-08:00

My Memories WINNER!

2011-12-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

Congrats Denise!! Check your inbox for your special promo code to get your very own My Memories Suite Software!

Wordless Wednesday - Thankful for My Boys

2011-11-23T15:43:00.001-08:00

My Memories Suite Giveaway!

2011-11-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

I was recently given the opportunity to review My Memories Suite software. My Memories is easy to use, digital scrapbook software. One of my favorite things to use when digi scrapping is templates. They make things come together so much faster and I can still be creative and make the layouts my own. My Memories comes with a TON of free templates! Which really makes putting together an album so much easier.
On top of free templates, you also get a large variety of scrapbook papers and elements. AND they offer a TON of free kits on their site.

Then I figured out how to do slide shows, which might be my favorite feature. This is just a short one with the fantastic photos Kim of A Thousand Words By Kim took a couple weeks ago. (I'm still working on the whole music thing, so forgive me if it sounds a bit off.)

As a perk of getting to try the software out myself My Memories has also asked me to do a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive their own My Memories Suite software!!

Christmas Card

2011-11-20T08:13:00.001-08:00

Big Cheers Christmas Card

Send Christmas cards personalized with your favorite photos.

View the entire collection of cards.

Our Christmas shopping isn't even close to done, but at least I got the cards ordered!! It wasn't easy, Shutterfly has a fantastic selection this year!

Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"

2011-11-14T14:27:00.001-08:00

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

FAF - Week 36

2011-11-11T13:24:00.001-08:00

Original Starting Weight: 223

Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200

Last Weigh In: 143

Current Weight: 142

Pounds Lost This Week: 1

Total Pounds Lost: 81

I feel like I should post. I skipped last week, but I feel like FAF has really become almost a habit.

11.2 - I finally ran again. In the morning. I ran past our soon to be house and on the way back home decided to cut through the green belt and try a little trail running. I hurt my hip with that genius idea...

11.5 - I went with my sister and her maid of honor to get my matron of honor dress. They measured me at a size 4 on top and size 8 on the hips. Kinda sad it wasn't the other way around, but super happy with the number 8 anyway!! We also went with my sister so she could try on her wedding dress. She's is going to be the most beautiful bride!

11.7 - I got REALLY tired of babying my silly hip and decided to try some power yoga. Thank you Jillian for fixing my hip.

11.9 - I finally got out to run again! No running through parks this time, just a nice jog with the pup. Then I got my hair cut and colored for our family pictures on Saturday. I haven't gone this dark before and certainly never gone red(ish).

(I also haven't washed it yet...cause I'm terrified that all the color will wash out and I'll be back to my mousy brown, not to mention that I'm supposed to wash my hair in cold water and I've been freezing since Wednesday.)

We had THIS for dinner.

It was REALLY yummy.

11.11 - Did a 3 mile walk with the boys and pup this morning. About to do some power yoga and then force myself into a shower. I feel gross and my hair isn't looking so pretty, so jumping into a cold shower while I'm covered in sweat should be easy. Yeah, I know I just painted a pretty picture.

Thank you to any Veterans out there! Have a happy and healthy week everyone!

Our Wild Rumpus of a Halloween

2011-11-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I got the opportunity to be a pattern tester for Jess of Running With Scissors. She has a wonderful pattern: Woodland Animals and I was lucky enough to test the wolf for her. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to put together and her instructions are clear and easy to follow. I can't wait to try out the bear and fox that are also included in the pattern.

Munch is REALLY into Where the Wild Things Are right now. It's one of our staples at bedtime, so of course I HAD to turn the wolf costume into Max. Instead of adding the buttons and whiskers that Max has I decided instead to sew up a felt crown. Munch thought it was fantastic.

After putting so much work into Munch's awesome costume I realized I had nothing for Nox. The idea of creating a Wild Thing really scared me at first. I don't consider myself a seasoned master of the sewing machine, but in the end I had to. After all, what is Max without "Carol" by his side?

It took me the better part of a weekend to figure out how to create this costume, but in the end it was pretty easy. I took the Woodland Animals pattern and basically removed the bottom half. I kept the zipper, though in hind sight it probably wasn't needed. I cut stripes out of brown flannel and sewed them onto the main gold fabric, then drew up a pattern for Carol's horns. For an added Wild Thing touch I added a pair of felt claws.
After that I grabbed my trusty Made by Rae: Big Butt Baby Pants pattern and created Carol's legs. I had a black fabric pen on hand and drew all the scales.

I ended up with a pretty fantastic little Wild Thing!

The boys really loved their costumes and really got into character for the hundreds of photos I took.

Thanks Jess for letting me test your awesome pattern! It made me much braver with my sewing machine and I can't wait till next Halloween! I hope everyone had a great one!

Spooky Sunday - Spider Egg Cupcakes

2011-10-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was my Mum's birthday.

So I made some (okay WAY more than some) cupcakes.

With pretty glittery black spiderwebs

and a wonderful little surprise in the center.

Everyone really liked them, especially Munch.

The center is just a cake ball from my new toy. I made the cake balls and then dropped them in when I made the cupcakes. I thought I made them orange enough, but they cooked a little lighter and I was using yellow cake instead of white, so next time I'll try white. I'll probably add some chocolate chips to the cake balls too...after all they are spider eggs...they should have some little "spiders" in there! Thanks to my hubby for coming up with the creative name!

The boys costumes are finally done! I'll be sure to post LOTS of pictures tomorrow!

FAF - Week 35

2011-10-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223

Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200

Last Weigh In: 143

Current Weight: 143

Pounds Lost This Week: 0

Total Pounds Lost: 80

Whoo Hoo! I know I didn't lose, but I am SO happy that I didn't gain.

I haven't run in FOREVER.
I only got one walk in.
I celebrated both my parents birthdays with steak one day and ribs another.
I suck at drinking water when the weather dips down.

Thankfully, birthdays in our house are over for a little while and I can focus on other things.

Like running, cause I signed up for a virtual 5k next week and I haven't run....so I'm scared that I'm going to suck. Thank goodness it's virtual, so no one has to watch me suck.

I also need to REALLY focus on packing. We are buying a house at the end of the month and I have packed a very little bit more than nothing. I have boxes in the garage packed to the ceiling...but with nothing actually in them.

Anyway...I could do a whole post about moving.

I finally got around to making a new recipe this week. It was SUPER easy.

(credit: Summer Pears by Kelly's Korner)

It was also super yum! The only thing I would say is to maybe make some rice or something to go with it, cause it's not a TON of food. But, when I say easy...I mean it. Seriously one of the easiest meals I've made in a long time. Totally going in my cookbook.

Original recipe can be found on Spark People: HERE.

Have a happy and healthy week!!

My Boys Monday: Super Birthday

2011-10-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

We recently celebrated Munch's 3rd birthday. The original plan was to do a Dr. Seuss party, but then Munch discovered Superman...AND then Batman, Iron Man...Spiderman....you name the superhero, he probably knows exactly who you are talking about.

So Dr. Seuss will be put on the back burner for Nox next year (cause I already bought stuff.)

Planning this party was lots of fun. Although be warned, if you decide on a Superman theme you will run into problems finding much. Poor Clark just isn't as popular as he used to be.

First we did the invites. Superman T-shirt + white collar shirt + 3-D glasses with the lenses popped out make the PERFECT Clark Kent (or as Munch insists MARK Kent). We had a fantastic photo shoot and I had fun photoshopping my little guy onto a phone booth picture I found. Our Clark Kent is British...or at least his mother is....half anyway.

I wanted to have "our" photographer there, but we had a minor miscommunication and she double booked. I had a minor panic attack, cause my good(ish) camera got a scratch on it's lense and was nearing death anyway. Poor thing. Thankfully my father-in-law let me borrow his Nikon D50. He's letting me borrow it for a bit longer and I think I'm in love. I took over 300 pictures at the party...mostly just playing with the camera.

ANYWAY...here it is. We got the cupcake-cake at Target. I made three color ruffled streamers, which I think I'll be doing for every party from now on. They are just WAY more fun than regular streamers. Then I found a tutorial for a Comic Book Banner and made a couple of those too. Those were really fantastic, but it was hard to find Superman comics that would work. The better of the two is actually Spiderman.

Finishing touches included red and blue kool-aid bottles and red, blue and yellow lollipops. I was really happy with how festive it ended up looking and I think everyone had a great time.

Munch changed into several different costumes during the course of the party and I didn't manage to get a decent picture of the boys in their fantastic capes that day. BUT here they are.

These capes are fantastic. Nox is a tad small for his yet, but he has plenty of room to grow. We got them through Gramma Allie on Etsy. They are double sided so if you feel like Superman go for it....or Batman maybe? No problem. Genius! We bought our capes ready made, but she also offers a pattern to make it. I was feeling lazy, so I went with the really well made-by-someone-else cape.

There were about four million other things I wanted to do, but didn't get around to. Check out my Pinteresting Super Hero Board: HERE.

FAF Week 34 - 80 Pounds and Counting

2011-10-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200

Last Weigh In: 146
Current Weight: 143
Pounds Lost This Week: 3
Total Pounds Lost: 80

I CANNOT believe I have made it this far. CANNOT believe.
Just eight pounds till my goal weight. I'm almost at the end of the tunnel. It's freaking insane.

I've gone from a size 22 to a size 8. I love it.

I'm sure in high school I was this size, but I can't remember it. I for sure wasn't this happy with my size in high school.

I got some cute knee high boots to celebrate.

