Goodbye Feb

Wow, February is gone already.  Last week was a very full week.  Tuesday we went to the doctor in Atlanta, Wednesday I went to the dentist, Thursday I had an Uppercase Party AND worked on the computers at church, Friday night we went to see Eric's parents and broke in our new grill, and today we went out to eat at the new Mellow Mushroom pizza place.  Thursday afternoon we went to Lowe's and got a new grill, it was the first purchase with our tax money (and we don't plan to spend much on 'purchases' so it was exciting).  We got a char-broil grill - and it wasn't too expensive, just over $200.  I has the two cooking racks, the side burner, and an electronic ignition switch.  It is pretty nice.  And last night we ate STEAK.  It has been a long time since we have grilled at all, much less steak.  Our old grill hasn't been used in about a year because we were both getting pretty chicken about using it.  One day, I opened it, and a huge bird flew out (ok, it might not have been huge, but it scared me big time).  then another afternoon, a big (well medium sized) snake was inside it poking its head out the side hole where the handles were.  And it had gotten nasty over time, and it was a hand-me-down to begin with - and we both wanted a new one, so we went and bought one.  And it cooked SOOOO good, and was super easy to use.  I'm hoping this will help us eat more varieties of healthy chicken, pork chops, etc. 

I think I'm getting old

I can no longer eat sausage or hamburger or ham on my pizza.  It gives me horrible heart burn.  I even took all the sausage off - as I thought that was the culprit, but I guess not.  Maybe it was a sign that I shouldn't have been eating pizza (I'm on a new diet/meal plan remember).  but it was going to go bad!  yeah, that is my story.  seriously though, it would have expired Friday, and I paid $8 bucks for it in the deli last week (for Eric) and I didn't want it to go to waste. 

Oh, and I can't seem to function after 9 PM (not AM).  And I wake up really early on the weekends.  I think I'm really turning into an old person.  And a friend emailed me this video today - and I think it goes great with my post.

A-OK

Today was one of those super long days that feels like two days.

We took Paula to her chemo treatment, and she was honest with the doctor and told her that she really didn't feel very well at all, but that she was going to go ahead and do the treatment to get it over with.  He gave her the option of waiting a week, since her cancer is responding so well, but she said to go ahead and go for it.  Then they did blood work (they always do blood work before the treatment) and her blood counts were too low to do the treatment.  Which is why she is so tired and week all the time.  So they gave her another immune booster shot and scheduled her for a blood transfusion to get her blood counts back up, which she had this afternoon at the hospital.  Emily stayed the whole afternoon with her at the hospital since we were in Atlanta.  I actually think that it was a good thing to postpone this treatment to give her a week to build back up her strength.  Each treatment has been harder and harder on her, and we don't want her to end up in the hospital - so hopefully this will be what she needs to help her make it through the next two treatments.

The doctors appt at Emory took FOREVER.  It always does.  It took over 2 hrs for my appointment.  I talked to the doctor about what would happen if I did get pregnant before my 2 year tumor free date, and he said that we could skip the x-rays during that time, or use a special wall/lead surrounding to protect the baby if we needed to do one.  He didn't make it out like it would be that big of a deal, he even said, 'congrats if you do'.  So I feel better about possibly trying to get pregnant before the 2 years.  It just took us about a year to get pregnant with Peyton, so I would feel much better going ahead and trying ahead of time because we really didn't want our kids to be 4.5-5 years apart.  Even if I was pregnant right now they would be 3 years apart, which I think is ideal, 5 years, I think is a bit too far.

He also said I don't have to get penicillin before my dental appointments.  Many people that have knee/hip replacements have to get the medicine before dental appointments for 2 years.  He said with my metal being completely inside of the bone it would be ok.

