tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92085677897476627432024-03-13T11:33:37.734-05:00WhitneyOur greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
Thomas A. Edisonjcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-14959305565521502012013-01-03T11:27:00.000-06:002013-01-03T11:27:06.214-06:00Happy New Year...2013<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Happy third day of the new year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year's. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were so busy for the last several weeks. We finally finished our floors. Aside from getting used to the foot prints and refraining from cleaning them every time I see them, I love the floors. The color is wonderful and I love that we do not have as much dust.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started focusing on my weight loss again on New Year's Day. I told myself I had to walk at least 30 minutes each day. I also planned healthy dinners along with my breakfast, lunch, & snacks. I have been drinking more water too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I actually ran for 10 minutes of my walk on New Year's Day. It wasn't planned but I felt good so I did it. I was proud of myself for that. Yesterday I walked. I was not feeling well. Caleb was sick on New Year's Eve and Day so I was hoping I didn't catch something. I decided to walk but walk slow and take my time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With walking and eating healthier I am feeling a lot better. I told myself that I know I feel better and sleep better when I work out so why can't I just find 15-30 minutes to do this?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I shouldn't be too hard on myself though. It was the holidays and we were very busy so I can say that while I was not focusing on me, I did not stop thinking about how I needed to get back on track after the holidays. Maybe that helped me not go completely overboard in some way? hmmm...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday I made Hungry Girl's pulled Pork. You can find her recipe for 'Cue the Pulled Pork </span><a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1537" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. It turned out pretty good. The serving size was a lot too, 2/3 cup. I don't think I will use pork shoulder again though, unless my local meat market will cut a lean 3/4 lb for me, I'll just stick with the tenderloin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also made Weight Watcher's Oven Fries. You can find the recipe for that </span><a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeId=225411" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. I didn't have baking potatoes so I just used the red potatoes I had with sea salt that I crushed with the back of a spoon. They turned out great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I served steamed asparagus for myself and small salads for both of us. I made apple cobbler for dessert. I bought a pre-mixed cobbler, peeled & cored gala apples, and added 5 Tbsp of butter. I served vanilla ice cream with it. YUM!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For some reason I was hungry all day yesterday. I drank water. That didn't help. I ate a string cheese, that helped a little. After lunch it was the same story. I had a few roasted peanuts (shelled), that didn't help. I tried an apple, that helped a little. After dinner same story again, I was hungry. I don't know why I get like that? Crazy! I thought I managed it pretty well though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was reading some one's post on facebook today about how they discipline their kids and it got me to thinking about Caleb and how we are doing as parents. It sure is hard! I have no idea if what I am doing is right or wrong. I know my husband and I are doing the best we can. We only want what is best for Caleb and his future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caleb is getting closer to wearing "big boy" under wear all day without accidents. He likes to wear them. I let him pick out a pack at the store a few weeks ago. He liked Diego. I previously bought Jake and the Never land Pirates, which he likes but not as much as Diego. I have to ask him if he has to potty constantly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He gets to playing and forgets then has an accident sometimes. This usually occurs 10 minutes after I have asked him if he had to go, then I am cleaning or doing laundry. Sigh...Lol. He is doing really well though, I am proud of him. Now if I can just get him to eat like he did as a baby. He is so picky. Sometimes he won't even eat fruit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His diet consists of Milk, some Roaring Waters or juice (not often), fruit, carrots, crackers of many varieties (I buy whole grain where I can), french fries both white potato and sweet potato, chips, gold fish, yogurt, applesauce, fruit snacks, raisins, pizza (on occasion), bread (on occasion), tacos (JIB or frozen mini beef tacos...terrible I know), vanilla wafers, pretzels, multi-grain cheerios, waffles...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It isn't horrible but it isn't great either. I give him a little of what we are eating. He always pushes it away. We both ask him if he wants a bite of what we have, he never does. I figure I will just keep putting it out there for him and maybe one day he will eat it? On the very rare occasion he has eaten a PB&J, grilled cheese, cheerios with milk, soup, chili, and deer tenderloin. I hope he grows out of this soon. His doctor isn't too worried since Caleb drinks so much milk and does eat fruit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is getting to a tough phase. He wants to argue about everything. It's a fight to get dressed for the day and for bed time. It's a fight to take a bath and get out. It's a fight to take a nap or go to bed, mostly the naps. If I say something is blue or orange then he argues that it isn't. Lol. He is very strong minded and stubborn. He is also very particular about how things are supposed to be or where they go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He acts so much older than 2 1/2 that I often forget he is 2 1/2. I try to be consistent and keep a routine so he doesn't have any surprises and he knows what to expect. I also do what I say I am going to do. Sometimes he still pushes buttons and tests me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are days where it is just too much and I have no idea what to do, what is right? But no matter what, I always tell him I love him. I explain why he was disciplined for what he did. I always hug him. I tell him I am proud of him. I remind him that when he helps pick up his toys it helps me out a lot. I feel these things are important for him to hear every day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I watch a few kids before and after school. I also watch some for a few days throughout the week. Caleb does not get a long with one of the younger boys. Caleb goes out of his way to push him or tell him that he cannot play with something. Caleb does not want to share with this little boy at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I put him in time out, spank him, or talk to him depending on how bad his action was. I talk to him about it no matter what and then have him tell the person he is sorry (if he hit someone or something like that).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe in teaching him what is right and wrong now so when he is older he will have an easier time. While some may think he is too young to understand, he is not. He is very smart and while some things may not make sense to him, he does understand others. It depends on each child how they should be disciplined, in my opinion. The more I am consistent with consequences to his actions the more he will learn what he should and shouldn't do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am no expert and I probably do a lot of things wrong. But I do know that I love my son and I want to see him grow up to be a respectable young man. I want him to feel like he can come to me for anything and talk to me about anything. I want him to be successful and responsible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have received many compliments on how well my husband and I are raising him. He is very well behaved in public and at other people's homes. Caleb has been such a great kid and we just adore him. He plays well with other kids (just not this one little boy) and really enjoys learning. He will be going to pre-school soon and I know he will do great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes how you raise your child can cause quite a conflict among others. I don't know if I seem too strict or not strict enough. I will keep learning as I go. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What would you do if your child got along with other kids fine but one child he did not get along with? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How would you get your kids to eat different foods?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well that is my thoughts for now. I'd love positive feedback. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have a great day! The sun is shining here in MO even though there is snow on the ground and it is cold.</span><br />
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-78052339221160629372012-12-23T21:29:00.000-06:002012-12-23T21:29:36.559-06:00December 2012 Catch-Up<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello. I am sorry for the long delay in posting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been really busy and struggling with many things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really just needed time to get myself back on track.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is some of what I have been up to for the last month...</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FAlQJndbLYc/UNeZQaPWOeI/AAAAAAAAAxc/PghjiSTcaFE/s640/blogger-image-926768808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FAlQJndbLYc/UNeZQaPWOeI/AAAAAAAAAxc/PghjiSTcaFE/s640/blogger-image-926768808.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pjuo1TEa734/UNeZ36-tHJI/AAAAAAAAAyk/hh2Yq3mVK1U/s640/blogger-image-2089806926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pjuo1TEa734/UNeZ36-tHJI/AAAAAAAAAyk/hh2Yq3mVK1U/s640/blogger-image-2089806926.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jf7v5aPgPTY/UNeZ6VKy47I/AAAAAAAAAzE/Ibgqeb80S68/s640/blogger-image--987329999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jf7v5aPgPTY/UNeZ6VKy47I/AAAAAAAAAzE/Ibgqeb80S68/s640/blogger-image--987329999.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BnPlh3RgHzs/UNeZ5C4iHpI/AAAAAAAAAy0/xogZHmSP6jA/s640/blogger-image-1542217023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BnPlh3RgHzs/UNeZ5C4iHpI/AAAAAAAAAy0/xogZHmSP6jA/s640/blogger-image-1542217023.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kaaFyAY8-pc/UNeZ7u280sI/AAAAAAAAAzU/HFDv3IVqwgQ/s640/blogger-image-1103092920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kaaFyAY8-pc/UNeZ7u280sI/AAAAAAAAAzU/HFDv3IVqwgQ/s640/blogger-image-1103092920.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nha0FBOC4Bc/UNeZRKc8NhI/AAAAAAAAAxk/xuFXNOWy8Q0/s640/blogger-image--1763419912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nha0FBOC4Bc/UNeZRKc8NhI/AAAAAAAAAxk/xuFXNOWy8Q0/s640/blogger-image--1763419912.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The photos above are when we were getting ready for Thanksgiving. I weigh about 194 here. I feel really good and skinny. Excited to wear skinny jeans and boots over them. This was a first for me. I received many compliments that I looked really good and to keep it up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My son looks so adorable in his outfit with the hat and tie. He of course didn't keep the tie on for very long so I am glad I got pictures of him before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My hubby was tired of me complaining about how our house smelled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~I was letting my neighbor's dogs out for a couple of days and every time I would come back into our house, I thought it smelled. It's not like our house is disgusting or anything. I clean. I am always vacuuming and shampooing the carpets. They never seem to stay clean and I can never seem to get rid of the musty smell.~ </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SO...he tells me "that's it we are getting new floors for Christmas"!!! He found a great deal at a local place on laminate floors. We put in our order then headed to Red Robin for lunch. The photo above is my hubby and son at lunch. They are too cute!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caleb and I went shopping for Christmas decorations and gifts at Michael's. We were having a special day together since he was going to his Grandma and Grandpa's for the whole weekend. I took him out for donuts for breakfast before hand. This was a special treat that we don't do often.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He saw a "baby" tree, that's what he called it, and asked if he could have one in his room. So we picked one out and picked up some decorations for it. Luckily, they were all on sale. Score!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We found a few things that he could make for his grandma's too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uo2mCyroCRo/UNeZ4VKg2oI/AAAAAAAAAys/dw7QxbjYAZY/s640/blogger-image-1453387160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uo2mCyroCRo/UNeZ4VKg2oI/AAAAAAAAAys/dw7QxbjYAZY/s640/blogger-image-1453387160.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rfHjfTSKDNk/UNeaA8TA-1I/AAAAAAAAA0M/w4F5Cj3yt3I/s640/blogger-image-1364667223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rfHjfTSKDNk/UNeaA8TA-1I/AAAAAAAAA0M/w4F5Cj3yt3I/s640/blogger-image-1364667223.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our niece had her baby on November 30. His name is Andrew. Isn't he adorable!!! Caleb thought he was pretty neat too!</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lejiImMfMg0/UNeZ-Et6AxI/AAAAAAAAAzs/xwMLF-cg1Q8/s640/blogger-image--879405174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lejiImMfMg0/UNeZ-Et6AxI/AAAAAAAAAzs/xwMLF-cg1Q8/s640/blogger-image--879405174.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dWh43eFpFgA/UNeZTHwr_HI/AAAAAAAAAx8/HQxBXWbxDmg/s640/blogger-image--1242222599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dWh43eFpFgA/UNeZTHwr_HI/AAAAAAAAAx8/HQxBXWbxDmg/s640/blogger-image--1242222599.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AelXRi6v2Zg/UNeZ7Oei20I/AAAAAAAAAzM/IPAHVm6zyow/s640/blogger-image-1676347806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AelXRi6v2Zg/UNeZ7Oei20I/AAAAAAAAAzM/IPAHVm6zyow/s640/blogger-image-1676347806.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December 1 we headed out for "wine country" off of highway 94. We stopped at Sugar Creek Winery and had lunch at Augusta Brewing Co. We tried a few different types of beer. Interesting that I liked the Imperial Pumpkin Porter beer the best. The only dark beer I have ever liked is Amberbach, it's not that dark though. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We continued on our journey down highway 94 and stopped at Stone hill Winery in Hermann. LOVE Hermann! Tasted a few different wines and decided on what to buy. It was getting late so we thought we should head on to the Bed in Breakfast that we needed to check-in to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrived at Loganberry Inn and I realized that I lost my driver's license. Once we were settled in our room and I picked out a few movies from their movie cabinet, we called the places we stopped at to see if they found my license.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not too long after I received a call from Augusta Brewing Company. Someone turned it in to them. We would be stopping by there on the way home. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Inn was very nice and so were the owners. We just felt out of our comfort zone being in someone else's house. We walked into town to get dinner and window shopped a little. It was disappointing that many of their shops were closed early on a Saturday night. The Soda Fountain I wanted to go to closed at 6...bummer! So we walked back to the Inn to watch some movies and enjoy the gift basket I received. It had delicious, gourmet brownies, 2 different types of cheese, crackers, strawberries, grapes, and a bottle of champagne. Yum!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we headed up stairs for breakfast, we met the other couples that were staying at the Inn. The breakfast was very good! They served ham and cheese quiche and cinnamon apple french toast. I had never had anything like them. Very fancy and elegant. My very picky hubby even enjoyed them. We had orange juice with our breakfast too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a very nice weekend away. </span><br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lkMxQYY-bR8/UNeZR4i63gI/AAAAAAAAAxs/0tmWEq4Io3Q/s640/blogger-image--175304695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lkMxQYY-bR8/UNeZR4i63gI/AAAAAAAAAxs/0tmWEq4Io3Q/s640/blogger-image--175304695.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(The wall is actually blue. The lighting was yellow so it looks green.)</span><br />