I need to start focusing a little more on toning, now that I'm so close to my goal. I have PLENTY of time until next summer to build some muscle and look decent in a bathing suit, for the first time ever :o) AND time to get my arms looking good for my one shoulder bridesmaid dress for my little sister's wedding in April.

Have a happy and healthy week!

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Birthday Munch

2011-10-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

Butterflies

2011-10-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

It's apparently been awhile since I've sat at my sewing machine. I had to make this simple dress twice. I almost threw my machine out the window. Although, to be fair, it was probably my ability to measure and cut correctly that was the problem.

Thankfully it worked out okay.

No machines were hurt and I still have a little of the beautiful butterfly fabric left in my stash.

Wordless Wednesday: Flowers for Mama

2011-10-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

Fat Ass Friday - Week 33

2011-09-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200

Last Weigh In: 148
Current Weight: 146
Pounds Lost This Week: 2
Total Pounds Lost: 77

Holding steady, which I am happy about. Feeling better, happy about that too. Weather may finally STAY under 100....phew.

Wednesday I tried to jog...a little over half way through my heart felt like it was just going to pound out of my chest. For a minute I tried to ignore it...then I realized that I didn't really want to die on the side of the road...so I listened and stopped jogging to walk. I jogged on and off the rest of the way and felt fine when I got home, but I guess my body wasn't quite ready to go the distance after being sick.

It was a glorious day today. In the 80s, sunny, breezy....seriously fantastic. We took an extra long walk. Loved it.

Next week I'll jog some more. Start with a 1 mile and move up from there. Hopefully my body will cooperate.

Have a happy and healthy week!!

Wordless Wednesday: Looking Up

2011-09-28T13:24:00.001-07:00

My Boys Monday - Very Hungry Caterpillar

2011-09-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

A month ago my "baby" turned one. I'm still in denial about it. I need him to stay little just a tad bit longer.

We read The Very Hungry Caterpillar to the boys pretty frequently and it seemed perfect to throw Nox a birthday party themed with the adorable little caterpillar. It was so much fun to put together and I loved all the ideas I found on Pinterest (see my board: HERE.)

The first thing I put together was the invites:

I created using a great free digi kit from Meet the Laings: HERE.

Here are some highlights of decor from the party:

With the exception of the wreath all pictures were taken by my buddy Kim with A Thousand Words by Kim. She really takes a lot of stress off me when I hire her for parties. It's really my one splurge.
The wreath I found at the dollar store and just dressed it up. The cake I was going to do myself, but decided it was a bit beyond my talents and got Target to create it for me. My favorite creation was that sun sitting behind Nox. It's still up, I just can't bring myself to take it down. I know I have to eventually, but it makes me smile.

I also made Nox's birthday outfit using my favorite pants pattern: Made by Rae's Big Butt Baby Pants. This particular pair is my favorite so far. I love the green panel in the back and the cuffs add something fun too. Doesn't hurt that my model is just so cute. ;o)

I'll leave ya tonight with a cake photo taken by Kim.

Nox just jumped right in and destroyed that cake.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 32

2011-09-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223

Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200

Last Weigh In: 148
Current Weight: 146
Pounds Lost This Week: 2
Total Pounds Lost: 77

Whoo Hoo! I wasn't sure I was going to lose anything this week. I've been fighting something and haven't been running or doing yoga....or cleaning, doing dishes, cooking....really not much besides watching the boys and forcing myself to take them on some glorious walks.

I always forget how much I love to just walk. The weather has been perfect! A couple of warm days, but NOTHING like the awful heat that was this summer. I love it.

I'm going to continue my happy dance from the couch now. Hopefully I feel better soon. It's just a cold, but I've also been fighting this awful exhaustion for what seems like months and the combination of both is beating me up. Hubby thinks I should go to the doctor. I think I just need to rest.

Anyway, have a fabulous first week of Autumn!!

Wordless Wednesday: Brothers

2011-09-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Fat Ass Friday - Week 31

2011-09-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223

Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200

Last Weigh In: 150

Current Weight: 148

Pounds Lost This Week: 2

Total Pounds Lost: 75

Whoo Hoo!! Super happy about this! Only 13 pounds to go before I reach my goal weight!

My mother and I went to Kohl's yesterday and I bought my first size SMALL shirt. I know at some point I may have been a small in the past, but I seriously can't remember when that was.

BUT....then my mother decided I needed one of these. So...we'll see how long I keep those pounds off.
I will say that I did WANT it AND she did get it so that I could make HER one of these:

Directions at Snowy Bliss.

So she wasn't trying to sabotage me, she just wanted a birthday cake.

I wonder if I can make it diet. Any one have any cake recipes that won't break the scale? I'm going to have to do some research and testing :o)

Have a happy and healthy week!

Wordless Wednesday - Peace

2011-09-14T20:45:00.001-07:00

Fat Ass Friday - Week 30

2011-09-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223

Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weigh In: 150

Current Weight: 150
Pounds Lost This Week: 0
Total Pounds Lost: 73

I'm okay with this. I was REALLY annoyed this morning, cause I had gotten down to 148, but weigh in is on Fridays...NOT every day.

I've been working my butt off and getting sore. And I know that I've made progress, even if the scale says I haven't. It's a big fat liar. So I'm good. Jillian and I are becoming better friends. I ran last night and beat my person 5k record by 2 minutes. So the scale can stay where it is, as long as I continue feeling better.

In some other, awesome news. My little sis and I were going through some bags of clothes I found in our shed and we located my old size 22 pants. This past weekend I threw them on. I fit into one leg!!

I kinda want to frame them and hang them somewhere, so I never EVER forget how far I have come.

Have a happy and healthy week!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 29

2011-09-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weigh In: 150

Current Weight: 150
Pounds Lost This Week: 0
Total Pounds Lost: 73

I actually lost a pound last week...and then gained it back. I'm telling myself it's because I FINALLY started strength training/yoga and my body is gaining muscle. Could be the cupcakes I ate for Nox's first birthday though. Hmmm....let's just stick with the yoga theory.

I bought Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown. I was looking for Bob's DVD...cause he is better looking and SO much nicer, but sadly I couldn't find it...so Jillian is who came home with me. I was actually pleasantly surprised. She was nicer than I expected AND I didn't want to die AND I am more flexible than little Miss Fitness...SO I did some bouncing off the walls. I was sore for a couple days after and Jillian does not work well on days I plan on doing a long run, but we can totally be yoga buddies.

Speaking of bouncing off walls. A couple weekends ago I went with my sister for the final dress trying on. Last time I couldn't get the dresses zipped. Which was slightly embarrassing, cause I was surrounded by the skinny bridesmaids. THIS time it was just me...and they were able to zip up the dress AND they had to clip me in it! Seriously?! I am still attempting back flips. I wonder if Jillian has a video for that? I wish I could have gotten pictures, but they store thought they were super fancy and wouldn't let us take them. Evil.

In other news the HIGHS for next week are in the 90s! Monday there is a HIGH of 88. I cannot remember the last time I was so excited...we are totally taking the boys on a walk..and going to the park and celebrating! I'm was begining to think it would stay in the 100s FOREVER...and that I would NEVER be able to take a walk with my kids again...EVER. I may go crazy and even go for a jog in the daylight...with the sun on my face.

Have a happy, healthy and hopefully cooler week!

Thifty Thursday - Owl

2011-08-25T05:19:00.000-07:00

When the Hubby and I got our weekend without the kids we took the opportunity to visit some cool thrift/vintage stores.

This little guy was found at Dolly Python.

I just had to get him. He's so beautiful and I know a lot of love and work went into him.

In my dream house I have a craft room, with a wall filled with hand sewn, vintage art. My friend here is just the first to join the collection. I found a great home for him. Not the wall in my dream house, but one day we'll get there!

Wordless Wednesday - Digging in the Dirt

2011-08-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

Fat Ass Friday - Week 28

2011-08-20T05:50:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weigh In: 152
Current Weight: 150
Pounds Lost This Week: 2
Total Pounds Lost: 73

Whoo Hoo! I'm super excited about this! Only 15 pounds to go until I hit my goal weight!

I decided to switch up my jogging a little this week. And did a 5k in intervals of walking and then quick jogging...which is still slow, but I beat my normal time by a couple minutes. I really just didn't feel like jogging the whole way, but I wanted to do something. It actually felt really good and I think I'll add it to my routine.

I'm going out with my sister today to try on her official choice of bridesmaid dress. I'm REALLY hoping I can zip it up all the way. Would be even better if they had to pin it tighter. I think that I could ride that high all month. Not getting my hopes up though, seriously, I will just be super happy if I can just zip it...those dresses are made so small.

Thought I would share my favorite pin of the week :o) Keep believing and anything is possible! Have a great and healthy week!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 27

2011-08-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weight In: 153
Current Weight: 152
Pounds Lost This Week: 1
Total Pounds Lost: 71

It's actually been a rough couple weeks. I hit the 70 pound mark and almost started back sliding..I guess part of me was thinking; "Meh, 70 pounds rocks. I don't have to work anymore."
Which is SO wrong! It took a little bit, but I finally won that argument.

Hubby and I finally got our first weekend away from the kiddos. We went into Dallas and stayed at this great hotel called The Belmont. Which was AWESOME. There was a tub in our room that could have fit 10 of me....okay maybe just 5, but it was HUGE! My mother bought me this beautiful dress and ridiculously fancy shoes. I told Hubby he has to take me out for another date soon.

