At the beginning of the month, I was down 17 lbs. I've lost five more pounds this month, putting me now at 22 lbs lost!! I'm so thrilled with this progress.
Today, I am officially less than what I was when I got pregnant with Maggie. I told myself when I hit that goal, I would book a doctor's appointment with Dennis to begin thinking about getting pregnant. I booked the appointment yesterday. It's not for another month, but it's on the horizon!
Would love to lose another 5 to 10 lbs before I actually get pregnant. We'll see how long it takes to get actually have another baby.
Maggie has been sick since Saturday night. We took her to the doctor on Sunday and were told that it was a stomach virus (she was vomiting Saturday night). Went to our regular pediatrician's office yesterday and we were told that she had strep and a sinus infection. She can go back to school tomorrow (I've been working from home all week with her). Only problem? Now I have strep!! I'm miserable today. Thank goodness for the ice storm that made Andrew stay home too.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
My husband ROCKS
For the past few years, we've had the dream of traveling on an Alaskan cruise for our ten year anniversary. We knew the cruiseline we wanted, the type of trip we wanted through Alaska, and the time of when to go. We've researched and checked into it in preparation for our ten year anniversary. This June, we'll have been married for ten years. Since Brandy had two major surgeries in less than a year that set us back more than $6,400, I lost hope that we would be able to afford it.
Then he called on Wednesday with the news that he found cheap flights to Seattle. He wanted to know my available dates for vacation. An ALASKAN vacation.
Have I told you recently how much I love and adore my husband? He booked our vacation and I'm so excited!
However, it meant that I had to fess up about my surprise plan for our anniversary, since the cruise would make finances a bit tight for this type of surprise. Ten years ago, Andrew had a "suck-ass" bachelor party. It was the night before our wedding and the guys in charge of throwing it did not do well. Imagine eight guys, six beers and a whole hell of a lot of Taco Bell. It sucked. Bad. For the last almost ten years, I've heard his complaining about this debacle.
So, what do I decide to do, being the good wife that I am? Decide to throw him a belated surprise bachelor party to Vegas with his friends, of course. I got four guys on board with it--they were paying for their flight, and I was covering their hotel accomodations. My plan was to have the guys show up at his office the day of the trip and arrive with a duffle bag ready for him to head out. I coordinated schedules and booked the weekend with the guys.
Then he called and stated that the cruise was the very weekend I had booked. So I booked another date for them. Then I went home and began to stress about the cost. You see, I'm not in charge of our money. I don't know squat about our finances. Andrew jokes that I don't know where we even bank. Pulling off spending a lot of money to send him to Vegas was not as big of an issue when I thought we weren't spending money of our dream vacation.
I panicked. I called Deb. I called Andrew's best friend John, and even called his mom. John said to keep going with the surprise and ask for forgiveness for the money spent after. Frances reminded me that while he would love the trip, he might stress more about money on Alaska after coming back from Vegas. It might taint his Alaskan vacation. Knowing my husband, I knew she was right.
So I caved. I told him.
My sweet husband profusely thanked me for the idea and declined Vegas. He did not want to decline the offer for the bachelor party entirely. Now, I'm coordinating more guys to travel to Shreveport for a bit milder of a fiesta at the casino. He confidently tells me it will be more fun because he knows he can have more like nine or ten guys go with them instead of just four.
I've heard for the last ten years about the "suck-ass bachelor party." Maybe I'll spend the next ten years hearing about the freaking awesome "bachelor" party his fabulous wife planned for him.
Love my man.
Then he called on Wednesday with the news that he found cheap flights to Seattle. He wanted to know my available dates for vacation. An ALASKAN vacation.
Have I told you recently how much I love and adore my husband? He booked our vacation and I'm so excited!
However, it meant that I had to fess up about my surprise plan for our anniversary, since the cruise would make finances a bit tight for this type of surprise. Ten years ago, Andrew had a "suck-ass" bachelor party. It was the night before our wedding and the guys in charge of throwing it did not do well. Imagine eight guys, six beers and a whole hell of a lot of Taco Bell. It sucked. Bad. For the last almost ten years, I've heard his complaining about this debacle.
So, what do I decide to do, being the good wife that I am? Decide to throw him a belated surprise bachelor party to Vegas with his friends, of course. I got four guys on board with it--they were paying for their flight, and I was covering their hotel accomodations. My plan was to have the guys show up at his office the day of the trip and arrive with a duffle bag ready for him to head out. I coordinated schedules and booked the weekend with the guys.