Then we went on a dummy mission.  We were very close to the Lenox mall in downtown Atlanta, which is where the Falcon's store is.  We wanted to go check it out, and we were hoping they would have some good sales going since it wasn't football season.  WELL, we go on a wild goose chase to find the store, which included going down 3 levels in the huge mall to realize that the store closed 2 months ago.  It was gone!  So sad.  We also were going to try to find me some new shoes (Nike's), but none of the stores had quite what I was looking for, and I want to find the perfect shoe if I'm going to spend $100 bucks - and I wear them for at least a year almost daily, so finding the 'right' pair is very important to me.  Then we ate in the food court and booked it home to pick up Peyton with about 2 minutes to spare.

So, today was a very long and busy day.  I hate going all the way to Atlanta (2 hrs away) for the checkups, but I enjoy the time I get to spend with Eric.  We get to talk and laugh all the way to the doctor, during the LONG wait at the doctor, and on the way back.  I have already picked out a few stops I would like to make on the next trip, which will be in May.  Their is a super cute fabric store in Stockbridge (where we used to live when we first got married) called 'Scarlet Thread' - and I really want to go check it out.  It is an old house/cottage turned into a fabric and sewing shop, and everyone that has gone has had wonderful things to say about it. 

Has it been 3 months already?

It is time for my 3 month checkup at Emory.  I really think that I'm going to be fine, but there is always those little fears that pop in your mind.  Today while I was getting ready I forgot and put on my normal bra and a shirt with buttons.  Then I quickly remembered, NO, stop, then you will have to change for the X-ray.  So I put on a sports bra and regular t-shirt and sweatshirt.  That is what I have done the last few times and it has really helped with the X-ray and CT-scan process!

I've done really good on the diet the last two days, but today I don't know how I'll do. I plan to just eat on the road but get something good to eat instead of a burger and fries.  Then I guess go back to day 3 tomorrow.  I'm down 2 lbs this AM.   Hope that it keeps going in that direction.  Some people have lost up to 14lbs on this diet, I would be happy with 10.  Heck, I think I would be happy with like 5-7, but I would LOVE 10 lbs to be gone.

This morning we are starting off the day picking up Paula and taking her to her chemo treatment.  We will be there for about 2 hrs before we have to leave for ATL, so Emily (Eric's sister) is going to bring her lunch and Delon (Eric's Brother In Law) is going to pick her up after the treatment.  This will be the first treatment that Eric hasn't been able to take her and bring her home.  Emily has been going up there regularly during the treatments too, during her lunch break.

Lookie Lookie

This is one thing that I did accomplish this weekend.  I got an email from shutterfly for a FREE photobook, and I totally took advantage.  Including shipping this was only $11, which would have been $42 w/o the discount - and that is because I went a few pages over the 20 page max.  And it was so easy!  They have a few other books I totally want to try, like the Everyday Life, Heritage (for Grandpa's album) and the year in review. 

But here is a sneak peek at my book (screen shots taken from the site)

 

Day 1 Down

Day one went well.  I actually felt like I was eating too much, and I'm up one pound today...but I know that I was eating only good foods for me and I'm hoping that this is just the start and that I can get this weight loss thing rolling.

Yesterday's meals went something like this:

Breakfast - 2 cups cold cereal, 1 cup milk, 1 piece of fruit and 1 boiled egg (i would never eat that much for breakfast)

Meal 1 - 1/2 chicken breast, 3 cups salad, 1 piece of fruit

Meal 2 - Turkey on whole wheat bread, 2 cups of vegetables, 1 handful of pretzels.

Snack - I had a low fat granola bar

Meal 3 - 5 oz fish, 2 cups vegetables.

Snack - I didn't have a 2nd snack.

That is a lot of food!  Only time I really started getting hungry was around 3pm - so that is when I had Meal 2.  Today's meals are very similar, just changed up a bit.  You have to follow the plan daily b/c some days you eat more calories to jump start your body going again (I guess).  He said it was important to try to not switch up the days too much - so that is what I'm going to try to do.

Good Luck to me today.  I really need a bigger lunch box, mine is about to explode!

