The start of a new start

2013 promises to be very different than 2012. Starting with this new car. In my name, only. Yay me!!!

My boy and leggos

He is amazing!!

Time to eat!

When it's time to eat around here, we "sing in harmony." Hahaha! Love them so very much!

39

God willing, I will endure this pain and heartache for another 39 more days...officially. After, while the pain and heartache might remain, I will no longer be required to put up with the ugliness. If only the innocents could be spared from witnessing. Unfortunately tonight, that was not the case. Barely able to maintain my composure, a friend I've had for 32 years stepped in and allowed me to walk away.

(thanks for that, seester. I am truly blessed to call you mine. You've been such a standard of love and a woman with backbone and support for me through all this junk. I love you...)

I think I can...I think I can...

Sleeping beauties

These three snuggle-bunnies are headed to Texas for a temporary move until schedules are set and everyone settles in. I love them, so very much.

Like Cinderella

I went to a renaissance style masquerade ball Saturday night. There was dancing, drinking, and a pot luck feast...complete with bring your own plate, bowl, flatware, and mug (or wine glass). It was fun. I loved my costume, made by a new friend at my current job. She made it as her Halloween costume, a la Anne Boelyn. Beautiful, no?

Fun!

Getting ready to review with my sophomores for their test on Wednesday... My 35 or so students are lucky, right? Hahaha...good thing they have this brilliant math interventionist to help them out... ;)

olive you!

Silly boy

Best date ever

These cuties are taking an older me out on a date for my birthday. Oh, how I love my boys. Happy 36th birthday to me...

I don't always...

I don't always wake up at four am, unable to go back to sleep for no apparent reason. But when I do, sometimes I need to do something to get back to sleep. This morning, it was work on out the elliptical while watching Ohio State marching band halftime shows on youtube. Yup. Former band nerd - or rather, band nerd for life. :)

Like riding a bicycle

Or an elliptical, as the case may be.

After a stress filled summer and start to the fall, I'm back on the wagon again. Back to weight watchers online and a renewed commitment to exercise. I even purchased a second hand elliptical from craig's list. No excuses. My goal date is in February. I. Can. Do. This. Because: I. Am. Worth. It.

Maddie

I love this one of my beautiful seester, Rachel, and one of her three tiny miracles, Maddie. Simply perfect.

Pumpkin patch 2012

Gorgeous day at the Pumpkin Patch in Grape Creek.

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!

Today is the day my beautiful seester will finally get to meet her three precious princesses! What an amazing birth date!!! 10-11-12!!!!

Pics and info soon to follow... :)

No pictures to share just yet...but I wanted to update on information. Born in this order at /around 5:30 CMT:
Scarlett Danielle 4.7 lbs 17 inches,
Sophie Ann 4.6 lbs 17.5 inches,
and spunky Madeline Christine, 3.5 lbs 15.5 inches

Everyone is doing fine (especially considering the girls were born at 33 weeks, 4 days). Mom (my seester) is doing fine, too. Having to control high blood pressure with magnesium right now, though. She's a tough girl, that sister of mine. I love her so! :) <3 br="br">

No privacy

This little boy needs to be where I am...at all times, evidently. That's the checked floor of my master bathroom... Lol

When?

When did he get so big? He needs to stop. My baby is a boy, in all the stinky, funny, awkwardness  that comes with it. But times like these...I cherish more because they are fewer and farther between.

Beauty

This beautiful baby bump is one of my guilty pleasures. This is my seester, at 32 weeks, still "cooking" her THREE baby girls. Amazing. Beautiful.

Shirt love

Love this shirt for my little man. Can you read the caption?
"My mom shoots people"
Hahaha!

Mustache Wednesday

Homecoming week dress up... So fun!!! Like a sir, today. Hahaha

Beauty

My drive to work each day is a thing of beauty... The West Texas variety anyway. I love this time if day and the beauty God provides.

Because, I'm *that* mom...

He and I share a love...
Perry the Platypus... Oh! How we love him!!! So, when I came across these earbuds (which were a legitimate school supply), how could I NOT? :)

Alone

I'm freaking out a bit. Okay not just a bit... Lots. I'm freaking out lots. I am doing so much new and alone. I have support...but still, I'm alone. My new job is just me, creating a program from scratch. I have no idea how to start. I am lost and don't want to be a failure. But, that's exactly how I feel right now.

