I'm a Hero to a Special Needs Dog, Blisters=Ninja Moves, & Eye of the Tiger::.

Okay, hey! So I didn't make posting a daily deal like I thought I might, but I'm here now! And what a week it has been. I'm so bleeping proud of myself! Seriously, I kicked ass this week. I ran/jogged/walked/crawled/cried 4 days this week. There were moments that I thought I was seriously going to die (and some moments I wished I would), but I did at least 3 miles 2 of those 4 days, 2 miles the first day and FOUR miles the last day. I rubbed a freakin blister on my foot; ya, that's how hard I worked. Aside from the running/walking, I did weight training, crunches and squats those four nights with some light yoga. I was a nazi with my food portions and calories, too. I seriously did awesome. I know I've said that, but I'm shocked--and proud, but mostly shocked.

I lost a little over 3lbs this week. I didn't get a picture of my restarting weight, but it was 164.something.This week:

I weighed in at 161.8. I don't know why I bothered putting this worthless picture up, but here ya  go--I'm playing by the rules and all that. I took it with my phone and it just didn't work out all that well.

So anyways, I'm feeling like an ugly stripper who just found a blind sugar daddy! Because, folks, let me tell you---I worked muther-spanking-hard for those lbs. Fighting through my fear of snakes and my neighbor's ignorant SEVEN dogs was challenging alone. I don't do snakes and I don't do big, stupid dogs--especially when you're running, they take that as an invite to chase you. That's not my thing. I would run the highway, which would be TONS easier, but that goes back to the whole fear of being kidnapped, tortured, used as a sex slave, and murdered. It happens. Don't you people watch John Walsh on Saturday nights? Knowledge is power, geesh. So I'll stick to our acreage perimeter with man-eating snakes and the pack of Cujos.

Oh and after almost 3 years of living here, I met another neighbor. 3 down, 2 to go. I was running, and I came to the corner of our property that is pretty much right across from his mailbox. He happened to be there getting his mail. I had to say hi--I didn't want to be that bitch. Of course, he wanted to chat. (Awesome.) So I ran across the road to introduce myself. He's an older gentlemen named Tony, with a very strong Italian accent. I would bet my left boob he's mafia. We have a lot of that around here. They hide out in the sticks from Kansas City and St. Louis. No, I'm not crazy-- this shit is real, people. Anyways, he asked me a million questions (typical mafia) and was pretty nice. I think I passed the test, and I don't anticipate a visit from Vinny and Frankie anytime soon. My dog felt he needed to protect me and ran out in front of a speeding jeep to get to me. I literally had to step in the way to put my hands up to stop the jeep for the challenged bag of fur to laddee-flippin-daaa acrossed the road. Sometimes, I swear Sammy has brain damage. Like maybe his mom sat on his head and he's slow due to oxygen deprivation?? Anyways, I'm now a crazy dog lady to the mafia man. I don't see any dinner parties happening anytime soon.

Alright, so new goals in sight:

1. MORE WATER--I just don't do tap water. Gross. I have a well, but my water is hard (that's what she said.), and the government poisons bottled water--which leaves me with my favorite kitchen item. My Britta water pitcher. I love that thing. I just can't keep it filled. So that slows up the intake. I'm working on not being a lazy whore and refilling it every time I fill up my gigantic glass. I'm a work in progress.

2. 5 DAYS OF EXERCISE--I have 2 midterms this week, so this might be tough, but we shall see how strong my will is.

3. DO THE GROCERY SHOPPING MYSELF THIS WEEK. I have a billion things I have to do, so The Husband usually does the grocery shopping. He gets what's on my list, but also comes back with extra shit that has no business being in a dieter's house. Jerk. I didn't really have a problem with temptation, but I know it could come. I don't want to screw this up. We have family photos in 2 weeks.

4. ZUMBA. I bought the Zumba game/workout/whatever for the Wii. I have heard awesome things about it, but haven't tried it yet. I hope to start my mornings this way 5, if not 7 days this week. What have you heard about it? Have you tried it?

