Songs That Make US Sing Saturday Linky Party! Living Like a...

...GYPSY!! I'll be posting a tour of my new "home" very soon!!

Get your dancing shoes on and those singing voices ready because ME, Ginger of Just Another Mom of Twins and Becca of Because I'm the Mommy are hosting "Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday Blog Hop!!"  Come On Link Up...

Here are just a few guidelines:

1. Please Follow the TWO of "Us" (we're so much more than just songs...LOL) If you're a new follower please leave us a comment so we can follow you back!

2. Pick A Song...any song that makes you wanna sing! Old-New-Country-Pop-Punk...anything goes. (Let's try to keep it family friendly if we can...LOL) If you want, tell us why the song makes you wanna SING!

3. Add your link to the "Playlist"

4. We'd REALLY like you to copy the Linky Code (just click on "get the code") in to your post so your blogger buds can join in on the fun or link back to the both of us so they can at least "find" the party, but you don't have to.

5. We'd love to see the video of your song (which can easily be shared via youtube.com) but if you just wanna list your favorite song of the day, we're "cool" with that too!

. Hey, and don't forget to grab our button while you are at it. (BCIMommy still likes it cause she thinks it sounds dirty. *teehee*)

I am lovin' my Gypsy Lifestyle!

Ok, so it's not REALLY a Gypsy Life other than my totally awesome trailer home...you see, I don't clean all day, I like to drink, I can't pull off all the provocative skin-revealing clothes and my husband is not calling all the shots.  Ya!  It's pretty much just the "trailer"...LMAO!

F.A.T. Friday. Oooopsss....

Welcome to my weekly instalment of F.A.T. Friday! (That's Forging Ahead Together to a healthy lifestyle) 

This Week's Suggested Topic Was: What’s your support system like?  How do family and/or friends support or not support you?  Do you reach out to strangers via message boards, blogs, etc.?


I am going to have to defer this topic to next week as I am having way to much fun on my vay-k.  So sorry!  :)


Happy Friday Friends!!

This weeks weight stats:

NOTE: Since I am now on holidays, I am posting a new start weight on the scale here and then when I return to Dr. B in August I will re-post orginal stats...hope that makes sense...LOL!

Week #7- Wednesday June 27, 2012

Start Weight: 282 pounds

Goal Weight: 150 pounds

Last Week's Weight: 

Current Weight: 250 pounds

Weight Lost this Week: 

Total Lost to Date: 

*Since weekly weight loss may not be noticeable in pictures, I plan to post updated photos once every 3 weeks

Are you making the commitment this week? Come on then...Link Up & Let's (get) F.A.T!

script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/easylink.php?owner=justanothermomoftwins&postid=16May2012" type="text/javascript">

Green Thumb? Not This Mom...

Linking up with Mama Kat...as always!!

Assignment: Do you have a green thumb? Tell us what kind of gardener you are!


Ok, I am cheating!  I am re-posting one of my very first posts.  I'm on vay-k and thought I could "get away" with it...LOL!  AND it does about sum up my green thumb abilities...

I wanted to make sure that I really didn’t fit the official definition of “Green Thumb” before I sold myself short.  “Green Thumb” is defined by Wikipedia as “A natural talent for growing plants”.  I still wasn’t convinced, so I searched answers.com only to find a more deflating definition; “An extraordinary ability to make plants grow well.”   It’s official; I do not fit the description of someone having a “Green Thumb”.  *sigh*

It baffles me how I can grow two beautiful babies but can’t manage to keep a few little flowers alive???

I have never been interested in planting flowers and making the outside of my home beautiful.  I have enough trouble managing the inside to worry about appearance on the outside.  Besides, before we had children my husband and I worked most of the time and when we weren’t “slugging it” trying to making a living, we were travelling and having fun.  Flowers and gardens were just never high on our priority list.  However, now that I am a full time mom and the kids and I will be outside more often, I thought it was time to awaken the “Green Thumb” in me!

 
I bought all the right “stuff” to get started…well kinda.  Yes, those are kid’s plastic gardening tools but I had a “feeling” that I may not be a natural at this flower-planting thing so, I covered my bases.  I thought….at least the kids would have some fun toys to play with if this was a disaster. 