Then he called and stated that the cruise was the very weekend I had booked. So I booked another date for them. Then I went home and began to stress about the cost. You see, I'm not in charge of our money. I don't know squat about our finances. Andrew jokes that I don't know where we even bank. Pulling off spending a lot of money to send him to Vegas was not as big of an issue when I thought we weren't spending money of our dream vacation.
I panicked. I called Deb. I called Andrew's best friend John, and even called his mom. John said to keep going with the surprise and ask for forgiveness for the money spent after. Frances reminded me that while he would love the trip, he might stress more about money on Alaska after coming back from Vegas. It might taint his Alaskan vacation. Knowing my husband, I knew she was right.
So I caved. I told him.
My sweet husband profusely thanked me for the idea and declined Vegas. He did not want to decline the offer for the bachelor party entirely. Now, I'm coordinating more guys to travel to Shreveport for a bit milder of a fiesta at the casino. He confidently tells me it will be more fun because he knows he can have more like nine or ten guys go with them instead of just four.
I've heard for the last ten years about the "suck-ass bachelor party." Maybe I'll spend the next ten years hearing about the freaking awesome "bachelor" party his fabulous wife planned for him.
Love my man.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Princess Alexa Foundation Needs Your Help!
Dear Friends,
I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors of The Princess Alexa Foundation this year. The Princess Alexa Foundation celebrates the childhood spirit of seriously ill children through dress-up and play. Formed in memory of Alexa Aigner, our work honors a bright and beautiful fouryear-old girl who passed away from neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, on June 25, 2008.
We need your help! The Princess Alexa Foundation has several ongoing projects, one of which is providing the oncology floor at Children's Medical Center of Dallas two dress-up closets – one for girls and one for boys. The closets will be placed this spring. To keep them stocked, we have set a goal of collecting 2,000 costumes for children ages 2-10 and we are happy to be well on our way.
To help us reach our goal of collecting 2,000 costumes, we ask your organization, company, moms group, etc, to collect costumes during a two week period in February. Designate February 8th—22nd a Dress Up Drive to donate costumes to the Princess Alexa Foundation. All costumes must be NEW as the patients at the hospital have compromised immune systems.
We believe happiness is healing. The Princess Alexa Foundation’s website recounts the story of a sick little boy named Blake whose life was changed by a simple cape. Though terminally ill, his pain gave way. In his cape, he was no longer Blake. He was Batman, Robin, NightWing, or the Red Power Ranger. I invite you to read his tale, learn more of Alexa’s story, and see the children who were given another great day at http://www.princessalexafoundation.org/.
Please consider partnering with The Princess Alexa Foundation to help the real superheroes in the Dallas / Fort Worth community by participating in the dress up drive from February 8th—22nd. To sign up your group to participate in the Dress Up Drive, please complete the attached form and send to Founder (and Alexa’s proud mother!), Crys Aigner at princessalexafoundation@gmail.com.
Most sincerely,
Jenny
I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors of The Princess Alexa Foundation this year. The Princess Alexa Foundation celebrates the childhood spirit of seriously ill children through dress-up and play. Formed in memory of Alexa Aigner, our work honors a bright and beautiful fouryear-old girl who passed away from neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, on June 25, 2008.
We need your help! The Princess Alexa Foundation has several ongoing projects, one of which is providing the oncology floor at Children's Medical Center of Dallas two dress-up closets – one for girls and one for boys. The closets will be placed this spring. To keep them stocked, we have set a goal of collecting 2,000 costumes for children ages 2-10 and we are happy to be well on our way.
To help us reach our goal of collecting 2,000 costumes, we ask your organization, company, moms group, etc, to collect costumes during a two week period in February. Designate February 8th—22nd a Dress Up Drive to donate costumes to the Princess Alexa Foundation. All costumes must be NEW as the patients at the hospital have compromised immune systems.
We believe happiness is healing. The Princess Alexa Foundation’s website recounts the story of a sick little boy named Blake whose life was changed by a simple cape. Though terminally ill, his pain gave way. In his cape, he was no longer Blake. He was Batman, Robin, NightWing, or the Red Power Ranger. I invite you to read his tale, learn more of Alexa’s story, and see the children who were given another great day at http://www.princessalexafoundation.org/.
Please consider partnering with The Princess Alexa Foundation to help the real superheroes in the Dallas / Fort Worth community by participating in the dress up drive from February 8th—22nd. To sign up your group to participate in the Dress Up Drive, please complete the attached form and send to Founder (and Alexa’s proud mother!), Crys Aigner at princessalexafoundation@gmail.com.