Personally, I feel abandoned and alone, too. All I want to do is hold my children and sleep. I'm far away from where I thought I'd be, in a matter of speaking.

I can't can put my hands on stuff like I should be able to do. I have a mess. I need guidance...and not someone telling me how disappointed they are. Believe me... I harbor enough disappointment in myself for us all.

now what?

School haircut

This cutie has a big second grade haircut. Oh em geez is he handsome! Love this boy!

Love blooms

This beautiful hibiscus was planted by my boys and me when we moved into our house a few weeks ago. Today it is finally blooming! Gorgeous! Caleb was so super excited when he saw it this morning.

More of my...mine

Here's my updated cross wall and my new entertainment console. I love it!

(please ignore the boxes still residing on the right side of the room...unpacking takes forever. Haha!)

Lunch: a beautiful study of leftovers

Spinach, leftover corn, fresh feta, avocado, leftover chicken, salsa, & wheat tortilla triangles. Yummy!

Organization love

My funny shaped little pantry...
Organized.
Just like I love it.

Happiness is...

Happiness is ... brand new sets of colorful Fiestaware. Love love love these dishes. Heavy duty, square, mix or match, wanted for a long time. Happiness is a fresh start...including new dishes. :)

Making my house my home

Add in flowers on the front porch flower box. I'm getting there. This sweet place that is mine-just mine, and my boys' home. <3

Lost & found

Remember all that weight I'd lost?
I found it all again.
... I'm back on the road to my healthy lifestyle, now.
After making some very difficult life decisions, moving back home, moving out of my married apartment, moving into my own rent house, I can finally focus on my health again. So, here we go...

Coppertone

Love this tiny hiney.

Loves

Chilling in Las Vegas...waiting on the pool to open. My lovely babies playing together at the hotel. I lover them so.

The next chapter

I've been reading like a crazy person lately. That is what summer is designed for, right?!
Since I read so much, it seems I am now viewing my life as if it was written in a book.
So, on to the next chapter.

What does this chapter involve?
So far, lots of reading. HAHAHA! and spending time with my boys and my dad in San Angelo. There are more pages to be written and I can't wait to share them with you. So, here is the suspense portion of the book...

Don't worry, there is a guarantee that we will read about disappointment, heartache, happiness, love, and (hopefully) a happy ending during this segment of my life's story. Stay tuned...

Snuggle bunnies

Just what the doctor ordered for what ails me. These sweet blessings snuggling with me on Saturday morning, while watching old school disney toons. <3

Innocence

My baby boy picked up a discarded cigarette butt at the pool today. He asked what it was and what it was for... That's right baby. It's nasty!

Triplet Gender Revealed!

If you need a happy, feel-good, video - here is one for you!

This is what happened when my sister revealed to her Air Force hubby the genders of their three growing babies. :)

Enjoy!

A little

I'm just a little heartbroken today as I realized a new friend and I are not as close as I had hoped. Nothing I say will rectify this situation, I'm afraid. I was acting like myself and unintentionally offended her. After numerous apologies... I recently discovered I've been unfriended AND blocked. We would have been fabulous friends, though. We were already supporting each other in our weight loss journeys. We work together ... And have four more days together this week, before our summer break. Do I approach her about this, or do I count it as a loss and move on? I don't like this new territory.

Lazy week

I've been bad this week. No workouts at all. I've not been tracking my foods as well either. I'm scared to weigh myself this weekend...since I was so naughty. I don't have much of an excuse other than my only available workout tine is five am. And, THAT IS SO NOT HAPPENING! It's supposed to be summer, after all! I can't workout at night because he doesn't bother to let me know when he's coming home. Some nights it's six-thirty. Most nights it's after eight. I'm just too exhausted from the professional development presentations I've been doing this week to workout that late (or get up that early). Meh. Lazy. Fat. It's just who I am destined to be, I guess.

Where I'd like to be

Look who's 4!

I can't believe he's four!
But, then again... Yes, yes I can believe it. He's so adorable, smart, gifted, trying, loving, funny, and all boy. I love him so very much. :-)

Guilty pleasure

This is seriously one of my favorite guilty pleasures: watching my baby boy sleep. :) Although he looks terribly skinny here, with his rib cage all poking out, he's definitely not undernourished. Oh...and he'll be four in two days. Where has the time gone?!

