Book Worm Wednesday!!

First Off, can I just say how blessed I am? I received such an outpouring of support from friends on Facebook regarding my post yesterday! I am just FLOORED! I was NOT expecting that. I had had a few people ask for pics, so I just thought I would oblige. Thank you all SO much for making me feel so wonderful and beautiful! You have really inspired and motivated me to hit my goal. So, I am back at it! Again, thank you. You are wonderful friends!

I haven't been to the gym since Sunday though. I threw my back out somehow on Monday and it is still pretty painful. I am hoping that I will be able to get back to business tomorrow though!

I did get a book finished! I just read Dead Until Dark By Charlaine Harris.



This is the first in the Southern Vampire Series featuring Sookie Stackhouse. I really enjoyed this book. I know shocker, it's about vampires...why wouldn't I like it?!?! I have to admit though that I think the MAIN reason I enjoyed it was because one of my favorite shows is based on these novels. The show "True Blood" on HBO is based on these novels. The first season of the show was pretty much this book. But, I enjoyed it none the less and really look forward to getting the rest from the library. I may have to wait though until the newest season of "True Blood" is over though because I kept getting things confused! :) The only thing I didn't like about it is that Sookie's Best Friend Tara in the show is NOT in the book. This is NOT a huge deal obviously, just something that bugged me.

I am currently reading Moon Spinners by Sally Goldenbaum.



This is a knitting mystery and the 3rd in this series. Hopefully I will have it done next week to review!

Have a great day everyone!
With Love,
Theresa

What I Look Like On My 100th Post!

This is my 100th post for Full Time Job!! Granted, for the first 2 years, I wasn't a very good poster and have only really been a decent poster in the past couple of months, but it is still my 100th post, so GO ME! :)

So, today is Take It Off Tuesday. I promised that I would be honest in my postings, so in the attempt to be honest, I will tell you that I gained a pound this week. I was prepared for this. I was SO tired of counting POINTS and stressing about it all that I took the week off of counting. I tried not to go overboard, but did enjoy myself a little bit. I ate more than I should have, but life moves on. So, I was prepared for a pound this morning. I started counting again this morning and feel more motivated already! The only problem now is I threw my back out yesterday and haven't worked out since Sunday. :( Hopefully the back will be better tomorrow. As I type, I am sitting with the hot pad on it, so I am hoping that helps! My plan is to work really hard this week (as soon as I can!) and REALLY watch my POINTS so hopefully I will have a big loss this week!

I've had a lot of people ask to see what I looked like now that I have lost over 50 pounds. I was able to get dressed up over the weekend had got a couple of pictures taken. So, I will share.

This is me before. This pic was taken at M's baptism in December 2009 (sorry it isn't a great pic, but it is all I've got!):


This is me now:


This is me and my hot hubby!


Thank you so much to everyone for being so supportive of me throughout my weight loss journey! It means so much. I am re-motivated and ready to hit my goal!

With Love,
Theresa

Brownies? Heck Yeah!

So, I really waned brownies and I had heard about Black Bean Brownies from some other people, I thought I would give a try. Well, let me tell you,they were frickin' awesome!!! I don't even know how to describe them! I couldn't taste the black beans at all! The only difference was a bit of cakier texture, but I like cakey brownies. I had to restrain myself! Well, I didn't do a very good job of that today (I'm not counting POINTS again until tomorrow), but will if they last very long. I found a lot of different versions online, but here is what I did. It was stupid easy and quick!

Black Bean Brownies

1 box brownie Mix
1 15 oz. can black beans

Preheat oven to 350. Drain and rinse the beans. Put beans back in the can and fill with enough water to cover the beans. Pour beans and water into a food processor or blender. Warn children that the noise will be loud! Puree the beans. Mix into brownie mix. Pour into a greased 11x7 pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Cut into 20 squares for 2 POINTS each.

Here are a couple of mine:



Then I did this:


AWESOME!!

