The Chatty Mommy

Friday Follow With The Chatty Mommy...

2012-01-27T12:47:00.002-05:00

Yeah, so apparently it is Friday already.
Who knew?
We are having a good week.
I didn't get as much done as I would like- surprise, surprise.
But, I am so excited the weekend is here.
We plan on just hanging out and getting stuff done around the house.

How about you?

And we have a 3rd grade spelling bee to get ready for.
Life is good.

On to the follow:

rules:

1. You must follow TCM.

2. Link your blog with the linky.

3. Put the Friday follow button (it can be found down in my sidebar) somewhere in your post.

4. Visit as many blogs and follow as many as you can.

5. Family friendly only and HAVE FUN!

And if you haven't already, check out this great giveaway here.

Nutrisystem- Not Weighing In This Week...

2012-01-26T15:00:00.001-05:00

Hello- this is one of those weeks that I am not weighing in- I know you might not like those.
But, I really want to give myself another week to lose some more weight.

I have been good with eating my Nutrisystem food and when not eating it, portion control.

We made some amish "creamsticks", like a donut stick with sugary filling and a sugary topping. This was a downfall, but not too crazy.
Did you know that crisco has 12 grams of fat in just 1 tablespoon?
YUCK!
We had to buy it just for this recipe.

I read somewhere in blog world that if you lose a pound, picture 4 sticks of butter coming off of you- I really like thinking about it that way.
2 pounds- 8 sticks of butter!

I also found a blog that I found really inspiring.
I am always amazed at women who set their minds to losing weight and then do it.
I have it a little easier, because Nutrisystem has already set out my portions for me and I don't have to spend time cooking "healthy" meals.

But, I am always lacking in the willpower department.

Thinking of sticking pictures of myself up when I was thinner or putting a paper on my fridge for everyone to see where I write everything that goes into my mouth.

Accountability.

Have any other ideas for me?

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling (1-888-853-4689) or by visiting (http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog)

Nutrisystem is providing their program and support services free of charge for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program.

A Snowy Saturday

2012-01-23T06:52:00.003-05:00

We woke up on Saturday to snow. Now, remember I don't like snow or the cold.
But, I do love my kids.
So, after breakfast, they dressed warmly while I went through our basement looking for snowpants, boots and other warm items that fit.
We got dressed as quickly as we could, packed our sleds

and went sledding! We went to this mountain we found a couple of years ago and had a lot of fun.
Then it got crowded and we left.

So for a couple of hours of fun, I can do some serious laundry and found any warm spot around the house to lay our coats and snow pants.

They had a great time and I hope they always remember the things we did together.

What did you do this weekend?

Interview with A First Grader (who just happens to be mine)

2012-01-20T06:30:00.002-05:00

sometimes he is a serious cowboy

I am really good at: Reading
I like to: Read
My favorite thing to learn at school: Art
1 person who makes me laugh: Darius
One word that describes me: Good
I am really happy when: I get a 100 on my test.
I am really sad when: Somebody dies.
My favorite book: Fire Bunnies
My favorite TV show: Danger Rangers
My favorite vacation: Christmas vacation
I like school when: When we take a spelling test.
I don't like school when: We have to take a pre-test.
My favorite season: Summer
My favorite toy: Rescue Heroes
My worst nightmare: Witches.
Things that make me mad: When I don't get a good spelling grade.
Favorite sport: Baseball.
I like my Dad because: He plays legos with me.
I like my Mom because: She does crafts with me.
I like my family because: We spend time together.

I got this idea from Clover Lane.

Friday Follow With The Chatty Mommy...

2012-01-19T17:30:00.003-05:00

Hello!
Can you believe it is Thursday night almost Friday?
Time flies!
I went to a Social Media conference today for my job- interesting and some great things to share with the blog world.
I am trying to get the kids on better schedules- but what else is new?
The little guy has a birthday coming up and we are deciding what to do.
All my kids seem to always want their parties at home, so I am sure that will be what we do.
But more on that stuff later.

On to the follow:

rules:

1. You must follow TCM.

2. Link your blog with the linky.

3. Put the Friday follow button (it can be found down in my sidebar) somewhere in your post.

4. Visit as many blogs and follow as many as you can.

5. Family friendly only and HAVE FUN!

And when you can, check out this great giveaway here.

Decorating the Bedroom

2012-01-19T06:30:00.002-05:00

gray bedding from westelm

Maybe you remember this post?
And maybe you don't.