Still working out. :)

I did another 40 minute elliptical routine this morning during the five am hour. Felt so good.
87 days remain.
Ten more pounds to the goal.
Yeah! Go me! :)

It's working...

Two full weeks on a very strict weight watchers regimen...and down a total of ten pounds! Wow! I can do this!

Baby A

So...this is not mine...
This is my little sister's baby "A"
This implies this means there could be a baby "B" ... And indeed there is.
And... And? And...
And a baby "C" !!!!
Yes, I'm going to be an aunt to triplets...due late November. Most likely October, or maybe late September.
I. Am. So. Excited!!!

What deliciousness looks like

Egg beaters egg whites, spinach, mushrooms, turkey bacon, feta cheese, tomatoes, and jalapenos. Yummy breakfast. :) And so very good for me.

A Weight Watchers Recipe

This was an amazing recipe suggested by Weight Watchers. It was a whole wheat pasta with a creamy spinach pesto. Plus, I baked my dill salmon. So very delicious! And now, I'm heading to bed. I have my first weekly weigh in tomorrow...fingers crossed...

Why, yes. I think I will.

I was back on campus today, after working downtown and with other Campus Curriculum Facilitators this week. While I didn't get everything accomplished that I wanted to do today, I was able to build on those vital relationship pieces that I love so much about my job.

However, due to my busy day, I did not get to eat. At all. Needless to say, I was starving by tonight.

I did an intense 35 minute workout, followed by a cool dip in the pool. Then, I got some vitamin E(?), laying out-warming back up-by the pool.

Dinner tonight, for me, consisted of one of my favorite meals. Chili's fajitas and their thin chips and salsa. So very tasty.

Now? Now I'm snuggled in my queen sized bed (alone in it again-probably permanently), reading a great book and sipping on ice cold water. Very relaxed.

Overall, today was a good day. So, yes. I'd be happy to have another fifty million-ish like this one...thanks for asking! ;)

Points

Tracking my daily intake is consuming my mind. For example, at lunch yesterday I ate with a group of friends at a mexican restaurant. I noticed on my WW app that most items available were worth (what felt like) too many points. So, while we waited for our food I chose not to eat the chips and salsa. I "saved" my points for my entree. Yeah me! By the end of the day, I actually had four points left over. I *could have* eaten those chips and salsa, after all.
I'm sticking with this program. Faithfully tracking what goes in my mouth as well as what physical activities I'm doing to make myself a better self. This morning I was able to slap five am in the face and do my forty minute elliptical routine. Only 100 days remain. I'm still no closer to my goal weight...but the inches are coming off nicely.

Well...I did it...

Well... I did it.
One more step toward my weight loss goal.
I joined Weight Watchers online.
So...all of the tracking I've been keeping up with on here was good practice.
My workout paired with *closely* monitoring my intake WILL help me make my goal.
I CAN DO THIS!

Back at it

I've had a tough few days...
I found out Friday morning that my uncle (my mom's brother-in-law) had gone home to be with Jesus. He had been battling cancer, and his body was worn out. Unfortunately, this occurred on my mom's birthday (Wednesday). This was also the same day that our sweet science coordinator lost her battle with cancer. The funerals for both of these beautiful people were at the same time on Saturday as my sister-in-law-to-be's graduation ceremony. In the end, I was thankful to spend the time with my family. But, it brought up all of the raw emotions from losing my mom six and a half years ago. Then, on Sunday, I was dealing with another stressor. Something beyond my control...
After a meltdown on Sunday that ended up being a great workout, followed by a true friend giving me time, a shoulder to cry on, and love like I needed...i was incredibly sore on Monday. My hips hurt. My legs were so very stiff. It's amazing what a difference walking on the street is compared to walking in the gym.
So, today I'm back at it. Caleb and I  walked/ran to the Stripes and back. Then, I did two sets of twenty bicycle abs. Doing my thing. Only 102 days remain.

Mother's day note

My sweet Caleb wrote this and taped it to the inside of my dad's front door. I couldn't miss it, when I came downstairs this morning...

Hurts so good

That point in the workout when you feel the burn. It hurts, but the knowledge that you are making a positive difference in your own life. You are doing something only you can do. You have to have the desire, the motivation, and the stamina to do this. Just for you.