Getting To Know You

It is Getting To Know You time again over at MannLand5. Check out my answers and then go over to her blog and get them yourself. Make sure you link up and leave me a comment and let me know so I can go check you out! :)



1.If you had $5000.00 to spend on plastic surgery what would you have done?
As much as I hate to admit it, I would get my boobs done. I don't want implants really just to have them moved back up to where they were before I had and nursed 3 kids!

2. Do you watch Soap operas and if so what is your favorite and why?
I don't watch afternoon soap operas, no. I do watch prime time ones though like "Desperate Housewives" and the such.

3. Favorite clothing brand?
Walmart? I like Old Navy and Target. I am pretty low maintenance so I tend to buy inexpensive things. I am looking forward to buying some "Flirt" jeans from Old Navy once I am done losing weight! Apparently they are supposed to make almost any figure look fantastic!

4. An afternoon shopping spree at your favorite store or maid service for a year?
That would completely depend on how much money I have to spend. My favorite store would be a yarn shop. I could rack up some expenses in that time! :) The maid service for a year might be cheaper for whomever is footing the bill! OK, actual decision, I would have to say the maid service...I would have a clean house and time to knit!

5. Would you ever vajazzle?
Uh, No.

6. Favorite Disney Princess?
Probably Mulan (see #10 on Friday's Post here). She's really the only one that is strong, and doesn't rely on the prince to save her! She does the saving! Now every other female in this house would say the prize goes to Cinderella! My friend Amy has a great post about Princesses, here, and about Princes here.

7. Last movie that made you bawl your eyes out?
Is it so sad that I cry so much at movies that I am having trouble figuring out the last one that made me do it? I really can't pinpoint the last one that I bawled at, seeing as how if there is ANYTHING remotely emotional about it, I will most likely cry. E tends to find this hilarious!

8. Have you ever broken any bones and if so what?
No, I haven't broken any bones. Ripped some ligaments, but nothing broken. Considering what a klutz I am, I consider this a pretty big miracle!

Big Thanks MannLand5 for doing this meme as my mind is in a fog today due to a RAGING headache and I don't think I really could have come up with something to write about!

With Love,
Theresa

Random Things About Me!

Hi all! I have been sitting here trying to figure out what to blog about today. I was coming up EMPTY!! And I do mean EMPTY! So, I am going to cheat and tell you 10 things about myself. I have already done 25 of them that you can read here.

1. I LOVE Janis Joplin!! Seriously, for a woman whose voice really was not very musical, she sure could wail! (I am not even going to tell you how many times I had to type wail to get it spelled right!) And speaking of...

2. I am a HORRIBLE speller! (Have to add that after I hit spell check, I discovered I had spelled Horrible wrong!) Thank goodness for spell check! I was a great student in school and it was a good thing I have a good memory and could memorize things because if I don't pay attention, I can't spell crap! C-R-A-P...huh, I guess I can! :)

3. I have become a HUGE Sci-Fi Nerd! I'm not sure when this happened, but I just can't get enough Star Trek, Star Wars, and the like. Maybe that is why I like the whole vampire/supernatural genre so much too. My name is Theresa and I am a nerd!

4. I am a Pack Rat! Now, I don't think you will see me on "Hoarders" any time soon, but I really am. It comes honest, both grandmothers are/were. I keep the most random things too, you never know when you might need them! I am trying to do better, but I have the hardest time throwing things away!

5. I can type VERY fast! My mom was a typing teacher so I learned how to type at an early age. This was a HUGE blessing in college as it helped when having to type papers in the wee hours of the mornings! Also, occasionally paid for some beer when I typed papers for others.

6. I get super-duper excited when I see that someone has sent me a Facebook message or left me a comment on here. I mean, probably stupid excited! Want to guess how happy I am when I get snail mail?!?

7. I have all these plans of crafts that I want to do, things I want to make, new things I want to try. How much do I get done? Not much...3 kids take a lot of my free time. Geez. :)

8. I took piano lessons from the time I was about 5 or 6 until I was 12 or 13 (I don't really remember exactly when I started or finished, but it was about 7 years!). I used to be really good. I haven't played in a long time and could probably till read the music just fine, but I have a feeling it would take me a while to get through any songs. L really wants to learn. Whenever the time comes that we build a bigger house, the first thing I want to put in is a piano. I'll probably just go with a standing one, but would love a Grand Piano! Oh to dream!!