Most sincerely,
Jenny
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
What's in a Name?
I have always known what I would name a son should I have a baby boy. It's my husband's name, his dad's name, and his grandfather's name. Should we be blessed with a boy in our life, we will have....
Winfield Andrew Scott IV
Yes, you read that right. I've been Mrs. Winfield Andrew Scott III for almost ten years now. I love his name. I usually joke that I should be a much wealthier woman with a name like that!
Monday is Mr. Scott's 31st birthday. Not a big birthday by any means, but a birthday nonetheless. Today, he received his very special birthday gift in the mail from his father, Drew. He made this....
This shadow box is representative of the Winfield Scott's in our history. Andrew's grandfather (most commonly called Scotty by friends and family and married to Sissy) was the first Winfield Andrew Scott. However, his father (Andrew's great grandfather) was Winfield Scott II (I don't know that middle name, known in the family as "Boppy"). In total, there were five Winfields in a direct line. The gift came along with a note from his father explaining...
"a Winfield shrine. It has a plaster dog I made for Dad when I was in kindergarten. He kept it on his desk until he retired in 1983. The picture of Boppy was taken at his 92nd birthday party. The Elgin watch was a wedding present from Sis to Dad. He left for the European War shortly after they married 12/19/1942. "
Yes, the teenage boy in the tux is my handsome man, probably about age 14 or 15. There is another picture of him at the top with his father around age 6, and a picture of Drew reading in his father's lap as a young child. The dog tag is from WWII. The round picture with the blue around it is Andrew's grandfather, Scotty. It's his badge for the oil company, which became Exxon.
Along with this gift, Drew also included the following...
The paper above is discharge papers from the Civil War. Drew's note says the following about it..."In the papers are some things you may find interesting. Winfield Scott, Dad's grandfather, fought in the Civil War, and his original discharge paper is included. Mom (Sissy) typed a brief history of him, his wife, and their son 'Winfield aka Boppy' that is included. One thing that Mom told me, and she makes reference in her history, is that Winfield (Dad's grandfather) was an inventor. The bicycle gear was his patent and was sold for $70.00 to the Schwinn family. "
So, Andrew's great great grandfather invented the bicycle chain that is used on all bikes today. After he died, his wife was poor and couldn't provide for her family, including Winfield Scott Junior (Andrew's great grandfather Boppy--he died less than six months after Andrew was born). She sold the patent to Mr. Schwinn for $70.
I'm fascinated by this history. I'm even more excited to possibly have Winfield Andrew Scott IV one day (he will be Drew) and see the history he may one day create for himself.
To my Winfield--Happy birthday, Andrew! I love you so much. I can't imagine my life without you! I look forward to sharing the experience of another child (boy or girl!) hopefully sometime in the near future. We will be spending many more birthdays together.
Winfield Andrew Scott IV
Yes, you read that right. I've been Mrs. Winfield Andrew Scott III for almost ten years now. I love his name. I usually joke that I should be a much wealthier woman with a name like that!
Monday is Mr. Scott's 31st birthday. Not a big birthday by any means, but a birthday nonetheless. Today, he received his very special birthday gift in the mail from his father, Drew. He made this....
This shadow box is representative of the Winfield Scott's in our history. Andrew's grandfather (most commonly called Scotty by friends and family and married to Sissy) was the first Winfield Andrew Scott. However, his father (Andrew's great grandfather) was Winfield Scott II (I don't know that middle name, known in the family as "Boppy"). In total, there were five Winfields in a direct line. The gift came along with a note from his father explaining..."a Winfield shrine. It has a plaster dog I made for Dad when I was in kindergarten. He kept it on his desk until he retired in 1983. The picture of Boppy was taken at his 92nd birthday party. The Elgin watch was a wedding present from Sis to Dad. He left for the European War shortly after they married 12/19/1942. "
Yes, the teenage boy in the tux is my handsome man, probably about age 14 or 15. There is another picture of him at the top with his father around age 6, and a picture of Drew reading in his father's lap as a young child. The dog tag is from WWII. The round picture with the blue around it is Andrew's grandfather, Scotty. It's his badge for the oil company, which became Exxon.
Along with this gift, Drew also included the following...
