Something I Think....

If you drive a great big gas guzzlin' DIESEL truck AND you're a total and complete MORON and you park in the space designated for "COMPACT CARS ONLY," you do NOT get to smoke with your windows rolled down!! UGH.

HOORAY WEZIE & JENN!!!!

You girls ROCK. Jenn, eating a salad without dressing is a toughie! Try as much of your favorite salsa as you want, it adds taste (and extra veggies!) without calories! To ease the transition, you can drizzle a bit of ranch, but make sure it's less than 1/4 of a serving!

Wezie.....YOU GO GIRL!!!! Walking is one of the most important steps in obtaining a fitness lifestyle.


My tip for the day to EVERYONE : There is NOTHING in this world that you CANNOT eat....but there are plenty of things you CHOOSE NOT TO eat!! Give yourself back the power, don't let food have ANY power over you. Take back the power, and take back your life!!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Smart water, which I adore....tastes great and makes me feel great, too!

I am somewhat obsessed with this particular print......not real sure why....

Kashi Go Lean cereal.....has 13 g protein and 10 g fiber. And the best thing of all?? It doesn't taste like crap! :) 1 cup in the morning with 2 Splendas on it with fat free milk, and it's all good...

The Loca Moca...tastes great, and has an OK amount of calories. Split it into two servings, and voila it's a caffeinated coffee kick that tastes good.
Great for an afterworkout pick me up, or breakfast if I forget my Kashi....

He's definitely MY candidate....

This is how I've been feeling lately, but notably less so in the past several days....

"...but in the unlikely story that is America there has never been anything false about Hope." --Barack Obama

The Thursday Throw Down

Yes, I know today is Wednesday, but hey....whatever....tomorrow is Thursday!!

I'm going to do my Thursday Throw Down, so here it is.............


I'm going to the gym in the morning....6:30. Here's the Throw Down : DO SOMETHING HEALTHY TOMORROW AND POST A COMMENT TELLING EVERYONE WHAT IT WAS THAT YOU DID!!

Here's to getting together and getting healthy..........................



ps vote Obama

Yes We Can

I found this incredibly inspiring, it moved me to tears with Hope. Hope for our Future and for my children and their Future. Read on, and follow the link because it is a beautiful song of Redemption for this torn country. I am truly amazed.

http://www.dipdive.com

The Yes We Can Song
by will.i.am

I was sitting in my recording studio watching the debates...Torn between the candidates
I was never really big on politics...and actually I’m still not big on politics...but 4 years ago, me and the black eyed peas supported Kerry...And we supported Kerry with all our might...We performed and performed and performed for the DNC...doing all we could do to get the youth involved...

The outcome of the last 2 elections has saddened me...on how unfair, backwards, upside down, unbalanced, untruthful,corrupt, and just simply, how wrong the world and "politics" are...
So this year i wanted to get involved and do all i could early...
And i found myself torn...because this time it’s not that simple...our choices aren’t as clear as the last elections ...last time it was so obvious...Bush and warvsno Bush and no war...
But this time it’s not that simple...and there are a lot of people that are torn just like i am...
So for awhile I put it off and i was going to wait until it was decided for me...
And then came New Hampshire...

And i was captivated...
Inspired...

I reflected on my life...and the blessings I have...and the people who fought for me to have these rights and blessings...

and I’m not talking about a "black thing"I’m talking about a "human thing" me as a "person"an American...

That speech made me think of Martin Luther King...Kennedy...and Lincoln...and all the others that have fought for what we have today...

what America is "supposed" to be...

freedom...equality...and truth...

and thats not what we have today...we think we are free...but in reality terror and fear controls our decisions...

this is not the America that our pioneers and leaders fought and died for...

and then there was New Hampshire

it was that speech...like many great speeches...that one moved me...because words and ideas are powerful...

It made me think...and realize that today we have "very few" leaders...maybe none...
but that speech...

it inspired me...it inspired me to look inside myself and outwards towards the world...it inspired me to want to change myself to better the world...and take a "leap" towards change...and hope that others become inspired to do the same...change themselves..change their greed...change their fears...and if we "change that""then hey"..we got something right...???...