9. I've never really gotten into Halloween. I don't know why...I LOVE to dress up. I would love to act You would think that would be a natural transition!

10. The Disney Princesses annoy the crap out of me! I realize in this house, my two darling daughters would say that is blasphemous, but seriously! All this having to be rescued by a man...it gets old! The only one that doesn't drive me completely up a wall is Mulan, mainly because she does most of the rescuing! That said, I will sit down and watch them though. At least the songs are enjoyable! :)

There you go. 10 things you maybe didn't know about me! Now, aren't you glad you didn't ask and now know me JUST a LITTLE better?

Have a great weekend everyone! I get to wear my sexy black dress and go out with my sexy husband (we have a wedding to go to!). I can't wait! Maybe I'll try and get some pictures, assuming I can get E to stand still for them!

With Love,
Theresa

Thursday Five

I have been participating in this meme over at MannLand5. Check out my answers and then go check out Keely's. Then, go ahead, do them on your own blog. Make sure you let me know about it! :)



Things today that have made me feel...

1. HAPPY...having a great cook-out lunch at my hubby's work. It was with a bunch of contractors, but still a lot of fun!

2. DELIGHTED...to have M's eyes still be clear this morning. Seriously, it is so great to see his pretty eyes...did you know they were blue? Huh. Weird.

3. GRATEFUL...to have family and friends that I love so much, that love me and support me. You know who you are.

4. TOTALLY STOKED...that I got to watch Jimmy Kimmel's Twilight: Total Eclipse of the Heart special today after DVR'ing it last night. I was afraid the storm would interfere with the signal, it only did a little at the end so I got to watch most of it. I can't wait for Eclipse to come out...I am such a nerd!

5. THANKFUL...that my friend Jen is doing better and will hopefully come home from the hospital soon!

Oh, and how about a little Fiber Therapy today?

I just finished these up last night...



They are a surprise for someone...SSHHHHHH!!!! Tigger is DIGGIN' his new hat...and Gary the giraffe? Well, I promise he is there, I didn't behead him!

I finally got the ends woven in on this shawl last night too. I have to block it tonight so that I can wear it Saturday night to a wedding.




This is the start of the log cabin blanket for J's speech therapist. They are Chicago Bears fans and are NOT finding out the baby's sex, so I am going with Blue, Orange, and White. I have 9 of these to do and this one isn't finished...Lord help me!



This is my mom's scarf. Want to know how much I love her? Well, around 8 feet of 1x1 ribbing should tell you! For you non-knitters, this is a LOT of back and forth and back and forth. It guess it is better than 2x2 rib though, that you actually have to pay attention too!



Sorry for the crappy pictures...for some reason, my computer is not recognizing my actual camera so I am taking pics with my phone. If I can get the real camera to work, I'll take better pics!

Have a great day!
With Love,
Theresa

Wednesday Catch Up

Does anyone have an ark we could borrow? The animals are starting to come out 2 by 2! Seriously, this rain is ridiculous! And even when it isn't raining, there is a constant threat, so it makes planning outdoor activities such a pain! Here are some pics my hubby took yesterday around our town...crazy huh? And to be honest, we haven't been hit near as hard as some others!




I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday so let me tell you how my weigh in went. I lost 1.2 pounds this week. I am struggling to remember that the smaller I get the slower the weight needs to come off so that it STAYS off. Anyone else have trouble with this. I feel like I am working so hard that it should still just be melting off like it did in the beginning. I'm also hitting that point where I don't want to count POINTS or calories or anything. I just want to eat what I want to eat. But, I know that is what got me into this situation in the first place so I need to stay strong, but it is difficult!

I do have some book reviews for you! I just finished the last of the 3 Fat City Mysteries by Kathryn Lilley. Now, I have read a lot of mysteries. I've read enough of them to know how mystery novel writers write and can usually tell you "who dun it" by about 3/4 of the way through. I have to admit that with these, I was somewhat stumped. They were very well written. I really enjoyed them. The books are Dying To Be Thin, Killer Workout, and Make-overs are Murder. For a brief summary of the books go here. With all of the weight loss and exercising that I have been doing, these book totally fit right into my life. They really were good. I enjoyed the main character Kate. She was interesting and was easy to root for. I suggest them if you are looking for something new to read!

