Wow Crystal, I know exactly how you felt! It's like Murphy's Law, because you for once didn't bring your diaper bag, you needed it. There are sooo many days that are just chaotic and full of weird suprises being a mommy. In some ways it's really helped me let go of unrealistic expectations of me, the kids and the world surrounding us. In that aspect I am thankful. But then there are days that really push your limits, I guess it all makes us that much stronger, but at the time it seems a bit much. I'm getting all philisophical now, sorry. LOL

Michelle I'm so happy you are doing so well with your exercising. It is really inspirational to me to do more than twice a week work-outs. I was planning on taking Logan and Ethan to the gym today, for our new trial run play-date so the could get used to the daycare. Unfortunately, Ethan has been beside himself with crankiness, I can't figure out what's bothering him exactly and it's frustrating for both of us. Oh well, you know what the say about the "best laid plans" so the new plan is to have fun outside in their little kiddie pool while I get some gardening in.

Oh yeah, any good suggestions for my chicken dinner tonight that would be ok for phase 1??? I'm still working on cutting back on caffeine, it's really a struggle for me lately, I'm ashamed to admit that I've already had two huge cups of coffee and two diet vanilla pepsi's and I haven't had lunch yet.

Let me take a moment to tell you all how glad I am to find this support group! I love that we are all so diverse and all doing slightly different things to reach our health goals, yet we can all be so supportive of each other. So a really huge THANK YOU to you all, I'm having a blast so far getting to know you all.

-Di

Hello all!

Michelle, congrats on getting that 3 miles in!! What evenings are you working? Every evening? We'll miss you while you are gone!! I guess late night chatting is out huh?
Crystal, if that crochet book wanted you to make a square it wasn't for true beginners, lol. That's where my SIL had problems. She bought a book that said easy patterns and such but they were patterns you had to atach to other patterns to make a blanket and it was very confusing and it made her want to quit. So that is why I bought my new book, it is more clear and has pictures showing you how it's suppose to look as you go along so you don't mess up, plus it's a solid blanket so there is no attaching of anything (well I will have to attach the hood to my afghan but that will be easy) But it really is relaxing. So sorry about your vomit incident! I'm suprised you didn't throw up too! Ava is very good about running to the toilet when she needs to throw up, but Bubba throws up everywhere and when I clean it up I gag and turn red, lol. But I always get through it. Just part of my job, But I'm glad you got those papers turned in and I hope it works out the way you want it to!
Di, I need to have a yard sale too. But I say, whatever you don't sell take down to a local thrift shop or the salvation army or something so you don't have to put it back in your closets. And people will still get good use out of it. I'm excited to hear about your WI too! And hang in there, phase one may seem to be getting difficult and you may be getting bored of the food but you only have one more week right? And then it gets more lenient. But I'm sure after you see your WI tomorrow it will encourage you to stick with it another week and then some!

Well, dinner in the crockpot is smelling sooo good. I had leftover Mexican Torta for lunch today which hit the spot. I think I may go grab a nap now, TOM has me drained. TTYL!

Good afternoon! Boy did we have an active morning We walked 2-3 miles, then stopped for lunch at this place in our neighborhood. I had blackened-grouper soft tacos - thet were amazing, but I ate half and took half home because Liam had a major meltdown and I was ready to leave at that point! I hope I calculated the points for that correctly.

Crystal - is Ally excited about the party? Hope you fit a nap in And best of luck with the loan

Michelle - well, that's very healthy - getting out and all. I know I need breaks now and then too. DH and I are considering getting someone who can watch Liam for 3-4 hours once a week so I have time to go to the Dr., other errands, haircuts, etc.

Spryng - I was also wondering if Michelle has good advice for what to do with the kiddies while doing a video workout. But it seems her little ones are more mature or better behaved than Liam I may try having Liam watch a Baby Einstein DVD on my computer while I work out. My other option would be waking up super-early before DH and DS. As for addictive hobbies - crocheting sounds like scrapbooking in that respect!

Geri - maybe we can send all the fussy-night-boys into the same room at night while we all get some sleep!

Di - oh, I'd love to have a yard sale. I know what you mean about getting rid of baby clothes, though. That makes me kind of sad too. I kind of assume Liam's fussiness is more teeth coming in too . . . and, I agree - having no time "off" program seems a little stringent. Glad you're feeling good about the WI. It's really nice getting to know you as well

Well, it's twice baked chicken for dinner tonight. I'll check in later.

Hey girls just wanted to say hi before i head out!