It's been a LONG time since I felt this good in a dress.
Doesn't my husband look great too? He's lost 39 pounds and I am SO proud of him.
In other news...today I went to Target and discovered Skinny Cow Dark Chocolate Dreamy Clusters. They are 120 calories for 6 wonderfully fantasmic chocolate bites. Seriously, they are AMAZING. Sometimes a girl just needs chocolate....which is why I also stocked up on my Luna Protein Bars for $5 a box of 6. Which is great considering the best I've ever found them is $1 per.
I've kept up with my jogs and I really enjoy them. Although, I will be SO happy when these 100+ days come to an end...for the year. This girl was just NOT built for Texas summers. It's even too hot to go swimming. Craziness.

Everyone have a healthy and happy week!!

Wordless Wednesday - Summer Fun

2011-08-10T15:49:00.001-07:00

Second Opinion Sunday

2011-08-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Hubby and I went to a couple vintage thrifty type stores in Dallas. At Curiosities they had tons of fabric and vintage table linens. I seriously could have spent hours in that one little corner. Then another few hours looking at all their other goodies.

Sadly our stomachs were growling...so we only spent an hour exploring...okay MAYBE two...maybe. One of the treasures I walked out with was this piece of fabric.

It's only about the size of a fat quarter, but I love the colors and pattern.
Any ideas on what I should create with it?

Scrappy Sunday

2011-07-24T15:59:00.000-07:00

Scrapbook Flair is having a awesome sale in their shop. They seem to do this about twice a year, so I try to stock up when they do. I've been a little lazy with scrapbooking lately, so I'll have to work hard this week to have an order to put in by next Sunday.

Created using Happiness by Three Paper Peonies and Editorial Layered Template by Katie Pertiet.

Created using Template Inspiration 4-17-11 by Katie Pertiet and Hodge Podge Paper Pack by Sandra Cheng.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 26

2011-07-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weigh In: 156
Current Weight: 153
Pounds Lost This Week: 3
Total Pounds Lost: 70

Yesterday I made a HUGE milestone of 70 pounds lost. I spent a lot of time thinking about how I got this far.

Obviously I am not an expert. The same methods that work so well for me…may not work at all for others. This is a reminder to me. To stay on the right track and NEVER give up. If it helps you, wonderful! I am honored to have been of assistance!!

1. You have to WANT to do it. I mean really want to. You have to be truly dedicated to changing the way you live. Because you can’t change it for a couple months and then go back to the way you were living before…if you do that then YOU will go back to the way you were before. So if you start moving KEEP moving. If you start eating healthy meals and the right proportions you need to keep at it. Weight doesn’t just magically stay off; you have to keep it off. Same goes for muscle…if you want it to stay put; you can’t give up on it. You have to WORK for it.
(richinnerlife.typepad.com)

2. Working out shouldn’t be boring or something you dread, because you hate it. Find an activity you love. Everyone has something…TRUST ME. There are so many things in life that get you moving and help you burn those calories and strengthen your muscles. Find at least one thing and embrace it.
(picture of me, taken by hubby and then edited by me)

3. Do NOT give up. EVER. You will hit plateaus and stay at the same weight for weeks sometimes…DO NOT GIVE UP!! If anything push yourself harder. Change your routine. Push the restart button. Your body is getting stronger and faster, even if you think it isn’t. In this same vein, you WILL have bad work out days. I have gone from jogging 25 minutes straight one day to not being able to finish a full minute the next. Take a deep breath and KEEP MOVING.
(feel-that-burn.tumblr.com)

4. DIET is a four letter word. If you want to be healthy, lose weight AND be HAPPY, you shouldn’t quit all the things you love. If you want an Oreo, fine, HAVE one…just don’t eat the whole box…learn your serving sizes. Also know that if you have one thing you MAY have to cut back somewhere else. There is a huge truth to the words: “Everything is fine, in moderation.”
(ourtimetochange.tumblr.com)

5. Those “perfect” people in magazines DO NOT MATTER. Go look in the mirror. You are beautiful. I don’t care what you think, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. If you can’t see the beauty, go look for it.
(lisaferncreek.blogspot.com)

6. You are not in a race. This is NOT a competition. It does not matter how long it takes you, as long as you make your journey a HEALTHY one.
(rippedandfit.tumblr.com)

7. Learn to listen to your body. The human body can do insane and amazing things. Your body can do things you would not believe. BUT stop and listen. Sometimes this fantastic machine needs a break. Sometimes it needs to take it a little slower.
(rippedandfit.tumblr.com)

8. The word CAN’T can be awful and debilitating. Remember when you were a kid and everyone told you, “You CAN do anything you want to do. You CAN be anything you want to be.”? Apply it to your adult life. Stop making excuses and DO IT!
(Created using word art by P Knox and Paper by Katie Pertiet)

9. Surround yourself with supportive people. It doesn’t matter if they are joining you on your journey or on the sidelines cheering you on, as long as they believe in you!
(sayingimages.com)

10. Learn to forgive yourself and CELEBRATE. Life happens. LIVE it.

(taken and edited by me)

Pretty in Pink - Tutu

2011-07-19T07:42:00.001-07:00

A couple weekends ago, we went to Austin for a little friend's 3rd birthday party. After some thinking I decided to make her a tutu.
I tried to get Munch to try it on (for sizing purposes), but he thought I was completely crazy. He wouldn't even take my bribes of cookies and candy! When I did finally convince him to put it on for a second, he looked a little murderous...so unfortunately no blackmail pictures were taken. Luckily, I got the sizing right, despite Munch's best efforts to deter me. I knotted ends and added ribbon, because I thought it added something fun and different.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 25

2011-07-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weigh In: 160
Current Weight: 156
Pounds Lost This Week: 4
Total Pounds Lost: 67

Phew! That gain last week must have been water weight or something...or my scale is just evil. Which I really wouldn't be surprised about. Whatever it was, it has passed now...AND I lost a bonus pound Whoo Hooo!!

Austin was awesome. We had a great time with friends and I tried not to stuff my face.

Monday I jogged 26 minutes straight! A personal best! Got some more cardio in, every day, but today. I was supposed to do my 5k but we went out to eat and then drove around and looked at houses instead.

It's funny looking at houses now. The thing I was almost the most concerned with was the street lights for my night jogs...that and how close the houses were to the long walking trail I take the boys on in cooler weather. I'm sure my priorities will change a little once we actually go INSIDE them.

Have a happy and healthy week!!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 24

2011-07-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weigh In: 157
Current Weight: 160
Pounds GAINED This Week: 3
Total Pounds Lost: 63

Dammit. I don't know what happened there. I'm really annoyed. I didn't think I had been eating THAT badly, but I guess I have. ARGH.

On the other hand...I have got in a lot of walking. Which is awesome considering the heat. AND I've been drinking my 8 servings of water a day.

On Monday I jogged TWICE. Did 1.5 miles in the morning and then a 5k in the evening. Switched up my 5k route and beat my previous best time by 2 minutes! Woot! AND I got to watch fireworks as I jogged down the hill by my house. That was super awesome. I almost went around so I could watch them again...but decided that sitting at home on the couch was a better idea.

On Tuesday I jogged 1.5 miles.

On Wednesday I was super sore and tired. So I was GOING to take a break, but then decided that was lazy and looked at Verizon On Demand. I found a 10 minute Biggest Loser Jump Start Work Out and thought "Easy Peasy, I can do 10 minutes." Lies...my calves are still on fire.

Yesterday I got in a 2.65 walk with my Munch. We had a blast.
Now I'm off to get ready to go to Austin for the weekend. We are staying with a close friend of mine and her Hubby is BBQing up a storm...lets see if I can't gain ALL my weight back in one weekend. Kidding. I'll be fine.

4th of July Crafty Recap

2011-07-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is my 200th post! Sadly, I have nothing exciting planned. Maybe for my 250th!

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday weekend! We started it off by making amazing firework shirts for the boys. I love it when I can get my hubby to willingly craft with me!

Who knew sharpies and rubbing alcohol could create such a fun effect? Aparently Butterfly Jungle cause she has an awesome tutorial to make them: HERE. I'm a little terrified of washing them, they are in the dryer to set again.
I also made myself a shirt, using a tutorial I found over at tatertots and jello: HERE. It was really amazing how fast all the shirts came together! We will totally be making the fireworks shirts for the boys again next year and I will be sporting my awesome new flag tank! We also decided to try out this Red, White and Blue Sangria recipe. It was SO good. Slightly deadly though, I suggest small glasses.And of course Munch had a paint one of his masterpieces. We had a wonderful weekend with family and relaxing and fun. I was sad to see it end!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 23

2011-07-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weigh In: 159
Current Weight In: 157
Pounds Lost This Week: 2
Total Pounds Lost: 66

Flipping AWESOME. I'm so excited!! 22 pounds to go before I hit my goal weight. I got two 5ks in and when John worked from home on Tuesday I took advantage of nap time and went out for a 30 minute swim. I can't remember the last time I swam without a kid attached. It felt great and I'm really looking forward to John working from home again.

I had a great girls day with my mother and sister to celebrate my weight loss. I got a few new outfits. I'll take pictures when I get a chance to wear them. I got two pairs of shorts that were size 10. I can't remember the last time that happened.

John and I realized that when we started dating I was an unhealthy size 14. So from here on, I'm the thinnest and healthiest he's ever seen me! That feels really good.

This month I joined my first challenge on Spark People (you can read more about it HERE if ya want.) One of the things we had to do when joining was to take before pictures. I took them and kinda regretted not taking some when I first started out at 223. I'm sure I have some, just nothing like the ones below.
I still have a ways to go...but I'm really proud of how far I've come.