What are you guys doing to mix it up? Struggles? Successes? Do share!

Go check out the other fattys in the Weigh-In Monday Challenge or whatever Sara calls it. ;)

That's, that. I do have more to talk about, so I REALLY hope I pull 15 minutes out of my ass somehow tomorrow! Good night all, and best of luck to my herd! I hope you all are doing great! By the way, if you want to be cool like us, you can join too...Just let Sara know so she can link you up, yo. Mooooo.

OH! I almost forgot: I want to do a work-out play-list. I need song suggestions....go!

I'm Here For the Gang-Bang.

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Post Slacker, Breathing, Choppy & Weird--Oh! & Week 4&5::.

I had this big long rant about why my parents hate me and blah blah blah.....I'll still struggle at the fact that I don't have those parents--the ones that think you're incredible, want you to succeed and want to be around you. It's ok. They don't know what they're missing-- all because they still deem me as that angry teenager they created with their arguing and yelling. I'm not that. She's dead. She was tough to handle, but I killed her. I'm me--funny, energetic, caring, intelligent, knowledge seeking, adventurous, crafty, loving, fucking awesome--and I love me. I'm happy. I have two incredible kids (and I tell them that EVERY DAY) and one overly fantastic husband---who thinks I'm pretty amazing, and smart and funny. I don't need anything else, from anyone else. Boom.

Okay, the weigh-in Monday--ya, I've been slacking on my posts. Any posts for that matter. It's been a crazy couple of weeks and I'm getting it back together. Seriously. I've been taking care of my home again--and I know that sounds weird. Yes, I clean--sorta, but lately I've been doing the bare minimum, and that's not me, yo. I like order and I've been missing it for way too long. So I started cleaning up all sorts of areas in my life. And I've been cooking like crazy. I wish I could say "cooking again" but I can't. I've never really done much cooking, but lately I've taken more initiative in doing so and guess what? I kinda rock at it. Which makes the whole weight loss challenge sorta tough.

Now, before my leader abandons me too, I must post my fatass stats for last week and the week before. I'm behind and you can give me spankings--hold the whip cream, I'm on a diet. I had A LOT (understatement times 5 billion) of stress last week. I won't go into it, because I'm leaving it behind, but basically it has been the worst week of my life. Well, Jonny and my Memaw passing tops that chart but you know what I mean...it sucked, ok? But I did get lots of walks in. Haven and I have been taking walks just her and I. Which is super awesome, because it gives us a chance to girl talk it up. She's so funny and I'm just in love with our new ritual. I also went to a concert 2 Wednesdays ago (I'm behind, remember?)---and concert me?? That bitch is a moving, dancing, crazy seizure patient. So, ya...lots of cardio there. I also got LOTS of cardio that Friday night---we'll call it cardio boxing and not a bar fight--because it wasn't ;) To counter all that, I'm bloated from female duty, but I know I didn't do terrible, so I'm not putting down progress.

Monday 2/22/11:

My camera also took a beer and tequila bath on said Friday, so the lens wasn't really doing it's thing for this picture. (and i still need batteries for the damn scale.) I did salvage it with q-tips and rubbing alcohol though, so it's working semi-normally now. If you don't have super human eyes and can't read this, it says 154.6, which is up 2 oz from last weigh-in. So semi-boo to that. BUT I know my body and a lot of this is bloat. PMS and stress bloat. Because it can't be the ice cream. Nope. I unhooked that shit from my veins and now ingest it like a normal person.