Side Confession- I didn’t take a picture of the Peat Moss I bought thinking it was what you use to plant flowers in.  Apparently not…my neighbor provided the correct “stuff”.  After all, I only needed a VERY small amount for my planter. (See below) 

I am a stickler for doing research before taking on a new endeavor and after several consultations with some veteran “thumbers”, I settled on buying some Marigolds.  I was assured that they were a sturdy, “almost fool proof” (not my words) starter flower.  They are not the prettiest ones, in my opinion. I would have picked those cute little “tear-drop” looking flowers that hang on beautiful vines.  (Rumor has it, those are only for the more “experienced” gardener.) 

 

                                       Long Lasting My A$$!

Now please don’t laugh; I wanted to start off small.  I bought ONE modest small planter and THREE little Marigold plants.  As I am sure you know gardening is an expensive hobby so I felt it important to be conservative. I WOULD have expanded had I been even remotely successful.  As you can see, I was not.  Only 3 short weeks into the season, I have managed to kill the long-lasting (as stated above), “fool proof” Marigolds.  Does that make me a fool then? LOL No, I think it just makes me a really BAD gardener.

 

              Mt starter Size Planter                                                    R.I.P.

I was devastated. *Dramatic pause* Ok, not devastated but perplexed…I did everything I was told to do. (I even took notes during my consultations…stickler!) 

1. Not too much sun
2. Not too much shade
3. Water every other day (not too much, not too little)
4. Give them a little Miracle Grow once a week. 

I found myself on my knees, reaching upwards to the heavens above, screaming “What have I done?  What on earth happened?” *dramatic music*

No drainage happened!  Someone forgot to tell me about that! (NOT in my notes, NOT my fault.)  I drowned my little Marigolds…what a terrible way to “go”!

 

          Closed (as it was when purchased)                                         Open

                                                                                    Why even bother putting a stopper??

My gardening experience for 2011 is officially over.  I am not a quitter, honest.  I just hate to fail...LOL!  2012 is a new year and a new beginning, until then, the kids and I will enjoy all our neighboring homes absolutely beautiful gardens and flower planters.  If asked, I’ll just tell people we are travelling too much this summer to tend to flowers.  (That explanation has worked for the last 7 years! J)

Go Link Up Your Inspirational Blabbing Blogging!!

I Travel Alone With Kids! Ya! I ROCK. Either that or...

...I'm insane!  Personally, I prefer the title of "MAMA ROCK STAR"

I travel.  A lot.  With the kids.  Alone.  Crazy?  Maybe a little but if I didn't take the plunge and set off to try it when the kids were only 10 months old...we'd be missing out on tons of fun!

I wont lie, it was nerve racking the first time but I am a bit obsessive compulsive organized when it comes to travelling.  Even before I had children.  I'm one of those people that pack weeks before hand and make extensive lists of what needs to be brought, pre-book seats according to seatguru.com and try to be as proactive as possible in anticipating any "roadblocks" along the way.  I'm the person you want sitting beside you if you happen to have forgotten something you may need.  Seriously!  I am.

Anyways, when I was set on travelling alone with the kids I immediately jumped into "action" and honestly, aside from a few crying outburst, mostly by the children, it's been pretty smooth sailing.

Since we are in "transition" as you read this, in a Toronto Hotel waiting to fly away to our final destination of Porcupine, Ontario in the morning, I thought I'd do a little pat myself of the back post on my personal strategies on how to successfully travel via air, alone with kids.

• The most important piece of "equipment" you can invest in...the Go-Go Bayz travelling system.  You can read all about these FABULOUS contraptions HERE.

• The travelling bag...stocked full of everything and anything you might need during your transition from point A to point B.

From left to right:  All diaper changing necessities, snacks (lots), snack cups (preloaded) & juice cups, emergency "quick grab" toys, Mommy essentials (feminine hygiene products, meds, passports/airline tickets, money/credit cards, 2 changes of clothes, bibs, super-absorbent towel, kiddies meds, (advil, tylenol, benadryl, gravol ), Lysol wipes, Kleenex, facecloths & burping bids (for the "in between" messes)

Large Back-Pack Locked & Loaded!!!

• The comfort/toy bag.  For nappy time and quite play on the plane.