Another thing we have to do is revamp our personal page. I'm still working on mine, but I'm going to add this picture to it. I took it during one of our walks at the nature reserve near our house.

Have a happy and healthy next week AND a wonderful Independence Day if are here in the States! Happy Canada Day if there is anyone from Canada reading my blog!

My Boys Monday

2011-06-27T19:18:00.001-07:00

No crafts to share today. Just a sweet picture that I took of my boys in Galveston.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 22

2011-06-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Pre Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weigh In: 160
Current Weight: 159
Pounds Lost This Week: 1
Total Pounds Lost: 64

Good-bye 160s!!! Whoo Hoo!! I'm going out with my sister and Mum this weekend to celebrate. Super happy.

I think I may have figured out a new work-out routine. I'm going to try and get at least a 20 minute jog in everyday. I'll take off on Wednesdays when we go to my mother's. It worked pretty well this week. I've also figured out a 5k route to complete twice a week. I can't run the whole thing, but I'm working on it. I'm hoping my short 20 minute jogs will help.

Finally got the chance to try on my wedding dress. It's hard coordinate an overlap in naptime with a handsome hubby at home to zip me up and take pictures. You can't really tell in the picture, but it's too big! Part of me is sad, cause it looked so pretty on our wedding day, but I'm not planning on wearing it again so I'm not going to cry about it.

In the next couple weeks, I'm going with my sister to try on bridesmaid dresses again. I'm really hoping I'll be able to zip them up this time. Crossing fingers.

Have a super happy and healthy week!!

Opposites: Shadow and Light

2011-06-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

Playing catch up again. The next two assignments in this class were Shadow and Light. I tried several times to take a decent shadow picture and I couldn't get quite the right shot. Apparently I just needed to be patient. On Sunday I was outside, showing Nox our sunflowers and noticed his shadow on the fence. I'm pretty pleased with the results.

I also found a great article on Photo Jojo: The Ultimate Guide to Photo Shadow Play. I really want to give some of their ideas a try.

The light assignment required that there be direct sunlight and that you use it as back lighting. Our back fence is perfect for that. It's pretty ancient, so it's worn and the sun shines through beautifully in the early evening. Kaiser makes such a handsome model when he holds still for more than a second.
Next up: Near and Far.

My Boys Monday: Painting for Daddy

2011-06-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

I slacked this Father's Day and last Wednesday I went into a little bit of a panic on what to get the Hubby for his big day. So in desperation I left the house. I don't generally leave the house with both boys in tow. If I do, it's to go visit a friend or my Aunt's store...or my mother's...pretty much anywhere another adult will be. I need back up, cause I'm a wimp.

We ended up at Michael's and I found a couple canvas packs that were on sale. So I scooped them up and brought them home, along with the yellows and grays we want in the Master Bedroom. When we got home I put Munch to work.

We paint all the time. Usually on computer paper or blank cards. He liked painting on the canvas and had to use every single brush we own.
Here are his works of art.
Little Nox was a little different. This was his first time painting and neither he nor I really knew what to do. Munch was about a year and a half when he started painting and Nox is just nine months.

First we made sure the binkie was firmly in the mouth; no eating paint in this house! Then we made sure all bath supplies were near the newly cleaned kitchen sink; for easy clean up. Finally, I put the paint directly on the canvas and let Nox have at it.

I'm not sure how he felt about getting his hands dirty.
But, he did create some wonderful pieces.
I'm happy to report Daddy liked all four masterpieces and I survived a outing with the kids.

I hope all the men in your lives had a wonderful Father's Day!!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 21

2011-06-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Original Starting Weight: 223
Pre Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weigh In: 162
Current Weight: 160
Pounds Lost This Week: 2
Total Pounds Lost: 63

Woot! I was kinda feeling a little down on myself this past week. It's been too hot to take the boys for our long morning walks. They get super grumpy. But I did my jogs and ate pretty well, so I guess there wasn't much of a reason to be hard on me.

I need to figure out my summer work out routine. I also need to get my butt over to my mother's pool to swim, or maybe just sit in the pool with a glass of wine. Hmm...

That's really all I got this week. I have pictures to post, but they will have to wait till next time.

Have a healthy and happy week!!

Wish List Wednesday

2011-06-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

I wish I were here:

With a cold drink in my hand and my book.

I also with there was an editing fairy that could come and edit the rest of my vacation photos, cause there are SO many of them.

Can't wait to be done. I'm about half way through.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 20

2011-06-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weigh In: 163
Current Weight: 162
Pounds Lost This Week: 1
Total Pounds Lost: 61

Well I'm back. It was a beautiful week and even though I brought my scale along with me...I really kinda ignored it. I weighed in on Monday after we got back and had gained 4 pounds. Must have been some freak amount of water weight or something, cause I really didn't work any harder than usual to get it off. I'm SUPER surprised that I managed to lose the 4 pounds I gained, PLUS one. I'll take it!

I got three jogs in this week. Including one beautiful one along the ocean. I have a lot of trouble jogging in the mornings so I decided to restart C25K for my daylight jogs. Worked out well for my jog along the beach, cause I got to take pretty pictures during my walking period. Like this one:

We are planning on going back next year. Hopefully then I'll get to jog along the beach more than once. It was a great experience.
We took over 1000 pictures, so I'm going to be editing for a while. I will hopefully get a couple posts with pictures up soon!
Have a happy and healthy week!!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 19

2011-05-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

Link up your post with Brandy at You Don't Know.

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 166
Current Weight: 163
Pounds Lost This Week: 3
Total Pounds Lost: 60

I have officially lost SIXTY pounds!!
I never thought I could...I thought it would take me FOREVER and EVER...but each day that I got up and moved, I got stronger and faster. Each healthy meal I ate, made me feel better.
During my second pregnancy I gained a little (okay a little more than a little), but after I had him, I picked myself back up and kept going.
I have 28 pounds to go now and I know I can do it.
I went from a girl who could barely walk a mile without getting out of breath...to one that could run 2 miles.
I went from a size 22 to having my size 14 jeans fall off.
I have learned to listen to my body...and while I still have arguments with my brain every so often, I'm mostly under control of that too.

I'm hoping to get to 150 by Nox's birthday at the end of August. 13 more pounds!! After that it will be just 15 pounds to my goal weight!

We are leaving this morning to go to the beach for a week. I won't have internet access so I won't have access to Spark People. Which means I will have to almost go it alone. Thankfully I have my hubby to hep keep me in line. AND I'm taking the scale. I'm pretty good at gaining 5 pounds everytime I go on vacation, but this time I REFUSE to.

Do you hear that Fat? You are not welcome to join me on the beach. In fact, I plan to RUN away from you...along the beach. Seriously...back off.

Have a wonderful long weekend and a great and healthy week! I'll be back in a couple weeks!!

Carter BloodCare Blanket

2011-05-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

Carter BloodCare goes to my husband's office regularly. Almost everytime they are there, he donates and each time he does he comes home with a new Carter BloodCare t-shirt. He used to wear them while he worked out, but he has since lost weight and they are HUGE on him. (I'm so proud.) Instead of donating the t-shirts I decided to reuse them.

We needed a beach blanket for our vacation, so I made one.
Here is the front:

and back:
and a fun one of Munch and I:

Munch LOVES the blanket. The t-shirts that Carter BloodCare so generously gives out are SUPER soft. Can't wait to use this blanket while sitting on the beach and after that while going on picnics. Thanks Carter BloodCare for ALL that you do!!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 18

2011-05-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Link up your blog with Brandy at You Don't Know.

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 167
Current Weight: 166
Pounds Lost This Week: 1
Total Pounds Lost: 57

Whoo Hoo! 1 pound closer to 60 pounds! Only 3 tiny pounds to go! 31 to go for my ultimate goal. When I first started Spark People I would have whined about how many pounds 31 was. Now, I can't help but think: "That's nothing! You are SO freaking close! You've pushed past the halfway point and only have a third of the way to go."

Meal of the Week:
Killer grilled swiss with parmesan crusted asparagus w/herbed squash and zucchini - Drool. Big thank you to Krod (aka hubby) for making it for me I love you!!

New Me Vs Old Me Moment of the Week:
Saturday I took a glorious morning hike with the hubby. We saw a bunch of trail runners. Old me would have shook her head at the crazy people...New me wanted to join them. I think once I've "graduated" from C25K and the summer ends I'm going to try it out. It just looked like SO much fun. I know, I'm a looney toon.
Freaking Awesome, "I'm making visible progress!" Moment of the Week:
Saturday during nap time I went shopping for a bathing suit (EEK). Found a bathing suit I feel good in (insanity) AND got some new work out clothes in size MEDIUM!! Can't remember the last time I could say that. MEDIUM...sorry had to say it again. Here I am enjoying a jog on Sunday...in my new gear.

Questions of the Week w/backstory:
Sunday - Attempted C25K Week 7 Day 1 and couldn't quite make it to the half way point. Part of it may have been that I partied with my sister the night before at her engagement party. I wasn't well hydrated and I was getting over drinking a little more than I usually do. However I have had this problem jogging during the day before. Usually I jog at night when my boys have gone down for the night. I jog on the well lit sidewalks and ROCK it. This is the third time I've attempted to jog on a jogging trail that runs along the green belt near our home. All three times it's been during daylight hours and all three times I haven't been able to complete my runs.
Anyone have any tips? Should I try starting the C25K over for the days I get to jog during daylight hours? How do you morning joggers prepare for your jog?