This past Monday, yesterday the 28th--I weighed in at the same. I didn't see a point in snapping another photo. I didn't gain, so yay. I thought I would lose at least a pound--I've been attacking the wii, we road bikes at the park Sunday, and Haven and I got a few walks in. Oh well. This week I've been REALLY focusing on stress relief. Because. I. Need. It. Lately, especially. No excuses though, and next week this number will be different--in a lower kind of a way. It's going to be beautiful this week, so my plan is to move as much as possible. I have that slutty stripper dance cardio dvd--being slutty and exercise?? Sore. So I'm going to hit that 2-3 times this week. I have my shake weight. It's dusted off and I've been using that, too. And the Wii. The wii is my friend this week. AND the kids get to play with me while I jiggle--double score. Work is picking up, and fast! So there's more movement. Sweet. This week should be my week. We shall see....


I wrote half of this a week ago, and half now--so if it's choppy and weird, that's why. Or I'm just choppy and weird. Who knows?

Okay, A Litte Less Fat:: Week 3::.

154.4

 
Okay, my toes need painted, my feet are dry, my scale is dirty and it still needs batteries.....but I'm not a total failure. This week I actually lost a little. This 5'7" chick lost 1lb and 8oz this week from last week's 156.2lbs, so ya! I'll take it. I kept up on my water, which is easy for me--it's really all I've drank for months now. So maybe my water goal was a little too easy. As for work-outs, I didn't do a whole lot of strain there either. I did basic stuff, because 1) I don't have any equipment in home other than an Ab Lounge. 2) STILL too poor to reinstate my gym membership. BUT I DO have some slutty stripper work-out that I do. It's a video and I did it twice last week---the video I mean, pervs. So weight-loss goal for next week: -1lb. I figure a pound a week is a decent goal for someone my size. And if I'm doing it steady, I'm more inclined to KEEP it off this time. So ya, there's my progress.... It's never too late to join in, so go make yourself sweaty and hungry!

JOIN NOW!!

A Little Fatter::Weightloss

So I failed this week. I not only didn't lose, I gained. I feel so freakin bloated right now that my baby seam feels like it could bust right open and expose my guts. I haven't had a csection in 4yrs--4yrs tomorrow to be exact--but I swear I can feel it stretch. And I still didn't get batteries for my scale. So maybe I didn't gain? Ha. Wishful thinking? Ya, probably. I actually think this is weighing me light. I seriously feel puffier. I know that's weird. I also think I'm coming down with something..I'm feeling weird, so excuse any 'out there' thoughts I may have. Anyway, I did stick to my water goal..well pretty much. I did have 1 glass of tea, but other than that--I kept to it. Maybe if I would have met my exercise goals, too--I might see it on the scale. But I'm a big girl (no pun intended) and I know that I didn't put the work in. This week? This week is mine.

This week: 156.2, 5'7ish"
Last week: 155.8, 5'7ish"

I think organization is my biggest problem. I'm in my off season with the business, so other than getting the kids to school on time, I really have no schedule. (that also means I sit on my ass a lot.) Having a loose schedule, or none at all makes it tough to stick to any sort of routine. I've always been one of those people that if it's not on calendar or note--it's not happening. I will completely forget--intentional or not. So this week, I'm scheduling my meals and my workouts. Thinking about organization I remembered that I used caloriecount.com last year. Fellow Chubsters, this site is amazing--and I can't believe I'm JUST NOW thinking of it. It's FREE, number 1. You hear that? Sing up is free. You can keep track of EVERYTHING you eat--down to the calorie. They have a huge database, but if you can't find your food, you can manually enter the stats based on the nutrition information on the package. Awesome, right? So it keeps track of what you put in your face, and it also keeps track of what you burn. It has archived activities--and yes Sara, sex counts as cardio! For instance, vigorous sexual activity--because that's how I get down--you burn 102 calories/hour. And it calculates down to the minute for those of you that get in there and get it done. Aint no shame in that. Anyways, I know this tool is really going to help me, so I wanted to pass along to all of you! Here's hoping we all do better next week...and congrats to those who met their goals! I hate you.

It's never too late to join in. Don't be a weenie about posting your weight, and if you are, I hear Sara is excepting photos of progress via email. Chickens. I'm using the shame for motivation.... just a thought. 