If you have read much of my blog, you know that I enjoy the good vampire or supernatural tale. I LOVE the show True Blood on HBO and have just started reading The Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris starring Sookie Stackhouse. The first one is Dead After Dark and so far I am really liking it, even though it is pretty much the first season of True Blood. But, I am enjoying it so far, I hope I will continue to do so. I'll let you know!

Have a great day!!
With Love,
Theresa

Getting To Know You

Once again, I am taking part in the Getting To Know You Meme over at MannLand5. Read my answers and then go over to MannLand, grab the questions, link your blog and let me know that you did it so I can read your answers! :)



1. While at the beach, pool, etc..Do you cover up your assets or show them off?
I cover. I am just now where I feel somewhat comfortable even IN a bathing suit. I am NOT going to be flaunting the girls or the thighs!

2. Road trips or Plane trips?
Depends on where I am going. As long as I don't have to drive I am fine being in the car. As long as I would be able to take my needles to knit, I am fine being on a plane. Can I just go SOMEWHERE? PLEASE???

3. I can't stand it when...?
all three of my kiddos decide to throw a fit at once. Seriously, what is with that? I can handle a lot, but it is really difficult for me to keep my cool with 3 kids yelling their heads off!

4. Have you ever gone topless at the beach?
Uh, no. I've nursed 3 kids. 'Nuff Said.

5. How many blog carnivals do you do a week?
What is a blog carnival? I'm going to have to research this. Are there Elephant Ears there? What about Corn Dogs? Snow Cones?

6. My favorite thing about the weekend is...?
Sleeping In? Nope, don't get to do that. Not dealing with my children? Nope, still have to do that. Let's go with, spending time with my hubby.

7. Pancakes or waffles?
Depends. At a restaurant, pancakes all the way. If at home, I am a waffle girl.

8. Water Park or Amusement Park?
Amusement. I am not a HUGE water fan as it is and I LOVE LOVE LOVE me some roller coasters! I haven't been on one in a while, thinking a trip to Kings Island or Cedar Point may be in order! Maybe next summer.

With Love,
Theresa

My Favorite Things..

Today I want to tell you about one of my favorite things, my minivan.


**I found this picture online. It isn't my actual minivan! :)

WHAT? A MINIVAN? Yes, my minivan. I can't believe I am even saying that. I swore I would NEVER be a minivan mom. I didn't want one and at 2 children, I thought I was safe. Then we shockingly got preggo with baby number 3! I had NO choice! So, off to the minivan store we went. I was SO negative about the whole situation. I just did NOT want to be that mom! Can I just tell you how happy I am that we have one?!?! It is such a life-saver!

I'm not sure what is my favorite feature. I LOVE the automatic doors. I LOVE the 2 DVD players. I LOVE all the room! Seriously, as much as I did NOT want one, I am so grateful for one!! It makes trips SO much easier. The kids like it, the hubby likes it. What more could a mommy want.

If you think you are NOT a minivan mom, check this video. It makes it MUCH cooler! :)



Have a great one!
With Love,
Theresa

Thursday Five

Last week I started participating in this meme over at MannLand5. Read through mine, then go and check her's out, then by all means do your own! (Don't forget to link yours up!)



1. I am HAPPY that tomorrow is Friday. Seriously, this has been a heck of a week!!

2. I am GRATEFUL that God is so good and my friends are all slowly hopefully going to be OK!

3. I am JUBILANT that I was somewhat pleased with what I saw when I looked in the mirror today. This is a day to day thing for me and today was a good one!

4. I am ECSTATIC that right now my house is clean(ish). I know it won't stay that way for long, but it is nice to have it clean for a bit!

5. I am THANKFUL that I have so many wonderful people in my life. I put out a request for prayers for my friends and that is what I got. I needed someone to vent to and that is what I got. I needed someone to make me smile and that is what I got. I am a VERY lucky woman!!