From Left to Right- 2 travel size pillows, toys, coloring pads & books, travelling DVD Player, earphones with double adaptor, 2 travel size blankets, mommy's reading material & LOTS of DVD's

Comfort & Toy Bag Locked & Loaded!!!

• The Just For Mommy bag.  (For your sanity.)

Ummm Kiddin'!  They won't allow this on the plane!  You'll need to access the airplane bar....sorry!  LMAO!

• The luggage.  Yes!  I DO bring almost everything but the kitchen sink.  Hey! Don't laugh...we are rarely, if ever, "without".  LOL!

This trip was the first time I had to spend the evening in a hotel before carrying on to our final destination.  Another first for us.  But alas, I was prepared...

When we arrived in Toronto, I had already booked our hotel, which conveniently was located on site.  I did however, have to claim all our luggage and transport it to the hotel.  Enter, Airport Porter.  Easy Peasy.  You tip them and they bring you right to your room.

The hotel provided one crib and I brought a pack n' play.  I made sure that I "marked" the suitcase I would need to open at the hotel and had all our overnight necessities...including breakfast.  I made it our little home away from home for the night...

Another porter will "pick us up" this morning to bring us back to our terminal and we will once again be flying high to my hometown of Porcupine.  With any luck, I will have nothing to report as far as "travelling incidents"...say a little prayer for us...pleeeeze.  LOL!

Next Time I "Blog In" I Will Happily Be In My Hometown...Happy Tuesday Friends!

OHHHHH....I forgot the SECOND most important thing to bring in your carry on!

An EXTRA, compact carry on.  You know JUST IN CASE you've overpacked like I always sometimes do and rather than pay the overage fee, simply take stuff out of the offending suitcases and carry the $hit on with you!  LOL! (I told you I was a Rock Star!!)

Go-Go Babyz. Mama Loves...

Loving Something Cool This Week?  Go link up with Julia over at Pontifications of a Twin Mom!!

Do you travel via air with kids who need a car seat?  Yes? Do you bring a stroller AND a car seat?  Yes?  Do you wish you didn't have to bring BOTH?  Yes?  

Then you have GOT to have THIS product!  It is a MUST!!!!

What's that you ask?  The Go-Go Babyz Traveling Buddy.  

It turns any car seat into an instant stroller.  Oh. Yes. It. Does.  I could NEVER travel ON MY OWN with twins, without them.  To make my point, if someone were to say you can only take ONE thing with you to travel across TWO countries via airplane it would be my Go-Go's.  Hands down.  No Questions. Period.

To look at them you'd think...what the heck?  How does it work?  It's as easy at 1...2...3!  Allow me to demonstrate...

Step 1- Simply place the Go-Go Babyz on the back of any car seat (the straps may need to be adjust to specific measurements of car seats)

Place the strap trough the car seat where a seat belt normally goes.

Winch the strap so it is tight and snug.  

Step 2- Place kid(s) inside and secure. 

Step 3- Tip back and roll. Similar to a suitcase...LOL!

When you get to your gate you have two options.
#1- Gate check the entire contraption
#2- Unhook the Go-Go Babyz and place in overhead storage (yes it fits) and secure car seat to airplane seat.

The best part?  Either way, you've got your car seat/stroller ready to go when you arrive at your destination and there is no chance of it being lost or damaged in transition!  Sweet.  I know.

Here is the official site of Go-Go Babyz travelling systems and as you will see there are a few different options...

Mama LOVES to travel WITH her Go-Go Babyz!!! 

Songs That Make US Sing Saturday Link Up Party! It's the final countdown...

I am SO Excited I could pee my pants!

Get your dancing shoes on and those singing voices ready because ME, Ginger of Just Another Mom of Twins and Becca of Because I'm the Mommy are hosting "Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday Blog Hop!!"  Come On Link Up...

Here are just a few guidelines:

1. Please Follow the TWO of "Us" (we're so much more than just songs...LOL) If you're a new follower please leave us a comment so we can follow you back!

2. Pick A Song...any song that makes you wanna sing! Old-New-Country-Pop-Punk...anything goes. (Let's try to keep it family friendly if we can...LOL) If you want, tell us why the song makes you wanna SING!