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uL_fZFtSzGk/UNeZ2YUzOqI/AAAAAAAAAyU/PaWizant08g/s640/blogger-image--1403706097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uL_fZFtSzGk/UNeZ2YUzOqI/AAAAAAAAAyU/PaWizant08g/s640/blogger-image--1403706097.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our floors arrived! So we pulled up the carpet in our bedroom and got to work installing the new floor. Love the color and love it so far!</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9mFxl4dr-4E/UNeZ10Y5dhI/AAAAAAAAAyM/j3gycXBree8/s640/blogger-image-210699138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9mFxl4dr-4E/UNeZ10Y5dhI/AAAAAAAAAyM/j3gycXBree8/s640/blogger-image-210699138.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bnbnZq6LRAA/UNeaFjWYSwI/AAAAAAAAA08/Mc00s6jGTQE/s640/blogger-image--1126895731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bnbnZq6LRAA/UNeaFjWYSwI/AAAAAAAAA08/Mc00s6jGTQE/s640/blogger-image--1126895731.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a before and after of my son's room. We originally were keeping the bedrooms carpeted but changed our minds. Rugs are so much cheaper to replace in the end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have completed our bedroom, Caleb's room, and the hall up to the living room. We still need to do the office and living room (which is like 2 rooms). We also need to buy new trim. The trim we tore off was cheap so hubby wanted to buy better trim. I can't wait for it to be done!</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TNwfZHV5y-A/UNeZ8M-8UCI/AAAAAAAAAzc/xlP88ypJaLM/s640/blogger-image-893766084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TNwfZHV5y-A/UNeZ8M-8UCI/AAAAAAAAAzc/xlP88ypJaLM/s640/blogger-image-893766084.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friends and I make gingerbread houses every year in December.Caleb actually participated this year and he had so much fun putting candy all over. :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0oDt2y0eTj0/UNeZ9NS-FeI/AAAAAAAAAzk/QyBNxj4ujU0/s640/blogger-image-1004160656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0oDt2y0eTj0/UNeZ9NS-FeI/AAAAAAAAAzk/QyBNxj4ujU0/s640/blogger-image-1004160656.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My little stinker has not been taking naps or going to bed on time lately. I started waking him up early in the morning hoping he would nap. When I put him in his room for nap time he just plays in there the whole time. Then he falls asleep around 5-6 at night. When we move him to take him to bed he wakes up and stays up past his bed time. So one morning before I woke him, I noticed he fell asleep with his lap top open and Mickey Mouse laying on the lap top. It looks as if they had a late night at the office. lol.</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nLEghVm3hgc/UNeaCm1WWjI/AAAAAAAAA0c/GWb9yoZr1OQ/s640/blogger-image--341941988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nLEghVm3hgc/UNeaCm1WWjI/AAAAAAAAA0c/GWb9yoZr1OQ/s640/blogger-image--341941988.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3P86JpKQCdI/UNeaEAJMNMI/AAAAAAAAA0s/RwDkSsJD8dA/s640/blogger-image-234443571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3P86JpKQCdI/UNeaEAJMNMI/AAAAAAAAA0s/RwDkSsJD8dA/s640/blogger-image-234443571.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zWoibzt7U0o/UNeaE9pxf7I/AAAAAAAAA00/6ksgw0KR0_s/s640/blogger-image-1274444447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zWoibzt7U0o/UNeaE9pxf7I/AAAAAAAAA00/6ksgw0KR0_s/s640/blogger-image-1274444447.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0BdLn_-b0Nc/UNeZ-voURrI/AAAAAAAAAz0/XaihWDtxjT4/s640/blogger-image-1940135873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0BdLn_-b0Nc/UNeZ-voURrI/AAAAAAAAAz0/XaihWDtxjT4/s640/blogger-image-1940135873.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caleb painted ornaments and figures last week. He had a lot of fun doing this. He also sat still long enough to get his hair cut shorter then usual. He looks so handsome!</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6OVXHd1eEO4/UNeZ3F1UfMI/AAAAAAAAAyc/udQMNlioLxM/s640/blogger-image--404607551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6OVXHd1eEO4/UNeZ3F1UfMI/AAAAAAAAAyc/udQMNlioLxM/s640/blogger-image--404607551.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LqpincqZJjU/UNeZ_ufmpJI/AAAAAAAAAz8/gMsUABXdpEw/s640/blogger-image--1378466750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LqpincqZJjU/UNeZ_ufmpJI/AAAAAAAAAz8/gMsUABXdpEw/s640/blogger-image--1378466750.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We celebrated Christmas at our first house last night. He was making Mickey and Minnie Mouse kiss. The first picture shows him making the kissing sound and the second is the hilarious face that came with the kissing sound. We laughed so hard! He's such a character!</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FECdqp8EuqM/UNeZSTui2FI/AAAAAAAAAx0/S49nICcQ4Z0/s640/blogger-image--526135002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FECdqp8EuqM/UNeZSTui2FI/AAAAAAAAAx0/S49nICcQ4Z0/s640/blogger-image--526135002.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We celebrated Christmas at our second house today. My mom had my Uncle draw this photo for me. It is my 2 dogs and my son when he was about 16-18 months old. The main photos he used for the drawing are below. I took the picture with my phone so there is a glare from the glass frame but it is so cool!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_AHfnAY6AM/UNepMdeV-JI/AAAAAAAAA1c/xK8jWjSinvQ/s1600/Caleb+drawing+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_AHfnAY6AM/UNepMdeV-JI/AAAAAAAAA1c/xK8jWjSinvQ/s320/Caleb+drawing+photo.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XAPNB_7zGLk/UNepORVc_qI/AAAAAAAAA1k/kwSTDTIiF80/s1600/Aly+and+Brandi+drawing+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XAPNB_7zGLk/UNepORVc_qI/AAAAAAAAA1k/kwSTDTIiF80/s320/Aly+and+Brandi+drawing+photo.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that you are caught up on what I have been up to with my family I can tell you a little about my struggles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stopped tracking and planning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stopped working out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had lots of cravings and rough days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did try to start over new every week though. I would tell myself I would drink more water this week or track every thing I ate. I also managed to stop by mid-week or something. I haven't gone completely over board but I am not eating as much vegetables or fruit as I did when I first started weight watchers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not sleeping well at night at all. I am very restless and wake up several times during the night. I just can't seem to get comfortable. I get too hot or too cold. I toss and turn and I am so tired but can't stay asleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't want to go to my weight watcher's meeting this past Saturday because I thought for sure I had gained weight. With me not tracking, not eating very healthy and not working out I thought for sure it was going to be bad. By some miracle I lost .4 lbs. Which I am very happy about but I am not happy that I am out of routine. I am trying not to be too hard on myself with it being the holidays and all. I keep saying, "when Christmas is over you can get back on track". I sure hope so. That's the plan any way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My weight this Saturday was 190lbs. I have lost over 50lbs since January 2011. I am very proud of my accomplishments but I feel like I am slipping back into old ways and habits. I also think I am being too hard on myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is hard though! Very hard! I just want to eat and have no consequences sometimes. But that's not possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am just busy and it is the holiday's. Things will be normal again in a few days. I am not so far gone that I get back on track. I need to just enjoy the holiday's and my new "body".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I will work on my plan after Christmas and see if I can get myself on a routine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did buy a dress for my hubby's holiday work party in February. It's a size large and it was on sale for $33. I need to find shoes to go with it but it is so nice! I still can't believe I can wear large in pants and shirts. It so surreal!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I need to keep focused on fitting into the dress I ordered at the end of November. It's a European size 16 which measures a little smaller than my current size. I'm thinking of making up a visual that I can see every day to remind me of what I need to fit into.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh yea and I bought a size 12 pair of skinny jeans that fit but are just a tad snug. I could try to work towards fitting into those better too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My boys are watching Cars (Caleb's first time watching) so I better get off here and join them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXB_yRf92J8/UKGsZf78T5I/AAAAAAAAArM/Rxt_uN18gyk/s1600/Whitney+sign+off+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXB_yRf92J8/UKGsZf78T5I/AAAAAAAAArM/Rxt_uN18gyk/s1600/Whitney+sign+off+butterfly.jpg" /></a></div>
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-60466824999195498772012-11-20T13:59:00.003-06:002012-11-20T14:00:20.236-06:00Help! Blog button troubles. LOL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trying to add a button for the first time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am following the directions from the lovely </span><a href="http://www.thestanfieldclan.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Holly</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got as far as entering the code along with my photo from photo bucket. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I click my photo as you can see in the picture below then click the hyperlink, where my cursor is pointed.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sgdd2df2to/UKvfTkpNkLI/AAAAAAAAAw0/HCmVRb31HIU/s1600/error+message+to+fix+blog+button+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sgdd2df2to/UKvfTkpNkLI/AAAAAAAAAw0/HCmVRb31HIU/s320/error+message+to+fix+blog+button+before.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> When I click the hyper link this message pops up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An error has occured in this dialog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Error: 100</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Function expected.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFHc9Ypb1YU/UKvfW-qjlNI/AAAAAAAAAw8/YMKzSEly7WM/s1600/error+message+to+fix+blog+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFHc9Ypb1YU/UKvfW-qjlNI/AAAAAAAAAw8/YMKzSEly7WM/s320/error+message+to+fix+blog+button.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does this mean? What am I doing wrong? Why am I so computer illiterate? I used to know a lot but I guess I do not no much about the more update computer stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for you help!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whitney</span>jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-68266590936981031982012-11-20T09:54:00.000-06:002012-11-20T13:17:28.669-06:00Thanksgiving Link Up<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><p align="center"><a href="<a href="http://www.thestanfieldclan.com/%22%3E%3Cimg">http://www.thestanfieldclan.com/"><img</a> src="<a href="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z468/suit1/turkey.png">http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z468/suit1/turkey.png</a>" alt="button" width="377" height="270" /></a></p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Morning! I am linking up for the first time with my new friend </span><a href="http://www.thestanfieldclan.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Holly</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. It is great way to meet new friends in the blogging world and get to know them better. The conversation is about Thanksgiving which you can either Vlog or Blog your answers to the questions below.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><u></u>What do you
look forward to more: the food, football or
parades?</span></strong><br />
<u></u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I look forward to the Food! Since I was a kid I have looked forward to Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Brown & Serve Rolls. Just over the past 10 years or so I did add Green bean Casserole and Stuffing to my list. I also enjoy time with my family too.</span><br />
