Hi Paula,
I'd be glad to be of help to you. I can give you suggestions, advice and cheer you on. You already have some built in help--kids and a dog! You get plenty of exercise playing with kids and caring for them. And walking a dog is great.
Skipping meals is the worst thing you can do. Make it a goal to eat regularly. I find it easier to have several small meals and snacks throughout the day rather than the 3 meal thing. Breakfast is VERY important. Have some fruit(whole or juice), cereal or egg, milk,..... whatever you like. Portion sizes are the key. You can find a guide almost anywhere or I can list them for you.
Starting is tough, but when you want this enough you'll do just fine. Let me know if I can help.
Marion