3. Add your link to the "Playlist"

4. We'd REALLY like you to copy the Linky Code (just click on "get the code") in to your post so your blogger buds can join in on the fun or link back to the both of us so they can at least "find" the party, but you don't have to.

5. We'd love to see the video of your song (which can easily be shared via youtube.com) but if you just wanna list your favorite song of the day, we're "cool" with that too!

. Hey, and don't forget to grab our button while you are at it. (BCIMommy still likes it cause she thinks it sounds dirty. *teehee*)

I leave in t-minus 3 days to my hometown of Porcupine, On and that, my friends, is why I am so excited I could literally PEE MY PANTS...again...LOL!

It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN PEOPLE!!!

Happy Weekend!

F.A.T. Friday! Derailment & Getting Back on Track...

Welcome to my weekly instalment of F.A.T. Friday! (That's Forging Ahead Together to a healthy lifestyle)

This Week's Suggested Topic Was: Summertime=Vacation Time=Overindulging= FUN Possible Derailment!  What summer vacation(s) do you have planned and how to you plan to be proactive in staying (mostly) on the healthy living train?


Hmmmm, so as it turns out, I don't need to be on vacation to get derailed.  *sigh*  I had a very naughty weekend.  It's a darn good thing that I wrote myself a motivational letter last week because boy, did I ever need to read and re-read that this week.  I managed to "recover" and even lost after a huge weekend weight gain.  It scared me "straight"...LOL!

I am not going to dwell on the details but I will say that I managed to stuff enough calories into my body in less than 2 days to show a 3.6 pound GAIN on Monday morning.  Now, most of that was in fact water because I guess when I choose to eat $hity, I prefer to wash down those calories with alcohol rather than water...go figure.  If I learned one thing, it's how east is to get derailed and how much easier it COULD be to stay that way if you let yourself.  I am an addict.  I LOVE unhealthy food.  BUT NOT AS MUCH AS I LOVE LOOSING WEIGHT...DAMN IT!!!


I am happy to say that I have spent the rest of this week back on track and in focus.  My determination to be proactive during my upcoming 5 week holidays is impressively strong.  Very strong.  So much so that I have a plan.  Oh. Yes. I. Do.  My list of rules and expectations are as follows:

#1 Make a list of grocery items you need and shop within 24 hours of arrival. (My bestie LeeAnn has already picked up some key items...many thanks!)


#2 Bring items that will not be available in rural Porcupine, On (I have already purchased my protein bars, break, salad dressing and vitamins.)  Yes!  They are packed (except the bread, of course).


#3 Plan & Pre-prepare all meals as per usual so that when you are hungry you have "go to meals" ready.

#4 Plan ahead for all social gatherings, and there will be several, to allow for "similar" foods to be consumed as party goers.  (This is a big one, as I have discovered this past weekend)

#5  Have pre-packaged snacks available to grab for moments when you are tempted to "cheat".

#6  If you MUST have something sweet and/or are feeling deprived, you may have an extra protein bar only.  No nibbles or bites of anything else allowed.

#7  If you must partake in the drinking festivities you may only have vodka and diet coke caffeine free with lime. 

#8  Weight yourself when you arrive and have your own weigh in's on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.  Hold yourself accountable for the numbers on the scale.  Be sure to test for ketones as well.

#9  If you struggle, utilize the Dr. B forum for support.  There are many wonderful, fellow dieters on there that will keep you motivated.

#10  If you do get derailed DO NOT use this as an ongoing excuse to continue on a destructive path. Pull your big girl panties back up and get back on the Dr. B track.

So, there you have it.  A set of rules and expectations that I plan to follow during my summer Vay-K to help keep me on this happy track of healthy living during what is normally a humongous excuse to eat and drink as much as I want!

And Finally...this weeks weight stats:

Week #6- Wednesday June 20, 2012

Start Weight: 282 pounds

Goal Weight: 150 pounds

Last Week's Weight: 249.6 pounds

Current Weight: 248.2 pounds

Weight Lost this Week: 1.4 pounds

Total Lost to Date: 33.8 pounds

*Since weekly weight loss may not be noticeable in pictures, I plan to post updated photos once every 3 weeks

Are you making the commitment this week? Come on then...Link Up & Let's (get) F.A.T!