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<u></u><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><u></u>What is your
favorite non-traditional Thanksgiving Day
dish?</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not sure if anyone serves anything non-traditional except for salad. I didn't see that growing up and now it is served every Thanksgiving. I guess that is why I feel like it is non-traditional?</span><br />
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<u></u><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><u></u>After dinner,
is it football or a nap?</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Usually after dinner we have dessert and either go to the next house, play board games and/or catch up. The kids always run around like crazy and play.</span><br />
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<u></u><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><u></u>Do you watch
the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Which is your favorite
float?</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We don't have a particular parade that we watch. We kind of just flip through the channels while we are getting ready. Sometimes we don't even get to watch TV while getting ready.</span><br />
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<u></u><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><u></u>Where do you
go to celebrate and eat your big meal? Who is there (family,
friends)?</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Thanksgiving Day we go to my former-step families house first, around 1-2pm. We visit for a little while, eat and usually have to head over to Jerry's family's house by 4pm, to eat again. We are usually miserably full for the rest of the day. But it is nice getting so see family, I just wish we had more time. At some point over the weekend we go to visit my grandparents who live about 2 hours away. My grandpa has Alzheimer's disease and so we haven't really done a dinner the past few years but we do visit for a few hours, which is nice. Sometimes we also have dinner with my dad at my step-mom's dad's house.</span><br />
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<u></u><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><u></u>What is your
favorite turkey day dessert?</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream. If it is available I will have pecan pie too or apple pie. Just depends on what is available. I am making </span><a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1141" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hungry Girl's Too-Good-To-Deny Pumpkin Pie</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> this year. It's really good!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What do you do for Thanksgiving?</span>jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-64021579607783319552012-11-19T20:15:00.001-06:002012-11-19T20:15:38.667-06:00Food Diary: Monday November 19, 2012 and Deer Roast Recipe<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Monday Evening!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today was a little different than my usual Monday's but that is okay. :) First here is what I ate:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSSVg0vPmOs/UKGUWsEv6uI/AAAAAAAAApY/uQ19CrepEn0/s1600/Breakfast+Monday+11.12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSSVg0vPmOs/UKGUWsEv6uI/AAAAAAAAApY/uQ19CrepEn0/s320/Breakfast+Monday+11.12.12.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breakfast: Same as a few other mornings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 Cup of Whole Grain Quick Cooking Oatmeal with Brummel and Brown Butter, Cinnamon, Truvia, and Brown Sugar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Cup Skim Milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vitamins and Antibiotics</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RA1ooRYiQ1g/UKreHMWxpvI/AAAAAAAAAwI/jVyt6-hgEbI/s1600/Lunch+11.19.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RA1ooRYiQ1g/UKreHMWxpvI/AAAAAAAAAwI/jVyt6-hgEbI/s320/Lunch+11.19.12.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lunch: 2 Slices Sara Lee 45 Calories and Delightful with 6 slices of Smoked Turkey, 1 slice of 2% American Cheese, Romaine Lettuce, and Dijon Mustard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About 15 Chips</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBPTWng11u0/UKreJnba2ZI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/EcbuGD3PBlg/s1600/Dinner+11.19.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBPTWng11u0/UKreJnba2ZI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/EcbuGD3PBlg/s320/Dinner+11.19.12.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dinner: Homemade Deer Roast with Frank's Red Hot Sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Antibiotics</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">(This is one of my favorite meals!!!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Venison Roast Recipe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(You can use Beef too)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About 2lbs of Deer Roast or 1 Chuck Roast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Pkg of Lipton Onion Soup Mix (I use generic)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1-2 Cans of Fat Free or Reduced Sodium Cream of Mushroom Soup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1-2 Cans of Fat Free Beef Broth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 bag of Carrots (pre-cut and washed, not a huge bag)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8-10 Yellow Gold Potatoes - quartered (or you can use red potatoes)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oven</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pre-Heat oven to 350 degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put meat, onion mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth in a deep casserole type dish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cook meat for 4 hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add Potatoes and Carrots then cook an additional 1 Hour. Or until veggies are soft when pierced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crock Pot</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put meat in crock pot. Cover with Onion Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup, and Beef Broth. I stir the juices to break up the cream of mushroom soup to make it look more creamy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cook on low for about 4 hours until meat is brown. Then add potatoes and carrots and cook about 3-4 more hours on high or until potatoes & carrots are soft.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can cook it on high for 2-3 hours and then add veggies and cook a few more hours until veggies are soft.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I usually use 2 cans each to cover the meat in the crock pot so the meat doesn't dry out. You can also add beer if you don't have an extra can of beef broth, to make more liquid. I feel like adding water may take away the flavor?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me know what you think. This recipe was adapted from my former step-mom. :) She's an amazing cook!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had the 20 month old little boy today, we will call him B. I usually have him on Tuesday's and Wednesday's but with me being sick last week and then he got sick, we added an extra day to today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got up...very tired. Some days I just don't wanna! LOL. Especially in the winter time when my bed is nice and warm and soft. It's cold outside of the covers...brrrr...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got ready and made my oatmeal breakfast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other kids were dropped off and I got them on the bus for school. Caleb woke up and I got him changed and dressed for the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I collected the laundry and started a load to finish what I didn't finish yesterday. Caleb and I cuddled for a while until B showed up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got to meet his daddy, but not under good circumstances. B's grandpa had a heart attack last week and from what B's daddy says, it isn't looking good. B's grandma passed away in April of this year. So sad for his family right now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B is recovering from a double ear infection, so he was fussy and clingy. He is a daddy's boy for sure. I felt bad for the little guy but eventually he came around and played. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caleb still has a hard time with sharing and playing fair. He has never played with a younger kid before so it is an adjustment for him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started roast for tonights dinner and cleaned up the kitchen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am constantly playing referee. Don't hit him, don't push him, be nice, share...ahh. LOL.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lunch time is probably my favorite. B eats really well. A little more on the messy side than I am used to but he eats. He is quiet and confined to his chair for a while. Caleb is hit and miss lol. Sometimes he eats and other times he is just snacking. All-in-all they are both good boys though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I lay B down for nap and let Caleb play for a little while. Then I have him lay down. I continue to do laundry and bring loads up to be folded throughout the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I add potatoes and carrots. I changed the setting to high so it will be ready by the time Jerry gets home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B wakes up and I entertain him until Caleb wakes up. Not to long after that it is snack time and the bus drops off the other kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I entertain all of the kids until their parents show up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I suppose this is like a day in the life of. LOL.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">After dinner, I tried to catch up on my fellow blogger's posts. I think I may have to many I am following. But I am truely trying my best to read them all and make a comment on them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Once caught up, I posted my blogs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Plus we are watching Dexter and Walking Dead. I don't think I am paying attention to the shows. :/ and I love Dexter...but it is what it is. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-47699198563275327082012-11-19T15:40:00.000-06:002012-11-19T15:43:15.589-06:00Food Diaries, Funfetti Cake with Icing, and Weigh-In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sorry I have been absent. I tried to keep up with my blog but I just did not feel very well. So I did my best during the week and took pictures when I could. So now you can see some of the things I ate last week. I know you are so happy I did this. You're welcome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inspired by a fellow blogger, Thank you Lauryn Roth. Whole Grain Waffle's spread with Peanut Butter and I sliced banana to put on top. Very good and very filling!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8yrUAuj-R4/UKqHSXvQA_I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/b-YcO_LiKTU/s1600/Breakfast+WG+Waffel+with+pb+and+banana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8yrUAuj-R4/UKqHSXvQA_I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/b-YcO_LiKTU/s320/Breakfast+WG+Waffel+with+pb+and+banana.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since my throat was sore and I felt poopy, I drank a lot of chamomile tea with honey. I did have a Yo plait Light Strawberry Yogurt too.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYy_vAyaN3I/UKqHUZOzRiI/AAAAAAAAAtY/Ygb6Q3zMFnE/s1600/Chamomile+Tea+with+honey+and+yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYy_vAyaN3I/UKqHUZOzRiI/AAAAAAAAAtY/Ygb6Q3zMFnE/s320/Chamomile+Tea+with+honey+and+yogurt.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love taco dip or layered dip. I had some Fage Total Greek Yogurt Plain. I heated up my refried beans and spread them on a plate. I mixed about 1 Tbsp of low sodium taco seasoning in with about 1/4-1/3 cup of the yogurt. Then I spread that on top of the beans. I chopped up some romaine and added that with some WW Mexican blend cheese and Pace Medium Salsa. I used Whole Grain Tostitos Scoops to eat it. It was pretty good and very filling. I didn't eat all of it but now I know another option instead of sour cream. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzGAcVNG9LQ/UKqHWpwuUiI/AAAAAAAAAtg/yhbO56mtuPk/s1600/Lunch+Light+Taco+dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzGAcVNG9LQ/UKqHWpwuUiI/AAAAAAAAAtg/yhbO56mtuPk/s320/Lunch+Light+Taco+dip.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GaIkBcfIu78/UKqHaqIevqI/AAAAAAAAAto/gzGhfL_1Jrc/s1600/Multigrain+Tostitos+Scoops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GaIkBcfIu78/UKqHaqIevqI/AAAAAAAAAto/gzGhfL_1Jrc/s320/Multigrain+Tostitos+Scoops.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RoVEqVZN8MA/UKqHc4RLAFI/AAAAAAAAAtw/Tl6C2ci6vxE/s1600/Diet+Dr.+Pepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RoVEqVZN8MA/UKqHc4RLAFI/AAAAAAAAAtw/Tl6C2ci6vxE/s320/Diet+Dr.+Pepper.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I woke up Friday morning and checked on Caleb. This is how is was Sleeping. He is so much like his daddy. Jerry hugs a pillow at night, Caleb hugs his Mickey Mouse or a blankie. Too cute!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pNg88vj25w/UKqHgGCBsxI/AAAAAAAAAt4/3fJzKlvdk00/s1600/Caleb+hugging+Mickey+Mouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pNg88vj25w/UKqHgGCBsxI/AAAAAAAAAt4/3fJzKlvdk00/s320/Caleb+hugging+Mickey+Mouse.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One morning when I was feeling a little better and had a good few doses of antibiotics in my system I made this amazing breakfast. Two Egg Whites, 2 slices of bacon (I didn't eat the fatty parts, ha I know it's bacon but I still cut off the extra fat), 2 slices of Sara Lee 45 Calories and Delightful Whole Grain Bread with a little butter and jelly, 1 cup skim milk with 1 Tbsp of Carnation Instant Breakfast Chocolate powder. It was very good!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwmCAGsFD5U/UKqHi7wGYaI/AAAAAAAAAuA/SeDjdupaetE/s1600/Breakfast+Egg+whites,+bacon,+toast,+and+chocolate+milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwmCAGsFD5U/UKqHi7wGYaI/AAAAAAAAAuA/SeDjdupaetE/s320/Breakfast+Egg+whites,+bacon,+toast,+and+chocolate+milk.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was craving a sandwich like this with these chips and magically we had them on hand since it was deer season. I used smoked turkey, 2% cheese, and Dijon mustard. It satisfied my craving. :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0HWesyXPFE/UKqHnywaCUI/AAAAAAAAAuM/FVJOFQpew5M/s1600/Turkey,+cheese,+dijon+mustard,+and+chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0HWesyXPFE/UKqHnywaCUI/AAAAAAAAAuM/FVJOFQpew5M/s320/Turkey,+cheese,+dijon+mustard,+and+chips.