In other news:
I apparently am a vampire of some kind. Sunday I tried C25K Week 7 Day 1 - another 25 minutes of straight jogging and I couldn't do it. I couldn't even make it to the half way point. This isn't the first time this has happened. Everytime I try to jog during the day, I SUCK. However, when the sun goes down and I hit the sidewalk...I don't suck so much. I checked on Monday night and did another 25 minute jog. Thursday as great...but I did 20 minutes straight, which is still good. I'm convinced the sun weakens me and brings me down. Silly sun, why do you have to look so pretty and be so mean at the same time?

Haven't gotten a chance to see if I fit back into my wedding dress yet. Hopefully this weekend.

Hope everyone has a fantastic and healthy week!! Hugs!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 17

2011-05-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Link up your post with Brandy at You Don't Know

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 167
Current Weight: 167
Pounds Lost This Week: 0
Total Pounds Lost: 56

Meh...no loss this week. BUT I had a very busy Mother's Day...with a trip to the zoo, Babe's Chicken AND the renaissance faire. It was super difficult to be good. I'm actually super happy that I didn't gain!

Last night I did C25K Week 6 Day 3. I was completely terrified of it. 25 minutes is a super long time. On Day 2 I could barely make it through 1 10 minute run. How the hell was I going to get through TWENTY FIVE minutes? But I went out and when Mr. App Guy told me to run...I ran and ran and ran. I pushed through feeling like I wanted to stop and throw up. I slowed down a little when I was getting too out of breath. BUT I did NOT stop running. I thought about going to the beach at the end of the month and how awesome it would be if I got to take a jog with an ocean view. I think that's pretty much what kept me going. I'm not getting my hopes up, I might not be able to figure in a time to jog and vacation with my kids and hubby, but the idea is freaking wonderful.

I'm going to see if I can fit back into my wedding dress this weekend. I can't believe it's almost 6 years since we got married. Crazy wonderful.

While I'm still thinking of the beach...it takes a little over 6 hours to drive there. What are your favorite snacks to take on the road?

Opposites: Quiet and Loud

2011-05-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Day Five's assignment was to photograph something that represented quiet. Nothing says that more to me than Nox asleep in my arms. The world could be crashing down around me and when I look down at his face all I feel is peace. He's begining to get too big to do this anymore and he fights a lot more than he used to. So, when I do get these precious moments, I cherish them.

Day Six we needed to photograph something loud. We have had some huge thunderstorms lately. The other day the storm woke up the whole house and everyone, kids and animals spent the rest of the afternoon glued to my legs. There were a few times where the thunder caused my poor old house to shake. I have to admit that I kinda hate thunder storms. The loud bangs make me nervous. BUT I love watching rain fall. There is something so beautiful about watching drops of water hit the ground. I hope to have days 7 and 8 up Tuesday, but we'll see how that works out.

Spring Wreath

2011-05-11T05:13:00.000-07:00

I was kinda sad to take down my Easter Wreath and my door looked lonely. SO I decided to make another yarn wreath, since I have a TON of it. I wrapped the wreath and then it sat on my dining table for a week while I tried to figure out what to do with it.

Then last week I came across THIS POST from Make it and Love it. She has a ton of great fabric scrap ideas, including a link on how to make Yo-Yo's. I think I'm addicted. They are SO easy and look SO pretty.

I made a bunch in a pink, green, brown family of colors and then topped them with buttons. I had a bunch of very pale pink tulle that finished off the wreath.

Here's some detail of my yo-yo's and buttons.

Do you keep your scraps? What do you do with them? I'm off to make more yo-yo's...we'll figure out what the heck I'm going to do with them later :o)

Fat Ass Friday - Week 16

2011-05-07T07:19:00.001-07:00

Link up your post with Brandy at You Don't Know.

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 169
Current Weight: 167
Weight Loss This Week: 2
Total Weight Lost: 56

I'm seriously considering changing this to Skinny Saturday...since half the time I can't get the post up on Friday. SIGH

SUPER SUPER happy about my loss this week! I realized this week put me at 4 more pounds till a grand total of 60 pounds lost! SO EXCITED!

Kinda sucked at working out this week. I attempted a 20 minute jog Sunday and even though I failed I felt pretty good. Then, it poured on Monday, so in my genius I decided that I was strong enough to take on Jillian Michael's 30 Day-Shred. Seriously STUPID idea. I was basically out of commision until yesterday. SO FREAKING SORE. I went on my walks, because the weather was too gorgeous not to enjoy, but I almost didn't make it home a couple times....my legs were screaming at me. So no jogging after I did Jillian this week.

Jillian, I love ya, but we can't be friends right now. I know you were trying to help, but you almost derailed my train to Skinnyville.

My recipe this week is for Honey Mustard It was SO SO yummy. Love me some honey mustard. We did change up the recipe a little. Didn't use the 2 pounds of chicken the first time around, although I may next time, cause I seriously could have eaten a whole chicken. We changed the original recipe (found: HERE) by doubling the Honey Mustard sauce and adding onions.
Created using Kitshcy Kitchen Freebie by jenn barrette
and Sahlin Studio

Everyone have a healthy and happy week!!

Opposites: In and Out

2011-05-05T05:17:00.000-07:00

I am so seriously behind. The class is almost over and I'm only on days 3 and 4. I guess that's why they call it self paced :o)

Day 2 challenged you to take a picture inside using natural light.

We are very fortunate to have huge windows in the front of our house, that let in a ton of light. Some of my favorite pictures have been taken in these windows.

My current favorite is this one I took of Munch. I just love the face he's making. Just full of mischief and cuteness.

I also took this picture of Nox looking IN a box, OUTSIDE. He just LOVES pulling things out of boxes right now and I had to capture it.
Which brings us to day 4: Out. The trick is getting the perfect lighting. Sometimes the sun can cause some crazy shadows. Luckily we had a trip to the Dallas Arboretum planned and I got to snap a bunch of great pictures. Here are two of my favorites.

We ate lunch outdoors and by our table was a little grassy area to run around. There was a fantastic tree with branches that bent low to the ground. Munch had so much fun running around, under and OVER the branches. Here he is leaning over one of them.
Self portrait of Nox and myself. I love Nox's eyes in this picture. They just shine. AND it's always a plus when I can get him to look at the camera when I'm taking a picture.
Hopefully I'll have the rest of the days up soon!

Scrappy Saturday

2011-04-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post before I go to my sister's for a bride's maid brunch and then dress (for us, she already has her show stopper) shopping!

I'm seriously behind on the boy's scrapbooks. I really need to try doing a page a week for both boy's. The amount of pictures that never make it off my computer is just pitiful.

Here is Nox at 4 months. He's 8 months today! Totally growing too quickly.

Created using Lil' Monster by Everyday Mom Ideas and Template Free "bee" by Scraping with Liz

When Munch was 8 months old we went to see Eleven Hundred Springs at a free concert. It was a really fun and fantastic evening. The weather was PERFECT and the music was great!
Created using Hello Sunshine Freebie by Karen Lewis Designz and 365 template #31 by Moriginals.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 15

2011-04-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Link up your post with Brandy at You Don't Know

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 170
Current Weight: 169
Weight Loss This Week: 1
Total Weight Lost: 54

Lost a total of 8 pounds in April!! Super SUPER happy about that. Hopefully I can keep it up. Although there is chocolate in the house...and that's ALL I want to eat at the moment. Eeek.

Was really happy with my jogging this week. I restarted week 5 since I was sick last week and jogged twice. I decided to take it SUPER slow this week and it worked out great. Didn't have to stop during any of the runs. I was so proud during the 8 minute runs. I didn't even look to see how much time was left. We'll see how the 20 minute run goes next week. I doubt I'll be able to run the whole thing, but I'm going to try.

I stepped it up a little with my workouts and walking this week. I needed to make up for last week and Easter. I really surprised myself and burned almost 2000 calories and walked/ran 20 miles! I'm going to see if I can do it again next week too. Crossing fingers.

Here is the recipe of the week.

Created using Summer Mini by three paper peonies

The original recipe and nutritional info can be found here. It's so super yummy and fresh. Tastes like summer :o)

Tomorrow I'm trying on bridesmaid dresses with my sister's skinny bridal party. Wish me luck!

My Boys Tuesday - Easter Pants

2011-04-26T04:55:00.001-07:00

Sorry, Monday just wasn't happening. Hope everyone that celebrates had a fantastic Easter! I know we did.

I had a million projects on my Easter to do list, but Easter snuck up on me so I didn't get as much done as I had planned. I did however get some pants done for the boys.

Little Nox got a pair of Big Butt Baby Pants and a pocket square, which was supposed to be a bow tie. Oh well, next year!

For Munch's pants I messed around with Made's Basic Pant Tutorial. She has a pattern, but they ended up too short and tight for my little man, so I made my own, using hers as a guide.
And here is a picture of Munch and I. Just cause I love it. It's not often we can get him to smile directly at the camera. :o)
I have a little of that fabulous argyle fabric left. Any ideas on what I should make with it?

Fat Ass Friday - Week 14

2011-04-23T04:37:00.000-07:00

Link up your post with Brandy at You Don't Know.

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 172
Current Weight: 170
Weight Loss This Week: 2
Total Weight Lost: 53

Sorry I'm late this week. We've been sick. I was completely miserable all day Thursday and Munch was a Monster. Sometimes I wish that I worked outside the home cause then I could call in sick and have hubby take the kids to day care...although they were sick too so that wouldn't have worked. Hubby got me meds and soup Friday morning before he went to work. I feel SO much better now. Not 100%, but at least I no longer feel like someone beat me with a 2x4, so things are looking up.