Next Week's Suggested Topic:  What’s your support system like?  How do family and/or friends support or not support you?  Do you reach out to strangers via message boards, blogs, etc.?

Horses Lie Down. Really?!?!

Linking up with my "inspiration" Mama Kat over at Mama's Loosin' It for her Pretty Much World Famous Writing Workshop.

Assigment: Share something you learned embarrassingly late in life. 

This isn't going to be a long post.  When I write something deeply embarrassing I tend to be short.  Really. Really. Short.

Here goes...

I am not a genius but I am certainly not lacking in the "smarts" department either.  I just want to make that clear.  I like to think I fall somewhere in between "average intelligence" and "Mensa worthy".  Although after I tell you all this you will likely think I fall WELL BELOW the average 100 IQ standard.  And I am so NOT ok with that!

Notice my short story is looking like it may be a little longer than I said it would be?  Ya!  That's called avoidance or distraction, maybe a little of both.

Ok, here goes.  Really, here goes...

It' was little over 4 months when Daddy Dave and I started dating back in 2001 and I had been invited to my very first "family dinner".  This was a HUGE deal. Family Dinners were exactly that, family only!  To be invited was a HUGE deal...HUGE!  (Have I emphasized that enough?!?!?)

Anywho, I was very nervous.  My primary objective was to impress the pants of the "fam".  Instead, I made myself look like a total "bumpkin".  


How you ask?  Here is the conversation that ensued around the dinner table (the best I can recall as I've tried to put it out of my mind to be totally honest):

Celeste (Dave's Sister, who owned a horse named Pride at the time)- "I went to see Pride today and I don't think he's felling well.  He was lying down in the field and when I approached him he didn't even move."

My Mother-In-Law- "He's been  acting out of sorts the last few times I've been out there too.  I think we should get the vet in to check him out."

Celeste- "I've already called him, he's coming this week.  It's so strange that Pride was lying down.  He never got up until I coaxed him with apples."

Me (with a very confused look and in a dumbfounded tone)- "Horses lie down? Really?!?!"

As soon as I had said it, I wanted to take it back because everyone turned and looked at me with disbelief in their eyes.


Daddy Dave- "How do you think they sleep & rest?"

Now, I should have just chimed in with one of my over-the-top laughs and said "Just kidding...I KNEW that!"  But no.  No, I didn't.  I said...

Me- "I thought they stood up all the time."

Everyone busted out laughing and not in a "We're laughing WITH you" kinda way (because I wasn't laughing) but more in a "You're a bumpkin" kinda way.  I flushed red and Daddy Dave piped up with a wide devilish grin and said...

Daddy Dave- "She sure is a pretty girl, but not too smart."

I couldn't help but laugh along and I suddenly felt a little less embarrassed and chalked the whole thing up to the fact that I had learned something new that day...

Yes!  Horses DO lie down.

In my defense (or lack there of), I'd never seen a horse lie down before.  Mostly just running around a track...LOL!

Daddy Dave still teases me to this day.  For example, when he is reading the kids a book about horses he always makes sure to explain,  in drawn out detail,  that horses do in FACT lie down.  Or the occasional time when I come out with something else of not so "average intelligence" (which, is not very often BTW) he comments, "I always wanted a Trophy Wife!"  Ya...he's pretty funny!

Go on and link up and share your inspiration with others!

Wordless, Wordful or Whatever Wednesday Link Up! Where Did a Year Go?!?!?!

It's amazing how quickly time flys by...it's been almost a year since we've been back to my hometown of Porcupine, ON!

Only 6 more sleeps and then I can take  another group picture to compare.  

It's so funny...the kids hope to grow up way to quick, while my girlfriends and I hope time stands still or maybe even turns back a bit (for us).  LMAO!

(from left to right) Darcy, Karen, Ave (in her arms), Lauren, ME, Bryce (in my arms), LeeAnn, Madison and Megan (up front)

I would love to see your Wednesday Post!!  Come on and LINK UP!!

Good Oral Hygiene & Raffi. Mama Loves...

Head on over to Julia's Blog...Pontifications of a Twin Mom to see what other Mama's are loving this week!

I have a deep rooted fear of the dentist but it always brings good laughs when I do FINALLY make an appointment, get knocked out and the aftermath of it all.  Seriously...need a little "pick me up" or a straight out belly-laugh today?  Check it out.