SO GO HERE AND JOIN IN

Attention All Chubba Butts

Okay...Time for shame, humiliation...and maybe some motivation. I'm sick of my jiggle and getting rid of it is only going to get harder with age. I'm joining the challenge over at Sara's Organized Chaos. Go check out her pep talk and tales of the dreaded 'fuck-mill'--she's hilarious. She has rules, people --so take note.

So how much do I need to lose?? To get an idea of what my goal should be, I used Health Check Systems. They have a chart to suggest what your ideal weight should be based on your height and FRAME. If you're like me, you're thinking "How am I supposed to know what my frame is under all this jiggle?!" They have a handy little elbow test to determine your frame, then you go to the height chart and determine where you should be. I'm medium framed and 5'7"ish so I should weigh between 133 and 147lbs. And moment of truth................

1.

I really hate my feet by the way...so lay off. Also, I know it looks like a dog tick, but I assure you it was supposed to be a ladybug. Live and learn :)



My scale obviously needs batteries, because the numbers are blurry--it says 155.8lbs to be clear. I'm nervous to post this weight, because it's my low end and when I float up I'm going to look like a slacker. I fluctuate between 155-165. I have an untreated thyroid thing so I float. No excuses though, I'm doing this. Now, I know technically I don't have a long ways to go to be within ideal weight--but don't fat-girl judge me if you have a longer journey. Being chubby is hard--the fat girls hate you, because you're almost skinny and the skinny girls think you're still too fat to share clothes with. Chubby girls unite! Anyway...Losing weight sucks no matter how much you have to go. I started out at 200lbs on 1/1/2009, and busted my ass through the year. I weighed 160 in November 2009 and gained to 170ish by January 2010. I joined a gym and managed to drop and float at 148-160. I've come far and I've been a yo-yo the whole time. I can't afford the gym membership, I'm addicted to food and hate working out. It's time to finish this thing up. I want to lose 20lbs. and finally feel hot. I'm REALLY hard on myself and I know that's going to be my struggle. I have to learn to appreciate the small steps and love myself no matter what hangs where. 

As per the rules:

I've listed my weight at 155.8. My challenge this week I think will be moving. I like to lay around--not sit, but lay. I was going to set my goal to work out an extra day than the required 3, but 3 days alone should be a challenge. And hey, who wants to set themselves up for failure? Goals...hmmmmm. Water! Water is good. I'll up my water intake to 12, 8 oz servings. I use a cup that is 32oz, so I think I can drink 3 of those a day. Easy you say?? Well, I'm going to ONLY drink water from this point on....what now?! ;) No tea. That's going to be tough. So we'll see! I want to lose at least 1 lbs by next Sunday. Maybe I'm being too easy on myself, but thinking back, missing my 5lb or 10lb goals really discouraged me. So, I'm starting off small to see what I can do. If I exceed the 1lb mark--jolly hand-jobs, I'll take it!

Go join---it's going to be fun, and I'm excited to have that support. Also I'm a pretty good cheerleader so I'll be leaving funny fat comments all over the place.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!

Click Here to Join!

 

Meet Me On Monday::.

I heard about this link up through Jessica. It's Meet Me On Monday over at Never Growing Old. Swing over and say "hi" to Java and link up! 

1.  What is your favorite kind of fudge?

Chocolate (not dark) with nuts of course. Preferably my Memaw's recipe (hand picked black walnuts included)--which none of us have perfected yet. 

 
2.  Is there snow outside your window?

 

This is right outside my bedroom window. Yep. We have snow. Although it's beautiful and fun to play in--and I really have taken the time to enjoy it this year, I just don't care for snow. I wish I could say, "Snow?? What's that???" Buuuuuut we have about 6 inches hanging around and are expecting a few more. Is it Spring yet?