But, if you don't feel like clicking over- I will let you know what went down.

We have had a full size bed for the first 12 years of marriage and last spring, we bought a KING!

In the post I hinted about us getting rid of the full and getting something great.

I planned on doing a follow-up post with a picture of our awesome bed with a beautiful bedspread on it.
A fresh coat of paint would of been great too.

But....

then as usual, life happened.

Couldn't decide on a bedspread.
The husband is anti-flower- surprise, surprise.
I don't like comforters, but would rather a quilt.
Something amish or shabby chic would be great, but again- the husband.

Then we just let it go, cause the kids need things, we need stuff for the house and oh yeah- everyone here has come accustomed to eating on a regular basis.

What is on our bed, you might ask?
We did buy king sheets right away- man, can those things break the bank!
But, we use our own microfiber fleeces. Yeah, that has romance written all over it.
The husband has a slanket he loves and I am using a fleece that is pretty much made of the most hideous colors.
On top of this, we have a full size jcpenney reversible blue/ light blue comforter.
You know the kind that every college freshman should have.

Then along comes my mom who purchases a beautiful matelasse coverlet with shams for us for Christmas.
I love the color, but I feel like it is going to get stained.

So we return it and now are trying to find the quilt of our dreams- well, I am, but the husband usually just says, get whatever you want- I don't care.

For anyone newly married or just not fully understanding the husband- this translates to "Just choose- I am sick of hearing about it- but you better not get anything with flowers or a print I don't like.- no pressure."

I can't wait for our bed to look like an adult's bed.
But I need a little help.
I have my heart set on painting light blue, but can't decide on the bedding.
Which would you choose?

Isaac Mizrahi bedding from QVC.
This might be a little too busy, but I love it.

Stripes from overstock.com.
Not sure about this being too masculine.

More stripes from overstock.com.
Is this too young?

What would you pick- or do you have any suggestions?

I'm Still Here- A Nutrisystem Update

2012-01-18T12:50:00.003-05:00

Well, hello.
It's me.
I know I have been M.I.A. for awhile.
Probably have some excuses, but none come to mind right now.

Just finished a Nutrisystem turkey pepperoni pizza for lunch. Yummo. It is supposed to be a dinner, but sometimes I switch lunch for dinner and vice versa.
Cuz I felt like it.

I weighed in at the gym Monday morning after doing 30 minutes on the bike and an interval class and drinking 32 ounces of water.
I stayed the same.
Haven't lost.
And I really thought I had.
I have been using my treadmill at night whenever I can.
I am doing a mile in 15 minutes!
That is pretty huge for me, so don't laugh. :)
So, when I can, I jump on for 30 minutes and do a fast 2 miles.

So, I was thinking, maybe it was all the water I drank?
I came home to find my scale because surely it would show a weightloss.
But, alas, like a lot of other things, I have misplaced it.
imagine that.
I figured God was telling me - just stick with the scale at the gym and own the fact that you haven't lost anything.

Someone at the gym told me that you have to do 30 minutes of exercise a day just to maintain your weight, forget about losing.
Might be true, might not- but nonetheless, I have to keep m-o-v-i-n-g!

Next week, weight loss- I just feel it.

And to the ladies who kept my secret of my 2 pound gain last week- thanks so much- you are all great.
Who knew that the husband would actually decide to read my little blog on his own?

Until next week...

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling (1-888-853-4689) or by visiting (http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog)

Nutrisystem is providing their program and support services free of charge for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program.

Friday Follow With The Chatty Mommy...

2012-01-12T16:07:00.003-05:00

It's been a good week.
I worked a little more at the dentist office, filling in for someone.
It was very different being a "working mom".
I kind of liked it.
But was completely e-x-h-a-u-s-t-e-d.
Big shout out to all the working mamas- it is a lot to do.
Making dinner in the morning so it is ready when you get home.
Doing laundry at all different weird times and taking care of kids that need baths and homework done.
But, it was nice to dress nice.
And answer the phone.
And use the computer.
Oh, wait, I do those last 2 things at home too.
I went on a field trip with my son- it was nice.
How is your week going?

On to the follow:

rules:

1. You must follow TCM.

2. Link your blog with the linky.

3. Put the Friday follow button (it can be found down in my sidebar) somewhere in your post.

4. Visit as many blogs and follow as many as you can.

5. Family friendly only and HAVE FUN!

wilw- reading books

2012-01-11T15:30:00.001-05:00

So, recently everyone has been asking what kind of books I read and what I am currently reading.

Only Kidding!
No one has asked me, but I thought I would share anyway.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I know many of you have already read this book or have seen the movie, but I definitely thought it was worth sharing. I really enjoyed reading it and it had me on the edge of my seat for awhile. There were a couple of parts I thought they could of left out, but all in all, I really enjoyed The Help.
My favorite is when Abilene, a maid living in the south, constantly tells her little charge, Mae Mobley, to say, "you is kind, you is smart and you is important".

I had to add the youtube clip, because it was one of my favorite parts from the movie. The movie was well made but as usual, never as good as the book.

The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund.
This book was amazing. I loved it and it made me realize that I really enjoy historical fiction. This book was loosely based on the life of John Bunyan. It was wonderful and I highly recommend it.

Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness" by Candace Cameron Bure
Remember DJ Tanner from Full House?
Or maybe you think of her as Kirk Cameron's little sister?
Full House and Growing Pains are 2 shows that I grew up watching.
And now, Candace, the chubby faced teen from Full House is a beautiful, Christian mom and actress with advice to share.
I really enjoyed this book.
Bure isn't telling us exactly what we need to eat or how to exercise- she shares what has worked for her and lets you into her life.
I was so excited to read something about her and the spiritual parts of her book winded up being a real blessing.
I will read this book again.

What are you reading?

Nutrisystem- The Post I Never Wanted to Write...

2012-01-10T06:41:00.004-05:00

What do I not want to say?

Yep, you guessed it.
I actually gained weight.
In this long/slow process I have lost and maintained.
But now I have gained.

I weighed myself yesterday morning at the gym with the little guy under foot.
I couldn't believe the scale.
I instantly thought the little guy must of stepped on the scale, but the scale wasn't 35 pounds over- it was 2 pounds over!!!

My fault- not his.

2 pounds- Now I thought about telling you one, because it was about 1.5, but let's be honest. 2 pounds is 2 pounds!

I am unsure how this happened- but I think it might have something to do with homemade cookies I made last week and maybe some dominoes pizza the husband ordered the other night.

Ah, weakness.

I am not discouraged- only determined even more to lose this weight!
I will continue with Nutrisystem- because the portions are exactly what I need and the food is good.

The gym is having a weight loss contest this month, so I joined that.
Not sure if there is a prize, but I hope it is free gym membership. Love incentives.
While walking out of the gym yesterday, a woman was telling me about her weight loss with a popular weight loss company, but she said nothing worked as well as when she was on Nutrisystem.
It was as if the clouds opened up and say, "AAHHHH". I don't know how to spell the sound, but you get the idea.

I already have the food- now to let it work.
The gym also gave me a little card to keep track of my weight loss on.
I wrote both my first and last name on the card.
And my weight.
I hate to see the number- it is just so high for someone so short.

imagine my panic, when I couldn't find the card an hour later....

Was it in the gym?
Was it in the parking lot?
Did the girl I know from school find it and saw my first and last name on it, and how much I weigh and now she's going to post it on facebook?
What about the other 2 girls I think I know from school?
Will they know it's me or will they think it's someone else?
Will they laugh- do they even like me anyway?

PANIC

Oh, look it is on the floor of my car.
Might just have to burn that little card.

Or loose the weight and brag- Hey, I weighed XXX and now I don't anymore!

I am going with losing the weight.
Keep reading- you are going to see results.
I told you 2012 is going to be great!

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling (1-888-853-4689) or by visiting (http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog)

Nutrisystem is providing their program and support services free of charge for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program.

**** PS- If anyone tells the husband about this weight gain- you're toast! I know who you are! Wink ;)

Wanted: Nanny who Homeschools

2012-01-06T06:12:00.003-05:00

I have pretty much thought about every type of schooling for the kids.
This has probably driven the husband crazy over the years.

But, you know how it goes- you want the best.

Sometimes I wish I was never exposed to any other type of schooling.

I would of just sent the kids to public school, like I went to, the husband went to and pretty much everyone else I know.

But, it just sounded so scary.
I saw some pretty wild things at school and that was always in the back of my mind.
I had some pretty great friends though- some aquaintances I could of done without, but some friends who stuck by me and still do today.
I had some wonderful teachers. And some great opportunities. I don't know if I would be who I am today without the opportunities I had in high school.

So, today, in general, I am fine with the public school.
The kids are doing well.
I think they still long for the small family feel of their private school, but they have adjusted.

But, sometimes I just can't shake the feeling to keep them home.
Like when I drop off a forgotten lunch with a lady at the front desk and I "request" to wait and see my kid when they come to pick it up.
I get kinda defensive.

Who is she? uh, a nice lady.
But she isn't their mom.

I get melancholy real quick when I wave to the kids on the bus and for a second they don't smile.
They need me.

I helped out with the PTO and watched from a window as my son played outside during recess. He looked tired.
I wanted to take him home.
I wanted to say, "Who is that buddy?", "Is that a new friend"?
But I asked him when he got home instead and he wasn't quite sure whom I was speaking of.

And these cold days.
Stay home kids- sleep in- we can school a little later- I would say.
Instead of Wear your leggings under your pants and make sure you have your gloves- make sure your coat is zippered.
I love you.

Mom loves you as she stays in a warm house with your little brother and you go off to school.

I am blessed to have stayed home with all of them and they all know I stayed with each of them until they went to kindergarten, but I think some of the younger ones still feel bad that I stay home with the little guy.

The time goes so fast.
And the school day is so long.
So, by the time they come home, they have just enough time for a snack, homework, dinner, a bath and maybe a little playtime.

These thoughts of wanting to keep them close are always swimming around in my mind and then Christmas vacation happened.

I just need to know, Where do boys get their energy from?

As the vacation came to a close, I jokingly told my husband when the kids have their next vacation I might very well need a nanny to help out.
He laughed.

Later, I shared this with my mom and also wondered aloud,
How do you go from wanting to homeschool, to wanting a nanny?
My mom said simply- Get a nanny that homeschools!

Why didn't I think of that?

Really though, all joking aside, this mom thing is rough.
If your not doing a thousand loads of laundry and trying to think of what to make for dinner for the 87 thousandth meal, you are missing your kids that you sent off to school.
I think the mind work and decision making trumps dirty laundry every. single. day.

What about you?
What's your biggest struggle as a mom?

Friday Follow With The Chatty Mommy...

2012-01-05T18:03:00.002-05:00

It's back!
The Friday Follow!
It's been a crazy week trying to get back into the swing of things.
It has been so cold- we are talking kids-are-wearing-their-pjs-under-their-clothes-to-school cold!
I do not like the cold.
And I hate paying for oil even more.
Sorry - a little rant.
Excited to be back in blog land.
Happy Friday!

On to the follow:

rules:

1. You must follow TCM.

2. Link your blog with the linky.

3. Put the Friday follow button (it can be found down in my sidebar) somewhere in your post.

4. Visit as many blogs and follow as many as you can.

5. Family friendly only and HAVE FUN!

Out with 2011, Hello 2012!

2012-01-05T06:25:00.003-05:00

New Year's Eve- First time we have ever let all 4 kids stay up till Midnight- they all made it! And we had an ice cream sundae party! A lot of fun.

I love New Year's resolutions- I don't always stick with them- but I love the idea of them.
And once again, I am jazzed.
2012 is going to be a great year!

To pick a 2012 word, I am choosing, Consistency- because that is what I need to achieve the goals i have for the year.
I am definitely going with this scripture:
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. " Philippians 4:13

And the my goals are:

1. Get on better schedule with kids- over the last few years it seems bedtimes and dinner time have become crazy times- I need to remedy this and restore some peace around here.

2. Healthier me- always on my list- this year is the year.

Remember, 2012 is going to be great!

3. Organization around the house- I need to get rid of a lot of stuff- and keep it clean- sounds simple really- but is a ton of different projects to tackle.

Not a problem.
I will do it.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"- you remember, right?

My Top Referrers for 2011

Kelly's Korner

Pink Slippers

XoXo GiGi

Stairstep Boys

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Gussy Sews

Thanks so much ladies- you guys are the best!

January 4, 2012

2012-01-04T07:51:00.006-05:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it is pretty bright, but freezing!

I am thinking... I need to write down all I need to do today and this week.

I am thankful... my kids have warm clothes.

In the kitchen... something with beef because the husband is tired of chicken and peanut butter cookies.

I am wearing... lavendar pajamas- my favs.

I am creating... a new wreath for winter.

I am going... to the bank, the library and of course, the food store.

I am wondering... when the kids' next vacation is.

I am reading... Candace Cameron Bure's new book, Reshaping It All.

I am hoping... the husband is warm at work.

I am looking forward to... warm weather- even though it's gonna be awhile.

I am learning... to get organized (again).

Around the house... deep clean now that all the Christmas stuff is down and a some downsizing.

I am pondering... how to get the crayon off of a wood door- any ideas?

A favorite quote for today... "Excessive weight gain, yielding to addictions, and sloppy habits are often signs that we lead undisciplined lives." From Reshaping It All by Candace Cameron Bure and Darlene Schacht.

One of my favorite things... warm hugs from the little guy.

A few plans for the rest of the week: getting back to the gym, cleaning the basement little by little.

A peek into my day... bank, library, store... play, bake, play....

a picture to share:
The fire jeep- the gift that was in the boys' big present I showed you a picture of here. They were totally shocked and loved it!

I am linking up to the simple woman's daybook.

Nutrisystem- New Year!

2012-01-03T06:50:00.003-05:00

So, a small Christmas miracle- I have maintained my weight throughout the Christmas vacation.

I can attribute this to a lot of things:
1. Nutrisystem food- I definitely ate it in place of some fattening meals that the kids were eating... you know, french toast, bagels... etc...
2. As a result of Nutrisystem, my body is getting used to smaller portions and even if I am eating regular food, I notice I am eating less.
3. The only thing I seemed to overeat was goodies- we never usually have that much in the house. My biggest downfall- lemon squares.
To the husband- oh, yeah- forgot to tell you - my best friend made us lemon squares and I never shared- well, I shared with the girls- only because they saw them- wink.
4. I kept busy with the kids and constantly seemed to be moving or doing something.

And with the new year comes new things.
A new resolve to lose the rest of this weight in 2012 and to keep a healthy way of eating.

Nutrisystem has a few new things going on as well.
New Chef's Table meals.
They are amazing.
Nutrisystem had some amazing chefs make up some delicious and healthy meals.
I ate the Moroccan Inspired Chicken by Chef Michael Solomonov- owner of Philadelphia’s award-winning restaurant Zahav, 2011 James Beard Foundation winner and contender on Food Network’s hit series,“Iron Chef America".

You can see the picture above- completely delicious and something I would not normally eat.
Can you see the steam coming off the plate?
The meals come in a new microwavable steam bag- really neat and as always, you can heat in the oven too.

So, I hope you will keep following my weightloss journey.
2012 is going to bring good things.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling (1-888-853-4689) or by visiting (http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog)

Nutrisystem is providing their program and support services free of charge for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program.

Our Christmas Recap- 2011

2011-12-31T11:45:00.003-05:00

Well, let's just say....

at least these 2 got some sleep. This mama went to sleep 2:30 in the morning the 2 nights before Christmas to wrap all the gifts!

Leading up to Christmas, I was able to go and help my daughter's class make gingerbread houses out of milk cartons.

They even let the little guy make one.

No words neccessary! What's better than all that sugar put together with white frosting?

All dressed up for the last day of school before Christmas break!

No easy task.

He knew we got him the car rug before he even opened it. So excited.

Not too old for pictures yet! ♥♥♥

Ah, sweet bliss in squinkie land!

Time for some dancing!

Some special gifts for mom.

But, these guys...

are the best gifts of all!

How was your Christmas?

Sorry for being a slacker. Just enjoying my time with the kids
and taking a blogger break.
I'm back now.
The Friday follow will be back up in 2012!
Happy New Year's Eve!

and His name shall be called....

2011-12-25T02:03:00.003-05:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

From our family to yours,
Merry Christmas!

January

2011-12-23T06:43:00.002-05:00

Looking to bring more traffic to your blog or shop for 2012?
Advertise with The Chatty Mommy.
Sale for January - only $5 a month.
Email today - thechattymommy@optonline.net

Mary, Did You Know?

2011-12-22T06:13:00.005-05:00

When thinking about Christmas this year, I have had one recurring thought-
Mary.
I can not fathom her life and what it might of been like.
To be chosen.
Wow.

Precious Mary.

This song is such a sweet one.
Sung by Reba.
And the picture above is from The Nativity Story- kind of the way I picture Mary in my mind.

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is His name." Luke 1:46-49

So, I lied... And what I Think About Santa

2011-12-21T06:15:00.002-05:00

So, Santa.
He really doesn't bother me one way or the other.
I grew up not believing in Santa.
I think for a very short time I might of, but really?
Santa?
We had a very reality household.
I was never into fantasy stuff.
That is why I never liked the Lord of the Rings or Narnia or things of that nature.
I get that people do- just not my thing.
We focused on Christmas being Jesus' birth and moved on from there.

Do I do Santa with my kids?
Not really.
We were honest with our kids and they know the big guy with the beard doesn't exist.
A couple of the younger ones like to hold onto the idea and say he is real- doesn't bother me.
We have a picture with some of the kids with "Santa".

And recently, the little guy has been asking to get his picture with Santa.
I would gladly take him if I could find a place to sit him on Santa's lap and snap the picture myself.
I refuse to take him into the crowded malls this time of year and pay $10 for a picture.
The school had a pancake breakfast with Santa.
$10 a person. $60 for us to go.
No thanks.
I'll make my own pancakes.

I also have been hearing about all the things other parents do with their kids.
A little girl I babysit for does "elf on a shelf". Pretty cute- the elf is in a different place every morning to surprise the kids.

So, the other morning when I saw a little plastic green and red hat had blown onto my lawn, I did something I don't normally do....
.
.
.
.
.
.
I lied.
(oops)

I asked the little guy if he thought it might of been one of Santa's elves' hat.
Well, his eyes got real big and he was super excited.
More excited than I thought he would be.
A-dor-able.
But what I didn't count on, was that he would tell EVERYONE about the hat.
Because we all know Mom would never lie!

And he carries the hat everywhere with him.

I am just letting it ride out.
Christmas is almost here and maybe next year he will forget about it?

Oh and I almost forgot - with our switch to public school, I completely forgot to remind my elementary school kids not to tell the kids in their class that Santa doesn't exist.
I reminded them one day.
My son got a real sly look on his face- I think he already told the kids.
I am so getting thrown out of the PTO.
You know how I know this?
They were discussing with each other how "horrible" older kids had told their kids that Santa isn't real.
Yep- I am toast.
But, what else is new?

On Stayin' the Same- a Nutrisystem Update

2011-12-20T06:56:00.002-05:00

I was shocked when I stepped on the scale at the gym yesterday. Totally expected to gain a couple of pounds with all the Christmas prep.
You know, cookies and last minute take-out.

And possibly finding yourself ill-prepared at Walmart and your kid is sleeping in the cart so you grab a cheeseburger from McDonalds and devour it like you haven't seen food in days- that may or may not of happened to me in real life- but it is always a possibility. (wink)

But I guess all the running around has helped me.
I am getting back on track with my Nutrisystem food and trying to get to the gym as much as possible, but it is hard to.
With all the Christmas preparation, my house is lacking and sometimes it just makes more sense to stay home and catch up.
Also, the kids have a lot going on at school which takes up my time as well, but I thoroughly enjoy it.

So, my plans for battling the bulge this week as we approach Baby Jesus' birth?

1. Keep moving whether at the gym or at home or wherever.

2. I will not eat after dinner! Not worth the extra calories.

3. And I will not make too many of my favorites- cookies or meals- so I am not tempted to over-indulge.

How about you?
What are you doing to hold off the cravings?

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling (1-888-853-4689) or by visiting (http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog)

Nutrisystem is providing their program and support services free of charge for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program.

Christmas Stuff

2011-12-19T06:36:00.002-05:00

the sign in front of our church

Well, we have finished our Christmas program!
No more practice.
Woo hoo!
The kids enjoyed themselves.
I tried so hard to get them to calm down and take naps after morning church so they would be okay for the program, but of course, that didn't work.

We arrived for the night program and the little guy had a meltdown and would only calm down if I sat with him, so of course, I did.
He then belted out "Happy Birthday Jesus" and "Jesus Loves Me", really loud from the stage on a microphone.
One of those moments where you don't know if you should hide or stand up with pride and say, "Hey, that's my kid"!
My other son was a shepard- a tired one.
And my younger daughter sang solo with 2 of her friends- really cute.

I finished all church teacher gifts.
I have school teachers now.
Oh and my garbage men, who seem to take everything we put by the curb,- love those guys!
Now about the mailman?
Well, he comes at all random times, with a cigarette in his mouth, a backwards hat, music blaring and yelling with his wife on his bluetooth.
He forgets things and brings packages up to my door, but leaves my mail in the box.
Oh and he never puts my flag down, so I can't tell if he came or not.
But, he smiles.
I am embarrassed to say, I never given him something for Christmas, but I think I will this year.
What about you- do you give something to your mailman or the garbage men for Christmas?
And if so, what?

Friday Follow With The Chatty Mommy...

2011-12-16T06:35:00.002-05:00

Sorry this is up late....
but I have a good excuse...
The little guy hit his head and it had to be "glued" shut at an urgent care facility.

It kind of started in the morning, when I was thinking to myself how awesome it was that we haven't been to my pediatrician in a long time.
Now I definitely don't believe in jinxing, but it is kind of funny.

He basically walked into the back of a truck and cut himself. Small, little cut, but one that bled a lot until I could clean it and find where the cut was.

Cue me frantically praying it wasn't his eye.

I was so happy when I remembered my pediatrician was still open- so we headed there. She said he would be fine, but she thinks I should have it dermabonded (glue).
I told her great and go ahead.

Yep, not that easy.
They don't have the glue.
Now I love my peds office so I won't complain, but seriously?

Okay- who does have dermabond?

Choices- emergency room and bottom of their wait list or urgent care about 45 minutes away that specializes in kids.
Urgent care it is.
He was fine and is doing great.
No pain, no problems.

Just part of having sons I guess.

Hope your Friday is great.

On to the follow:

rules:

1. You must follow TCM.

2. Link your blog with the linky.

3. Put the Friday follow button (it can be found down in my sidebar) somewhere in your post.

4. Visit as many blogs and follow as many as you can.

5. Family friendly only and HAVE FUN!

Just Some Things and Meet our New Decorator!

2011-12-15T06:44:00.003-05:00

Meet my new interior decorator!
He came cheap and highly recommended so we went with him.
He has managed to put up about 2 dozen pieces of my Christmas notepad paper on every wall in the house with miscellaneous pieces of tape he comes across.
These papers have scribbles, also known as "words" on them as well as traced hand turkeys.
Apparently, turkeys are for Christmas too or so this pint sized decorator has told his older sister.

If you need any work done, give me a call, I will sub-contract him out cheap- He just needs tape- a lot of tape.

Okay- totally stressed about Christmas- know I shouldn't do it to myself, but here I go again.

Is my shopping anywhere near done you might ask?
NO
of course not.
I am trained in classical procrastination and that is just not how we operate.

If you see me at a church function and I have handmade gifts or homemade cookies or my kids are wearing coordinating clothes- check my house - it is most likely a mess!

If my Christmas cards are out early and I am volunteering at the kids' school and working out at the gym, know that I will be up all night Christmas eve, wrapping gifts I said I would wrap earlier.

Or if I haul a ton of project stuff and food into church for our last Girl's club meeting of the year and if my make-up looks fresh, it is only because I practically had a breakdown getting ready, took a shower at the last minute and had the kids wait in the car while I put on make-up so I wouldn't look like a woman who had a breakdown.

So, on Christmas eve, while you are snug in bed or sitting nicely at service, remember me, as I scrounge through my basement and closet trying to remember which kid I bought which thing for and wrapping like I've never wrapped before.

And how might I know these things, you might be wondering?

I do the same thing every year.

wilw- Advent Calendars

2011-12-14T06:27:00.006-05:00

This is our advent calendar this year. Can't beat it at $2 with mini chocolates each day. The kids race every morning to see if it is their day to eat the cheap chocolate!

We had this one from avon growing up. When we started going to church and we didn't place as much emphasis on Santa, my mom wrote little word bubbles over the Klaus' heads that said stuff like, "Praise the Lord, Santa!"
My brother and I got a kick out of it.

Now you can get toy calendars at Toys R Us for about $25 to $30. Or so my new friends, the PTO ladies tell me. You get small toys in it, but seriously, $30?

I would love to make an advent wreath like this with little gifts inside for the kids next year.
We had this one a couple of years ago! I bought it for about $10 and then found it the following year for $6 for a friend at Marshalls.

The boys would love this one- I think I might look around to see if they go on clearance or if Marshalls gets them.

And I love this one with the Story of Christmas. Each day is an ornament. I think my mom has the same set. The kids really enjoyed it/destroyed it. I am not sure which one.

Do you have an advent calendar at your house?