Bummer weekend

Eric  has been sick, not sure exactly what it is, but it is some kind of stomach funk and he was sick for most of Friday and yesterday he was weak from being sick, so I'm hoping today will be a normal day.  But yesterday wasn't any fun.  Eric was puny all day and Peyton would NOT take a nap.  We did have fun watching the Transformers movie though.  It was much better than I expected it to be. 

I really wanted to go to the 'old book sale' in Macon this weekend, but I forgot about it Thursday, then couldn't Friday, and yesterday I was not about to go with Peyton w/o Eric, so today is the last chance and I seriously doubt we will make it this time.  Oh well, maybe next year.

Peyton is starting to talk a little better now.  He is saying 'right there',  'in there', 'Daddy's here', etc.  Putting more words together and picking up new ones much faster. 

I'm starting my new diet today.  Wish me luck.  I'm up about 4 lbs from my original 'starting weight'...so if you want to do the math you can.  Lets just say, I don't like it and I'm really going to stick to this diet plan for 30 days.  Please let it be worth it.

50 Million Pounds

I signed up today at this website - www.50millionpounds.com .  And I printed off the shopping list, snack list, and 30-day meal plan.  We will see if this is enough to get me jump started again.  Eric is going to do it with me.  AND I'm going shopping tomorrow to stock up on only things from the list, then Saturday I'm going to cook up a few things to keep us going through the week (like chicken breast for salad/pasta).

Wish me luck.  I'm tired of failing.  I'm going to try to stick to it.  What is 30 days right? 

Spring Sale

I scored Peyton some great summer clothes at this years spring consignment sale.  I bought 9 nice shirts (all name brand - except maybe one), 12 pairs of nice shorts, and 1 pair of jeans.  For $56 bucks.  Most of the items were Old Navy, Osh Kosh and Gap.  That is an average of $2.50 per item.  Not bad.  Then a very nice pair of bass church shoes that look like they have never been worn, a stool for the bathroom, another booster seat (since his is always at Grandma's), and an easel chalk board.  All for $72.  Not too shabby.  I will probably make about $50 bucks, so I guess that isn't too bad.  It is almost like I swap out stuff! 

I'm getting excited, maybe just maybe by the sale in the fall we will be pregnant again.  Not sure, but you never know. 

Free Monday

I've spent most of my day off (so far all of it) doing housework.  Not fun.  But my house is pretty clean considering.  Except Peyton's toy area, which we clean up together a few times a week.

We loved the Valentine's Day dinner at church - and the movie "Fireproof" was really good.  I'm so glad that we have found a church that we love so much!  Oh and I did take a picture of us before we went to the banquet - but it is horrible.  I have got to figure out how to work my camera better!

I'm really struggling with the weight loss thing.  I really want to lose 20 lbs before we get pregnant again, but all I seem to be able to do is gain weight.  Not a ton - only like 3 lbs since Jan - but I really don't know what to do to get the motivation.  All I know is that I never want to be over 200 lbs again, and I'm teetering at right about that weight.  I didn't even want to weigh over 200 lbs with my next pregnancy - so if I don't lose some weight that is NOT going to happen.  I just wish weight wasn't such a struggle for me.  Why do I have to have the genes with low metabolism - and then why do I have to love food so much?

Eric has lost 10 lbs this year so far.  At least he is doing something right!

I dropped off all my stuff for the Spring Consignment Sale, and it totaled around $90.  So hopefully I'll make around $50 bucks from the sale (they get 30%).

Valentine's Banquet

We are getting ready to go to church for the Valentine's Day Dinner and A Movie.  We have been looking forward to this all week.  Maybe I'll even get a picture of us before we leave.  We shall see.

Besides the banquet, we really didn't do much for V-Day.  I made Eric a card, he bought me a sweet card, and we got Peyton a Wubbzy DVD along with a heart balloon.  It is amazing how much fun a kid can have with a 88 cent balloon.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day.

We are rich

Rich!!  Well, not really, but I felt like it when I looked at my online bank statement this morning AND realized that our tax return had been deposited.  ALREADY.  Filed Sunday, got payment Friday.  Insane!  I don't think it has ever been that fast before.