3.  What is your favorite meal of the day?

Dinner! We're all together (most of the time) and at the table. Dinner is easily my favorite. This weird looking, but delicious dish is what Haven has dubbed "Cheesy, Cheesy Baked Spaghetti-Lasagna." (Ignore the burnt cheese on the sides and the chip in my casserole dish-- STOPJUDGINME!! :)  I've made this dish a lot this lately. I plan on making it Thursday and linking up with Keli at Feeding Four  for her "What's Cooking Thursday" link up. But who knows...I might change my mind and do something different.

4.  Do you text on your cell phone?

I'm a sexting texting machine! If I'm not texting, we're not talking. Very rarely do I talk on the phone...unless it's business related and even then I communicate a lot through text. I'm busy, and I usually have people under 4ft (not midgets--my kids) screaming, playing and being as loud as possible. Anytime I may get on the phone for a conversation, somehow my kids censor in immediately and know to amp up the volume a few notches. I don't know how they do it, but it never fails--even if I hide. 

 

 5.  Waffles or pancakes?

Firstly, for those of you that didn't see this coming... I apologize. Really, I sorta do. I couldn't find any cute pictures of our pancake creations (hearts, fish, etc.), so I just used this breakfast shot I took of the breakfast I made for the Husband (aren't I hilarious?) when the kiddos were at Nana's. SO obviously, I chose pancakes. Although I have no prejudice against waffles. Waffles and I? We're on good terms. 

All photos belong to me--except photo 1 and 4--I used those courtesy of google. 

 

New Beginnings & Holiday Recap::.

I'm feeling a little naked in the street after that last post. It's not really like me to lay it completely out there for the world to see. Sure. I bitch and complain in my own right, but I sorta keep it to myself or within a tight circle. So whether it was a psychotic rant or not, maybe baring myself was good for me? I didn't lose any readers, so I guess I didn't frighten anyone. And, honestly....I feel loads better. Like I threw up a night's worth of tequila into what I thought was a toilet. So I guess I'll do what any classy drunk would do....swish my mouth out and move on. A little input would be appreciated though...even if you go the whole anonymous route. I'm cool with that.

Surprise! Aside from yesterday's rant, I've been missing. I've been a little lazy relaxed I guess. I obviously gave up on the 31 day photo challenge. I fail. Looks like I can't even finish a challenge where I participate on my ass. Nice. Ha.

What's been happening? The Holidays of course! I spent a lot of time baking...I had forgotten that I can get Betty Crocker with it. I stole a lot of recipes I found in the blog world, because obviously you people know how to sex a person with food. Especially  Jocelyn over at  Inside Brucrew Life. 

Remember me boasting an UUUH-MAZING Oreo Truffle Cupcake recipie? Well It's Jocelyn's creation! She claimed the glory yesterday and I'm so glad she did! I wanted to know where I had found them so I could stalk her other treats and share of course! I was kind of a tease with these babies since I couldn't give credit. Mystery solved...so here you go: Jocelyn's Oreo Truffle Surprise Cupcakes. Do it. These pictures I took are my version. I don't know why I snapped the photo on the decorating tray instead of the cute little Santa tray we served them on. 

I added a glaze for a 3rd layer. It's a combo of vanilla icing, honey and cream cheese. I melted and then drizzled on top of the chocolate layer after chilling in the refrigerator for a few. I'm having withdrawals right now just thinking about them. 

The non-food stuff? Was good, too. We did have an amazing Christmas. We spent way too much money and will be playing catch up for the next few months. Not cool. I can't help it. Something sparks inside of me about a week before Christmas, and I just go nuts. Even though I know the money is needed elsewhere, I shop. And shop some more. BUT they were pretty excited and extremely thankful. 

Haven asked for "a really tiny and cute aquatic turtle." A facebook friend saved  the day when she gave me turtle shack's website. And lucky me, they were having a "buy 1 get 2 free" sale--it was around $16 before shipping. S-C-O-R-E. She got all females and named them: Taya, Olivia, and Angel. So fruggin cute.  