Crystal - I have yet to experience a vomit all over themselves incident. Hubby however has had a few lol Taylor vomitting grape juice all over our carpet Teagan has thrown up once but not too bad and it was more like spit up since babies don't eat any food to speak of .

Leigh - I just let the kids play when I work out I just stick Teagan in the exersaucer some times with some cheerios and a sippy cup and Taylor just tries to do what I do lol.

Di - My favorite chicken so far: is a chicken breast stuffed with zucchini first I sprayed the zucchini with I can't believe its not butter spray and then sauteed it just a little bit, then I cut a pocket in the chicken and stuff the zucchini in there and then on top of the chicked I put 2 tbsp lite zesty italian dressing, I love it!!! sooo yummy!!

Geri - Soo glad you did your walk yourself today I don't think I coulda done 3 miles for each of us, my feet were killing me from wearing shoes with heals lol.

Spryng - No way will I be working every night maybe just 3 or 4 and only a few hours! My full time job is a sahm the other is just my socialization with the outside world lol.

Well I better get going!! You have a good dinner guys!! I'll TTYL!
Michelle

My dinner was grilled salmon and lettuce. I am full, so it worked.

Di...YES!! Hope is one mean chick when she wants to be. I know now why God gave me only one daughter. Those hormones start acting up WAYYY before puberty!!!! LOL!! And to top it all off, she doesn't even like to wear dresses!!! What fun is that?? BTW, we are SOOO glad you joined our little group here!

Leigh...glad you had an active day. I have done some housework, but that's as active as I have been. It's cool when you talk about places near home, I have seen some and been to some, too. I bet living so close in is pretty neat. I have always lived in the metro Atlanta area, but not in any big city since I was old enough to remember.

OH the kids that have puked on me and in my car!!! LOL!! It doesn't even affect me anymore, I can clean it up and have lunch when I am done!!! My dh is amazed! Oh well, maybe that was toooo much info, sorry!! Mommyhood is sometimes not for weak stomachs!!!

Anyone chatting tonight? I'd like to, but we'll have to see when that time is closer.

Going to clean kitchen and do another load of Mount Washmore!

Back later!!

Well, Michelle, I'm envious that your children will work with you Anyway, I've already decided I'll be waking up at 6:30am each day so I can do things before Liam wakes up - my toning tapes being first on that list.

Twice Baked Chicken was a hit with DH, but not so much with me. I only ended up eating a tiny amount of it, so I had a bowl of my high-fiber cereal instead. I'm kind of picky about Chicken - I can eat it as long as it's "disguised" in some way - like very spicy, in a great sauce, etc. I prefer turkey and seafood any day.

I'm now reading the latest Time magazine feature issue on obesity in America. Some interesting stuff. I'll have to fill ya'll in if there's anything new I learn. One thing - they list "Change One" a reader's digest diet/book as being very similar to WW, so I looked the book up on Amazon. You may want to take a look at it if you're curious. There's also a web site changeone.com

Cindi - sorry - you snuck in It is neat that we're in the same state. Maybe one day we can meet for a light lunch
Mount Washmore!!! That's great. Exactly how I feel each day!

Di - a question for you about your twins. I have a good friend who is pregnant with baby #2, but baby #1 is only 18 months old, so she still won't be walking well enough to not be in the grocery cart along with baby #2. She'd like to know what to do with the older child while in the grocery store - should she sit her in the main basket with the baby up front? What do you do in this situation? Thanks for your help

Michelle - I hope you are enjoying your new job. Mine is getting a bit old, but now I am addicted to the extra money. You know how that goes.

Geri - The plan was for me to stay home for a year. 3 months til a year. 2 days a week is all right, but when I think of how much I can make working full time, it makes me want to go back and then I am almost in tears everyday I leave JW and I don't want to work at all. You know how it goes the love/hate thing.

Spryng - Can't they have milk at 1. Formula is expensive too. I have weaned to 2 nursing a day. I don't think he is interested anymore, so I think I will try to go to one.

Di - I am with Spryng, give it to GoodWill. We had a MOMs Club garage sale and I got rid of a lot of sutff, but sad to say only about 30% of the stuff we need to get out. That is so cool that you are a Yoga teacher. I have tried it a couple of times. The classes at my gym are morning and late evening. I love going in the morning, but JW is not always up and ready to go.

Crystal - So sorry for your day! JW throw up on my legs and shoe at Ruby Tuesday the other night. Dh thought it was pretty gross. I was just worried if he was all right.