I only got to jog once this week. After a thunder storm. Which was maybe not a good idea cause I almost slipped and fell a dozen times, but I really wanted to run. I didn't do very well, but I think that was partially because I was getting sick and didn't know it yet. SO I'm going to start week 5 over next week. Give myself a feeling good, fresh start. I also decided that I'm going to start jogging one morning on the weekends. Hubby tells me jogging during the day is a lot different than jogging at night. So either Saturday or Sunday mornings I'm going to walk down to the jogging trail and start C25K there. If I feel up to skipping a day or even a week I will, but the terrain is different and it's possible that I'll have the jogging stroller. How cool would it be to be able to jog a 5k with a stroller?

That's it for this week. Hope those who celebrate have a wonderful Easter!!

Wish List Wednesday - Crafty Storage

2011-04-20T14:51:00.001-07:00

I've wanted this since my best bud Alisha posted it on her blog, Crandallation, a year and a half ago. Her uncle is super talented and made it. I NEED one, but he doesn't make them any more. :o( I even searched high and low on etsy and couldn't find ANYTHING like it. My hubby keeps talking about doing projects with wood. Maybe I'll sneak this on his to do list.

To read about this amazing spool cabinet and Alisha's craft area go HERE.

Opposites: Old and New

2011-04-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

Beth over at Beth V Photography is teaching a free photography class. It's full now, but you can still follow along and she'll be offering a PDF book of it when it's over next month. She has fantastic tips for those lucky enough to own an DSLR and some great tips for those of us using the manual options on our point and shoot.

I am SUPER behind. I'm seriously the QUEEN of procrastination.

Day 1: Old - Taken with my Olympus SP-500

Recently reorganized my craft hoard. While sifting though my mountains of supplies (should have taken a picture of that) I found a treasure I forgot I had. Almost 20 years ago my great-grandmother taught me how to knit and gave me a basket full of yarn, some knitting needles and these wonderful and unfinished embroidery projects.
On the right is a small table cloth and on the left a table runner. I'm going to try and match the colors and complete them. It would be wonderful to have something made by both myself and my great-grandmother.

Day 2: New - Taken with my Olympus SP-500

This picture is horrible. The lighting in our master bedroom is almost nonexistant. Plus getting a picture where the light didn't bounce back at me was near impossible, but I did it!! This picture is a mix of old and new.
My mother had the doll house made for me when I was 7 or 8. For years it sat in our shed and then last year my husband and I moved it into the garage until we were able to find the perfect stand for it. Now it has a place of honor in our bedroom. It has a lot of restoration to be done on it, but it's safe from the elements now!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 13

2011-04-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Link up your post with Brandy at You Don't Know.

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 174
Current Weight: 172
Weight Loss This Week: 2
Total Weight Lost: 51

SWEET! I can't even begin to discribe how excited I am about this week. I am offically 1 pound under my pre-preggie weight! SO SO happy!

My next goal is a little silly, but I would LOVE to be able fit into my wedding dress again. Just for kicks really...just to say I can. I was 169 when I wore it, but 2 pregnancies have changed my body, SO I'm not sure that will do it. I guess we'll see though!

I got in two jogs this week. I completed week 4 on Tuesday and then last night we all went out together. I took Munch in the jogging stroller and Hubby took Nox in the single stroller with Kaiser. I decided to try week 3 with the stroller. It was super fun for Munch and I really enjoyed having the company...but I probably should have done week 1. Pushing the stroller and jogging seriously kicked my butt. Hubby said I looked graceful and fluid jogging....he's so sweet.
Look what I got in the mail this week:

I won these fantastic goodies for linking up on Fat Ass Friday. I LOVE them. Brandy made the cute zippered pouch. How cute is that?! I love those hedgehogs...they just make me smile. Went to Kohl's today after a long and bash-my-head-in-boring visit to DPS to renew my license. While there I went a little crazy and decided to try on a some shirts and shorts in a size below what I have been wearing. And guess what? They fit...and the medium white t-shirt actually looked good!! Seriously excited. LOVE it! Can't remember the last time I was comfortable in a medium. So I may have bought that white shirt in 3 colors...I may also want it in 4 more colors. It's also possible that I was bouncing off the walls with glee at going down a size.

I got so distracted trying on smaller clothes that I missed lunch. The people at Kohl's are evil...they put chocolate at the registers...and not just any chocolate...GODIVA. I decided that I needed a treat to celebrate, which could have gone VERY badly...EXCEPT they had these:

Dark Chocolate Pearls with Mint. These fantastic chocolate gems are amazing. They taste like heaven AND are only 25 calories per serving. That's 8 little chocolate balls of goodness, people. Just enough to calm a craving. SO GOOD.

Easter Wreath

2011-04-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

When I was organizing my craft hoard, I noticed that I had an unnatural collection of yarn (among other things, but that's besides the point). In an effort to use some of my stash I decided to wrap a wreath with it.

I also had some craft supplies hidden away with my Easter decorations so I went ahead and added those. I really love how it turned out. I have a TON more yarn...so it's possible you may see more of these in the future. :o)

Scrappy Saturday - Good Bye March - Hello Spring

2011-04-09T11:41:00.001-07:00

March

Created using: Luck of the Irish bu Digi Junkie and Template #245 by Andrea Gold

First Day of Spring For the Boys by Miranda Reinhardt and Template No. 43 by Moriginals

Fat Ass Friday. Okay fine...SATURDAY - Week 12

2011-04-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Link up your post with Brandy at You Don't Know.

Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 177
Current Weight: 174
Weight Loss This Week: 3
Total Weight Lost: 26

Don't know WHAT is wrong with me lately. I just can't stay on top of my blog! I'm going to try and place catch up this weekend. Cross your fingers.

YEAH! Three more pounds! SO excited about this. Just ONE more till I hit my pre preggie weight. I have a lot more to go after that, but I can't wait to hit that mark.

The weather has been beautiful this week. A little windy for our walks on some days, but so wonderful.

I got three jogs in this week. I'm now on week 4 and it's totally kicking my butt. The first and second jog I'm okay and the first day I did alright for the third jog. Not so much the second night and I can't for the life of me run the last jog the whole way through. It really irritates. We'll see how my last jog goes. But this time I think I may just repeat it until I get it. My hubby thinks I may be jogging too fast. :o/ When my in-laws come over to visit on Sunday I may drag hubby out to jog with me. So he can show me how fast I'm supposed to be going. Everyone have a healthy week! I'm off to get caught up on my pathetic looking blog!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 11

2011-04-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Starting Weight: 200 Last Weeks Weight: 178 Current Weight: 177 Weight Loss This Week: 1 Total Weight Lost: 23

Take that Plateau! You can totally hit the road now...and don't come back cause you gave me a headache.

In other news...My buddy Brandy is flipping awesome. I opened my mail today and found this shirt in it.

It says FAST PEOPLE SUCK! Someday I'll suck too... Did I mention that Brandy rocks? I freaking love her face. She made this shirt for me. She does C25K too and she's a couple weeks ahead of me. There have been nights where I've steped out the door to run and seriously thought about repeating a week and thought "Nope, Brandy doesn't...and if she doesn't I'm not going to." She had really made Fat Ass Friday into an awesome support group. I love visitors all of the time, but my Fat Ass Friday visitors mean a lot. You guys push me to do better and keep at it. Love You!!

Don't really have much else. Hope everyone has a super healthy and happy weekend! note: Blogger keeps messing my post up. I edited it at least ten times and it still looks screwy...so I apologize for the messy post. Hugs!

Pink and Green

2011-03-29T17:19:00.001-07:00

The problem with crocheting baby blankets is that I'm always torn of whether to sell them or not. They sometimes sit on my lap being worked on for a month or so. I get attached. I LOVE this one, it screams spring and it makes me so happy, even though it was so simple to make. Plus, the colors were my Mimi's favorite. My sister thinks I should hold on to it...until one of us has a girl. Watch I'll save it and neither of us will ever have girls. It's almost big enough to use as a throw.

What do you think? Keep or Sell?

My Boys Monday - Two by Two

2011-03-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Got a chance to applique some shirts for the boys today. I LOVE this print all the animals are so fantastic. I really had a hard time choosing which ones to do. I went with elephants for Munch. Grasshoppers for Nox. And then cause I couldn't help myself I went made two more. A size 3-6 month Pelican. And two adorable walruses on a 6-9 month. The two extras will make their way to The Enchanted Artist soon. I'm still trying to figure out shipping details, but if you are interested in purchasing let me know by email or messaging me on Facebook. I'm hoping to be back tomorrow with more.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 10

2011-03-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 178
Current Weight: 178
Weight Loss This Week: 0
Total Weight Lost: 22

Sweet...exactly where I was last week. Love these plateaus. I haven't given up though. Just need to push past it. I made sure to bump up my protien intake and it worked! I'm not as hungry as I was, still hungry, but at least not starving.

I felt super sick on Tuesday and I missed one of my running days this week, cause we went over to my mother's. I actually considered doing week 2 of C25K over. Then I realized how silly that was (at the last second, I was on my way out the door) and I sucked it up and did Week 3 Day 1. It seems crazy, but it actually seemed easier than all of Week 2 was.

I saw the tutorial for this sign over at WhipperBerry. Don't know if I'll make it, but I love the quote. It's just something I need to remember.

Speaking of excuses; I've got zero as to why my blog hasn't had any posts in a week. Pathetic. I PROMISE to be better this week.