Back to the source of my "Love" today, Raffi.

AND good oral hygiene.  Having clean teeth  has always been something I thought I made a priority.  However, when I met Daddy Dave he gave me a run for my money.  He brushes his teeth AT LEAST 3 times a day AND flosses regularly.  Ya, I know, he's gold star worthy.  Me?  I brush once MAYBE twice a day and floss?  Let's just there there is room for improvement.  (It should be noted that I haven't had a cavity since I was like 6 years old...so, I am doin' "ok"!)

Since good oral hygiene runs in our "blood" we've been brushing Ave & Bruce's teeth/gums since they were only a few months old.  We aren't overly consistent which is shocking given Daddy Dave's obsession own dedication but we try to do our best.  In actuality, it's the kids that usually remind us that it's teeth brushing time right before bed and I am 99% sure it's because we sing this song while taking turns to brush their teeth.  Daddy and I brush for a verse and then they do it for a verse...it's all fun & games!  (I really do think it's set them up to follow in Daddy Dave's obsessive diligent ways to strong oral hygiene.  LOL!)





 We've changed the words to the verses and ours go like this because we never really thought of actually learning the real words.  Hey!  What can I say?  We like to sing to the beat of our drum.

When you wake up int he morning at it's a quarter to:
one and you want to have some fun...
two and you ain't got nothing to do...
three and you ain't got nowhere else to be...
four and you're feeling kinda bored...
five and you wanna feel alive....
six and you're feeling kinda perplexed...
seven and you gots to gets to heaven...


...you brush your teeth!

Mama LOVES Good Oral Hygiene & Raffi!

Are you the WINNER?!?!?!

Thanks to everyone who entered to win some COLD HARD CASH in my Blogaversary Giveaway last week. 

Entry #311 RACHEL EWING

Happy Monday Everyone!!

Happy Father's Day Daddy x2!

I am re-posting last years Father's Day post because it is the story of my VERY blessed life...

They say a girl tends to marry someone much like her Father and I am proud to say that I sure did!  WAIT!  Don’t be too quick to say “Ahhhhh…that’s sweet!” 

I did marry a man just like my dad…the good, the bad & the ugly!  (Mostly good though)

This is my Dad!  Actually, I still call him Daddy at the age of 37 and he still calls me “Baby” (yes, I am the youngest and the “favorite”…LOL) and I cherish this!  So many of my friends get a “kick” out of our interactions because when we are engaged happily it is the most loving, caring thing to watch but when we are at “odds” fireworks and daggers ensue…but no matter what, we will always be “Daddy & Baby”!

This is my Husband!  Actually, I like to call him Sweetie and he calls be “Bum” (endearingly, of course). So many of my friends get a “kick” out of our interactions because when we are engaged happily it is the most loving, caring thing to watch but when we are at “odds” fireworks and daggers ensue…but no matter what, we will always be “Sweetie & Bum”!

 This is my Dad and Husband!  No, he is NOT his biological son, I am my daddy’s baby but they sure do look a lot alike don’t they?  Eerie…I know! LOL

These are the two most important men in my life and they always will be! (My son Bryce will always be my most important “young man”)  It really is amazing how similar my dad and husband are…they DO have some differences but mostly similarities. Here are just few... 

• I am happy that they love me unconditionally, regardless of how many times I have “totaled” the vehicle or said something that I regret. 
  
  
• I love that we love each other so much that they can drive me CRAZY and to the point of delusional rage (ok, slight exaggeration).  Perhaps,  I love it more that this brings us closer together rather than drive us further apart. 
  
  
• I love that they protect me and stand up for me even when they shouldn’t.
  
  
• I love that all they have to do is give me that special “look”, the one that is ONLY meant for ME and a great BIG hug and the troubles of my day, week, month or year just disappears, if only for the moment. 
  
  
• I love that they are hard-working providers that indulge me from time to time with “things” I don’t really need but REALLY want. 
  
  
• I love that they always support and find value in my dreams and life endeavors, despite how absurd they may be.
  
  
• Above all else, I love that they love my children with every sole of their being and that they will make them feel as special and loved (and crazy at times) as I do.