The paper above is discharge papers from the Civil War. Drew's note says the following about it..."In the papers are some things you may find interesting. Winfield Scott, Dad's grandfather, fought in the Civil War, and his original discharge paper is included. Mom (Sissy) typed a brief history of him, his wife, and their son 'Winfield aka Boppy' that is included. One thing that Mom told me, and she makes reference in her history, is that Winfield (Dad's grandfather) was an inventor. The bicycle gear was his patent and was sold for $70.00 to the Schwinn family. "
So, Andrew's great great grandfather invented the bicycle chain that is used on all bikes today. After he died, his wife was poor and couldn't provide for her family, including Winfield Scott Junior (Andrew's great grandfather Boppy--he died less than six months after Andrew was born). She sold the patent to Mr. Schwinn for $70.
I'm fascinated by this history. I'm even more excited to possibly have Winfield Andrew Scott IV one day (he will be Drew) and see the history he may one day create for himself.
To my Winfield--Happy birthday, Andrew! I love you so much. I can't imagine my life without you! I look forward to sharing the experience of another child (boy or girl!) hopefully sometime in the near future. We will be spending many more birthdays together.
Monday, January 5, 2009
I love South Beach
This picture was taken at Maggie's school fall festival the week before Halloween. I wanted my picture with my adorable Cinderella, but I hid behind her. The shirt was too tight. The pants were not the right size, but I refused to buy a size bigger. I started dieting a few weeks later.This weekend, my Posse had the BEST girls weekend I could have possibly imagined in San Antonio. When Deb aimed the camera my way and told me to pose, my first instinct was to hid somewhere. Maybe behind the cute blonde or the tall beauty. Deb wouldn't let me. She made me have my picture taken. I slightly unwillingly struck a pose for her
I've lost 17 lbs so far! I think it would be even less, had it not been for a few days off for Christmas Eve and Christmas day yumminess. I've got 4 pounds left to get to my original goal--my pre pregnancy weight with Maggie. I have 15 pounds to go to my bigger goal--a healthy BMI that puts me out of the overweight category (thanks to my Wii Fit for helping me watch it go down in the right direction!).
I've finally found the diet that works for me. South Beach works. It is a diet I can stick to, even on the Riverwalk with friends. With my job, I often have to eat out. Counting points got to be too much for me. With South Beach, I feel like I have more options. I know what I can eat, and know what I need to avoid. I have a wide range of foods to select.
On other diets, I've allowed myself to eat things like 100 Calorie Packs of snacks. While they are low in calories, they aren't healthy for me. They aren't what I need to be putting in my face. Now, I eat no processed foods on South Beach. I never thought I would enjoy it, but I completely LOVE it. Added bonus--I can eat it with my family. We had steak, brown rice, and asparagus last night. Tonight was turkey spaghetti sauce with whole wheat raviolis. Maggie eats it. Andrew eats it. We are able to enjoy a meal together as a family and I don't feel like I have to sacrifice for my diet.
I love South Beach. Other people love South Beach (great blog with fantastic recipes).
Ultimately, my goal is to get down to a weight that I feel comfortable in getting pregnant again. I am setting a doctor's appointment for March (not sure when yet) to begin trying to have another baby. By then, it is my hope that South Beach is engrained in me. I would ideally like to move to Phase 3 of South Beach while pregnant, helping me maintain healthy eating habits while pregnant.
I know I can do this. I need South Beach to help me make it happen, but I know I CAN do it.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2008 List of Things
Last year, I answered a list of questions about 2007. I know it's a bit redundant, but I'm using the same questions for 2008. Happy New Year's everyone!
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
You mean what did I do that I'm not sure I will ever do again? Hmmm...remember this night?
But seriously, my answer would have to be visiting Yellowstone. It was breathtaking!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year, I chose not to make any resolutions. So, I did pretty well!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Debbie had Beck and Ella, Megan had her little man a month later, and my sister-in-law Amie just added sweet Elliot to our lives in November.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
5. What countries did you visit?
None. All our travels were in the US. Wyoming for our big Jackson Hole family vacation in August, and we had quick trips like the lakehouse and Sea World.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Not that I lacked it because I wasn't sure I wanted it, but my big want for 2009 is a pregnancy.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 1st--Maggie's fun 3rd birthday party and our family/friend cookout after. So much fun!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Reaching the milestone in May that Heroes for Children had spent more than a million dollars on families with children battling cancer.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Missing out on time with my family.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My iPhone. Never thought I would want to have email on my phone and have a "crackberry" obsession. I found out how wrong I was. Having my email on my phone is such a time saver!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Going to keep my same answer from 2007 because, well, it's true again in 2008: My mom. She has been our saving grace in the last year with her love and her complete and utter adoration for the Munch.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one that I can think of.