So - unfortunately we need to save most of it.  But that is ok.  I am going to get a few bills paid off and that will free up some monthly money (dentist and physical therapy payments).

What a week

Last week and weekend was such a whirlwind. The week dragged, everyday felt like two, and it was probably the longest week I have had in a LONG time.  Peyton had an ear infection (his first one) and pink eye - but luckily he was only out of daycare one day and feeling pretty fine after his first two or so doses of antibiotics.

My Dad came into town on Thursday, so I got to spend some time with him - but i also had to spend time cleaning Wed (a little) and I didn't get to pack for the trip Thursday night because he was here. I did get off work an hour early to go home and pack on Friday though.

The weekend flew by.  Peyton and I went to visit Aunt Kat with Eric's sister and 2 girls.  We had fun.  While we were there we visited this really need  Interactive Kids Neighborhood.  Peyton had a BLAST!  It had all these stations set up for kids to explore and pretend.  A grocery store, post office, doctors office, cafe, etc.  It also had a read air plane, fire truck and police car that the kids could get in and work all the controls.  It was pretty cool.  Then Saturday night we had a 'Surprise' birthday party for Kat.  While she was gone to pick up pizza, we decorated the dining room and made cookies.  And hid in the dark to surprise her when she got back.  We also made cupcakes!

I finally booked another Uppercase Party.  Hope this one starts the ball rolling to get it going again.  It was going so good until Christmas, then I had trouble booking another party.

Paula is not doing very good at all since her last chemo treatment.  She has been very sick, and today had to go in to get IV fluids because she was so dehydrated.

I finished our taxes.  We are getting back about $1500 less than the last 2 years, but that is because Eric's slack boss didn't take out taxes right, and unemployment doesn't take out taxes either.  Oh well!  We will still have a decent amount to refund our savings account.

Sunday we went to our first lesson for 'The Way of the Master' that teaches you how to share our faith with others.  This was actually the 2nd lesson as we missed the first lesson due to the super bowl...but we don't plan to miss any other Sunday.

This Saturday coming up we will be going to the Valentine's 'Dinner and a Movie' at church.  Eric and I both bought tickets, so we have an extra set.  Funny.  We are going to try to get some of our friends to come along. 

Not a good Monday

Peyton is sick, and in bed *at 6pm* so I know I'm going to have a LONG LONG night.  He has a fever, maybe pink eye, and possibly a sinus infection.  I just hope he doesn't have an ear infection.  we have been lucky and somehow not gotten one yet...we will see first thing tomorrow morning.

I've been a little sick for over a week and it is really getting old not being able to breathe through my nose or go anywhere without nasty kleenex stuffed in every pocket.  Lovely.

AND we finally got Eric's W2's.  And since his old boss is such a complete slacker and didn't take out taxes consistently, our tax return was reduced about $1000.  Even more lovely.  And we really needed a good tax return to build up our savings again, the last 3-4 months or so we have practically used it all up.  At least it is a great feeling not using the CC's, but not having much of a safety net makes life much more stressful. 

So I'm off to get a bath, take some Nyquil and go to bed early.  What a fun Monday.

Oh, and we were all up late watching the team that we wanted to win the Super Bowl lose - but I must say, that was one awesome game.  Maybe the Falcons will make it next year.  That is what we will be talking about until the season starts...in this house anyway. 

The saddest part of the Super Bowl though - is knowing it is the last game of the season.  Knowing that we will not have any football for a LONG time...and that is sad.

Ready for some Football

Super Bowl 43 will begin in about 6 hours.  Steelers vs. Cardinals.  We are going for the Cardinals.  Of course, everyone thinks the Steelers are going to win.  But we thought that the Falcons were going to beat them. Then we all expected the Panthers to really kill them.  Then everyone thought the Eagles would win the NFC.  But there they are - the Cardinals making their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

So go Cardinals!

I'm making pigs in a blanket and potato skins for the game.  Then the 'diet' starts back tomorrow.