 Ashton was deadset on one toy: "a walking, talking, remote control IronMan. Nothing stands in his way and he saves the day." That's the whole bit. He would recite that anytime someone asked him what he was wishing for. He kills me :) 

So Santa delivered that, too. And it's pretty totes. The reviews were HORRIBLE on it, but it was the ONLY thing he wanted. I'm glad I got it, because it works great for him. We have wood floors, and I would say that has a lot to do with it. 


After Christmas, was my birthday. It was an amazing day. I went into it with a different approach this year and I felt good all day. Normally I dread birthdays. I'm not a fan of getting older. I've seen old people. I don't think I wear wrinkles well. Thank you photoshop. Anyways, this year I decided I was going to be positive and appreciate the breath in my lungs. I made it another year. I'm luckier than some. Haven and I went shopping and had lunch, which was her pick. She chose subway...that's my girl! We talked and really just laughed and had fun. That evening I met with some of my favorites and we had ate infamous local Mexican food and hit a small bar for some drinks.

I had a GeorgiaPeach. OhhhEmmGee. Did I say one? I meant 3. We laughed and did girl talk, which I've lacked for a few months. It's was nice. After drinks, I met The Husband for a nice, kid-less night at home. 26 has been the best birthday I've had for awhile.





 For New Year's Eve, The Husband and I threw a party with the kiddos here at home. We ordered Applebees appitizers,  painted our faces, made "science lab coats" with our 2011 goals listed, played bored games, dressed up, watched a movie, and counted down to 2011! It was such a good time! 

I probably could have split this post up a little, but I wanted to get 2010 out of my system so I can start fresh. 


Did everyone have a good Holiday Season? How did you guys bring in the New Year? Is anyone doing the resolution thing?? Jocelyn (Oreo Truffle Surprise...get to know her for taste's sake!!!) posted something interesting yesterday that she does as an alternative to resolutions. She chooses a "word of the year." One word that represents the year's goals. I've decided to do something similar, BUT that's a different post........

 

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaack!

Well, actually---I've been back since Friday night. I just haven't been in the writing mood, and I've had a lot of business catch up. But I'm here now! This is going to be a lengthy post with lots of pictures, which I hear is a no no...I'm all for breaking rules, so here it goes:

We had a great time together! We fished on the dock, hung out in the hot tub, napped, played wii, and  A.T.E.--as expected. My kids didn't tear anything up (unexpected), Oscar only peed in the house once, we only lost one casualty to the lake. (Mom's douchey little yorkie, Memphis. Not to worry he was fished out and dried off.) Dinner was great and no one was murdered. All and all--success.

Tuesday:

We used the first night to settle in. Ya know: unpack, change bedding, stock the refrigerator...the standard. We had Cajun Chicken Pasta for dinner the first night.

Then we spent the rest of the the night bowling on the Wii. Haven of course dominated.

Wednesday: This night we spent a lot of time on the dock. It was so warm this night. We hung out in the hot tub, ate take out BBQ, the kids watched a Netflix movie, we fished (Mom & I drank) on the dock. Good times.

Turkey Day: Ahhh, finally! For dinner we had Turkey (duh.), Mom's burnt Mac&Cheese Casserole (sounds yuk--it's amazing! don't hate!), stuffing (not a fan), gravy, baked sour cream mashed potatoes, green bean casserole (thank you for the suggestion,  A Lovely Mother!), rolls, water-gate salad, lemon pie, chocolate pie, pumpkin pie, banana cream pie, and a cheese-ball. It was so, so, so good!

That night we went down to a Christmas light display not far from our vacay house. It. Was. Awesome! And huge! And Awesome! I'm sort of a sucker for Christmas displays. I'm the decedent of Clark Griswold.....my Dad's yard always looks like Frosty threw up all over the place. It's sorta our thing. The kids really liked driving through the display, too. Check out this display.. it's Santa & The Mrs. made out of hay bales--true mid-western style.