Have a great day!!
With Love,
Theresa

Thanks and Catching Up!

Thank you so much to everyone for all their prayers for my friends. Both are still hanging in there! Jen is actually slowly waking up as I type this! It just goes to show that God is Good and that all these people praying DOES make a difference! Thank you!!

I need to play a little catch up here if you don't mind. This week has been a little chaotic, but I am trying to get back on track!

TAKE IT OFF TUESDAY: This week was NOT so great in the weight loss department! I only lost 2 tenths of a pound! I was REALLY upset about this until I realized a few things. First, that is 2/10ths that I will NEVER see again! Secondly, this has been a MAJORLY stressful week and stress and weight loss do NOT go very well together, plus I tend to stress eat and the kids' animal crackers are KILLING ME! Next, I have started to notice some major definition in my arms which means more muscle and less fat. So, 2/10ths isn't so bad. I can deal with that!

BOOK WORM WEDNESDAY: I do have a book t0 review, but it is the first in a series and I am on the second of the series. There is one more and when I am done with it, I will fill you in on all three. They are actually pretty good!! Hopefully next week, I will be able to review all three of the Fat City Mysteries for you!

FIBER THERAPY THURSDAY: I gave my MIL her hooded scarf yesterday. She seemed to really like it! I am SO glad. I was a little worried! Here is a pic of me wearing it:


Right now I am working on a couple of things: a baby blanket for J's speech therapist a shawl for me for this wedding we are going to (I only have to weave in the ends and block i though), a scarf for mom, and I am getting ready to start her hat. I'm sure there are more things though, those are just the REALLY current ones!

So, that is it for today! I hope you all have a wonderful day and thanks again for the prayers!
With Love,
Theresa

Prayers are Needed BADLY!

I have 2 people in my life that are in desperate need. If you pray, please pray. If you think, please think. These are important people in my life and I hate that this is happening to each of them.

The first is a man I have known my entire life. He is in the hospital fighting, but it is scary. I just keep praying that he will be OK. I also feel so bad for my dad. He lost his best friend last year and now the man that would probably be his second closest friend is lying sick in the hospital. Neither dad nor I do well with not being able to do anything!

The other is my good friend Jen. She is a sorority sister, but so much more. She was my Big Sis in the house, and just a big part of my life. She is a kind soul who would do anything for anyone. She has a beautiful daughter that is the same age as J (2) and a wonderful husband. She was pregnant with their second baby girl and due in August. Jen had gastric bypass a little over 5 years ago. Well, Friday night, she started having some pain, so they went to the hospital. The doctor couldn't find a heart beat; they had lost the baby. They took her back for surgery and discovered that 90% of her bowels were not getting any blood. They had to keep her sedated and went back in again yesterday removing the majority of her bowels. It is a very touch and go situation. She has had 2 good days and had a good night last night. The surgeon judged her healthy enough to have the 3rd surgery that she needs tomorrow to finish fixing her bowels and then to sew her up. Assuming all goes well, they will start to wake her up after that. We have a lot of people praying for her and her family, but it just sucks to not be able to do anything else for her. I have been in contact with her husband and have become the spreader of the information, finally getting er husband's permission to post it on Facebook. So, we are all trusting in God to take care of her and being grateful that Jen is a fighter. It is just difficult to not be able to do more.

So, please please please pray for my friends. They really need them. Thank you!!
With Love,
Theresa

**This post was edited by me...sorry.**

Getting To Know You

Going to join in again this week on the "getting To Know You" over at MannLand5. Check out my answers and then go over to her blog and get the questions for yourself! :)



The questions..
1. If you could have one of Superman's, powers which one would you want? Superhuman strength..Flight..Superhuman speed..X-Ray vision..etc

I think I would want Superhuman speed.

2. The best thing I ever won is....?

Technically I didn't win this, my hubby did, but we won a 49" Flat Screen TV! Unfortunately, it is still in the box!

3. Have you ever skyped with a bloggy friend?

Nope

4. What is your favorite Summer month?

August...my birthday is the 12th!