Finally got another recipe page together!! My hubby likes to cook up this meal in double batches, cause it's SO yummy. Here is the recipe and nutritional info my hubby entered on Spark People: HERE. And here is my page: Created using: Blog Freebie Template 8.4.2010 by Jennamy and Wimsy kit by Three Paper Peonies

Hope everyone has a happy and healthy weekend!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 9

2011-03-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 178
Current Weight: 178
Weight Loss This Week: 0
Total Weight Lost: 22

No pounds lost this week. Boo. BUT I kept going with C25K....I even was a brave girl and started week 2 instead of redoing week 1 like I was thinking about doing. If I had known how hungry running would make me, I'm not sure I would have ever started. I'm STARVING. Spark People is awesome and tells me if I'm burning too many calories and not eating enough...but they are mean and haven't told me that since I started running.
Running exhausts me and I can't breath and I'm sore....did I mention I'm STARVING? At the same time I really love it, which is slightly confusing. Why do I like to torture myself? A friend of mine tried to talk me into doing a 5k next month, but I'm a serious wimp. I run at night...I tell myself it's because that's the only time I can run, the boys are asleep and the hubby is home. The truth is I could do it when the hubby gets home from work, when it's light outside...the boys don't care if I'm there. The truth is, I don't want anyone to actually see me run. Which is probably the same reason I don't want to join a 5k. Cause I'm a freaking wimp.
Anyway, I have a few recipes to share, but they will have to wait, cause all I really want to do is jump into bed and stay there...maybe have someone bring me a mountain of chocolate ice cream and a steak.

Funky Finds Spring Fling

2011-03-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to the Funky Finds Spring Fling. I love going and looking at all the amazing crafts and art that people come up with. Here are some of the goodies I came home with.

A t-shirt for Monkey Munch from XYFactory:

Onesie for Nox from Take Flight Boutique:
Spidey for Monkey Munch from Pegged: (She also does customized peg families....want...)
Pretty fabric necklace and matching felted earrings for me from Beat Art:
After enjoying the crafts we went next door to the Flea Market.

I was really tempted to buy this game, just for the fun box:
Monkey really loved this globe. It's super fun to spin :o)
AND I couldn't pass up these patterns for a dollar each. I know I don't have a girl, but I totally couldn't pass on Rainbow Bright.
And so ended an awesome crafty day.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 8

2011-03-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 181
Current Weight: 178
Weight Loss This Week: 3
Total Weight Loss: 22

Sweet! Gotta say I'm super surprised about the weight loss this week....cause last week was so horrible. I'm so happy to have jumped right over the 20 pound mark. Only 5 more pounds till I reach my pre-preggie weight again!!

My hubby bought me an arm band for my ipod touch (for my b-day on Tuesday) so I could start C25K. He had one I could have borrowed, but it is SO much nicer having one of my own. I started on Wednesday and loved it. I ran again tonight and thought I was going to die before I hit the half way point...but I pushed through and made it. We'll see how the next jog goes...there are three runs per week...and I'm thinking I might have to repeat the first week...LOVE the program though...LOVE that I get to use my own music. I really have to go through my music though, since I've only got 22 songs on there and I can only listen to those so many times before they will start to drive me batty. What's your favorite workout song?

I have a new recipe this week! My mother made some ratatouille and it's super easy to make. So I wrote up the recipe for Gigi's Ratatouille on Spark People. I'm still hoping to do a digi page for it...just didn't seem to have the time this week. Enjoy!

Hope everyone had a great healthy week and hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Sham Rock

2011-03-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

I decided it was finally time to try out some freezer paper stencils. Not as scary as I thought, but the cutting took forever because I had to get everything perfect and I was so worried about screwing up. I didn't have the right color fabric paints so I just went with acrylic. The shirts are a little stiff, but it's not too bad and the shirts have been through the wash a couple times without any problems.

We got the chance to show the shirts off at NTIF this past weekend. It's always nice to overhear people say how "cool" they think your crafty projects turned out. :o)
I got the idea for these shirts from All the Small Things. I love how they turned out. Punkin Patterns has a great tutorial on freezer paper stenciling if you want to check it out: here.

Meet Jim

2011-03-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

This is Jim, aka The Lizard King.

Thursday I woke up (or rather gave up trying to sleep and got out of bed) and felt the strong desire to make a bear....so I found a pattern in one of my craft books (The Toy Box) and went to it.
It consumed my day.

Jim was easy(ish) to make. He certainly came together a lot faster than I thought he would.
He did however take a LOT of hand stitching. His ears were the hardest.

He doesn't have eyes, because I didn't have any and buttons didn't seem like a good idea. I think being blind suits him.
Munch loves him. Even though he insisted that Jim looked like Mickey Mouse at first.
Nox does too....which Munch does not like, don't worry I'll make another for Nox (or Munch, they can fight it out.)
I adore him. Everytime I look at him I love him more. I don't usually feel that way about anything I make.

Scrappy Saturday - Good Bye February

2011-03-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

Created using Kitschy Hearts by Akizo Designs

Fat Ass Friday - Week 7

2011-03-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 182
Current Weight: 181
Weight Loss this Week: 1
Total Weight Lost: 19

I didn't do quite as bad as I thought I was going to do after eating out last week. However I'm worried about this coming Monday's weight in....cause this week was horrible. It's been emotionally and physically draining...I did manage to get a 3.25 mile walk in today, which was wonderful. The weather was perfect and it helped to clear my head and cheer me up. Hopefully tonight I can get a good nights sleep.

Next week will be better.

Goals for March:
Start Couch to 5K program (planning on starting Monday)
Lose the rest of that baby weight!!

Next week I hope to be back on track AND have a new recipe.

Cars and Cowboys

2011-03-01T16:01:00.000-08:00

Finished a couple things for the boys this weekend. Munch and I both LOVE the car fabric I got at Ikea, so I had to make him a shirt.

Here he is doing his best dinosaur "ROAR!" (He can say Stegasaurus now. The dino below isn't one, but he know which one is! I'm so proud.)

Then I made some cute cowboy pants for Nox.

I cut them a little while ago when he was still in 3-6 month so they are a tiny bit short. I made the waist big enough to grow into so I may lengthen them later...or not they are flannel and it will soon be too warm to wear them.
You can't see them in this picture cause he's chewing on his orange ball, but that adorable smile now includes a pair of bottom teeth :o)

In other news: Craft Cherry is now on Facebook. I created the page and then discovered that while I enjoy creating for others and I love writing this blog I do not like self promoting. It's like I don't feel worthy of being liked or something. Anyway, I would love it if you liked me.

Scrappy Saturday

2011-02-26T15:33:00.001-08:00

A couple recent scrap pages.

First: My older boys

Created using: Template No 011 by M Originals and Stardust by ourchives scraps

Second: A wedding page of my father at my wedding.

Created using: Modern Contemporary mini kit by This Little Missy and iNSD 2010 Kickers freebie template by Jennilyn Designs.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 6

2011-02-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 185
Current Weight: 182
Weight Loss this Week: 3
Total Weight Lost: 18

Super excited about my weight loss this week! Hopefully I can keep it up.

My mother kidnapped me today and "dragged" me to McDonald's and she's picking me up in a half hour and "dragging" me to Cirque du Soleil/OVO. SO SO EXCITED, going to OVO also includes a dinner out. I suck at going out to eat. SUCK. I meant to be SUPER good today...and then McDonald's happened. Didn't do very badly, but still it's McDonald's it certainly wasn't good. I told my hubby I was going to run a marathon this weekend to make up for today. It might kill me, but at least weigh in on Monday won't horrify me.

Speaking of running, I have been really itching to start running again. I had basically just started up when I got pregnant with my second. It's about time to start up again. Couch to 5k comes HIGHLY recommended...also my hubby is doing it and he loves it. So I'm going to give it a shot soon.

Anyway...that's all I really have time for. Have to get ready!

Special Orders

2011-02-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Here are some special orders I completed recently.

The Mama to Be said she wanted to bring her baby girl home in this dress. :o)
With matching burp cloth and bib. ($38 for Dress/Burp Cloth/Bib Set)

Also made a set of 3 bibs ($15). LOVE the fabric I used!I have a few things for the boys on my list of things to do. Then I have to complete a special order for pillows and I have to refill my stock at The Enchanted Artist.

Also thinking about making a fan page on Facebook...just not sure if anyone would really be that interested.

Cheer Up Swap - Loving My Cheer Package

2011-02-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

The Cheer Up Swap was hosted by my bloggy friend Brandy of You Don't Know and Shelia of A Little Dirt Never Hurt. Thanks so much ladies for hosting this swap. It was a great first experience swaping a fun filled package and making a new bloggy friend.

My swap buddy was Angie of Antics with Angie. She has a fun blog filled with movie and book reviews, 101 goals in 1001 Days (love this idea...and I may have to steal/borrow it) and lots of fun little blurps about her life. It was great getting to know her.

On my way back from my walk on Friday I found a package on my doorstep from my swap buddy Angie of Antics with Angie. I didn't want to open it until Angie got her's, but she emailed me and told me to go ahead since she wouldn't get her package till Tuesday (silly holiday). The package was driving me nuts sitting there unopened, so I went ahead and listened to her.

My package was filled with pretty goodies wrapped in tissue paper and a cute card, which I'm totally putting on my fridge with the motivation collage I'm working on.