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96HP6f-Cos/UKqHrOnTdLI/AAAAAAAAAuU/3VSyfKGJcRg/s1600/Sprite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96HP6f-Cos/UKqHrOnTdLI/AAAAAAAAAuU/3VSyfKGJcRg/s320/Sprite.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I was not feeling well, my hubby picked up St. Louis Bread Company for Dinner. I had the You Pick 2: French Onion Soup (no croutons) with a french baguette, half Italian Combo with no sauce, and an iced tea. I didn't finish all of the soup, I was full. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6MCZN8_ZLz4/UKqHuNS_pbI/AAAAAAAAAuc/BU3ZQEcmoaQ/s1600/Dinner+Bread+Co+French+Onion+Soup+Italian+Combo+no+sauce+and+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6MCZN8_ZLz4/UKqHuNS_pbI/AAAAAAAAAuc/BU3ZQEcmoaQ/s320/Dinner+Bread+Co+French+Onion+Soup+Italian+Combo+no+sauce+and+tea.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Skinny Funfetti Cupcakes Recipe - made into cake</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">recipe from </span><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/08/skinny-funfetti-cupcakes-recipe.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Six Sister's Stuff</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This cake was pretty good. I made it for a little girl's birthday and she devoured it. I am not sure I will make it again but it is okay for a one time thing. It does not taste like it would when using the cake box directions but that was to be expected. The icing was okay too. I kept this cake in the fridge since I used cool whip in the icing. I am not sure if you should keep it refrigerated but I did to be safe. I read some reviews on the recipe from Six Sister's Stuff and someone mentioned adding a cup of milk to the icing. I did not try this but it is an option. Also, I believe I read on </span><a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hungry Girl's</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> recipe for vanilla cake that she has tried using diet cream soda for vanilla/yellow cakes. When I made the icing, it started to thicken after a few minutes so try to spread it on the cake as soon as it is mixed thoroughly.</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Skinny Funfetti Cake:</span></u></strong><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Serves 12 slices of cake, 5 Weight Watchers Points Plus Values)</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cupcake Ingredients:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 pkg. Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix (just the powder, not the recipe on the box)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 (12 ounce) can Sprite Zero </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxBvtt8FPsg/UKqHysqumzI/AAAAAAAAAuk/aMwu_-BR4PQ/s1600/Funfetti+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxBvtt8FPsg/UKqHysqumzI/AAAAAAAAAuk/aMwu_-BR4PQ/s320/Funfetti+cake.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cake Directions:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13" pan and set aside. In a large bowl, combine cake mix and Sprite together. Continue to mix until the batter is smooth without any lumps. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zce9nsAUKx8/UKqH2SDp68I/AAAAAAAAAuw/3z2y5GGthjc/s1600/Mix+Funfetti+cake+mix+and+sprite+zero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zce9nsAUKx8/UKqH2SDp68I/AAAAAAAAAuw/3z2y5GGthjc/s320/Mix+Funfetti+cake+mix+and+sprite+zero.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pour mixture into pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350 degrees. Following baking time directions according to type of pan you use. I think I baked the cake 30-35 minutes. Let cool before frosting. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0CzFSgc_ZU/UKqH5kKtn0I/AAAAAAAAAu4/F259OpoiyPc/s1600/Pour+funfetti+and+sprite+mixture+into+sprayed+pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0CzFSgc_ZU/UKqH5kKtn0I/AAAAAAAAAu4/F259OpoiyPc/s320/Pour+funfetti+and+sprite+mixture+into+sprayed+pan.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frosting Ingredients:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 (8 ounce) container Fat Free Cool Whip</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 (1.5 ounce) pkg. Fat Free Vanilla Jello Instant Pudding (just the powder, not the recipe on the box)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frosting Directions:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a mixing bowl, add Cool Whip and pudding. Mix with a whisk by hand or an electric hand mixer until smooth. Spread over cooled cake. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1Bnzln5kpo/UKqIAumgt1I/AAAAAAAAAvA/m9W6Wp30gXE/s1600/Funfetti+cake+icing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1Bnzln5kpo/UKqIAumgt1I/AAAAAAAAAvA/m9W6Wp30gXE/s320/Funfetti+cake+icing.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a nice snack I had one day last week. Healthy Choice Greek Frozen Yogurt. It came in a pack with 3 individual yogurts. It tasted like strawberry ice cream. Pretty Good!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ps0Qjvrthpw/UKqIELv0-_I/AAAAAAAAAvI/4IdyxWH3eD4/s1600/Strawberry+Greek+Frozen+yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ps0Qjvrthpw/UKqIELv0-_I/AAAAAAAAAvI/4IdyxWH3eD4/s320/Strawberry+Greek+Frozen+yogurt.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is my little man. Isn't he adorable? Yes he is. Thanks! My hubby was leaving to go hunting and Caleb decided he wanted to wear a hat like daddy. So he put on his Red Head Bass Pro Shops hat and did not take it off until we had a late lunch around 2pm. He is so awesome!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUu2BWfM2b0/UKqIIksPzCI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/uwc9G5_lTCE/s1600/Caleb+full+shot+in+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUu2BWfM2b0/UKqIIksPzCI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/uwc9G5_lTCE/s320/Caleb+full+shot+in+hat.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9pLT_t2fUfY/UKqIKZOeeQI/AAAAAAAAAvY/bluzj4IwW8Y/s1600/Caleb+in+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9pLT_t2fUfY/UKqIKZOeeQI/AAAAAAAAAvY/bluzj4IwW8Y/s320/Caleb+in+hat.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caleb and I went to Kohl's to use my Kohl's cash to buy him a new pair of shoes. I also picked up a few outfits for him. Then we went to Wal-mart to grab a few things. I had a gift card for Old Navy from my Birthday so I went in to grab a pair of Skinny Jean's so I can wear my boots. Just to see if I could, I grabbed a size 12 with my size 14 to try on. I tried on the 12's first. Below is the 12's, zipped and buttoned. I was so excited! They are still a little snug in my belly but they fit! I couldn't believe it! Crazy!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QiZhwNptKe0/UKqIOy1Gm2I/AAAAAAAAAvk/0E-NxsUmvfs/s1600/Size+12+Skinny+Jeans+11.16.12+side+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QiZhwNptKe0/UKqIOy1Gm2I/AAAAAAAAAvk/0E-NxsUmvfs/s320/Size+12+Skinny+Jeans+11.16.12+side+view.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahu2ASqJnJ8/UKqIQxDMvoI/AAAAAAAAAvs/8ulTmdgyc80/s1600/Size+12+Skinny+Jeans+11.16.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahu2ASqJnJ8/UKqIQxDMvoI/AAAAAAAAAvs/8ulTmdgyc80/s320/Size+12+Skinny+Jeans+11.16.12.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday Weigh-In Day: November 17, 2012</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weight: 194.8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I lost 2lbs this week. I was sick all week and didn't really track my food but I also didn't really eat much either with my throat being sore. This week was also my 16th week so I received my 16 week charm. They say it takes about 16 weeks to get used to a new plan and keep up with good routines. You start to notice you make different choices and have different habits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think I need to have bad weeks and sick weeks. They teach me that I am making progress. I do not eat near the amounts of food that I used to eat. The day that I made bacon, eggs, and toast. I really wanted a fried egg, over easy. But I changed my mind and just made egg whites. I still order diet soda or water when I am out. I notice that I make better choices. They may not always be the healthiest but they are much better than they were in the past.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am starting to see what my husband sees when I look at myself in the mirror. I see a pretty girl with kind eyes and a nice smile. I am starting to enjoy every day and that is good with winter around the corner. Depression tends to settle in for some people during the winter months. Dark on the way to work and on the way home. Home is dark. Not much sunlight. Cold outside. So with that, I am hoping to beat that old way and make each day better. Now I will have to allow some snuggle time by the fire with Caleb but not every day, all day. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. I love spending time with family. Then the holiday season really starts to feel like it is in the air. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caleb and I window shopped on Friday night to see what he would like to ask Santa for for Christmas. It was fun. :) I think he enjoyed it too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you do for the holiday's?</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDkeregbFK8/UKGtm5eQTEI/AAAAAAAAArc/Z6sBnqZZNdg/s1600/Whitney+sign+off+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDkeregbFK8/UKGtm5eQTEI/AAAAAAAAArc/Z6sBnqZZNdg/s1600/Whitney+sign+off+heart.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-91317029769285359022012-11-13T20:31:00.000-06:002012-11-13T20:45:35.472-06:00Food Diary: Tuesday 11/13/12<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Tuesday Friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I now have 13 followers! :) Thank you for following me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I woke up worse than ever this morning. I had trouble sleeping all night because my nose was stuffed up and it was running. I know, you are jealous. AND my throat was burning. Nothing I did made it better for very long. It was a miserable night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could barely swallow the ibuprofen when I woke up. I also drank some chamomile tea with honey and that seemed to help a little. Plus I found some sore throat drops that numb your throat in my cabinet. Oh my gosh...what relief! Not for long but definitely helped!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I should have just went to the doctor yesterday when I had the time. I called to see about getting in to see my doctor but they didn't have anything until 2:40pm. Luckily, I am able to see the doctor who is on campus at my hubby's work, so they were able to see me as soon as I was able to drive to Clayton. (about 30-45 minutes from my house). Plus a bonus, besides the gas it took to drive there in the gas guzzler truck, it only cost $9 for the medicine for both of us. Woo Hoo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The doctor was able to see us together so that made it even more awesome and convenient. Jerry has a bad cold. He gave him some nasal spray and a prescription for sudafed. Yeah, we have to get a prescription for that stuff in our county. I have fluid in my ears and developing an infection. He said either an ear infection or strep. Ick! So glad I went to the doctor. He gave me prescription for sudafed, an antibiotic, and a nasal spray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope to feel better in a few days so I can get myself back into routine. I miss walking and running. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OH AND they weighed me, I had jeans on, I weighed 195.8 which is less than I weighed on Saturday. So that's pretty cool considering I haven't worked out this week and I had jeans on. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caleb and I went to Lion's Choice for lunch with Jerry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we headed to Aldi to get some canned goods for the Boy Scout food drive. Then to Wal-mart to get stuff to make a birthday cake and a present for Brooke's birthday on Friday. Oh and the sweetest couple stopped us in the frozen foods section to ask if Caleb could have a stuffed animal they got out of the machine's in front of the store. Of course, Caleb was not friendly towards them because he hadn't had a nap yet. Embarrassed, I told them thank you and that it was very kind of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stopped by Walgreen's to drop off our prescriptions for Sudafed and headed home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My day was not planned out very well but that happens when you rush out of the house to make a spur of the moment doctor's appointment that is 30-45 minutes away. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I grabbed a frozen lasagna, garlic bread, and salad for a quick dinner since we are not feeling good.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHhC7ZQcUYA/UKLtVo0OoII/AAAAAAAAAr0/KF4Q4iWSxtU/s1600/Breakfast+Monday+11.12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHhC7ZQcUYA/UKLtVo0OoII/AAAAAAAAAr0/KF4Q4iWSxtU/s320/Breakfast+Monday+11.12.12.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breakfast:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 Cup Whole Grain Quick Oats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp Brown Sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Brummel & Brown (this made it more creamy)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Pkt Truvia</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Cup Skim Milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vitamins</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLD1WYOECA4/UKLtaCkPutI/AAAAAAAAAr8/ZQUdoBeUG6M/s1600/Lunch+lions+choice+Tuesday+11.13.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLD1WYOECA4/UKLtaCkPutI/AAAAAAAAAr8/ZQUdoBeUG6M/s1600/Lunch+lions+choice+Tuesday+11.13.12.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lunch:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Roast Beef with Swiss Cheese </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Small Fry (ate half)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Diet Dr. Pepper</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4SP70vXfKZk/UKLtmxta76I/AAAAAAAAAsM/b0aUNs2VxkA/s1600/Caleb+enjoying+Ice+Cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4SP70vXfKZk/UKLtmxta76I/AAAAAAAAAsM/b0aUNs2VxkA/s320/Caleb+enjoying+Ice+Cream.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While we were finishing our lunch, one of the employee's handed Caleb a free cone coin. So he wanted to go get an ice cream cone right away. I think this is his very first cone. He has shared with us before but never had his own. too cute. :) He decided to use a spoon at the end. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EF8PlsKXQBg/UKLtpo3pQ4I/AAAAAAAAAsU/a8vYM8zv7ts/s1600/Caleb+enjoying+Ice+Cream+smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EF8PlsKXQBg/UKLtpo3pQ4I/AAAAAAAAAsU/a8vYM8zv7ts/s320/Caleb+enjoying+Ice+Cream+smiling.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dinner:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Cup Spinach & Romaine Lettuce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Fit & Healthy Light Italian</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Cup Stouffer's 5 Cheese Lasagna</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Slice Pepperidge Farm 5 Cheese Texas Toast</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6qpVAnYzZ8/UKLtg51etgI/AAAAAAAAAsE/3d_r0LBtIYQ/s1600/Dinner+11.13.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6qpVAnYzZ8/UKLtg51etgI/AAAAAAAAAsE/3d_r0LBtIYQ/s320/Dinner+11.13.12.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a completely different subject...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We watched Dexter and The Walking Dead last night. Both of those shows are stressful! Anyone else watch those shows?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tonight we are watching Homeland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also watch Revolution, The Big Bang Theory, Raising Hope, & The Middle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I watch 90210, Gossip Girl, 16 & Pregnant, Teen Mom 2, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood, The Biggest Loser.. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel like I am forgetting more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you like to watch?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDkeregbFK8/UKGtm5eQTEI/AAAAAAAAArc/Z6sBnqZZNdg/s1600/Whitney+sign+off+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDkeregbFK8/UKGtm5eQTEI/AAAAAAAAArc/Z6sBnqZZNdg/s1600/Whitney+sign+off+heart.jpg" /></a></div>