5. Pool, Lake, or Ocean?

Pool. I'm not huge on the water as it is. But, I've been in the ocean and in lakes. I prefer the ocean...it was warmer!

6. One of my favorite Summer memories is.....?

Playing baseball with my cousins. Didn't get much more fun than that!

7. What's your favorite secret bargain?

The Children's Place or Hobby Lobby (as long as you have coupons!)

8. Do you plan on or have you been watching the World Cup?

Yes, hubby watches it, so therefore, so do I!

Thursday Five

MannLand5 has some great meme's. I am joining in on another today. I am excited! Check her out!!



I am BLESSED to have such an amazing husband that works so hard so I can stay home with our children. He loves me for me and makes me feel sexy and beautiful no matter what I look like!

I am DELIGHTED that J is starting to say more words. She actually said "Up Please" today at the park when she wanted to get into the swing!!

I am JOYOUS that I am getting so much support in my weight loss adventure.

I am CHEERFUL that L is starting to take an interest in cooking and helping get things ready for dinner.

I am JOLLY that I got a full night's sleep last night. Oddly, I am even more tired today. Weird!

Have a great one!
With Love,
Theresa

The Video Says It All!

After my post on Tuesday, I have been trying to not play the comparison game, but unfortunately not with much success. I just can't help it. I've always thought I have a lot of self-confidence, but now I am not so sure. Not if I can't even make it through a 60 minute Body Pump class without comparing myself to all the women in the room, including the 15 year old in just the sports bra! Isn't there something wrong with that? It has been 15 years since I WAS 15, besides, I'm pretty sure I could NEVER pull off the lone sports bra look (and see, there I go again!). But this afternoon while searching around on different blogs while the kiddos were asleep, I came across the blog Formerly Hot. I figured out, that is how I feel, I feel formerly hot! To be honest, I'm not sure I was ever hot, but now I sure do formerly that way! Well, this wonderful blogger had a video on her blog. After watching it several times and laughing so hard (I was glad I was not drinking anything as I probably would have drenched and fried my already struggling computer!) I knew I HAD to repost it. I don't even know how to describe it! It was perfect. I'm not really a Lady Gaga fan (a post for another day), but am SO loving this parody! Check it out and then head over to Formerly Hot and see her too!



I have decided that I am Formerly Hot and working on becoming a MILF! Does that work?
Have a great day and a good laugh!
With Love,
Theresa

Why Do We Do It?

OK ladies...why do we do it? Seriously, why do we do it to ourselves? What am I talking about? I'm talking about comparing ourselves to others. Every woman does it. If you sit there and say that you don't, well, you are lying to everyone, even yourself. We all do it. We can be completely happy, and in the time it takes to watch a TV commercial or even take in a breath, we are comparing ourselves to the woman next to us, or the woman on that commercial. Where is this coming from you might be asking, well let me tell you.

I lost 2 pounds this week. I am EXTREMELY happy about it. I am. I have come to terms with the fact that the more weight I lose, the slower it will come off. I know that is a good thing and it means that the weight will hopefully stay off. So, I am happy with the loss, that was until I went to the gym. I didn't even get into the door before I did the comparison game. Another mom walked in at the same time I did with 3 little ones as well. Hers were a little older than mine, but that wasn't really the point. The point in my eyes was that this mom looked phenomenal!! I mean really great: very thin and muscular, tan and really pretty. She was all of those things that every mom wants to look like after having kids. Then during class I got to talking to a mom that has 2 girls the same age as mine and a little boy that is 4 months old. She looked great too! Seriously great. It just really made me start to get down on myself. Yeah, I've lost over 50 pounds, but still have so much to go. I don't look like that. My belly is not flat and doesn't seem to be shrinking. My arms are still big and since they are WAY muscley (yes, I make up words!) always will be. It just made me sad. Isn't that ridiculous? I should be so stinking proud of the work that I have put in and the results I have gotten. I should be shouting from the roof tops because as of this morning, I am the smallest that I have been since before E and I got married. I should be VERY proud. And, in some respects I am. But it is difficult because I don't see it. Obviously I know that I am smaller, I am in smaller clothes, therefore, I MUST be a smaller person. But I don't see it. I still see that fat woman that is 50 pounds heavier if not more. I don't see that my waist is really getting smaller and my curves are "bangin'". Why don't I see that?

