Valentines

AHHHHHHH......Valentines day. A day dedicated to the ones we love. A day full of candy and flowers and love notes. MY day began with heart shaped pancakes, homemade syrup and some blood red eggs (they looked truly disgusting) ...........Welllllllll.....that's not really the truth, the day really started with a strong dose of Excedrin! And I don't think I would have made it through the day without it.
My little loves, loved the breakfast!



The night before Paul and I spent about 3 hours on the valentine boxes. Yeah I know we should let the kids do it, but we have set the bar pretty high as far as the boxes go....and we can't back out now. I even made a box for the princess, and midway through she informed me she couldn't bring a box to school. ....Oh well it's all about doing things for the one's we love right?
Both of the boys had a "romantic night at the movies" theme....Nick did a drive in and Jonas' did a movie theater. And of coarse both theaters were playing "Casablanca"!

Jonas' box was made with legos......and he had some funny guys on it. Girls with mustaches on dates with storm troopers. But the two pictured above were my favorite. But the absolute coolest thing about his box had to be that the Casablanca scene was legos as well...how funny is that?

After I got the boys off to school, I took Grace to get her hair cut. Don't panic we only took off four inches and it's so long right now that no one could tell a difference. Then we went and got Pauly a treat and also some supplies for Jonas' class party. Then off to the mall to pick up a gift for my nephew (for my mom's party). Then back to the school for the party. When we got to school Grace said she saw some classmate going to class and she should go with them....."No way" I replied class doesn't start for 45 min. I forgot it was early out day ( like it is every Monday) and so grace stayed with me at the party and was 40 min late for class. Good one mom! After the party I went out to lunch with Paul. He had to teach that night so this was our date...don't worry he had a whole 45 min to spare. You can squeeze a whole lot of love into 45 min at Smash Burger! After lunch I was headed home when I passed the kids school and notice my children standing alone in front ...( remember I forgot early out day). after school I took Nick to scouts, Grace to Dance, picked up 2 cakes for my mom, picked of Jonas from his scouts...picked up nick from his scouts.....picked up the kitchen....picked up Grace and then headed to my moms.
Every year my mom has a big Valentines dinner. She buys us a present and makes a fantastic meal. And it's funny but most of the time we all go. We don't go on dates with our spouses....we have dinner with our family. I love it! And with Paul working late...I was glad I could celebrate with people I love.



When Paul came home from work I was in bed already. You might be saying to yourself "ooh la la" but alas.....I was warn out. I had my varicose veins removed the previous Monday....so all this running around made me exhausted. And besides a scabby, bruised and swollen leg isn't exactly a turn on. So it wasn't the most romantic valentines day, but I did get to spend it with people I love and isn't that what it's all about?

Resolutions

I was reading through this blog…… contemplating shutting it down. But I found it to be something of great value, not for you, not even for me, but for my children. How I would have loved to read my moms personal thoughts and feeling when she was a young mother and wife. I hope one day my kids will read this and get a little glimpse of what I was like when they were young. So on that note…. I will make a resolution to write more…and to write honestly.

I started out 2010 in a major funk. I was over weight, tipping the scales at 166….and for someone who is not quite 5’ 1” that is really heavy. I also wasn’t pregnant, which was something that I had been trying to be for 2 years. I was lost. Sad. Discouraged. It was like I was filling my empty womb with food. Then I decided I couldnt control getting pregnant but I could control myself physically and started my weight loss journey. I lost 51 lbs, and am a fit 115 lbs. It took almost 10 months to do it, and during that time I learned so much about myself. I realized that I am in charge of my happiness…it’s not dependent on my husband, or my children….but is my responsibility. I don’t know if we will ever have another baby. Grace is six and as the gap gets larger my desire for another one gets smaller. I never in a million years could have imagined having such a small family. But you can’t predict your future…and would you really want to?

So now I begin 2011 without a resolution to loose weight, and that’s a first. Instead I am going to have to focus on making harder changes. Like working on my spiritual and religious self. It’s hard to be in a marriage with someone with different religious views…but I can’t hide behind that any longer. I use Paul as my excuse for being lazy…and that’s not fair to him. I used to find such peace in scripture study and prayer and now I have a void wear that use to be. So I will step it up and I’m sure I will be happier for it.