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have had a man like this in my life from the time I came into the world and now one until my time on earth comes to an end.  I can only hope that Ave finds a man just like her Daddy & Grampa, so she can feel the love and security that I have and continue to feel and I pray that through their example, Bryce will grow into the same wonderful husband, father and grampa.

I LOVE my Daddy and I LOVE my Baby Daddy so very much!

Happy Father’s Day to all the GREAT Dad’s out there and  a big "shout-out" to all the lucky “gals” like me!!

Songs That Make US Sing Saturday Linky Party! We're watching you Daddy...

Happy Father's Day to My Wonderful Husband & My Children's TOTALLY AWESOME Dad!!

Get your dancing shoes on and those singing voices ready because ME, Ginger of Just Another Mom of Twins and Becca of Because I'm the Mommy are hosting "Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday Blog Hop!!"

Here are just a few guidelines:

1. Please Follow the TWO of "Us" (we're so much more than just songs...LOL) If you're a new follower please leave us a comment so we can follow you back!

2. Pick A Song...any song that makes you wanna sing! Old-New-Country-Pop-Punk...anything goes. (Let's try to keep it family friendly if we can...LOL) If you want, tell us why the song makes you wanna SING!

3. Add your link to the "Playlist"

4. We'd REALLY like you to copy the Linky Code (just click on "get the code") in to your post so your blogger buds can join in on the fun or link back to the both of us so they can at least "find" the party, but you don't have to.

5. We'd love to see the video of your song (which can easily be shared via youtube.com) but if you just wanna list your favorite song of the day, we're "cool" with that too!

. Hey, and don't forget to grab our button while you are at it. (BCIMommy still likes it cause she thinks it sounds dirty. *teehee*)

When Daddy Dave heard this song he said it made him think twice about the way he talks and acts around his children...he wants them to see him as the BEST MAN he can be!


Gawd, I love this man!!!


(Ya, he still says & does things he shouldn't but overall, the good totally outweighs the "not-so-good"...LOL!)

F.A.T. Friday. Dear Ginger...

Welcome to my weekly instalment of F.A.T. Friday! (That's Forging Ahead Together to a healthy lifestyle)


This Week's Suggested Topic Was: Write yourself a motivational reminder/letter about all the “good” things about your healthy lifestyle & why you are on this journey. This will be good to have in 10 minutes, 10 days, 10 months or 10 years from now when you need a “pick me up!” 


Dear Ginger, 

 I am so proud of you. You are doing a great job! I think you have what it takes to make a "real" go of this healthy living lifestyle you have so desperately wanted for so long now. Once you set your mind to something you know your determination is a force not to be reckoned with. You just need to keep your eye on the "prize". Even when things get difficult.  Remember why you are doing this...to feel great, to look great and most importantly, to live a long, healthy life with your husband and your children.  They need you.  (You know deep down that without you, life around here has the potential of becoming a real "$hit Show!")


I know you are going to struggle.  Actually, you already have...haven't you?  You face temptation on a daily basis and I know the excuses you use to fall "off the wagon" and justify it all.  You can't fool me because I am you and you are me.  


That's why I am writing you this letter...to tell you that I've got your back.  When you want to give up and give in to those old unhealthy habits of binging and snacking on junk rather than fueling your body with nutritious food, I want you to open up this post and remember the following things:

1. How good it feels to see the scale go DOWN and the inches melting away from your body.
2. How you dance with joy when you put on those pants that you've had to squeeze yourself into only to have them practically fall off your hips.
3. How sexy you feel when Daddy Dave call you his "skinny minnie" or how you tingle all over when he looks at you and says, "You are looking so hot!" *blush*
4. How enriched your children's lives are now that you "get up n' out" on almost a daily basis.
5. How easier it is becoming to climb up and down the stairs and engaging in everyday life activities.
6. How you actually look forward to meals and savor every last mouthful rather than wolfing down garbage.
7. How you can feel the changes in your body AND in your mindset and how wonderful this is. 
8. Most Importantly, remember how happy you are and the energy you have when you are living a healthy lifestyle.

If you DO "slip up", it ok.  Don't allow yourself to feel guilty or make excuses in order to be able to carry on an unhealthy, destructive path. DON'T DO THAT!  Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, lift your head high and move onwards and upwards.   Life is about making poor choices sometimes, just don't let it be your "norm".  Ever. Again.