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-42501467201007704602012-11-12T20:12:00.001-06:002012-11-12T21:05:22.028-06:00WW 3 Bean Chili<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello Friends!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made this recipe on a week ago (Monday).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I added deer roast, cubed. I cooked it in EVOO until brown. I seasoned it with S&P and Less Sodium Worchestershire Sauce.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I added an additional 8oz can of tomato sauce because the chili was a little thick. After several hours of cooking on high it was still thick so I added 3/4 of a bottle of Michelob Light. I forgot to buy tomatoes with chiles. I don't usually like cilantro so I did not add it. Maybe if I add the chiles and the cilantro next time it will be good? I used a lower-sodium chili seasoning packet but it tasted a little bland. I added some chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, & s&p. In the end I may have over done it on the extra spices...you learn as you go. I will definitely use deer burger next time...I just like the texture better in my chili. I used a can of corn (drained) instead of frozen. I used 5 cloves of garlic, I like garlic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I squeezed lime juice into the chili and sprinkled some WW Mexican blend cheese on top. I also used baked tostitos scoops as per someone's review of the recipe suggested. It was pretty good! I would make it again. But I will always go to my Mother-In-Laws recipe first. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I know other people suggested using different kinds of meat or veggies. So this recipe is pretty versatile.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EN87JuwJGac/UKGl6G2gDXI/AAAAAAAAAq0/6jRgkhFcFmI/s1600/Super+Easy+3+Bean+Chili+WW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EN87JuwJGac/UKGl6G2gDXI/AAAAAAAAAq0/6jRgkhFcFmI/s1600/Super+Easy+3+Bean+Chili+WW.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="ww-r-info" role="presentation"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><tbody>
<tr><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_0"><span class="SatisfyingFoodIcon" id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_lblSatisfyingFood_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></td><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_0" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 1 large uncooked onion(s), minced </span></td></tr>
<tr><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_1" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced </span></td></tr>
<tr><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_2"><span class="SatisfyingFoodIcon" id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_lblSatisfyingFood_2"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></td><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_2" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 30 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained </span></td></tr>
<tr><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_3"><span class="SatisfyingFoodIcon" id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_lblSatisfyingFood_3"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></td><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_3" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 30 oz canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained </span></td></tr>
<tr><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_4"><span class="SatisfyingFoodIcon" id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_lblSatisfyingFood_4"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></td><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_4" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 30 oz canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained </span></td></tr>
<tr><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_5"><span class="SatisfyingFoodIcon" id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_lblSatisfyingFood_5"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></td><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_5" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 30 oz canned diced tomatoes, with chilies </span></td></tr>
<tr><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_6"><span class="SatisfyingFoodIcon" id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_lblSatisfyingFood_6"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></td><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_6" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 15 oz canned tomato sauce </span></td></tr>
<tr><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_7"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_7" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 1 1/4 oz spiced seasoning mix, chili variety </span></td></tr>
<tr><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_8"><span class="SatisfyingFoodIcon" id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_lblSatisfyingFood_8"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></td><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_8" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 14 oz frozen corn kernels </span></td></tr>
<tr><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_9"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_9" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice, or to taste </span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="td-no-btm-brd" id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemLeft_10"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></td><td class="td-no-btm-brd" id="ucRecipePreparation_rptrIngrediants_tdIngredientsItemRight_10" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 1/2 cup(s) cilantro, fresh, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Combine onion, garlic, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce and seasoning mix in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for 2 to 3 hours (or low heat for 4 to 6 hours). Add frozen corn during last hour of cooking. Stir in lime juice and cilantro just before serving. Yields about 1 1/3 cups per serving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Serves 10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PPV 6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have a great evening!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXB_yRf92J8/UKGsZf78T5I/AAAAAAAAArM/Rxt_uN18gyk/s1600/Whitney+sign+off+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXB_yRf92J8/UKGsZf78T5I/AAAAAAAAArM/Rxt_uN18gyk/s1600/Whitney+sign+off+butterfly.jpg" /></a></div>
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-51959469766311351062012-11-12T19:26:00.001-06:002012-11-12T20:23:49.983-06:00Food Diaries and HG's Pumpkin Pie<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Monday Night!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I developed a cold/sinus something over the weekend and did not feel well when I woke up Sunday morning or this morning. My throat is so sore, hard to swallow. My ears feel like fluid is in them. My nose is runny and stuffy. Joy! I blame it on the lovely Missouri weather, 70 degrees one day and 30 degrees the next. It was so windy on Saturday and Sunday too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I drove with my windows down and wore flip flops and capri's. It was nice but I do not appreciate the illness that followed it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Needless to say the only exercise I got in today was walking up and down the stairs to switch my laundry and bring or take laundry down. I also made a pumpkin pie...isn't that exercise? No? Hmmm...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like how many of you blog about what you eat through out the day to help keep you accountable. I thought I should give it a try. So here goes for today...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSSVg0vPmOs/UKGUWsEv6uI/AAAAAAAAApY/uQ19CrepEn0/s1600/Breakfast+Monday+11.12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSSVg0vPmOs/UKGUWsEv6uI/AAAAAAAAApY/uQ19CrepEn0/s320/Breakfast+Monday+11.12.12.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Breakfast: (7ppv)</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup whole grain quick oats</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 Tbsp Smart Balance Original</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 pkt Truvia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Cinnamon (about)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Cup Skim Milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vitamins</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISEZGqe3cyM/UKGUfOhMvWI/AAAAAAAAApg/jdfRP5w12Pg/s1600/Lunch+Monday+11.12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISEZGqe3cyM/UKGUfOhMvWI/AAAAAAAAApg/jdfRP5w12Pg/s320/Lunch+Monday+11.12.12.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Lunch: (2.5 ppv)</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Cup Spinach and Romaine Lettuce (about)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Fit & Active Light Italian Dressing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 WW String Cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Cup Progresso Light Vegetable Soup</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WAWDWGNfoM/UKGUkb7IM4I/AAAAAAAAApo/aUs3pTDCniU/s1600/Dinner+sonic+burger+11.12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WAWDWGNfoM/UKGUkb7IM4I/AAAAAAAAApo/aUs3pTDCniU/s1600/Dinner+sonic+burger+11.12.12.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ujPxwxLveA/UKGUojJEe8I/AAAAAAAAApw/j4-HsM0IEuQ/s1600/Dinner+sonic+fries+11.12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ujPxwxLveA/UKGUojJEe8I/AAAAAAAAApw/j4-HsM0IEuQ/s1600/Dinner+sonic+fries+11.12.12.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uDQoMyW218/UKGUtildxaI/AAAAAAAAAp4/ydNY0YRQnSA/s1600/Dinner+sonic+diet+dr+pepper+11.12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uDQoMyW218/UKGUtildxaI/AAAAAAAAAp4/ydNY0YRQnSA/s1600/Dinner+sonic+diet+dr+pepper+11.12.12.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Dinner: (22 ppv)</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I forgot to take pictures...these are as close as I could get.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sonic Burger with mustard. No Cheese or Mayo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sonic small fries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sonic small Diet Dr. Pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm going to have to get the Jr. Burger next time because it is smaller and 9ppv. Still learning as I go. :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-980SmcP_7Pk/UKGVWlOcpSI/AAAAAAAAAqA/6n6ZzAXRHNc/s1600/Snack+11.12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-980SmcP_7Pk/UKGVWlOcpSI/AAAAAAAAAqA/6n6ZzAXRHNc/s320/Snack+11.12.12.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Snack: (4ppv)</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18 Minis, Cheddar Rice Cakes</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwwxw4Xe4Lo/UKGVcv8TQqI/AAAAAAAAAqI/DtQ1MOMGofk/s1600/Snack+pumpkin+pie+11.12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwwxw4Xe4Lo/UKGVcv8TQqI/AAAAAAAAAqI/DtQ1MOMGofk/s1600/Snack+pumpkin+pie+11.12.12.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Snack: (4ppv)</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8th slice HG's Too-Good-Too-Deny Pumpkin Pie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 Tbsp Cool Whip Free (2 Tbsp = 0pts)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I tried out <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1141" target="_blank">Hungry Girl's Too-Good-Too-Deny Pumpkin Pie</a>. It was pretty easy to make but when the 45 minutes were up the center of the pie was still very liquid-like. I have never made pumpkin pie before so I do not know if this is normal for pies. So I covered/tented the pie with tin foil and ended up baking it or an additional 20-30 minutes. It did get a little more brown but that did not change the flavor when I tried it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had 1/8th of a slice with 1 1/2 Tbsp of Cool Whip Free on top. Very tasty and filling. I cannot wait to make this for Thanksgiving next week. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Also, I did not notice a weird after-taste or anything. I made a batch of splenda chocolate chip cookies last year and they had an after-taste. So I was worried about using splenda in the pie. I was surprised.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I used my magic bullet to grind the fiber one. It looked like sand when I was finished. Three Tbsp of Splenda is equal to 30 packets of splenda.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>For Crust:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 <span style="color: black;">cups </span></span><a href="http://www.fiberone.com/product/cereals.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fiber One bran cereal (original)</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <br />1/4 cup light whipped
butter or light buttery spread (like </span><a href="http://brummelandbrown.com/product1.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brummel &
Brown</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">) <br />3 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated) <br />1 tsp.
cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>For Filling:</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)<br />One 12-oz. can
evaporated fat-free milk <br />1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like </span><a href="http://www.eggbeaters.com/products/original.jsp" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Egg Beaters
Original</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">)</span> <br />3/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated) <br />1/4 cup
sugar-free pancake syrup <br />1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice <br />1/2 tsp. cinnamon
<br />1/8 tsp. salt </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Optional Topping:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fat Free Reddi-wip or Cool Whip Free </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-676fYUuhHkk/UKGVk2acjoI/AAAAAAAAAqU/FTWVG7RsnrY/s1600/HG's+pumpkin+pie+in+the+oven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-676fYUuhHkk/UKGVk2acjoI/AAAAAAAAAqU/FTWVG7RsnrY/s320/HG's+pumpkin+pie+in+the+oven.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KPnZYCZQK4/UKGVoPa6YLI/AAAAAAAAAqc/OBBnNEemZYU/s1600/HG's+pumpkin+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KPnZYCZQK4/UKGVoPa6YLI/AAAAAAAAAqc/OBBnNEemZYU/s320/HG's+pumpkin+pie.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine butter with 2 Tbsp water. Microwave until just melted, and set aside. In a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a medium mixing bowl, combine butter mixture and crumbs with remaining ingredients for crust. Stir until mixed well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spray an oven-safe 9" pie-dish lightly with nonstick spray. Evenly distribute crust mixture, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust. Press it into the edges and up along the sides of the dish. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the filling. Mix well. Pour mixture into pie crust. The filling may be taller than the pie crust.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bake pie in the oven for 45 minutes. Allow pie to cool slightly. Refrigerate for several hours (overnight is best). Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cut into 8-slices, and if you like, top with Reddi-wip or Cool Whip before serving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Makes 8 servings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Serving Size: 1 slice <br />Calories: 133 <br />Fat: 3g <br />Sodium: 236mg <br />Carbs:
28g <br />Fiber: 9g <br />Sugars: 8g<br />Protein:
6g<br /><br /><strong><em>PointsPlus®</em></strong> value 4*</span><br />
<br />
That's all for now.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKzl3H_DeoA/UHeEgrsX2_I/AAAAAAAAAiU/fDS1Cw5GvrU/s1600/Photo+Name+Whitney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKzl3H_DeoA/UHeEgrsX2_I/AAAAAAAAAiU/fDS1Cw5GvrU/s1600/Photo+Name+Whitney.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-57800430101864339252012-11-10T23:30:00.001-06:002012-11-12T20:23:14.156-06:00Weigh-In Day Saturday<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Saturday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well I weighed in this morning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My weight: 196.8. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I gained for the first time since August. I feel like I deserved so much more of a gain with how bad I felt my week was. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also figured my time was coming after doing so well for so long...I just need to get back on track.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went to bed pretty late last night and I am very, very tired today. That seems to be happening a lot lately.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had an apple and a WW string cheese during the meeting. With a bottle of 25oz water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After my weigh-in and meeting I found out my husband got a doe!!! Woo Hoo! I am so happy for him! He didn't get one last yeara because it was just too warm and windy. I felt like he was getting discouraged and he enjoys hunting so I didn't want to see him down. Wishing him luck on getting a buck! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caleb and I went to Bread Co/Panera with Bobbie. I had their breakfast power sandwich. It is a half sandwich made with whole grain bread, ham, cheese, and an egg. It is so good and filling! I also had a mocha latte made with skim milk and no whipped cream.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We headed home to meet my niece. She is due to have her baby boy around the 28th!!! I am so excited for her and her husband! She wanted to drop off her house key so when she does go into labor we can pick up her Collie to take care of while she is in the hospital.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We visited for a while and after she left I made a bean burrito with 2% cheese. I didn't finish it all. I also shared a slice of the HG Chocolate Cake that I made the other night with Caleb. We didn't finish it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also finished the fudge covered pretzels and the cracker jacks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried to take a nap and so did Caleb...that did not happen. :/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went to my nieces house to see the baby's room. So adorable and loved the colors of green & orange. It made me excited to think about a future little brother or sister for Caleb.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We visited for a while and left to grab some dinner. On the way home Caleb fell asleep so I put him to bed. Unfortunately it was 6:30pm and I knew he would wake up later and be up for a while...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had 1 Jack In The Box taco and 3 Jalepeno poppers with ff ranch. Full. I also had a chocolate shake with no whipped cream to help with my sore throat. My sinuses and allergies sure took off like a rocket today...BTW...I have been sniffling, sneezing, and sinus pain/headache too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend Becky stopped by to watch a movie with me. I feel so special that she has came by 2 weekends in a row. :) We were going to watch Now & Then..great movie! I couldn't find it any where. So we settled on Practical Magic. Another great movie!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was getting super sleepy but I chatted for a while with my friend before she left. Right as I was waving good-bye to her, Caleb woke up...10pm. Poor guy looked as tired as I felt. I got him some milk and I heated up his dinner. Of course he didn't want it and sat on the floor and whined about nothing for 10 minutes. Sigh...I wanted to join him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think it is only because it was late and I needed to stay up for a little while with Caleb that I decided to eat a package of brown sugar pop tarts with milk. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This needs to stop!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I turned on 90210 to finish catching up on last season and started to read a few of your blogs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So tomorrow being Sunday...After I catch up on sleep, I need to walk and plan out my meals for the week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretend I am a new WW's member. :) Today wasn't so bad but I just need to start controling myself again. It will be better when I have a clear head and sleep tomorrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a good evening!</span><br />
<br />
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-12369440388913301872012-11-09T22:59:00.001-06:002012-11-12T20:35:34.415-06:00I Wanna Do Bad Things To You...My Weight Loss that is<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Any TrueBlood Fans out there? Anyone? No? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So Halloween and my Birthday have come and gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So has my self control and motivation. YIKES!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's just say I made very little attempts to actually stay focused this week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had left over Peanut Butter Chewies that my mom made me. I ended up having to throw them away. I couldn't stop eating them and they aren't very good after a few days, even when stored in a container.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had my son's Halloween candy out on the counter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ate pizza Saturday night. I did order the thin crust, garden veggie. Then I had a glass of wine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My knees were bothering me and so I only walked once this week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a Jack In The Box Ultimate Cheeseburger, no sauce. With curly fries and ketchup.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ate left over pizza then 2 hours later, even though I wasn't hungry, ate chicken fajitas. I only had 2 and only 4-5 chips with salsa. I was miserable though.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to buy Oreos one day this week. So all 3 of us plowed right in to them...No portion control.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also decided, at one point before bedtime, that I wanted a Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Pop Tart. I heated that up and drank milk with it. I was satisfied with my craving and very full afterwards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did sit down and make up a meal plan for the week and followed through with it for a few of the days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have had a few spoonfuls of the "real" chocolate icing left over from the HG Chocolate Cake I made. I would just have a spoonful or I would add some to the slice of cake. Luckily there are only 8 slices and the kids had 1 each so that only happened once. But still...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a cute outfit on today though. Size 14 American Eagle capri's and a size Large top. Hair was unruly and I had no make-up on in the photo but all-in-all it was cute. Oh and I also wore one of my new bras. Not sure I like it so much though which bums me out. Lets just say the girls were not staying in place and that's just frustrating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Cute story about the capri's. I was sitting on the front stoop waiting for the kids to get off the school bus, wearing these capri's. My son was outside and came up to me. He said; "Mommy, you leg coming through you pants" as he points to the holes in the kness of my jeans with a very concerned look on his face. I said to him, "yes, buddy. I bought them that way". He replies, as he rides away on his bike still looking concerned, "poor mommy". LMBO! It was like he was thinking A)I can't afford jeans without holes or B) I paid money for jeans with holes and it doesn't make sense to him. Eiher way I was dying! He is truly Awesome!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9YbMyrNjnQ/UJ3ZApKjfmI/AAAAAAAAAo8/X2jlzFioXZ8/s1600/Friday+11.9.12+Cute+outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9YbMyrNjnQ/UJ3ZApKjfmI/AAAAAAAAAo8/X2jlzFioXZ8/s320/Friday+11.9.12+Cute+outfit.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> While we were out today...my son talked me into buying him a batman cave. Here he was taking a gold fish break. You can see the Yellow and Blue snack up just in front of the toy, if you look close. hehe</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0tfykuPERo/UJ3ZFQ8KEcI/AAAAAAAAApE/nNsWjMl3cV4/s1600/Caleb+and+his+batman+toy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0tfykuPERo/UJ3ZFQ8KEcI/AAAAAAAAApE/nNsWjMl3cV4/s320/Caleb+and+his+batman+toy.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tonight...UGH! I did well this morning. Oatmeal (not instant). Lunch was Subway's Tuscan chicken Melt with no sauce. *This is where it goes down hill...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 small bag of Ruffles Sour Cream and Cheddar chips. Almost and entire bag of Rold Gold Fudge Coated Pretzels. A healthy handful of Cracker Jacks Originals. About 4oz of of Blush Wine from Crown Valley. About 8oz of Barefoot Moscato.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YB-nsWYG3o4/UJ3YlWxLNtI/AAAAAAAAAo0/IJdQOMEhB4o/s1600/Barefoot+Moscato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YB-nsWYG3o4/UJ3YlWxLNtI/AAAAAAAAAo0/IJdQOMEhB4o/s320/Barefoot+Moscato.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried the new recipe that I posted about earlier, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. They were not as good as I had hoped. I am curious if it could have been because I was still full from my binge this afternoon. SO I wrapped that up and put it in the fridge. Then I made 1/2 cup of refried beans with WW mexican blend cheese, whole grain scoops, and 1/2 cup of pace medium salsa. I drank a diet cherry pepsi. UGH SO FULL but didn't stop. Old habits die hard!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I weigh-in tomorrow morning. I stepped on the scale this morning and it read 194 lbs...that is down from last saturday but I am pretty sure after tonight it will be up by morning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I should note how I feel and maybe if I decide to do this again, I can go back and see why I don't want to do this again...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel like BLAH! I don't feel well. I feel heavy and tired. (It is late and I need to go to bed). I am not motivated and most definitely Dehydrated. <br /><br />I am pretty sure I read somewhere...If you eat like crap you will feel like crap. That is Happening right here and now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SO Lesson Learned...I still have a lot of learning to do. I am still on this journey to learn how to make healthy choices and still be able to indulge on things I love in reasonable portions. I am still a work in progress and I am going to have bad days and weeks. The important thing is how I learn from them and pick up and move forward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether the scale in the morning says I gained or stayed the same or (by some miracle) lost weight. It is a new day. A fresh start and a new opportunity. I am in control. Food does not control me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just need to refocus and remind myself why I am doing this and how bad I really want it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One good thing and maybe it will help me get going...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband referred to me as "Skinny", "Tiny", "Sexy", and "Hot" within the last few weeks and on more than one occasion. ***Sorry if this was TMI for some lol. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But hearing my husband say those words to me made me feel exactly the definition of each word. I want to keep feeling that way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't let this week keep me from what I want. It's done. It's over. Move forward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is time for bed...otherwise I may repeat myself again and again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Night All!</span><br />
<br />
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-51042020602222594812012-11-09T22:11:00.000-06:002012-11-12T20:22:53.851-06:00Hats Off To You All...Recipes<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Friday Everyone!</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First of all I want to Thank all of you that took time to play along with the Liebster Award! </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It took me a while to do mine partly because I was pretty much copying Hannah's post (thank you Hannah) because I had no idea what I was doing and ended up answering the wrong set of questions. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And partly because I am a deep thinker so it took me a while to answer those questions. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then to realize I had answered the wrong set of questions. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ah...as my husband says...It's a Good Thing Your Pretty. LOL.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second of all...I started following a few more blogs. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I try to keep up the best I can and I am still new at this. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I don't get to you it is not on purpose, it is because I don't know what I am doing or have a routine down. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please be patient with me and then come over and say HEY why didn't you answer me. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LOL. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I honestly do not know how all of you do it? </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It takes me a while to write a blog. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am a bit of a perfectionist with OCD. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not a good combo. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may notice that I have not been spell checking or proof-reading my posts...That's usually a big no-no for me. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you all find the time to blog, read other blogger's blogs, check your email and answer your email, reply to comments, post to blogs, go to work, take care of your kids, work out, run, cook dinner, prepare meals for the week or lunches, decide on what your next blog post will be, clean your house, take care of yourself (shower, sleep, eat, workout), check your pinterest, instagram, facebook, twitter...and so on.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">HOW DO YOU ALL DO IT??? </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My hats off to you! LOL I am sure I will get into my routine and it will get easier. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried a few recipes this week and I'd like to share them with you.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/show/2095" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">HG's Chocolate on Chocolate Frosted Cake</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fusrj-vcJA/UJ3NCUaDS9I/AAAAAAAAAoA/rfhDKs4yHtI/s1600/HG+Choc+Cake+baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fusrj-vcJA/UJ3NCUaDS9I/AAAAAAAAAoA/rfhDKs4yHtI/s320/HG+Choc+Cake+baking.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7mvBHRdFVA/UJ3NGJ7jOKI/AAAAAAAAAoI/gBBefJNfl3k/s1600/HG+Choc+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7mvBHRdFVA/UJ3NGJ7jOKI/AAAAAAAAAoI/gBBefJNfl3k/s320/HG+Choc+Cake.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This cake was very good for a "diet" type cake. It was very moist and full of chocolate flavor. I made it to celebrate my babysitting the kids for 1 year. The servings were very large and very filling. I would make this again!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used a 8" round pan because that is what I had. I couldn't find cake boxes bigger than 16.25 oz so thank goodness HG gives us the measurements for the cake mix. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Icing:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 sugar-free chocolate pudding snack with 60 calories or less (like </span><a href="http://www.kraftbrands.com/Jello/products/pudding/pudding-snacks/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the kind by Jell-O</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">)<br /> 1/3 cup chocolate frosting<br /> 2 tbsp. light chocolate syrup</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cake:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips<br /> Two 25-calorie packets hot cocoa mix (like </span><a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1459" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Swiss Miss Diet</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or Nestlé Fat Free)<br /> Half an 18.25-oz. box (about 1 3/4 cups) moist-style devil's food cake mix<br /> 1 tsp. granulated sugar<br /> 1 tsp. baking powder<br /> 1/8 tsp. salt<br /> 1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like </span><a href="http://www.eggbeaters.com/egg-substitute-products/original" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Egg Beaters Original</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">) </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9" round cake pan with nonstick spray and set aside. <br /> <br /> In a medium-large bowl, combine topping ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until thickened and cake is ready to be frosted.<br /> <br /> To make the cake, place chocolate chips and the contents of both cocoa packets in a tall glass. Add 1/2 cup very hot water and stir to dissolve. Add 3/4 cup very cold water and set aside.<br /> <br /> In a large bowl, combine cake mix, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well. Add chocolate-cocoa mixture and egg substitute. Whisk until completely blended.<br /> <br /> Pour batter into the cake pan. Bake in the oven until a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.<br /> <br /> Once cake has completely cooled, transfer to a plate. Evenly spread the topping over the top of the cake.<br /> <br /> Refrigerate until topping has set, at least 15 minutes.<br /> <br /> Evenly cut cake into 8 slices. Serve and enjoy! (Refrigerate leftovers.)<br /> <br /> MAKES 8 SERVINGS</span><span style="color: #b56793; font-family: Palatino Linotype,Georgia,Times New Roman; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of recipe)<br /> Calories: 217<br /> Fat: 5.5g<br /> Sodium: 476mg<br /> Carbs: 40g<br /> Fiber: 1.5g<br /> Sugars: 24g<br /> Protein: 4g <br /> <br /> <strong><em>PointsPlus</em></strong>® value 6*<br /> </span><em><strong><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> HG FYI:</span></span></span></strong></em><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Some brands' cake mixes now come in smaller boxes... Make sure to grab an 18.25-oz. box for this recipe if you go by the half-box measurement.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipe/spinach-and-ricotta-stuffed-shells/" target="_blank">Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycJvk4H5ioI/UJ3Pw5tD9kI/AAAAAAAAAoc/rtV1OvKHRQA/s1600/Spinach+and+Ricotta+Stuffed+Shells+from+Skinny+Taste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycJvk4H5ioI/UJ3Pw5tD9kI/AAAAAAAAAoc/rtV1OvKHRQA/s320/Spinach+and+Ricotta+Stuffed+Shells+from+Skinny+Taste.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This looked so good and I love the spinach and cheese ravioli's from </span><a href="http://www.osf.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Old Spaghetti Factory</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> in St. Louis, so I thought I'd give this recipe a try. When I was making the sauce it smelled so good. I am not sure what I did wrong, but it did not taste as good as I had hoped. ~ If you have any suggestions please let me know. TIA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I did not use Chorizo. I used 2 cloves of garlic along with the small onion. I sauted them in the olive oil then added the crushed tomatoes, sugar, and S&P. The sauce smelled amazing! Someone commented on the site that there was not enough sauce so I added 1 8oz can of tomato sauce. I chopped up 2 cups of fresh spinach and mixed it in with the other ingredients. It turned green (which I know spinach causes). I followed the directions the rest of the way. It smelled really good...but it tasted funny to me. Was it the garlic? I love garlic and I didn't think it would change the taste too much. Was it the extra tomato sauce? I think the ricotta/spinach filling needed something...maybe I used too much spinach? Any suggestions? :)</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Makes: <span class="time">4<!-- spacer --> servings</span></span></strong></div>
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<span class="type"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Prep</span><span class="time"><!-- spacer --><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 10 mins</span></span></span><span class="type"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Cook<span class="time"><!-- spacer --> 45 mins</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>18 </strong><!-- spacer --> jumbo pasta shells (about 6 ounces)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1 1/2</strong><!-- spacer --> teaspoons<!-- spacer --> olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1/4</strong><!-- spacer --> medium onion, finely chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>4 </strong><!-- spacer --> ounces<!-- spacer --> fresh chorizo, crumbled</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1 </strong><!-- spacer --> 15 <!-- spacer --> ounce<!-- spacer --> can<!-- spacer --> crushed tomatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>3/4</strong><!-- spacer --> teaspoon<!-- spacer --> sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1/4</strong><!-- spacer --> teaspoon<!-- spacer --> salt plus additional for seasoning</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1/4</strong><!-- spacer --> teaspoon<!-- spacer --> freshly ground black pepper plus additional for seasoning</span></div>
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<strong></strong><!-- spacer --><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Olive oil cooking spray</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>2 </strong><!-- spacer --> cups<!-- spacer --> (about 2 ounces) baby spinach, finely chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1 </strong><!-- spacer --> cup<!-- spacer --> low-fat ricotta</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1/2</strong><!-- spacer --> cup<!-- spacer --> shredded part-skim mozzarella</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1 </strong><!-- spacer --> egg white, lightly beaten</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1.</strong> Cook shells according to package directions; rinse under cold water, drain and pat dry.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2.</b> Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain all but 1 1/2 teaspoons drippings and return pan to stove. Add tomatoes and sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste; simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3.</b> Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and coat a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4.</b> Combine spinach, cheeses, egg white and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large bowl. Spoon half the tomato sauce into prepared dish. Stuff each shell with 1 heaping tablespoon filling and arrange stuffed shells in baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce over shells and cover with aluminum foil. Bake until pasta is cooked through and sauce begins to bubble, about 30 minutes. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am also planning to try HG's Pumpkin Pie tomorrow. I will post on that later.</span><br />
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-69795556670698658392012-11-07T21:03:00.000-06:002012-11-12T20:24:40.070-06:00Blog Envy<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello My Friends</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am still very new to Blogging so I am coming to you all for help.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am I the only one that feels a little slow when it comes to blogging style? Lol.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;">When I visit your blogs I am envious of how awesome you have made them! How did you do it? I don't know if I want to pay for the services as of right now but are there any tricks to this?</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>My Questions</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you can tell me some of the things you did to your blog and how you did them? Or just share your ideas?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you add the "gadget" that shows other sites you are on. It shows the logo for FaceBook, Pinterest, Instagram, & Email. Your readers can click on the logo and it takes you to the link? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Link Up and Contact? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grab My Button?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you add catagories? Some bloggers have them under their title. They say things like; Home, Recipes, About Me, Before & After, FAQ, Weight Loss, etc...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you get Sponsors? What does it mean to have a sponsor?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you use Instagram to get the side by side photos? Do you also use Instagram to add words to your photos?</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Any other tips that you would like to share? </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you all for your help! :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKzl3H_DeoA/UHeEgrsX2_I/AAAAAAAAAiU/fDS1Cw5GvrU/s1600/Photo+Name+Whitney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKzl3H_DeoA/UHeEgrsX2_I/AAAAAAAAAiU/fDS1Cw5GvrU/s1600/Photo+Name+Whitney.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-56476966881642500182012-11-07T17:15:00.004-06:002012-11-12T20:25:12.741-06:00I have been nominated for the Liebster Award!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--g9Vk1DsO80/UJlztoHRPKI/AAAAAAAAAns/1pCzrV6_yT8/s1600/Liebster+Blog+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--g9Vk1DsO80/UJlztoHRPKI/AAAAAAAAAns/1pCzrV6_yT8/s1600/Liebster+Blog+Award.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I have been nominated for the Liebster Award!!</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>The Liebster Award is an award that blogger's give out to the other blogger's </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>who have less than 200 followers, but should have more.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"><em>Thank you so much Hannah from </em></span><a href="http://sams-girl.blogspot.com/2012/10/i-have-been-nominated-for-liebster.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana;"><em>Sam's Girl</em></span></a><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"><em>!</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>The rules, should you be nominated:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">1. If you are nominated, post 11 things about yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">2. Then answer the 11 questions the person who nominated you created.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">3. Create 11 more questions to ask the bloggers you decided to nominate.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">4. Choose 11 bloggers to nominate with less than 200 followers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">5. Make sure and let these people know that you nominated them. No tag backs, So don't nominate someone who nominated you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>11 Things about Myself</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">1. I live South of St. Louis, MO. I have lived in many different cities in MO.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">2. I am married to my best friend whom I met my sophomore year of high school.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">3. I love Art. Creating, Learning, and Appreciating.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">4. I love riding my bike. I wish I could do it more.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">5. I love my son and my pets.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">6. I have traveled outside of the country once to Mexico.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">7. I used to wear glasses.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">8. I enjoy reading and Pinterest.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">9. I love Chocolate!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">10. I am a stay-at-home mom who plans to pursue her degree & career in business & nutrition.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">11. I was born in OK.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>11 Questions Asked of Me</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">1. </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where is one place you would love to travel?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em>I would love to go to Hawaii.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">2. Why did you decide to start a blog?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em>Originally it was just to put my feelings on paper. Then I changed it to weight loss and life after being inspired by Mama Laughlin.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">3. Which is your favorite season?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em>Fall</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">4. What's one thing you would buy if you had loads of money?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em> Responsibility aside...Black, Cadellac Escalade. I have always wanted one. Then maybe a Blue, 71 Chevelle.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">5. What is one of the craziest things you have done?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em> Not sure...One Sunday morning before we were married, my hubby and I woke up around 11am and decided to drive to Springfield, MO for the day. It's a 4 hour drive, I think. I don't think we would ever do that again...lol. Well maybe one day.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">6. What makes you smile when you don't feel like it?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em>My son or my husband or sometimes my pets. They make me very happy!</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">7. What do you continue to do because you love it, not because you are good at it?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em>This one is tough...I love being a Mom and I do the best I can. Although there are times when I don't know for sure if I am doing a good job.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">8. How many states have you been to?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em> 7</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">9. What is your favorite color(s)?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em>Green</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">10. Which website/blog do you spend the most time on?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em>Facebook or Pinterest</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">11. What do you dream of?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"> <em> I dream of peace for our country and hope for happiness. I dream of a wonderfully, long, happy and loving life with my husband and child(ren).</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>My 11 Questions for Nominees</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">1. Who was/is the most influential person in your life?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">2. How has your life been different that what you imagined?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">3. When and where were you born?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">4. What do you do for fun?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">5. Do you read? If you do what book would you reccomend?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">7. Do you take vacations? Where do you go?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">8. What do you do for a living?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">9. What traditions have been passed down in your family?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">10. What is your favorite holiday baked food?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">11. What is your favorite movie/tv show?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">My Nominees are:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">1. Amy at <a href="http://perpetuallyunbalanced.