I would also like to start taking pictures again. It’s sad when you stop doing something you were once passionate about. I not only what to take more photos, but I would like to take another class, and really work on developing this hobby into something great. I find such beauty through the lens of a camera. Not only when I am looking through it, but when I see what others have captured. I love everyone’s photos on facebook and blogs. You can see how much they love their kids or how beautiful they find this world around them.

I would also like to….cook more, clean more, spend less, practice more patience, eat more healthily, tell more jokes, make more friends, give more of myself to others, be more charitable, more kind …………the list goes on and on and on. But I know there is one thing I can never be and that’s perfect, so I will take it one day at a time. So today maybe I’ll pray and charge my camera battery.

I would like to say one more thing before I go. I am happy, really happy. I’m not saying life is perfect or simple, but I am excited for what’s next and proud of what’s behind me. And you can’t ask for more then that.

Oh boy, its been a while!

Park City Fun

We took the kids up to Park City the other day. The boys wanted to do the Alpine Slide, but Grace wanted no part in that business......so we walked around and took pictures of my darling princess.

I took a picture of Joe too....this was the best I could get. Nick is like a Animal in the wild....near impossible to get a picture of the bugger.
Got some shots of Paul, he loves having his picture taking......not that I blame him, he's HOT!
Grace said.."Mom take a picture of this face!" .....I love that face!
Paul putting a band aid on......sweet.
Grace telling Paul a secret.....sweeter.
Nick on the bungee thingy......he was all strapped in, no way to run away this time. He loved this thing, but he's so light he didn't always make it back down. But he did get some flips in.
Jonas DID NOT love this thing...at one point he yelled out.."Mother, you know I don't like heights."......he only calls me Mother now, I have flashes of Buster Blooth.
The kids enjoying their treats at the end of our adventure....notice Grace giving me a nice smile and the boys refusing to look in my direction....sigh.


P.S. the surgery went well and I am feeling fine. It actually was one of the most relaxing weeks of my life. the kids were gone....and I just sat in bed all day watching tv and movies....but mostly sleeping....and I never sleep. In fact it's 3 am right now and I can't sleep......

Do your ears hang low ?

Warning- for to two men that sometimes read my blog (Grandpa and Noah)....you might want to skip this one.


Do your boobs hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Can you tie them in a knot can you tie them in a bow? Can you through them over your shoulder like a continental soldier.....do your boobs hang low?

Well mine do....so on Monday I'm going to remedy that situation. Yup that's right I'm getting the first surgery in a 2 part series. You may be asking yourself "why two parts"? Well I'll tell you... when the plastic surgeon took a look at them you could see fear in his eyes...and he let out a small gasp. Then went on to explain that to fix these babies properly I would have to get a lift and a reduction first and a implant 4 months later.

Now you may be asking yourself "Why in the world is she telling me this?" The answer is simple...number one, I don't want people wondering if I got "something" done...I'd rather just be up front about it. 2nd I haven't written anything in my blog lately and this is the most exciting thing to happen for awhile, so why not.

Back to the surgery, when I scheduled the procedure a month ago I asked my mother and my husband if they would be around that week. They both said yes....well 2 weeks later my husband informed me he would be traveling that week and would miss the whole thing. I insisted that he be there for the actually surgery but he is leaving the next day. And my mother told me 2 days ago that she had to go out of town to help my brother find a place to live in NY while he goes to school. I have to say when she told me that ... I cried a little bit, the idea that to two people I depend on were not going to be there scared me to death. But luckily my AWESOME sister in laws Diana and Maryanne are going to take my kids during the recovery and my mother in law will be there to help as well...she so great! My sister Liz has also offered to come by and make sure I'm ok. This is when you have to LOVE having a large family, so many people who are willing to help in your time of need... even if that need is selfish and a tad bit superficial.

Even though I am scared of the pain and the idea that I am going to be alone through the 3 or 4 days after.... I'm excited for the results. the last 6 months I have worked really hard to change my body. I'm 2 lbs away from loosing 40 lbs and I'm in the best physical shape of my life....but this will be the icing on the cake. My breast have been a sensitive subject for me for a long time....even my mother has spent hours trying to find a bra that will make them sit in the right spot. The only thing I will miss is being able to get BIG laughs describing them to other woman.....but maybe I wont miss that either.