I'm  your We can be our biggest cheerleader and our worst enemy, all at the same time.  We need to work on that!  More "Raw! Raw!", less "Boo! Boo!"

Love,
me xoxo

Say Cheese!  It's Picture Update Time & This Weeks Weigh In...

Week #1 - April 30, 2012
282 Pounds

Week #6 - June 13, 2012

Week #1
282 Pounds

Week #6

Week #6- Wednesday June 13, 2012

Start Weight: 282 pounds

Goal Weight: 150 pounds

Last Week's Weight: 255.6 pounds

Current Weight: 249.6 pounds

Weight Lost this Week: 6 pounds

Total Lost to Date: 32.4 pounds

*Since weekly weight loss may not be noticeable in pictures, I plan to post updated photos once a month.

Are you making the commitment this week? Come on then...Link Up & Let's (get) F.A.T!

Next Week's Suggested Topic:  Summertime=Vacation Time=Overindulging= FUN Possible Derailment!  What summer vacation(s) do you have planned and how to you plan to be proactive in staying (mostly) on the healthy living train?

Hey! While Your Here Don't forget to ENTER TO WIN some CASH in my Blogaversary Giveaway...Ends on Sunday!

Life Lessons My Daddy Taught Me

I am linking on up with Mama Kat for her pretty much world famous writing workshop...you should too!

Assignment: Share a lesson you learned from your Father that still sticks with you to this day.

My dad has always been my daddy.  People get a little giggle every time I call him that.  He's a man of many and few words all at the same time...if that makes any sense.  He's taught me a lot of invaluable life lessons throughout my life and I would like to share some of them with you...

 #1  "I've backed up more miles than you have driven!"- This is something I've heard since the day I started criticizing the man who taught ME how to drive.  I have since used it on my husband when he tries to criticize my driving. LOL!


#2  There's nothing wrong with gambling just as long as you aren't gambling away the grocery money.- My dad loves to gamble but he always lived by that mantra.  He would "grease" my palm before entering a gambling establishment because he KNEW that's exactly what I would have to do in order to enjoy myself...Thanks Daddy!

#3  You can't take it with you so you'd might as well spend it while you're alive.- He spoils himself and his family, now, when we can truly appreciate it and be thankful.

#4  No matter how bad of a driver you are, Daddy's will always understand and "take care of it".- Ummm...ya, this is a big one!  Let's see, there was the time a transport trailer sideswiped me in my mom's mini van (that I wasn't suppose to be driving...ooops!).  The time my heavy foot "threw" rocks up and damaged some guys truck and I drove away...the cops traced my dad's truck back to my dad at his business (I might share the full length story of this one someday!)  The time I was washing his truck (so I could borrow it) and backed it up with the door open and it caught on the carport pillar and practically ripped it off.  The time...well, you get the picture!

#5  Daddy's will let their daughters "break out" on their own but they will always be there to catch you when you fall. -I was a stubborn, irresponsible young adult.  On more than one occasion he paid my rent  and helped me out of my credit card "situation".  Thanks Dad!

#6  Daddy's always remember when you made them proud and almost always forget when you've disappointed.- My favorite "proud" moment that my Dad likes to tell all the time is how I problem solved how to get a bunch of fish down to my grandparents using my dolly carriage when I was like 5 years old (another great story, another day).  He never seems to bring up the multiple times I was a jacka$$!


#7  Daddy's will break the law if it benefits their daughters learning opportunities.- My dad started to teach me how to drive 6 months before I was eligible for my learners permit.  Ya.  He ROCKS!

#8  Daddy's will let you get away with a lot of $hit but they will NEVER tolerate disrespect towards their wife(your mom).- I don't want to go there but he'll know what I'm talking about.  It's the only time I can remember my father being VERY angry at me.

#9  Daddy's work hard.  Really. Hard.- My dad owned and operated his own Electrician business.  He showed me that anything worth having is worth working for.


#10.  No matter how old you get, you'll always be Daddy's baby!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!

I miss you soooo much and can't wait to see you...only 35 more sleeps!

xoxoxoxo


Have You Entered to WIN Some Cold Hard Cash in My Blogaversary Giveaway Yet??