Yah. I was there this morning. I woke at five. Read and checked fb until six. Woke up my beautiful boys and got them moving. Gave them kisses and squnches and headed to the gym. I started with abs today. I think I push myself harder if I do that before the elliptical. Then, I did thirty minutes on the elliptical.

Stepping off, I felt that feeling I mentioned earlier. Hurts so good. :)

108 days remain
182 lbs
Goal weight of 165 lbs

At the time

Going to bed at nine felt so great...at the time.
Waking at one-thirty was no big deal...at the time.
Still being awake at three-forty is not okay...anytime.

Weekend recap

The boys and I went to San Angelo again this weekend. Mostly, I went to spend time with my Dad, brother, & sister-in-law-to be. Hollie and I went shopping for a graduation dress for her, and something appropriate for me to wear to her graduation. Much to both of our surprise, I now wear the same size as she does. And...mine zipped easier than hers (mostly because she is very, extremely busty). Wow! Such affirmation that what I am doing is paying off!
We also got our nails done (shellac) and bought new shoes. The ac was out at the mall, so we were able to get our sweating in that way. hahaha.
I purchased a new scent from Bath & Body Works. I wanted something different. Something that does not remind me of the last two years. So, I picked out a summery scent: Wild Citrus Sunflower... A combination of clementines, sunflowers, and nectarines. I am so in love with it. :)
We also stayed up late to see the "super-moon" ... I must admit I was a bit disappointed. :( But, while we were waiting, we prepped the invitations for the wedding. I was in charge of the ribbon... Luckily, we only had to do fifty.
So, no official workout on Friday or Saturday. However, when the boys and I arrived back in Odessa Sunday night, we unpacked & headed straight for the pool. It was way too cold, but we did it anyway. :) Tonight, I was back on my routine. I did my 35 minutes on the elliptical followed by the ab routine. No new weight loss. I'm holding at 180. My goal is still 165, and with 110 days left...I still think I can do this!

I win! (at something...)

Dear 5am,
I win! Nah-nah! I had a great workout this morning - even during "your" hour. Thanks for that!
Love and kisses,
Sara

Dear early even tonight me,
Shhhh! Don't tell 5am that we are going to crash at nine (again). She'll get all "gloaty" and won't let me live it down in the morning.
Love yourself!
Me

Today's workout

Today's workout is brought to you by the letters "P," "O," and "L"

but, with another "O"

:)

Love that the apartment pool opened yesterday. I was able to work out with water resistance. Then, I layed out by the pool to warm back up. Fantastic.

New Header & Updated Pictures of the boys

I decided that it was time for an update - seeing as how the header was from last May-ish. Lots has changed since that old header... But, those are still my gorgeous boys. And I still am red-headed and freckled. :) Do you like the new header? How about that Halloween one of me, huh?! HAHAHA!!! :)

First instagram picture

Just trying this out...

Hello May!

I'm waking up early this first day of May... At the gym doing what I need for me. No new weight loss to report...but my clothes are definitely fitting looser. I've got 116 days left to reach one of my goals. I can do this!

However, another of the goals I requested to be met has had a month...and no change has occurred. While my heart is broken and hurting...I'm at peace with it. Now, I just have to do what I've done for a long time. A reminder.when I shouldn't have to...when it should be important enough to remember on your own. Meh.

Dinner and a Walk in the park

Tonight I grilled salmon. Dill, lemon, fresh minced garlic, sliced onions, sea salt, fresh coarse ground pepper, and a bit of olive oil topped my foil wrapped fish. When finished, it literally flaked off the skin. It was "melt-in-your-mouth" delicious.

Also, I steamed fresh green beans, mixed them with a few chopped up slices of microwave bacon and added a tiny pat of butter. Plus, I prepared red beans and rice for our starch. For the first time, I made homemade salad dressing. It consisted of canola oil, vinegar, lemon, dry mustard, salt, pepper, sugar, and worcestershire sauce. It was amazing paired with the spinach salad I served.

After our delicious dinner we went to the park. The boys played, while Paw Paw supervised. My sister-in-law-to-be and I walked the perimeter of the park five times (about 1.5 miles). It was such a beautiful night for it.

I'm so thankful for the time I get to spend in San Angelo. It's so rejuvenating for my spirit. It makes it much easier to get through life during the times I am away from home.