Jonas' Birthday

My first born has hit the double digits......I have been a mother for a decade. I can't believe it. From the moment my 8lb 11 oz baby boy was placed into my young, inexperienced arms I knew my life had been changed forever.
I don't think there has been a day since Jonas was put on this earth that he hasn't made me laugh almost at much as Paul's tank top.
He is so so so funny....any of you who follow me on facebook...or read this blog have had a small taste of his comedic guineas. He is also incredibly smart....top of his class.
He's a great brother. He went shopping with his grandma Kathy for his birthday and she said he insisted of getting his brother some batteries he's needed and a treat for Nick and Grace as well. This year in school he was student of the month..his certificate said he was nominated for his compassion. I thought that was so cool, that even though he does so well academically, where he really shines is how he treats others.....What a stud!
All his Birthday dreams came trues when he got to spend the day at 7 Peaks with his dad and Nick. And when he got his dream gift of a Nintendo DSi......He's happy and were broke! It's what birthdays are all about.
Grandma and Grandpa Mecham brought over their new dog Izzey.....she loved the cake.

The princess was so grumpy she didn't even want cake....she has a sore throat. But she did yell that she said happy birthday to Jonas "like a million times"! I guess one more time wont hurt ......HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE JOE!

Why haven't I blogged?

Why haven't I blogged? That's a question I have been asked a lot lately....the answer is simple, I've been trying to lose weight. I know some of you are saying that I could blog and diet at the same time....but it simply is not true for me. I have found that this goal of loosing weight, that has been escaping me for the last 5 years, takes all the focus, energy , and determination that I have in my body. And it wasn't until I came to this conclusion, that I have made any progress at all. Now I spend my life in exercise clothes and am eating things that bring me no joy but that are good for my body.....but it will be worth it. I already feel better and look better. I have lost 20 lbs.....can you believe it....20 freaking lbs in 2 months.

Any one who knows me may be wondering "how did this happen?" .......the answer is that I don't really know. One day I was eating takeout with Paul and watching the biggest loser....and as I watched these 500 lb people work so freaking hard, sweat pouring down their faces, crying and barfing but pushing through and sticking to it. I thought if they can do it...I can do it. The next day I signed up for weight watchers....even as I write that I feel embarrassed, I know I shouldn't but I do. I lost 3 1/2 lbs the first week and that was it, I was on my way!

Now this isn't a Weight Watchers commercial....I only really did it for a month (but I had done it before after I had Nick and lost 25 lbs) now I still use the tools and I might go back to the meetings if I slip back into the bad habits I had before. I would also like to add if there is any one reading this who has thought of joining WW ...do it. And do it the right way go to the meetings I'm being a bad example. But what has really changed my life is exercise. In my whole life I have NEVER been one to work out. I HATED it!! But something has changed....The first thing I did was go to a spin class with Paul. The first time I sat on that teeny tiny bike seat....I thought there's no way I can sit on this thing for an hour. But i did..and it was HELL! I'm not joking I left that class black and blue...and more sore then I have ever been. I couldn't do all the things the instructor asked of us.....not even close, but I kept peddling and swearing under my breath and shooting dirty looks and Paul. But I thought of those people on the biggest looser and I realized that pain and sweat is part of the deal. So the next day I went for a run even though my body hurt like crazy......I was sore for a month......that's not an exaggeration. But I stuck with it, and pushed through the pain. I never thought I could do that.

Now I go to spin every Tuesday, and I keep up! I still get sore when I go to Power Pump on Thursday and I can't run very long...but every day I get stronger and push myself harder. And as I write this I am getting a little teary.....I'm really proud of myself. I've lived in a body I have hated for so long...and I never believed I could change. And I'm changing.....not only am I losing weight, but I am becoming a more confident person....strong. I'm not saying that it's still not a challenge. I love food and I love to bake and my family is starting to protest the lack of cake and cookies around the house. I still fall from time to time....only now I get back up and ride off on a spin bike. I have 25 more lbs to go before I reach my goal. I know I can get there......I didn't know that before.