Because I don't look like this:


Or This:


Or This:


(Yes, this is 2 months AFTER her son was born!)

Those are what society tells us we moms should look like. Well, society, you have my apologies, but I don't look like that. Most likely, I never will. I don't have someone to cook and clean for me. I don't have someone to watch my kids for hours at a time so I can have a trainer work me out and help me get cut (before anyone comments yes, I take my kids to the gym for 90 minutes almost every day, but I think you get my meaning here, right?!?!). Society, THAT IS NOT THE NORM!!! Can we say it again? THAT IS NOT THE NORM!!!!! Every day women do NOT look like that. Should we feel bad about it? NO. We shouldn't. Do we? YES we do.

It is so frustrating to me. I WANT to be happy with what I see. I have 2 beautiful daughters that I want SO badly to grow up with a healthy body image. I have a son that I want to grow up to appreciate a REAL woman, not some plastic bimbo (I am not calling Jennifer Garner, Rebecca Romijn, or Heidi Klum plastic bimbos here. They are BEAUTIFUL women and I celebrate them for their accomplishments, I'm just saying again that they are not the norm.) that he has plastered up on his wall. I don't want my daughters thinking they have to look like Paris Hilton or Lindsey Lohan to get a boyfriend. I don't want M to think his woman has to look like ANY of these women. I want them all to respect themselves and the women around them. But, how do I do that when I have a difficult time doing it for myself?

I need to get over it. My body is strong. Those hips...yeah, they birthed 3 beautiful babies. Those legs...they walked many laps around the nursery and have ran after little ones running away in delight. Those arms...they have rocked 3 angels to sleep. That belly...well, it housed the 3 best things I have ever done. My body does what it is supposed to do. I should revel in the fact that it is healthy and not bring myself down for the fact that it doesn't look like any of those other women. E loves me for me, curves and all. I need to love me for me, because I AM THE NORM!!

OK, I'm done. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Celebrate yourself! You deserve it!
With love,
Theresa

Yellow Chicken?

That was the color of our dinner...bright yellow! It tasted really good though, so I am going to share the recipe with you!

Lemony Chicken
4-5 Chicken breasts
lemon juice
lemon pepper seasoning

Do NOT preheat your oven yet!!! Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Place your chicken breasts in it. Take a fork and stab the heck out of the chicken, both sides. Go on, get all your frustrations out on the poor bird! With the bottom sides of the breasts up, poor some lemon juice over them. Flip the breasts over and poor more lemon juice on top. I really didn't measure here, just eye it...you want some to pool in the bottom of the dish. I probably used 1/2-1 c. Then heavily sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until about 30-45 minutes before ready to eat. When ready to cook, preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook chicken until a thermometer reads at least 165 degrees. When done, pull out and let sit for 5 minutes (you should do this with most meats...it seals in the juiciness!). Serve. I found it even better once the chicken was cut to spoon a little of the leftover lemon juice in the pan over the pieces....YUM!!

My first weigh in for this contest is tomorrow...wish me luck!
With love,
Theresa

Getting To Know You...

I found this at a MannLand5, a blog I like to read. I hope you enjoy learning some more about me!



1. If a person has a booger in their nose. and you can see it, do you tell them?
It depends on who the person is. If it is someone I know, then yes. If it is a stranger, than probably not. I might try and do the discreet rub by nose and try and get them to realize it though!

2. What are you passionate about?
Well, my family of course. But other than that, Knitting. If you have read this blog at all, you probably already know that.

3. How long have you been blogging?
I really do not know the answer to that. I have had a website of sorts since 2005. I started this blog a year ago, but didn't do as much as I wanted until recently.

4. What is your favorite "summer" drink?
Beer or mojitos or lemonade.

5. What is your favorite type of music?
Country or Classic Rock. I really like just about anything except gangsta' rap. It is just so violent. Not my idea of good tunage!

6. Something I do before I go to bed is......?
Play on my BlackBerry. I am a dork.

7. My Summer vacation plans are...?
Probably visit my parents a couple of times and go to see my BIL in tractor pulls. Nothing too exciting!

8. My favorite must have, can't live without, beauty product is?
Tinted moisturizer...if nothing else, I have to have that!!

Have a great Sunday!
With Love,
Theresa

Wednesday and Thursday Combined

I started to post yesterday, really I did, but the stupid computer decided that freezing up was such a better idea! So, I didn't get very far. I will make up for that today as I have both a book review and some fiber therapy for you! :)

I FINALLY finished Chasing Harry Winston, written by Lauren Weisberger. You can read a description here. I really enjoyed The Devil Wears Prada and Everyone Worth Knowing by this author, but I think this was my least favorite of the 3. Honestly, it was pretty predictable. The writing was very good and the plot had the potential to be great, but it just sort of fizzled out. It felt almost like her publisher told her she had went on too long and had to stop, and then she did. If you are really into Chick Lit like I am, then by all means, check it out. Maybe you will have a different opinion than I did. If so, let me know what you thought!

I started reading a book called Wicked which is a combination of two books, Witch and Curse. Unfortunately, I do not remember the author, honestly, I could only get through about the first 30 pages. I try to give any book the first 30 pages before I decide if I just can't read it. This one I just wasn't getting into. Odd, since I really enjoy the whole supernatural genre of literature, but apparently, not this one. Maybe I'll try it again some other time, but not right now. Instead, I switched to a book called, Dying To Be Thin by Kathryn Lilley. Here is a summary. It is pretty funny so far. With all the dieting and exercising I have been doing, it is fitting right into the theme of my life!

And now for a little Fiber Therapy...Presenting my ABSOLUTELY beautiful Norther Lights Shawl!!!




Isn't it GORGEOUS!?!?!? I love it. I have absolutely NO idea where I am going to wear it, but who cares! Everyone needs a little glamour in their life, don't they. I just wish the people at WalMart would properly appreciate it!

I am almost done with my MIL's scarf too! I am very excited...I feel like I have been knitting on it FOREVER! I hope to have pictures next week. I made myself promise that I wouldn't start anything new until I finished it, so I can't wait to get it done!

I hope that you have a wonderful day! See you tomorrow!
With Love,
Theresa

Weight Loss Contest Take 2

Today is the start of my second Biggest Loser Contest a friend of mine runs. I am really excited about it! I am hoping to lose at least 20 pounds this time around. As of right now, I am over 50 pounds less than when I started this journey on January 26th. That's right, you read 50 POUNDS!!! To be honest, I feel fantastic! I am in a lot smaller clothes than when I started, I feel better, I have more energy (well, as much energy as one can have with a 7 month old that doesn't sleep!). I am stronger and more fit. I feel like I can chase the kiddos around a little easier. I just overall just feel better! So, my goal for the contest is 20 pounds, but overall I think I would like to lose a total of 30 more. That would put me at minus 80 pounds which would really be kick ass! I can't even imagine how good I would look and feel if I were to hit that!

I was able to try something new at the gym too. I have REALLY bad knees (2 knee surgeries and arthritis at 30...it sucks) so I have never been really good at Stairmasters. But, I thought, that I am 50 pounds lighter, I would give it a try on Sunday. I only did it for 15 minutes just in case my knees exploded on Monday. It felt really great! I am excited! I can add something else to my workouts. I don't want to get bored. I have to keep adding/trying new things. I tend to plateau really easily and doing different things usually helps keep those at bay! So, tomorrow, going to try for 20 minutes on the Stair climber machine. Today I went up in weight at Body Pump. Probably not the best idea seeing as I am REALLY tired, but it still felt great! There is just something very satisfying about upping the weight and feeling that good tired feeling. Plus, I LOVE doing bicep curls...instant gratification, especially now that I am getting trimmer, those biceps really pop!!

I really missed writing last week and over the weekend. I'm anxious to get back into the swing of things!

With Love,
Theresa