1 week later after the speech settled in me...I began making this song...I came up with the idea to turn his speech into a song...because that speech effected and touched my inner core like nothing in a very long time...

it spoke to me...

because words and ideas are powerful...

I just wanted to add a melody to those words...I wanted the inspiration that was bubbling inside me to take over...

so i let it..

I wasn't afraid to stand for something...to stand for "change"...I wasn't afraid of "fear"...it was pure inspiration...

so I called my friends...and they called their friends...in a matter of 2 days...We made the song and video...

Usually this process would take months...a bunch of record company people figuring out strategies and release dates...interviews...all that stuff...but this time i took it in my own hands...so i called my friends sarah pantera, mike jurkovac, fred goldring, and jesse dylan to help make it happen...and they called their friends..and we did it together in 48 hours...and instead of putting it in the hands of profit we put it in the hands of inspiration...

then we put it on the net for the world to feel...

When you are truly inspired..magic happens...incredible things happen...love happens..(and with that combination)

"love, and inspiration"

change happens...

"change for the better"

Inspiration breeds change...

"Positive change"...

no one on this planet is truly experienced to handle the obstacles we face today...Terror, fear, lies, agendas, politics, money, all the above...It’s all scary...

Martin Luther King didn't have experience to lead...Kennedy didn't have experience to lead...Susan B. Anthony...Nelson Mandella...Rosa Parks...Gandhi...Anne Frank...and everyone else who has had a hand in molding the freedoms we have and take for granted today...
no one truly has experience to deal with the world today...

they just need "desire, strength, courage ability, and passion" to change...and to stand for something even when people say it's not possible...

America would not be here "today" if we didn’t stand and fight for change "yesterday"...

Everything we have as a "people" is because of the "people" who fought forchange...and whoever is the President has to realize we have a lot of changing to do

I'm not trying to convince people to see things how i do...I produced this song to share my new found inspiration and how I've been moved...I hope this song will make you feel...love...and think...and be inspired just like the speech inspired me...
that’s all...

Let's all come together like America is supposed to...Like Japan did after Hiroshima...
that was less than 65 years ago...and look at Japan now...

they did it together...they did it...

"We can't?...

Are you serious..?..

WE CAN!!!

Yes we can...A United "America"Democrats, Republicans and Independents together...Building a new America

We can do it..."TOGETHER"

Please visit www.yeswecansong.com
Thank you for reading and listening...will.i.am

What A Miracle Baby!!

Ok, so yesterday Zoe says to me "no more bipers, Mommy," which is Zoe-speak for diapers. And let me tell you, this girl is serious!! Yesterday she wore her "bootful panties" all day without accidents (and we were gone shopping most of the day with Memaw, too) and she only had two tee-tee accidents today!! Bought her some wonderful new undies and she's so excited!! Her bubba is super proud of her, too. He's been a fabulous little helper with her, reminding her to go potty, and praising her with us when she goes! Here's probably the cutest picture ever taken of my two kiddos :

I wish I could get some Mommy-size ruffled undies like Zoe's!! Ok, might get a little bulky under my clothes, but other than that they're so cute! And they make Zoe happy to wear them. I'm so proud of this little cutie!!

Day Two

I met with my trainer yesterday for the second day. Got up at 6:15, hit the gym, met the trainer, got my booty kicked, and woke up today to the sorest rear end I've EVER had. (This does not bode well for tomorrow, folks, trust me.) After working out, working all day and then taking the kiddos to dinner last night I was exhausted. In fact I was fast asleep by I think 9:45. Wow, I feel like a little old lady and today I walk like one!! :)

The up side is that I feel better than I have in a long time, and I plan on hitting the gym tonight too.

Here's to this continuing into next week.....and far beyond that

Train Me

I met my trainer today at 6 am. Yep, that's right folks yours truly hopped out of bed at 5:45 and headed to the gym!! Got in some cardio, and a weights workout, and had some fun with my new trainer. It was great, and I'm so thankful I made this decision. I actually ate breakast (a protein bar and a LIGHT Starbucks Double Shot Espresso), I ate a salad and soup for lunch, a turkey sandwich for mid-afternoon snack, and I had a grilled chicken salad with lots of veggies and homemade Greek dressing for dinner. I hit the gym after work intending to do a kickboxing class, instead I jumped on the elliptical with Michael for about 5 minutes and I hit the wall.

I think I maybe hit 1400 calories today, and I feel awesome. I definitely have the weight to lose, but I'm on a good start.

I'm going to make it a point to eat really well the rest of the week, and tomorrow I'm going to work out after work.

Here's to not being a hypocrite....

New Year, New Life, New Me

I've taken some very important steps to lose this weight, to drop the excess baggage, to change my life forever. I've got goals, I've got plans, I've got my groove on. And I'm ready.

I do this more than once a year, but guess what....this time it's personal. Personal Trainer that is!! I'm actually paying a professional to kick my butt into shape. I have some serious accountability here and now, and it's time to make a positive change.

Three pounds a week to lose by Memorial Day Weekend. I'm planning a romantic getaway for my hubby and myself to San Diego that weekend and I plan on rocking the bikini on the beach. Well, here's hopin'.......

Zoe's Gettin' Her Mad On!

This is my future pugilist...."Yo, Adrian...." :)

It's Been Awhile....

And a lot has happened in a short time. The kids are getting big. I love my job(s). Things are hard. Things will get better. We saw Cloverfield, and are going to see it again Saturday. If I'd blogged the other day it would have been a very depressing blog indeed. I found myself thinking very scary thoughts, thoughts like I was being abandoned by God and that I've really pissed Him off in a big way. It was scary because throughout the last several months, though things have been exceedingly difficult, I have never once questioned Him. I've always turned to Him, and tried to rely on Him. But with the way the tide has turned, I find it increasingly difficult to do that anymore. And when you think it's the rock bottom, and nobody can help, encouragement comes in strange packages, and from the strangest possible sources. Like the Verizon Wireless customer service agent. Like my first patient who reminded me, without saying a word, that someone out there always has it worse than you. Like the fact that even in the midst of all this I still feel loved. I attributed that feeling solely to the love I get from my family, but I have realized since then that the Love I feel also comes from a Heavenly source. So yeah, life might suck right now, but God has subtle ways of letting me know that as long as I continue to keep my eyes on Him, do the things I'm doing, take the positive steps I'm taking, things WILL turn around. Things WILL improve. Things will not stay dark forever. Right? The sun does rise again....yeah?

Thankful

This is Daniel's Prayer....the very next video on our camera is him saying "oh and Daddy!" I LOVE listening to my children pray....

And, not to be outdone : Zoe. I LOVE my children. Thank you GOD for these little Blessings.

My Thoughts And Ponderings

Haven't blogged in awhile, and I'm sorry for you four faithful readers! :) Really though, here's what's up :

1. Work, work, work....I have not had a day off thanks to my full time jobs! Wow it's been hectic and without an end in sight. I like them both so at least that's good I guess.

2. Went to dinner at Bonnell's the other night....one word : FABULOUS. You guys seriously, if you have the time (anywhere from an hour on up depending on what you order) and the money (it's a $$$-$$$$ place fo' sho') then I've got the place for you. Chef John Bonnell does it right here y'all....Texas Gourmet and it's fabulous. Reminiscent of Lonesome Dove, you can choose from the wild game assortment, and a varied list of appetizers. The desserts are awesome, too. We had : the appetizer sampler (we chose 4 appetizers and got one of each for about 11 bucks) with Spicy Elk Mini Tacos (our favorite), Texas Bruschetta, Venison Carpaccio, and grilled tomatoes with fresh mozzarella. I highly recommend for your next course - either the House salad (amazing jalapeno vinaigrette) or the roasted tomato & jalapeno soup (we got a cup of the soup and shared it and we both got salads. Honestly can't say we tried the lemon caesar cuz we didn't. I'm sure, based on our experience, that it was fabulous. Third was the main entree. I ordered the buffalo tenderloin (made from buffalo) it was crusted with peppercorns, and served in a creamy yummy sauce with grilled asparagus and pomme frites (a REALLY fance way of saying "awesome french fries"). Michael had the Mixed Grill with buffalo tenderloin, their homemade andouille sausage, wild boar chop, and Rocky Mountain Elk tenderloin. Served in a wild game demi glace and alongside their special green chile grits and grilled seasonal veggies. Served along with our main course were two jalapeno "scones" and an amazing sweet cornbread cake. For dessert we had apple fritter with homemade cinnamon ice cream, sweet mini tacos stuffed with assorted chocolate mousses, and french pressed coffee. This meal was AMAZING, and honestly....we had such a good time too! The hostess was over-the-top nice, which was awesome. Our waiter could have been better, it seemed like his knowledge was sub-par but still he left us alone, offered solicited advice, and basically did the basics....but didn't go above and beyond, which was ok. This is one place where the food speaks for itself. So here's my TWO FORKS way up for this restaurant, you got out of town relatives?? You coming to Texas?? Take them, take yourself, take whoever, and RUN don't walk to Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine. Wow.

3. My Christmas tree is still up :( anyone want to come take it down and subsequently clean up for me??? Seriously....I'll pay you.

4. Plotting the decorations for the kiddos new rooms....it's like having a large, blank, white canvas and if I could come up with a cohesive thought and put it into action I'd be set....I've got ideas....but having a rough time putting them into action. Daniel's pretty much got his little heart set on a TRANSFORMERS room....guess I'll let him spend his Christmas money on a Transformers blanket and comforter, and I'll buy him some wall stickies. But Zoe's a harder one....I want her room to maintain some magic and still be based around purple....any ideas??? I want : easy, cheap, and cute.

5. What I'm looking forward the most to : NEXT FRIDAY ---- CLOVERFIELD at MOVIE TAVERN. Wanna go?? Let me know I'm buying tickets early (I'm really going to be disappointed if it isn't showing there.....)

6. Second most looking forward to : SWEENEY TODD at MOVIE TAVERN (because I KNOW that's showing there!!)

7. Please send prayers up on our behalf....Michael will be submitting Law School apps this week and next, we REALLY need this y'all so the more prayers going up that God puts him in whichever school He wants him in.....the better

8. Noggin is now on 24 hours. YIPPEE!!!!! This means more : Backyardigans, Dora, Diego, Wonder Pets, and Blues Clues. WOW.....actually really LOVE those shows.

9. For Daniel's birthday I'm considering the Leapster video game system handheld...anyone got little ones who have this?? Suggestions on which games are the best for Pre-K?

10. I've been craving Jason's Deli for days and weeks and have yet to have it....maybe today, I am definitely holding out hope.

11. GO RED FOR WOMEN....Heart disease : #1 killer of women.....Come on ladies, get that heart checked out. Every year when you do your annual physical get an EKG. It really could save your life. And if there's a history of heart disease in your family (especially early onset -- before age 65 -- in one of your immediate family members) TELL YOUR DOCTOR so they can check you out thoroughly! Most of us take better care of our CARS than we do our bodies! GO RED....and save a life.

12. Also I'll be doing the Susan G. Komen 3 Day in November...more to come and how to help on that in the coming weeks....And more on how you can JOIN MY TEAM!!!!

13. In 2008 I've decided that even though I've always been that starry-eyed optimist, this year I'm not going to let those little things get me down. Seriously. My goals this year are as follows : Gym at least 4 days a week (and hopefully 7), Save money (I want to have enough at the end of the year to take my family skiing in December and STILL have money left over), Spend more time reflecting on the wonderful things God has Blessed me with, rather than focusing so much on the negatives. There are more, and it's actually fodder for a later post.....

I hope this year's been good to you and yours so far. Love and Hugs from our blog to yours.

Well....

This weekend promises to be a busy one....having work fun, and then having friends over Sat night....if we can get our stuff together, that is.....



Guess I have to take the Christmas tree down too, huh :( can I just tell you how very sad that makes me????

HAPPY 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well the time is here, it's no longer 2007 and I say THANK GOD. Seriously y'all....2008 better kick a lot of booty or I'm no longer having faith in the opportunity of a new year. So there....some pictures....