Five days

Five days. That's how many days I have left on my campus this semester. Then, I am to report downtown to the curriculum department for five weeks. I have no idea what I suppl be doing downtown for five weeks... But, I plan on having fun & keeping it fabulously Foster. Some of you know what that means. Crazy, zany, just me... And four my last five days on my elementary campus... I've decided to love it up & make as many people smile as I can.

I have a tiny window in my office that faces the front office. Every kinder and first grader walks by my office multiple times a day. Almost every treacher does, too, on their way to the copy room and faculty lounge. So, I've got some window markers.... And a devilish smile. :) here was this afternoon's artwork. Picture my silly face on the other side. Also, other people can look in my office... Hahaha! Their faces are awesome! We've had fun with it today. I have more designs in mind for my window for the last five days...

Lofty goal

Being at the gym at 5 am *may* have been a bit out of my reach today. But... Now it's 5:30. I'm here. Let's do this!
Days remaining: 120

Five am

I've decided excuses are for the weak.... If he won't make the commitment to get home so I may workout at a decent hour arty night, then I will make a new commitment. No more excuses. No more blame. So, here I am at five am...at the apartment gym. Getting my workout on...so I can meet my goals. And, so I am better prepared for whatever the day may hold in store for me.

Day 27

Weight: 180
Routine: 32 minutes on elliptical, triceps, biceps, and lats with weights.
Goal: 165 & to love the way I look
Days remaining: 123

One month in

After working out for about a month... I am satisfied enough with my results to share a workout picture of myself. This is from tonight... I apologize for the quality... Taken with my phone on the self timer.

Day 26

Weight: 180
Routine: 30 minutes on the elliptical plus abs plus triceps and biceps.
Goal: 165
Data remaining: 124

I may not be seeing the weight fall off like I thought I would, but the toning and trimming are so awesome! Who knew thighs could actually coexist without touching?! Lol.

Workout

Weight: idk, didn't weigh today
Routine: 35 on the elliptical. Had to skip out Thursday & Friday again...no childcare. Saturday, I danced to two songs, sat down, & then passed out. I was exhausted. Today, I napped for three hours! Who know what's wrong with me. Depression? Probably.

On a side note... Please pray for my sister. Thanks.

Why I became a teacher...

There are so many reasons we become teachers: make a difference; be that one female teacher in a male dominated role (science, math, etc,); love of kids; and so on and so forth.

However, I was validated today by a former student, Sarah J. She wrote an amazing essay for a Glenn PTA Scholarship. Enjoy reading the following essay. I know I did. :)

And, THAT is why *I* became a teacher! :)

EDIT: I will work on retyping this so that you can actually read it. I didn't know we could not see the picture in it's original size. Know this: one of my favorite sentences reads like this, "Years later, at the age of eighteen (and just a few inches taller), I put into action what I learned all those years ago in that 7th grade science class: I never hesitate to volunteer an answer or question, and I share my ideas with the group, because I know that at least one individual - a  lady with wavy red hair and rectangular glasses - thinks they are worth being heard."

Day 24

Weight: 180
Routine: 40 minutes on the elliptical - again with the "glute" routine. SO SWEATY when I'm finished!
Goal: 165
Days remaining: 129

OH! & I went back to the chiropractor today. It was awesome! I feel about 85% back to normal. :)
But, I think he may have bruised my ribs when twisting me...hahaha! :)

For Sale

My first house is for sale... I'm sad to see it on the market. So many amazing memories there. BUT, I will be so glad to have that money back in my pockets. Paying mortgage and rent for the last 10 months has been very trying. My dad has done tons of work on our house for the last six months. I am so proud of him. Too bad I can't just move the house to where I am now... or where ever I end up in the future. It looks so good!

Day 23

Weight: 180
Routine: 40 minutes on the "glute" performance cycle on the elliptical. That was so tough! I did 3.7 miles... on the 7-13 incline. ROUGH!
Goal: 165
Days remaining: 130

Day 22

Saturday was workout day 21 (I danced at my dad's house with my seester in law to be - Hollie)...yes... I skipped two days in a row. Between my back hurting so bad I could hardly sit, stand or walk and not having child care at a reasonable hour, I could not get to the gym. Sunday, I also skipped out - but I worked on cleaning out old house in San Angelo. The realtor faxed paperwork today - it's ready to go on the market...later this week, I think! Fingers crossed for a fast sell!