14. Where did most of your money go?
We lump both of the surgeries in the same year, even though technically the first was in December. Biggest expense was definitely dropping $6,400 on my DOG in a 10 month period.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My 30th birthday dinner with the girls
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
?? I'm not good at remembering tunes.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder?
happier
b) thinner or fatter?
Woohoo---thinner!!!! Down 16.5 lbs as of this morning!
c) richer or poorer?
I wouldn't say richer by any means, but financially doing better.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
More fun crafts with Maggie
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Dieting
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Same as last year--Christmas Eve at my mother in laws with the cousins and Christmas day at my mom's. It was a great Christmas!
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
He's the easiest person to be in love with
22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Again, I like my response from last year--While there are certainly people that make me nuts, I can't think of anyone I would use the word hate on.
24. What was the best book you read?
Twilight series. Love. Have a bit of a vampire crush
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
None
26. What did you want and get?
A new gorgeous wedding ring for my ninth wedding anniversary.
27. What did you want and not get?
A trip to California for our 30th birthday that we had all planned. The dog's surgery affected that.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Is it bad that I honestly can't remember?
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
30--was spoiled by my loved ones
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Allie.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Given that I gained and lost so much this year, my style was random. And in more than one size.
32. What kept you sane?
The ability to call Debbie whenever I need to talk, cry, or yell.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Edward Cullen. Not the actor who played him, but the fictional character.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election, and the Republican running mate.
35. Who did you miss?
Allie as always.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Danielle who came to work at Heroes for Children.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Stuffing food down my face to avoid my grief doesn't make the grief go away. Just makes me fatter. So, when I don't turn to food, the grief is worse.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
You mean what did I do that I'm not sure I will ever do again? Hmmm...remember this night?
But seriously, my answer would have to be visiting Yellowstone. It was breathtaking!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year, I chose not to make any resolutions. So, I did pretty well!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Debbie had Beck and Ella, Megan had her little man a month later, and my sister-in-law Amie just added sweet Elliot to our lives in November.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
5. What countries did you visit?
None. All our travels were in the US. Wyoming for our big Jackson Hole family vacation in August, and we had quick trips like the lakehouse and Sea World.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Not that I lacked it because I wasn't sure I wanted it, but my big want for 2009 is a pregnancy.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 1st--Maggie's fun 3rd birthday party and our family/friend cookout after. So much fun!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Reaching the milestone in May that Heroes for Children had spent more than a million dollars on families with children battling cancer.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Missing out on time with my family.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My iPhone. Never thought I would want to have email on my phone and have a "crackberry" obsession. I found out how wrong I was. Having my email on my phone is such a time saver!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Going to keep my same answer from 2007 because, well, it's true again in 2008: My mom. She has been our saving grace in the last year with her love and her complete and utter adoration for the Munch.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one that I can think of.
14. Where did most of your money go?
We lump both of the surgeries in the same year, even though technically the first was in December. Biggest expense was definitely dropping $6,400 on my DOG in a 10 month period.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My 30th birthday dinner with the girls
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
?? I'm not good at remembering tunes.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder?
happier
b) thinner or fatter?
Woohoo---thinner!!!! Down 16.5 lbs as of this morning!
c) richer or poorer?
I wouldn't say richer by any means, but financially doing better.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
More fun crafts with Maggie
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Dieting
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Same as last year--Christmas Eve at my mother in laws with the cousins and Christmas day at my mom's. It was a great Christmas!
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
He's the easiest person to be in love with
22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Again, I like my response from last year--While there are certainly people that make me nuts, I can't think of anyone I would use the word hate on.
24. What was the best book you read?
Twilight series. Love. Have a bit of a vampire crush
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
None
26. What did you want and get?
A new gorgeous wedding ring for my ninth wedding anniversary.
27. What did you want and not get?
A trip to California for our 30th birthday that we had all planned. The dog's surgery affected that.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Is it bad that I honestly can't remember?
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
30--was spoiled by my loved ones
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Allie.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Given that I gained and lost so much this year, my style was random. And in more than one size.
32. What kept you sane?
The ability to call Debbie whenever I need to talk, cry, or yell.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Edward Cullen. Not the actor who played him, but the fictional character.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election, and the Republican running mate.
35. Who did you miss?
Allie as always.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Danielle who came to work at Heroes for Children.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Stuffing food down my face to avoid my grief doesn't make the grief go away. Just makes me fatter. So, when I don't turn to food, the grief is worse.
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