Each goodie came with a sweet little note attached, explaining each gift. Here is what I got:
*A 6x6 book of beautiful colored cardstock - LOVE. I haven't done traditional scraping in forever and flipping through this book of colors makes me want to tackle the four million pictures I have sitting in boxes in my closet.
*A Vera Bradley notebook - which I also love, cause you can NEVER EVER have too many notebooks. Even better when it's Vera Bradley. :o)
*Lindt Lindor Truffles - They are Angie's favorite truffles. Mine too! I'm totally hiding them somewhere so my sneaky 2 year old doesn't find them. Or maybe I'll just eat them...then he'll NEVER find them!*Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea set - I hadn't tried this scent before, but it's beautiful!
Three great and girly smelling candles.
*Pink and fabulous cupcake fabric. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I'm thinking it would make an adorable apron or American Girl Doll dress for my niece.

And just because I made a digi page with more pictures. (The journaling is the same as my blog entry...don't strain your eyes!) Created using: New Lifestyles Challenge Freebie Template by Edeline Marta Design and Little Things by Juicy Scrap

Thanks Angie for being such a wonderful bloggy friend and swap buddy!!

If you want to see what I got Angie go here.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 5

2011-02-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know...

Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 186
Current Weight: 185
Weight Lost This Week: 1
Total Weight Lost: 15

Loving that I have reached 15 pounds :o) Only 12 more to go before my pre preggie weight. On Saturday I was even able to fit into a pair of my "skinny" jeans...which is super exciting! My calories also went down...which isn't fun to get used to, but a necessary evil.

Saturday, I went out with my sister and we ended up at a bridal shop. We were only going to look at the bridesmaid dresses, cause I won't fit into a great majority of the sample dresses....BUT we saw a girl trying on the perfect dress. So we waited AND waited...apparently the whole huge bridal party needed to try on the same dress...When we finally got it, it turned out it was a larger size. It still didn't zip all the way, but at least it fit over more than just my head. Hopefully come April when we officially start looking, I'll feel comfortable enough to leave the dressing room.

The weather has been glorious this week, so I walked...12.5 miles, with the boys. I wish the weather was like this every day. Walking totally calms my nerves and relaxes me. The boys enjoy it and our dog, Kaiser, LOVES it. Plus I'm getting a tan.

No recipe page this week...I've been super lazy when it comes to cooking. We did make a spinach and mushroom pizza, but that was about it. I've basically been living off cereal and sandwiches all week.

Oh! And before I forget again: I won a little drawing Brandy has every week for linking up to her awesome Fat Ass Friday. She sent me my favorite scented lotion from Bath and Body Works. Brandy rocks.

St. Valentine's Day Review

2011-02-14T19:59:00.000-08:00

I hope you had a great Valentine's Day. It ended up being a pretty good day for us.

Last week I received a awesome envelope full of fabric scraps from Bethany at Vermillion Rules. For her birthday she decided to do 31 Acts of Kindness and I was lucky enough to be the recipient of one of those acts.

I just had to use some of the fabric immediately...so I made Valentine's gifts for the boys. I got the pattern for these adorable guys at The Long Thread.They were SO super easy. I added a pocket and their names on the back of each AND I finally learned how to do a slipstitch so you can't see the seams at all.

Nox thought his heart was super yummy.

Monkey Munch wasn't being a good model...so I had to give him a good tickle.
I also made cookies...which WERE all hearts when I put them in the oven....
Didn't seem to turn out that way though. Hubby thinks the sprinkle ones...which were double hearts...look like butts. Oh well, they are still yummy. (Even if they aren't exactly on my diet.)

The stained glass cookies turned out great...which is all I really cared about.
You just put hard candy, like Jolly Ranchers in the center and bake. Pretty, right? I'm thinking about making some for St. Patty's.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 4

2011-02-11T15:47:00.000-08:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know...

Starting weight: 200
Last week's weight: 188
Current weight: 186
Weight lost this week: 2
Total weight lost: 14

I am seriously not sure how I've managed to continue to lose weight. I really haven't been able to work out, cause the weather is ridiculous and there isn't a DVD player in this house that works...not complaining though, love losing weight! :o) Just wish I could work out...it's strange, but I actually miss it.

Thankfully I had Nox, that could lead in some great yoga...This week we enjoyed another Pizza Bake, except with green peppers, onion and mushrooms instead of meat. It was scrumpcious. I seriously think pizza is going to become a new staple in this house...hopefully not too much of one. I would HATE to get tired of it, but while we are on the subject, what's your favorite pizza?

On Wednesday we made one of my favorite cold weather meals: Split Pea and Ham Soup (original recipe: here). I know you are thinking, "That's disgusting!" But I promise (cross my heart) that it's not, it's super yum. AND it's super easy AND it freezes well, so it's perfect to take to work!

Here's the nutritional info:
Calories: 118.6
Total Fat: 2.0 g
Cholesterol: 15.9 mg
Sodium: 828.2 mg
Total Carbs: 14.5 g
Dietary Fiber: 5.1 g
Protein: 11.1 g

And here's my page!

Split Pea and Ham Soup - Night Owl kit by Steadfast and Immovable

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I'm hoping the weather forecast was right about the pretty weather on the way.

My Boys Monday

2011-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I made this outfit for one of my mother's coworkers (also one of my ex coworkers), who is having a boy next month. I really like how it turned out and I think I have JUST enough fabric left to make Nox an outfit too.

Here it is with a view of the onesie. The pattern for the pants was designed by Rae Hoekstra of Made by Rae.

and I LOVE it to pieces.

Scrappy Saturday - Good-bye January

2011-02-05T19:13:00.001-08:00

Thought I would start the new calendar with a snow picture from January. It was nothing like the snow we got yesterday, but it was still lots of fun! The snow is almost all gone now. Crazy to think we had about 6 inches on the ground yesterday. January: Feathers and Mittens kit by Studio Lorie Scrapbookgraphicsand frame from Frosted kit by Michelle Coleman

Fat Ass Friday - Week 3

2011-02-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Starting weight: 200
Last week's weight: 190
Current weight: 188
Weight lost this week: 2
Total weight lost: 12

Have a seriously not blogged in a week? I keep promising myself I'll be better...and then...I don't know what happens. Life I guess.

Last weekend we experienced GORGEOUS 70+ degree weather. We walked a total of 5 miles, played outside and really enjoyed ourselves.

Monday it got cloudy...and Tuesday a sheet ice had covered the Dallas area. Then this morning my 2 year old decided to wake us up at 5am...and out the window was a winter wonderland of quiet and beautiful snow.
I'm so thankful for that pretty weather of the weekend, because I haven't managed to get a work out in since. The hubby has been home most of the week...and for some reason I can't bring myself to do my workout videos with him in the house. Weird, I know.

On to yummy stuff. Last week, Brandy suggested this Pizza Bake. We made it with mushrooms...it was FANTABULOUS and SERIOUSLY EASY. John asked if we could make a different variation every week.

John also made Crustless Spinach, Mushroom, Onion and Feta Quiche. The original recipe and nutritional info can be found here.
Created using Stone Soup by De Crow Designs and Conversation Piece no. 1 elements by paislee press and one little bird

Our quiche has mushrooms so it's a tiny bit different...here's our info:
Calories: 146
Carbs: 14
Fat: 6
Fiber: 2.2
Protein: 11

We usually make it as a side to a meat or something. 146 calories just doesn't cut it as an actual meal for us.

Hope everyone is has a wonderful weekend! I'm off to make some snow ice cream and hopefully not screw up my diet in the process!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 2

2011-01-25T10:09:00.000-08:00

Link up your post at You Don't Know!

Starting Weight: 200
Current Weight: 190
Pounds Lost: 10

Super excited about reaching the 10 pound mark. 17 to go before I'm at my pre preggie weight again! Can't wait to fit back into my skinny jeans!

This week we were super lucky and got some awesome weather. I decided to be brave the other day and take the double stroller AND our dog for a walk. I've NEVER done this before, since Kaiser is a puller on the best of days. I'm surprised my arm hasn't been ripped out of it's socket. BUT, the pup was sitting so nicely by the door I could hardly say no and it was actually a pleasent experience. In fact it was so pleasent that we really got to enjoy the 60 degree weather yesterday and took a 3 mile walk. Probably a little much for Munch...he was SO ready to get out of the stroller, but I enjoyed it.

Here is my recipe for the week. I recently discovered that my crockpot is my best bud and Crockpot Southwestern Chicken is one of my new favorites. It's SO yummy...even better when you add some hot sauce. We found the recipe on Spark People: here. I made the page 8 1/2 x 11 so it would print easily.

Created using Homecooked Happiness by Dielle Designs

Here is the Nutritional Info per serving if ya want it:
Calories: 392.4
Total Fat: 3.4 g
Cholesterol: 133.4 mg
Sodium: 1,554.9 mg
Total Carbs: 36.4 g
Dietary Fiber: 7.8 g
Protein: 60.2 g

In other, non weight related news....You Don't Know and A Little Dirt Never Hurt are hosting a Cheer up!! Swap. I totally joined. It's my first ever swap and I'm excited :o) The more the merrier, so GO join!! Entry is open until Jan. 30th

My Boys Monday

2011-01-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

Munch's 1st Valentine's Day

I can't figure out if I like the layout with the journaling or the one without. The journaling is lyric's from The Beatles "I Will", which I sing to Munch when I put him to bed. He actually sung along the other night. Which was AWESOME.

Anyway...which one do you like?

Valentine's Day 2009 - My Love Kit by Pure Creativity Designs and My Favorite Pages Freebie Template by Photo Cowgirl