I weigh in today and am up 1.4 pounds. Not bad considering I have been off program for 5 days, awful being that I am only down .4 for the month. I have to beat this. I looked at my birthday pictures and feel so fat. I definitely have a good before picture. The funny thing is that the pictures from dinner with dh looked great. I am just thinking the outfit for the party was bad. The one for dinner was fitted and showed curves, much better. The party dress just kind of hung off of me and it had ruffles and I didn't like it when I bought it, but my bf who is overweight as well, said it looked great. She must have been lying. Sorry for all of that. No one needed that.

I am a new person tomorrow, on plan and workouts galore. MOMS is going to the beach. I hope I can take JW this time. His breathing has gotten better.

Leigh- I put taylor in the big basket with baby up front but thats when its just me and I only have a few things to get but when its me and hubby we take a cart for each child.

ugghhhh I am not feeling well at all!! My tummy is so upset and I feel like I'm going to be sick. YUCK!!! I have no idea what is wrong with me Maybe its just one of those days. It kinda feels how I felt when I was preg with Teag, ruh roh lol I doubt that though. Well I hope everyone is having a nice night!!

Oh cindi - I'll try to make it to chat tonight but I don't know for sure cuz I'm feeling so crappy .

Michelle

Melinda - Soo great to hear from you!! I know what you mean on the extra money lol I think it will be nice I like getting out too. Its only 3 days a week for 4 hours each day so no big deal and when I leave the kids are with hubby so I don't have to worry about daycare.

Good to hear from you
Michelle

OK, Meltin, what's your first name??? LOL I can't go around calling you Meltin all the time! Don't stress about being up, you know it could be worse than 1.4, so just get it out of your head and move on from there. Just before I started SBD, I went to Dallas to hang out with some girlfriends for the weekend and I swear I gained 5 pounds in 3 days!! I'm one of those massive water retention people. But that part comes off fairly easily, it's the stuff around my tummy that's tough.

Leight in regards to shopping, early on when they were little and still in their infant car seats I would just snap them into my double stroller and use the basket underneath. Most of the BIG shopping was done either by my husband or myself on the weekend, during the week I'd only pick up small things. Now that they are bigger I use those shopping cart cars. you know the ones that look like a little car? It's tough because you really shouldn't leave one in the basket part of the cart and there isn't usually room for two in the front compartment.

Michelle, hope you feel better soon. Your chicken dish sounded good, but I didn't have any zuccini handy so I'm trying out the Chicken Capri, I'll let you know how it turns out.

chat with you all soon,
Di

Just one cup of Watkins Chai Latte, it's soooooo good. Sorry I didn't post last night, I thought I posted yesterday afternoon, but found I hadn't. We started getting more storms last night and I always just shut my computer down. Besides Andrew was more than cranky all day. He ran fever off and on all day, only threw up the once though.

Leigh, I have to comment on your friend. Ally and Andrew are 1 week shy of being 18 months apart and it's not that big of deal. First of all, I don't get my newborn babies out at the grocery store for a while, I would start by takin one kid at a time and dh would watch the others. Now I do alot of grocery shopping in the day and I don't have a choice. Ally walks along with me and she holds on to the buggy. Now I do have to watch her, because she is slow and she'll stop to look at something and not care I've already walked almost to the end of the aisle. But for the most part, she HATES to be in the buggy so she likes to walk along with me and that's usually what we do. It's really not a big deal. And about you having to get up earlier than Liam, that's why I usually get up before 6, because my mornings are mine and I so cherish them. The kids no I hate if they get up before 7 am, not they don't sometimes though. And yes Ally is so excited about the party but so is Alisa. I don't know who's more so.

Cindi, glad you're doing okay. You know I had a load of clothes out in the dryer when the storm hit and totally forgot about them. They're the ones that will totally wrinkle. I'm thinking about just rewashing the load, LOL. I hate ironing. Will be glad to hear from you today.

Michelle, hope your job went as good again. Now is this gonna be every night or how many nights a week?

Spryng, where are you?

Well, I still haven't done any cleaning for the party Saturday, because if I do, I'll have to turn around and do it again Saturday. If I mop, it's so muddy outside, that's pointless. I could dust and get my desk area cleaned up and just save the bathroom and the kitchen floor for Saturday morning. That would be enough I think. Well, I don't have any plans today. I'm anxious to see how Andrew is going to be today. He woke up last night with more fever so it may be another day like yesterday. I actually sat more than ever on a weekday yesterday, that's all he wanted, but I was so tired I didn't argue. I never heard from my doc about my blood, should I call them or is that something to leave for them to do? He told me he would call and maybe give me an estimate about how far along I am and with so many people going to be here Saturday and asking I'd like to have something significant to tell them. So should I call or just wait and see if they call me? I don't like to be annoying or anything.
Well, I'll go now. I do think I'll TRY to count calories today. I didn't get to walk yesterday because the storm hit,maybe tonight.