Weight: 182
Routine: 40 VERY SWEATY minutes on the elliptical
Goal: 165
Days Remaining: 131

Day 20

I hurt my back on Monday - and today it was too much. So, I went to the chiropractor this morning. I am still hurting, but at least I am aligned. :)

Under doctor's orders, I am not allowed to do my ab routine, but I am allowed to do the elliptical. So, I did. 40 minutes. Lots of sweat.
Weight: 181
Goal:165
Remaining days: 136

Day 19

Routine: tonight all the usual machine were taken. So, I tried out the bike. It's pretty comfortable. I set up a twenty minute hill routine. Wow. Totally different muscles. I'm going to be hurting in the morning. I also did two sets of bicycle abs & leg push ups. (I originally wrote this before I had finished the bike routine.)
Weight: 181
Days remaining: 137
Goal: 165

Day 18

Weight: 183
Routine: 35 minutes on elliptical, 3 bicycle abs and leg pushups
Goal: 165
Days remaining: 138

Headache

Saturday night, we ate at Henry's. The food was amazing, but I overate & the greasy cuisine was not good for my system. I danced a few rounds with Hollie, on the xbox, but not enough to call it a good workout. I was just not feeling well. Plus, we'd driven to San Antonio & back. We went to Alfred Angelo so I could try on, pick out, & pay for my "matron of honor" bridesmaid dress. I love what we decided on... I'd show you, but the actual dress won't be here until July, at the earliest. I could show off the killer shoes I choose (before even deciding on a dress style), but, I think I'll wait.

Today, I drive back to Odessa & had an incredibly bad headache all day. I managed to do laundry, but that is all. I needed to go pick up some terrarium supplies for my first grade teachers today. That didn't happen. So, my plan is to be at Lowe's at six, six-thirty tomorrow morning. Needless to say, I also didn't workout tonight. I feel like a big cow because of that. A big cow with a headache that won't go away. I'm hoping my sleep tonight will bring about some relief...if I can ever get to sleep. I will be jumping back on the workout wagon tomorrow. I've paid for a dress in a size I don't plan to be wearing in 139 days... So, I've got done work to do.

Until we read again... Adieu.

Day 17

Worked out at my dad's house with sister in law to be, Hollie. We did about 30 minutes of a dance thing with with xbox kinnect. Before that we did abs. I am exhausted!
Weight: 180.5
Days remaining: 141
Goal: 165

Day 16

Weight: 182.5
Routine: a 32 minute predetermined weight loss elliptical routine
Goal: 165
Days remaining: 142

Day 15

Weight: 183
Routine: When I got to the gym, the elliptical machines were occupied. So, while I waited, I did two sets of 20 bicycles, 20 leg push things, and 1 30 second plank. Ab routine for the night complete, I headed to the elliptical. The girls had left and I was alone in the gym. I don't have an exact time for my elliptical workout today. I was into the routine when I heard a kid's voice. But, I know I was alone in the gym. Then, I heard it again, followed with knocking. I didn't see anyone. Then, I heard a voice I recognized saying, "Mom, let me in!" Owen had left the apartment, alone, and come to "be with you, Mommy." I was furious! So, I called the spouse and let him know Owen had escaped. He had no idea. Nonetheless, I made Owen sit on the floor of the gym while I did another 20 minutes on the elliptical. The first part of the elliptical routine - I was sweating so, I am guess I did about 15 minutes or so. When you get off the machine, the time stops and resets... so I'm not sure.
Goal: 165
Remaining days: 143

Day 14

Weight 183
Routine 40 minutes on elliptical, "performance" setting
Days remaining 144
Goal 165

Day 13

Weight: 185
Routine: 35 minutes on elliptical, with a slightly different workout routine. It was called "weight loss." Not too tough. Then, I did two sets of triceps and biceps.
Goal: 165
Days remaining: 145

Egg Drop

Caleb has to do create a contraption for an "Egg Drop" contest this Thursday. Brant and he worked together for this project. Only two eggs were damaged in the design and testing of the contraption...one was for the initial failed test and the other that was the one Owen played with and dropped off the table onto the carpet. Grrr. Anyway here is a photo summary of the perfected design and successful test.