We headed back to the house and got the kids ready for bed. The Husband and I then took off for Black Friday. I have no pictures of this. It wasn't the prettiest experience. I did get to tell a 70+yr old man to behave himself. I'll post separately about the experience altogether.  The Hub & I finally got home with our targeted items around 4am. We crapped out on the 5am sale-- the midnight sale was so irritating, it just wasn't worth it. We crashed out and got to sleep in. Thanks, Mom & Dad! We got up, cleaned up, packed up and headed home. My suit case still sits waiting to be unpacked. I suck.

 So, not so lengthy--I changed my mind mid-post. I'm going to break it up into a couple posts. I want you to actually read this crap, and you won't if you're bored. You're bored aren't you? Sigh.

Happy Thanksgiving

I was hoping to have a big sappy list of 25 things I'm thankful for--one for each day in November leading up to Turkey Day. Clever right? Well I can't connect my laptop to the wireless out here in the middle of nowhere. Bummer. We are having an amazing time here on the Lake though. It's actually been nice being "disconnected." I'll have lots to say when I get back. I wish everyone a safe and beautiful day with your friends and family! I'm going to put this phone down and stuff my face.


The Mrs.

Thanksgiving Runaway....I Mean Getaway : )

Thanksgiving is due up in a few days. I'm REALLY excited this year! Honestly, I usually dread it. I know that's awful. Sure, I'm thankful--I'm a person who tries to be thankful everyday though. No Debbie Downer here. But...Thanksgiving usually consists of running constantly. Either in my own kitchen--which I don't really know what I'm doing, so there's smoke, pots boiling over and lots of crying--or Mom does the cooking even if we're at my house for dinner--and what's the point of going to someone's house to cook? So usually it goes like this:

• 45 minute drive to my parents' house.
• Spend a few hours laughing, eating, maybe arguing, crying, time-outs, maybe apologizing, hugs, miss yous, see you laters.
• Another 20 minute drive to Husband's parents' house.
• Spend a few hours laughing, sitting, eating, yawning (by now it's late and I'm beat), time-outs (kids are tired too...), and then we're on the road again.
• Now it's an 1hr+ drive home filled with whining because someone (I'll probably blame Husband) forgets car pillows. Diva Haven can't get comfortable to conk out so we can listen to her snore for the duration of the trip. 
• Both fall asleep so when we get home, they either wake up wired or cranky. Either way, I usually want to lock myself in a room for them to fend for themselves.
• Then by the time I do get to bed, I'm so tired that I sleep like the dead--but not long enough, because you can be sure Ashton will be up bright and early ready to rock the Ironman. The dogs will whine, because they think they need to pee.

...and by this point I swear off all holidays. At least leaving my house for them.


Not this year. This year we'll be relaxing, smiling, laughing, remembering, hugging, probably a little a lot of drinking, EATING and sleeeeeeeeping. We rented a vacation home through one of my clients and we are spending 3 (count them 1, 2, 3!!) nights down on the Lake. We arrive the 23rd and come home the 26th! Plenty of time to prepare before and chill and clean up after. It's going to be....what's the word???.......FUCKING AMAZING! No it's not the beach, palm trees and tequila...but I'll sell one of my children one day and be able to experience such things :) However, there will be fishing, a hot tub, a dock, and lots of amazing photo opportunities. My Mom, Dad, and brother are coming down to stay with the four of us. I'm so excited--If I didn't say that already!


So on the down side of the getaway, we will miss dinner with The Husband's family. It's a bummer, but there's always Christmas. I will miss seeing everyone, but there's a billion of  them--dinner will go on. We went back and fourth before making the decision, but you know what--we deserve this.
We so deserve this.

..and this.

So I sort of need a favor. We are menu planning for the week--including Thanksgiving dinner. Yikes. What are some of your favorite meals--breakfast, lunch and dinner--and what is your favorite dish at Thanksgiving dinner? Recipes would be cool, too.... I know, I know... I'm an information whore. Give it to me!!! Ahhh..thanks :)