Motivation

As you all know (read) - we thoroughly enjoyed Allison's visit. Equally as enjoyable was looking at the pictures afterward and reliving some of the funnier moments.

THEN REALITY SET IN - Looking at those picture made me realize how much weight I had put on in the past couple years. I was blown away!! SO - I started my diet - a REAL diet. Cereal with low fat milk for breakfast, salad with non-fat dressing for lunch, protein and salad for dinner. Lots of water and lots of fresh strawberries.

I asked Mr. Wonderful for his help and he was willing to do anything I asked. I told him that I had to stop worrying about feeding him and Michael - he was going to have to take over that responsibility. I needed to be just a little selfish right now and take care of me. He was totally supportive and said he would do anything I asked.

I am happy to report that in the 5 weeks since Allison has left, I lost 10 pounds!! Mr.Wonderful has also dropped 10 pounds and he is still eating ice cream and sugar wafers!! He is just not eating my cooking!! Michael eats a lot of take out food and he never complains.

So, I guess it is plain to see, the culprit is my cooking! I am going to continue with this plan for as long as I can, with one little change. I will ALWAYS cook on Sundays when my little chickadees come home to roost.... but the leftovers will go home with Bobby (it's good to be the youngest kid!)

A New Grandma-To-Be

When you have really good friends, you celebrate life with them. That means you take the bad with the good -

Thankfully, today, we celebrate the "good". I will wait with great anticipation as my good friend becomes a Grandmother for the first time later this Summer.

I usually crochet a blanket for all new babies, but I taught my friend how to make these blankets a while ago. That being said, I needed to come up with another idea for a homemade gift (I think every baby needs something homemade).

Can hardly wait to see Irene's Granddaughter covered up in this:

The "Baby's" Milestone

My "Baby" turned 25 today. I met Bobby for our weekly Friday morning breakfast and just seeing him sit across from me made me realize what a man he has become. He is thoughtful, responsible, caring, sensitive and a wonderful son.

When there is so much to do each day, we often take for granted the little things that make all the hard work worthwhile. I always describe myself as a wife and a mother, in that order. I work hard at my marriage everyday, and I am so grateful to have a good marriage. I also work very hard at being a good mother.

Staring at my youngest this morning was like getting a special present. It was validation of all the hard work that goes into being a good mother. I am so thankful that Mr. Wonderful and I were blessed with all our children....

God Bless Alexandra Michelle

To My First Granddaughter, Alexandra Michelle (Ally),
May God Bless you as you make your First Communion.

"I carry your heart with me....I carry it in my heart."

Allison's Visit Part 2

We welcome the newest member to our family. No offense, Sloane, we didn't need another dog, but we are happy you are here.

A Family Gathering in the Bathroom

This is us AFTER we think the camera is off.

My Beautiful Children (are you allowed to say that when they are adults?)-
Michael Jr., Michelle, Allison, Bobby