Good morning Today was day 1 of waking up before Liam so I can get a head start on the day or workout to a video, etc. My videos haven't arrived yet, so I just straightened up, ate breakfast, and am now posting. Thankfully, Liam's sleep was back to normal last night And I had a 4-point breakfast . . . eggbeaters, toast, cereal, coffee.

Hey, Melinda! Now, don't be overly down on yourself. The important thing is how you respond to your disappointment, and that starts today So, just go from here and don't look back or dwell on feeling bad. It sounds like you're very motivated, which is great.

Michelle - hope your not coming down with a virus I hope you feel better as the day unfolds. Thanks for the info on shopping with two.

Diane, thanks for the answer on the shopping cart. I emailed her to let her know

Crystal - good morning! Thanks for the answer about the shopping cart. I'd call the doctor and ask. I often had to call to find stuff out because they would get so busy with other stuff sometimes they forgot! Hope Andrew feels better today.

Well, I'm waiting to go on our morning walk - not too much else planned for the day other than cleaning and starting my scrap space organization project.

Good morning all!

Sorry I didn't post again last night. Once the kids went to bed I cleaned up the kitchen and then crashed myself. I'm just so tired lately. But I know it will pass once TOM is over (and I buy some more caffeine! lol) Dinner last night was YUCK! How can something smell so good but not taste that good? I think my beans must have been too old because I cooked them on high (in the crockpot) for 7 hours and they were still very hard. SO I didn't eat dinner and after tanning I got a small frosty from wendies instead, lol. That was my dinner. So needless to say, I'm hungry this morning. Tonight is black and white checkered chili, lets hope it is as good as it sounds.

Leigh, congrats on getting up so early!! That is what I need to do also, I just can't pry my eyes open before 7 am. Enjoy your morning walk! And with my kids and shopping, when ava and bubba were smaller (since they were only 11 months aprt) I would put Bubba in the front in his car seat and Ava would sit in the back and I'd put the grocery around her, which she loved to help me stack, lol. Now Tanner sits in the front and bubba still occaisonally rides in the back and Ava hands him the grocery to put in a special place in the basket, or they walk along the side of the basket. It's worked for me so far, lol.

Crystal, I would call your doctor. The suspense would be killing me! lol. My periods were always (and still are) very regular so I always knew my exct due date before the doctor did and my first ultrasound was always right on target. And you wouldn't be annoying, you have a right to know.

Di, how was your chicken capri last night? And my local grocery store has those little red cars on the baskets to shop with. My kids love them, but the basket behind the car is small so I only use it when I need just a few items.

Michelle, are you feeling better today? No chance of pregnancy?? (hey, it has suprised the best of us, lol)

Melinda, yes kids can have milk at age 1. It's good to start introducing it around 10-11 months. Tanner has at least one bottle of regular milk each day now but mostly formula still. He likes the milk just fine so I'm not worried about the switch. I just don't know for sure when I plan to do it. And you'll have that 1.4 lbs off this week!!! I know you can do it, you sound very motivated and ready.

Cindi, hope you got that mount washmore under control! lol. How many loads each day to you have to do with 8 people living in one house? And my daughter can me very tom-boyish, she can outrun and outplay the best of them, but she is very feminine. Likes her clothes to be cute (you have to see her shop, it's so cute!) and her hair to be fixed. She is a little version of me and I love it. I knew I only wanted one girl and I wanted her to be girly and I got exactly that, but she is into mud and sports too, so it's a perfect combo. When I look at her I see me all the time in the way she acts and carries herself, do any of you see that with your kids?

Ok, I have a list of things to get done today since DH will be home tomorrow!!!! We have fun weekend planned. It's Good Ole Days this weekend in out town. Our yearly town celebration. There will be lots of crafts, foods, re-inactments, pony rides, face painting, etc so we are going to take the kids and have some fun. We've missed it for the past 6 years so I'm excited to go again. The last time we went Joe and I were barely married and I was thin!! lol. Now we are old married folk and I am on my way to thin again, lol. But anway, I guess I should get off here and get to cleaning and organizing.

Ginny? I know you are super busy this time of year, but please come by and say hello! I miss you!

TTYL!