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-kids-are-screwed-but-i-suspect.html?spref=fb" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Perpetually Unbalanced</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">2. Bettina at <a href="http://www.bettina-refsgaard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Bettina-Refsgaard</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">3. Desirae at <a href="http://goingwiththelastingers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Going With The Flow</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">4. Lindsay at <a href="http://www.undomestic-mama.com/" target="_blank">Undomestic Mama</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">5. Alyssa at <a href="http://riversrecipereview.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Recipe Critic</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">6. Megan at <a href="http://missmadisonscharmedlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Miss Madison's Charmed Life</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">7. Nikki at <a href="http://mylifemyway14.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Life My Way</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">8. Kristen at <a href="http://kristen-adayinthelifeofme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Day In The Life of Me</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">9. Allie at <a href="http://talesofatwentysomethingblogger.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tales Of A Twenty Something</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">10. Katie at <a href="http://www.losethecushion.com/" target="_blank">Lose The Cushion</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">11. Elise at <a href="http://kalobandelise.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">That's Comma With A K</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">12. Malorie at <a href="http://lifefeelsgoodinpbeach.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Life Feels Good In Port Bail Beach</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">13. Lauryn at</span> </span><a href="http://cupcakesandkickboxing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cupcakes and Kickboxing</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">14. Holly at</span> <a href="http://www.thestanfieldclan.com/" target="_blank">Where We Can Live Like Jack and Sally</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know several of you have well over 200 Followers but I thought it was a nice way to say Hello and Get to know the bloggers I (try to) follow. No hard feelings if you choose to not participate. Thanks again to Hannah!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great evening!</span></div>
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-47705201232601291652012-11-06T14:27:00.003-06:002012-11-12T20:26:08.546-06:00I'm Back...Halloween, My 30th, & Under 200lbs...<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello my fellow friends.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am sorry for my long absense. I have been so busy and have not have a free moment to update my blog. I have lots of pictures and stories to share. Here goes...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weigh-In Day: Saturday October 27, 2012</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weight: 199lbs.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Down a total of 30lbs. I was so excited! I received my 5lb sticker too.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1_Q_a3shL0/UJlDALq2rvI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/fRmSbpbBN1w/s1600/10.27.12+199+lbs+made+it+under+200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1_Q_a3shL0/UJlDALq2rvI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/fRmSbpbBN1w/s320/10.27.12+199+lbs+made+it+under+200.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Showing that I now have a "1" in front of my weight.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later we went to Grants Farm for their fall activities. It was fun except the parts where Caleb through fits over not wanting to wear gloves and wanting to be held.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QLxAgfOYuKU/UJlDsX4wx-I/AAAAAAAAAlY/9oUpF7KfHxQ/s1600/Grants+Farm+10.27.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QLxAgfOYuKU/UJlDsX4wx-I/AAAAAAAAAlY/9oUpF7KfHxQ/s320/Grants+Farm+10.27.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Caleb and our neighbor Jaylen</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mACI50ulmhI/UJlD_lbMj7I/AAAAAAAAAlg/AVNrQ2Q0RPE/s1600/Jack+Pumpkin+King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mACI50ulmhI/UJlD_lbMj7I/AAAAAAAAAlg/AVNrQ2Q0RPE/s320/Jack+Pumpkin+King.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jack the Pumpking King (Nightmare Before Christmas)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTuiOFKrYFI/UJlEbPBUKzI/AAAAAAAAAl0/duFjlas331o/s1600/Caleb's+2nd+Jack-O-Lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTuiOFKrYFI/UJlEbPBUKzI/AAAAAAAAAl0/duFjlas331o/s320/Caleb's+2nd+Jack-O-Lantern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Caleb's 2nd Jack-O-Lantern</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkf-imLA7xQ/UJlEfEFf1LI/AAAAAAAAAl8/OWsRtnPgf4Y/s1600/Caleb's+2nd+Jack-O-Lantern,+back+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkf-imLA7xQ/UJlEfEFf1LI/AAAAAAAAAl8/OWsRtnPgf4Y/s320/Caleb's+2nd+Jack-O-Lantern,+back+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Caleb's 2nd Jack-O-Lantern back view</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgmD71r_PFk/UJlEigk8r9I/AAAAAAAAAmE/JiWeoAVlXlc/s1600/Caleb's+3rd+Jack-O-Lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgmD71r_PFk/UJlEigk8r9I/AAAAAAAAAmE/JiWeoAVlXlc/s320/Caleb's+3rd+Jack-O-Lantern.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Caleb's 3rd Jack-O-Lantern</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Batgirl Costume</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyqW0UXnROc/UJlEpl6z5uI/AAAAAAAAAmM/cfEbXSIHU3k/s1600/Batgirl+front+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyqW0UXnROc/UJlEpl6z5uI/AAAAAAAAAmM/cfEbXSIHU3k/s320/Batgirl+front+view.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVEaMVFFfPc/UJlEs5jy4wI/AAAAAAAAAmU/czJS4r7qzw4/s1600/Batgirl+side+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVEaMVFFfPc/UJlEs5jy4wI/AAAAAAAAAmU/czJS4r7qzw4/s320/Batgirl+side+view.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caleb's Batman Costume</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Halloween 2012 at our House. Caleb and I after Trick-Or-Treating for the first time. He did great! He walked the loop (About 25 min walk up and down hills) for over half of it. I had to carry him up the dreaded hill. lol. I need to take a picture of the hill one day and show you all. The irony is that I just lost 30lbs and I carried Caleb up the hill...he weighs about 30lbs. LOL.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a house at the front of our subdivision. We went to the library for Trick-Or-Treating Story Time and on the way back I had to take a picture. The little girl on the swing is new this year. Love it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Happy 30th Birthday to ME!</strong> I celebrated my birthday with no sleep from the night before and a trip to the Museum of Transportation, St. Louis. My birthday gift arrived from UPS on Halloween...I later realized what it was without meaning to because it was shipped in its box with Kindle Fire on the side. I didn't expect that at all! I got it out and charged it after the hubby got home and realized I knew what it was. My dear friend Bettina sent me a gift card. She has been following me a long with my weight loss journey. She wanted me to buy something for me. She is such a great friend. I was also surprised with a birthday cake from McArthur's Bakery (a great place here in St. Louis). I only had a few small pieces and let Caleb and Jerry finish the rest. I was proud of myself for being able to resist. :) I had the school aged kids I watch all day Thursday and Friday, so they went to the Museum with us. It was really neat. We rode a miniature train. I think the kids loved it...I know Caleb did! We could have done Creation Station but I didn't think that Caleb would want to leave after an hour. So maybe next time. We rode a trolley up the hill to the automobile museum. Lots of cool cars in there. Then walked up to the train yard and saw tons of trains. Some we were able to walk through. That was neat, seeing inside of them. They are huge! I never realized how big trains actually were.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was so tired after this and I needed a nap. That didn't happen. :( We went to my in-laws for my birthday dinner. While I enjoy going to their house and their company, I wished I wasn't so tired. I felt sickly, that is how tired I was. Friday morning came too soon. Again I was tired. My mom came to visit me. YAY! I haven't seen her since September because she is taking classes and working 2 jobs. She made me peanut butter chewies. OMG! They are so good! Peanut butter, syrup, cornflakes and I'm sure a few other ingredients are in there. LOVE THEM! So bad for you though. I had to throw them out Sunday because they were getting yucky and I needed to not eat anymore. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went through the bags of clothes that I put away after I tried them on back in September. First I tried on the clothes that were a little big. They were too big now. In to the goodwill pile they went. Second I tried on the bag of clothes labled fit but a little tight. They all fit. I got a few pairs of jeans out of that pile. The rest were summer clothes so I set them aside to put away for winter. Third I tried on the bag of clothes labeled too small. All but 4 pairs fit!!! Of course they are all summer but still exciting! The 4 pairs that didn't fit were zipped and buttoned but not quite comfortable yet. So I labeled everything with Friday's date and how they fit so I will know for summer.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I look in my closet and I have t-shirts, tank tops, and long sleeve t-shirts. I have nothing to wear. Literally lol. Time to shop!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My hubby went hunting on Friday and didn't have any luck. :( He went hunting Saturday afternoon and didn't have any luck. Send us some luck please. We need to get a deer this year. We didn't get one last year and our meat supply is running low. :) Thanks!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weigh-In Day: Saturday November 3, 2012</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Weight: 196.0lbs</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another 3lbs gone. I can't believe it! I didn't work out this week really. I walked danced,and ran at Grants Farm. I cleaned like a crazy person for 3 days. I walked around for trick-or-treating and for the museum of transportation. I guess those all counted towards activity. :) I'll definitely take it! I know my days of losing 3lbs a week are coming close to the end the closer I get to my goal.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finally treated myself to a spa day to get my toes and nails done. I was going to go shopping too but decided to wait until Sunday so my sister and step-mom Jane stopped by to see me for my birthday. Later Caleb had a sleepover with this buddy Trevor. I ordered Papa John's Pizza. I got the Garden Veggie on thin crust. It was good. The problem is I couldn't stop eating the darn candy from Halloween. My friend Becky stopped by with a bottle of blush wine from Crown Valley Winery. She shared that she will be a homeowner soon so we celebrated. I only had one glass of wine but still ate chocolate. And those darn peanut butter chewies. The boys enjoyed watching Scooby Doo and playing. They had a lot of fun. When they woke up they had donuts and played some more. I went shopping for clothes. I purchased a few bra's since I now need a smaller size and a running bra. I purchased a few new shirts, pajama's, and a few track pants. I'm excited to wear my new clothes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't been excited about shopping for myself in a while. I usually get hot in the store and that makes me not want to try on clothes. This was the first time I did not get hot. I didn't mind trying on clothes. When I tried on my size 14 jeans a few week ago, I was hot. But that could have been because I was chasing Caleb around trying to get pictures of him. lol. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I struggle with temptation...chocolate. I should just get rid of it but I feel guilty because it is my son's. He doesn't eat much but I feel if he wants it, it is there. I am worried about falling back into my old ways. I ate like a pig all weekend! When I came back from shopping I had left over pizza and more peanut butter chewies. I threw them away after that...ugh! I was miserable. Then about an hour and a half later Jerry wanted dinner...it was about 4pm. I was not hungry. I asked him to wait a while. When we did have dinner, we went to our favorite mexican restaurant and I ate very little. I was not hungry. I think I just keep having cravings and can't control myself. Hopefully this will pass.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">This is very hard! It seems so easy to just slip back into my old ways. Especially with the colder days, longer nights. Depression lurks in the shadows for me. Reminding me of times when I succomed to it. I am fighting it. I do not want to be where I was. I need to keep going. Everyone has bad days, weeks, months...I just need to get through this.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Thank you for your support!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great week!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKzl3H_DeoA/UHeEgrsX2_I/AAAAAAAAAiU/fDS1Cw5GvrU/s1600/Photo+Name+Whitney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKzl3H_DeoA/UHeEgrsX2_I/AAAAAAAAAiU/fDS1Cw5GvrU/s1600/Photo+Name+Whitney.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Quote of the Day:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Julius Erving:</strong> <i>If you don't do what's best for your body, you're the one who comes up on the short end.</i></span></span></div>
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-64679500356275313462012-10-23T21:05:00.001-05:002012-11-12T20:31:39.331-06:00Weigh-In Day and Before Photos<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfmuIVB1DC4/UIcznmkpTRI/AAAAAAAAAjM/4EXv01f4tDc/s1600/10.20.12+200.4+SO+CLOSE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfmuIVB1DC4/UIcznmkpTRI/AAAAAAAAAjM/4EXv01f4tDc/s320/10.20.12+200.4+SO+CLOSE.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Saturday October 20, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Weight: 200.4 lbs (So Close!!!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shirt: Large Tank from ON</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Capri's: Large from ON</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Evening Everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you are all having a great week so far! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a rough week last week and I was surprised that I still lost 3lbs on Saturday. I am for sure going to make it to <strong>ONE</strong>derland this Saturday!!! I am so excited and happy!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am confused yet again by WW though. When I signed up for the monthly pass I was told I could go to as many meetings as I wanted through out the week or something like that. So since I have been busy on Saturdays I went to a few Friday morning meetings and weighed in on Saturday morning. This Saturday I was told that I could go to any meeting but I had to weigh-in before the meeting. Geez! It's almost like I am being tested. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After I weighed-in I headed home to change for the pumpkin patch.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_xKVLr4XYc/UIc1GOFXcKI/AAAAAAAAAjU/AvDmAYA0-GY/s1600/10.20.12+200.4+Ready+for+Pumpkin+Patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_xKVLr4XYc/UIc1GOFXcKI/AAAAAAAAAjU/AvDmAYA0-GY/s320/10.20.12+200.4+Ready+for+Pumpkin+Patch.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shirt: XL Novelty Halloween from Wal-mart</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Under Shirt: XL from Wal-mart</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jeans: Size 14 from ON</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We took a hay ride. Caleb was not pleasant for most of the morning. So this is the best photo we got.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uRrYYReXHec/UIc2vY501tI/AAAAAAAAAjg/_olREKbkNJk/s1600/10.20.12+Pumpkin+Patch+Family+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uRrYYReXHec/UIc2vY501tI/AAAAAAAAAjg/_olREKbkNJk/s320/10.20.12+Pumpkin+Patch+Family+Photo.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a photo of one of the pumpkins carved into a Jack-O-Lantern on Saturday Evening.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQclh22g4M0/UIc8IgkJFrI/AAAAAAAAAjw/-vxTdZuy8Rk/s1600/10.20.12+Jack-o-lantern+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQclh22g4M0/UIc8IgkJFrI/AAAAAAAAAjw/-vxTdZuy8Rk/s320/10.20.12+Jack-o-lantern+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MT7JSLwYW8A/UIc8TzACzlI/AAAAAAAAAj4/IcBHrYhtl_A/s1600/10.21.12+Favorite+tree+in+the+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MT7JSLwYW8A/UIc8TzACzlI/AAAAAAAAAj4/IcBHrYhtl_A/s320/10.21.12+Favorite+tree+in+the+fall.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is my view of this gorgeous tree from my back window. I love the colors. Today the leaves are mostly gone from the top and it wont be much longer before the rest fall.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I had a bad weekend as far as food goes. I did okay on Saturday for lunch. CC's pizza...I had 1 slice of veggie pizza and a salad with a few bites of garlic bread and a brownie. