I've never sewed before in my life - unless you count a couple of quick projects with my mom when I was younger. Years ago (probably about 20) my dad gave me a sewing machine. Until last week, it had been sitting in my basement gathering dust. For some reason, I decided to bring it out, dust it off, and try making something.

I'll be honest, I didn't have high hopes. In fact, I was expecting to fail. But, Hobby Lobby had fabric on sale, and for an investment of only $16, I decided to give it a try.

I found an online tutorial, with step-by-step instructions (including pictures - think Pioneer Woman cooks for sewing), that made it seem not too difficult. I was pleasantly surprised with the results. I even had enough material for some matchy-matchy headbands.

Week 5

Week 5 weight loss: 2.0
Total weight loss: 3.4

So, I've skipped a couple weeks. It isn't that I haven't weighed in, its just that I can't ever seem time to post any more. I actually weighed on Sunday too - after 2 days of birthday debauchery, I knew it wouldn't be pretty. So, I'm counting Sunday's weight.

Things have been ok. I'm kind of reaching the point in my "journey" where I am not seeing the scale move fast enough, and I get discouraged. Its the cycle that I've found myself caught up into for the past 5 years. Its just that I love food. . . too much.

I did have a huge personal victory last week. As long as I've been running, there is a certain long hill that I've been trying to run up. And last week was the first time that I have run all the way up the entire hill without having to take a walk break. It was a HUGE accomplishment. So, even if I'm not the skinniest girl out there, it is empowering to know that I am becoming more healthy and fit.

Maybe the skinny will come later . . .

Bryn's 5 years old

Bryn turns 5 tomorrow, and we celebrated today with a "fancy" party. The girls showed up in their fanciest clothes - we did manicures, makeovers, and made headbands. I've never seen such a quiet and well-behaved group of 5 year-olds. I think because the looked like princesses, they had to act like them too.
Bryn is the sweetest girl. And she's funny too (and knows it). She wants everyone to laugh at her all. the. time. She's also an artist and a dancer - she's so creative and fun.
She's smart too. She can already read many words, and can sound out simple words. When she starts kindergarten in the fall, she's going to be totally ready.
She is also a social butterfly, and LOVES to be around other kids. She really likes to be the center attention. . . which isn't always a good thing.

Week three

Weight loss this week: 3.0 pounds
Total weight loss: 1.4 pounds

That's right: 1.4 pounds lost in three weeks. Pretty dismal, although I do think that I maybe would have lost more, except that my daughter was in the hospital this weekend. I drank lots of diet soda, and ate whatever I could - so, all things considered, I am glad at least for a loss.

What went wrong:
I actually had a great week until the whole hospital thing. I feel like the rest of the week went well, so I'm just hoping my daughter gets better.

What went right:
I did have 5 workouts, and I've started combining weight training (my husband helps). I've also been eating a few more carbs, but healthy ones of course.

I also went to the doctor and had my blood checked. TSH levels were good, so my thyroid is not the culprit. I do have mono though apparently.

Goals for the week:
I'm shooting to lose an entire pound this week. Wish me luck!

Discouragement

Weight gain this week: 2.8 pounds
Total weight gain: 1.6 pounds

Yes - that is right. My second week's weigh-in netted a 2.8 pound GAIN since last week. I am currently entertaining a visit from my auntie flo - maybe its water weight? I can hope. I didn't think I did that bad this week.

What went wrong:
I did cheat twice. Tuesday night I went to Mimi's Cafe - I ordered the 500 calorie mahi mahi, and then also ate three pieces of carrot raisin bread. Saturday I went out for pizza, but I got a salad and only ate one piece of pizza and one breadstick.

What went right:
I got 5 workouts in. I've added more weight training in, and my long run on Saturday felt really good.

I also tried to add in more carbs. I've had oatmeal for breakfast a few morning, and I made some lowfat turkey chili that I ate over some brown rice. I think this week I need to pull back on the carbs - its spinach egg white omlettes for breakfast this week again.

I did go to the doctor on Thursday to have my thyroid checked, but the results aren't back yet. Maybe I'll know something in the next couple of days.

In the mean time, I'm discouraged. I know I didn't eat 10,000 extra calories to equate for such a gain :(

Budding artists

When ever people ask me what to buy my kids for gifts, I'm at a loss. They really don't play with toys. They're not much into video games. And they do love to read, but we already have one million books. My answer is usually art supplies. They are constantly coloring, drawing, cutting, gluing, painting, or in some other way creating. The art supplies need constant replenishment. So, this year for Christmas, my dad actually did what I asked - only instead of construction paper and crayons, he bought them clay, canvas, and acrylic paints.

The girls were in heaven. Upon closer inspection, the clay was actually a "make your own jewelry kit", so they went to work making beads and pendants. I think they turned out rather cute:
The paints took a bit more supervision, but they were fun nonetheless. The little artists loved the paints, and created several "masterpieces". I think I'll frame them:

Rainbow and Flowers

Girl on Hill (looking at a cloud that looks like a horse)

Week one update

Week one: 1.2 pounds weight loss
Total weight loss: 1.2 pounds

One week down, too many to count to go . . .

This week went pretty well. Overall, I think it was a success. I'll admit it: I'm not perfect. Nor do I have the world's best will power. But, a pound a week is some loss - and I'll take it. I have about 36 weeks, so at this rate, I'll do it ;).

What went wrong this week:
I cheated a couple of times. Twice, I had diet soda (oh, sweet nectar of the gods) and on Saturday I ate 2 restaurant meals, which means I overindulged a bit and I ate 2 cookies (they were totally worth it) - on Friday I ate a couple of left-over Christmas chocolates. I also only worked out 4 times (my goal is 6x a week).

What went right:
I stuck to my diet well most days - ate at least 2 fruits a day and plenty of veggies, drank tons of water, and limited my carbs. I also went snowshoeing twice. No only is snowshoeing a great way to get out and enjoy the out-of-doors when there's snow on the ground, but its a great workout. It roughly burns twice the same calories than just walking would. Especially when its fresh, deep snow and/or steep terrain, of which I had both.

On Saturday, I went snowshoeing with my brother, who over the past few years has had quite a bit of weight loss success. I'd guess he's lost over 60 pounds, and he's as skinny now as he was in high school. His secrets? Well, first off, he admits that he is always hungry. ALWAYS. Secondly, he works out at least 90 minutes a day, 6 times a week. And thirdly, he also limits his carbs.

Goals for the week:
I plan to fit 6 workouts in this week. I also want to try and limit my carbs more. I've already broken down and had one diet soda today. . . the flesh is weak. . . so no more soda for the rest of the week.

Wish me luck!!

Its a new year

Its a new year, but I have the same-ole resolution as always: to lose weight. Only this time I'm serious . . . ya right? I think we've all heard that before . . . But I really am. Because this year is my 10 year anniversary and I'm going to HAWAII. Can you tell I'm excited? I've never been there before, and I CAN. NOT. WAIT. Seriously. But, I want to be comfortable. I want to look good on the beach. And not just "you look good for a middle-aged women who's had two kids" but "damn girl, you look GOOOOD" good.

I do think that I am more healthy than the average American. I do eat pretty healthy (for the most part). I do have my vices {{carbs-cough}} and the fact that I LOVE food. But I do limit processed foods, and try to stick to around 1500 calories a day. I also am a fairly regular exerciser. Right now, I'm signed up to run a 1/2 marathon in April and a relay race in June. And I've been snowshoeing a couple of times already this month. I probably could add some weight training into my routine, and do my body a lot of good . . . but I do try.

I really think my biggest obstacle is my crappy metabolism. It hasn't always been crappy. In fact, for most of my college years and 20s, I was thin without too much effort. But marriage, fertility drugs, and pregnancy slowly brought on the pounds (of course non of this was by any means my fault). Pregnancy was the worst. With both babies, I suffered from hyperemesis, which basically means I threw up almost every meal that I ate for the entire time (luckily both babies came early, but it was still a long time). Somehow tho, with the first I gained 65 pounds and with the second I gained 75. I think my body must have gone into extreme starvation mode trying to conserve the calories that I did actually digest. And sadly, it has never reset. I thankfully have lost most of that weight - but I still have about 30 pounds to lose.

I need help. Regular diet and exercise just isn't cutting it. So, my goal for this week is to eat no carbs - only lean protein and veggies. Oh, and I can have the occasional piece of fruit. But no other carbs of any kind. And maybe the humiliation factor will work - I'm going to post my weekly loss every Monday on my blog. I'm not ready yet to admit how much I weight, but I will post the loss. Maybe the fact that I have to answer to cyber-space will give me the boost I need.

2010 in Pictures

In the past 2 weeks, my family has been to the doctor 5 times: we've had 3 cases of influenza, 2 strep throats, and one badly broken ankle. (before you feel sorry for me, know that I've lost 6 pounds in the month of December. Normally, I would probably have gained 6, so I am counting that as a net loss of 12 pounds. Spending a week on my death bed does have its benefit) Needless to say, I'm a little behind in my Christmas preparation. So, once again, I'm doing an electronic Christmas card, combined with my "Year in Pictures" blog post. So, without further ado . . .

January
In what is fast becoming our New Year's tradition, we spent the day sledding. Only this year, I did not allow my child to hurl head-first into a tree, so thankfully we did not spend the afternoon in the ER. This is one of my favorite pics of G - I'm not sure why. It isn't "that" good of a picture - I think maybe I just like the hat.
February
Bryn turned 4. I still cannot believe that my baby is so big - and so bright, loving, and kind - and she loves LIFE. She is an artist, a dancer, and the most giving person I've ever met. I love her so much.

March
Not much happened in March. It was kind of a non-eventful month. The girls continued to work on me to get a dog - they REALLY want one. And I was almost convinced with this little girl. She was a sweet puppy and loved Bryn. But, then I reminded myself that I'm NOT a dog person. . . my poor kids.

April
We spent a week in California. I convinced the family to spend 2 days at the beach to make up for spending the rest of the time at Disneyland. Grace turned 6 while we were there, and got to have her birthday in Disney. She got to choose the entire morning of her birthday, and she rode California Screamin' nine times in a row. I think she would have gone more times, but neither Mommy or Daddy could take it anymore. She is such a fearless girl - and so big and smart. She is such a good reader, and can read a big kid "chapter book" in just a couple of days. She's also started in precompetition level gymnastics and dance every day after school, which makes for a busy life.

May
In May, we spent a few days with our fun friends at their cabin in Central Utah. The kids got their first time on the 4-wheelers, and Bryn still talks about it. In fact, she asked for her own pink 4-wheeler for Christmas.

June
I can't pick just one picture for June - it was a busy month. My sweet, beautiful Bryn had her first dance recital - after which, she informed me that she belongs on stage. And, really, she is a natural. She's such an artist and a performer. (and of course, every parent thinks their kid is the best, but she really is)
The girls also got to finally run their first race - they've been there to support mommy countless times, and it was their time to shine. This was no wimpy kids race either - it was a mile run, which is quite a distance when you're 6 and 4. And, coincidentally, G came in 4th and Bryn came in 6th.
June also meant that my flowers were in full bloom. I love flowers - my garden looks a bit unkempt, because I have to plant one of everything. I think the lilies were my favorite this year - especially the orange ones.
July
The girls started soccer in July. Grace, in her last year of co-ed soccer, and Bryn in her first year. Grace doesn't love it - I don't think she'll play again. But Bryn really likes it - she scored in every single game.
August
We spent lots of time in the mountains in August. The girls love to hike. Grace even accompanied mom and dad on a 6 mile (round trip) hike to Lake Catherine, which is a difficult hike for an adult. This particular picture was taken on a much shorter hike to Cecret Lake. I just love this picture - it is SO Bryn.
September
In September, I got the opportunity to participate in the Red Rock Relay - a 12-person, self-supported relay in Southern Utah. Its a 186-mile race - and yes, it was fun! In fact, it was one of the best weekends of my life. I've already signed up to run another relay in 2011.
October
Another busy month, with all the Halloween activities. I chose this picture because it shows what good friends and sisters my girls are. They do have the sweetest friendship.
November
I can hardly believe that I only have 5 pictures on my computer from November - and they are all terrible pictures. This one is embarassingly bad - but I feel like I had to post something. Ben and I both look terrible here, but at least its a picture of us together (and Grace took it, which makes it kind of fun).
December
I couldn't pick just one December shot either. I just love both of these pictures of my sweet girls, taken in Daybreak, when they tagged along on a photo shoot I did for my sister and her husband.

Photo shoot

Traditions

I'm not an artsy/crafty person, except during the holidays. Once December hits, I break it all out - trying to make up for a year of being boring. My kids love crafts, so I try to make them part of our holiday traditions. It starts with the trimming of the tree (my least favorite):
After the ornaments are on, we always paint something new.
I also made the girls hair bows. I did them late at night, and I"m sure next time I attempt them, they'd be much cuter. But, here's the finished products:
This year we also went crazy making magnets to give as gifts to teachers, friends, etc. A little scrapbook paper, Modge Podge, and glass globs.

We still have the annual gingerbread house and christmas cookies to make. Photos are forthcoming.

Grandma Betty's Granola

This is my grandma's granola recipe. I stole it from her - hope she doesn't mind that I'm sharing it with all of cyberspace ;). I don't have a picture to go along with this - you'll just have to use your imagination. But really, all granola looks the same, right? This recipe is VERY healthy. Extremely healthy. And I think tasty as well. I eat it every morning, with kefir poured over the top. And its super easy:

Betty's Granola

3 cups oats
1 1/2 cup coconut
3/4 cup wheat germ
3/4 cup walnuts
3/4 cup pecans
3/4 cup almonds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1/3 cup sunflower, saflower, or light olive oil
1/2 - 3/4 cup honey (I add this last, and keep adding until its all moist)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg

**Each time I've made this, I've used a different combination of nuts/seeds. Its yummy every time

Combine all ingredients in a 9x13 glass dish. Mix well (should all be coated with honey - if not, I add a bit more). Bake at 300 for 45 minutes, mixing occasionally. Bake to desired brownness. Also, all the seeds/nuts that I use are raw, and they roast nicely with the rest of it all.

Its delicious with kefir, but of course any yogurt works well too. It keeps me full and satisfied all morning, and I only eat about 1/2 cup. Its very filling.

I have very alturistic kids

The other day, Bryn and I were riding in the car. Out of nowhere, she says to me:

"I feel bad for the kids in Haiti. Don't you mom?"

"Yes," I said, trying not to smile. "What made you think of that?"

"I don't know," she said. "But I want to do something for them."

"OK. Like what?"

"I want to give them shoes, and toys, and things they don't have. Things they lost in the eart-cake."

"That is nice," I responded. "How will we get it to them?"

"Drive there. Duh!"

"But we can't drive there over the ocean. We have to take a boat or an airplane."

"Or a submarine! We could take a submarine and go under the water."

"Yep" I said. "That would work too."

"Oh, and we can see things like sharks and octopusses through the windows."

And then it was done.

We're now preparing our things, and we'll be boarding the submarine next week.

Yummy Halloween Cupcakes

Its a lazy Saturday afternoon. Nothing to do, other than watch college football. So, we decided to make cupcakes, lest you think, after that last post, that I'm super-duper healthy (I really only eat all that veggie soup, so I can justify dessert). Only, I didn't have a cake mix in the pantry. Luckily, allrecipes.com has always been a good stand-by for easy recipes. I picked this Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe - the very first one that came up with a search. I'm not much of a baker, but this one seemed pretty simple. The girls and I pulled out the mixer, and went to work - each girl adding ingredients one at a time (we have to take turns). I even had a healthy supply of Halloween cupcake wrappers from last year. Perfect.


The girls love to help dump the ingredients in (this is a very easy recipe). They also love to lick the bowl - maybe too much. Check out Bryn's eyes - those are CRAZY eyes! No doubt, made crazier by an overdose of sugar and chocolate. I hope this wasn't a mistake . . .

Also, notice how matchy/matchy my girl are. This was a total accident. I promise ;-)

The cupcakes go into the oven, and I had to cook them a couple minutes longer than the recipe called for. I don't know if that is because of the recipe itself, or just high altitude (I usually forget to adjust for this).

While the cupcakes are baking, I mixed up some cream cheese icing, dyed orange of course. I don't really have a recipe for this either (are you sensing a pattern yet??) But, its basically a bar of cream cheese (fat free of course), 1/2 a stick of real butter, a cap-full of vanilla, and powdered sugar. Oh, and food coloring of course. Of course.

Now its time to decorate! This is serious business. Notice the lack of CRAZY eyes?

The girls' cupcakes turned out very unique, and covered in candy. Ew. We'll be sharing the ones that mommy made (see top of page) because I can't be sure these are safe.

Note to self: orange frosting looks a little on the peachy side. Next time, more food coloring!

Vegetable soup

What do you do on a gray October day? You make soup, silly! Delicious, healthy, vegetable soup. Its not exactly vegetarian, because it does have chicken broth. But, it is only about 100 calories a bowl, and delish! I have actually been making it every Friday, and eating it all week. I'm kind of addicted, truth be told.

So, if you want to make some of this delish, addicting, veggie soup for yourself, here's what I do. I can't actually call it a "recipe", because that would imply that there is actually an order to my madness. But here's what I do:

Assemble the ingredients. I use an entire box of Pomi, and an entire box of chicken broth. The olive oil is to drizzle on the zucchini and squash, which will be roasted in the oven. I'll show you that part in the next picture.


I sliced up 4 zucchini and 4 small squash, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and the broil for about 10 minutes in the oven (or until the edges begin to turn brown).
Next, I chop 4 large carrots, a small head of cabbage, one medium onion, and some fresh green beans. Delish!
Then comes the hard part: dumping it all into the pot. I added a bit more salt and pepper, parsley, Italian seasoning, and celery salt. Heavy on the celery salt. Then, it simmers together for about 45 minutes (I like my carrots still pretty firm).

I tried adding some small shell pasta once, but didn't love it that way. I prefer it just all veggie! mmmmmm.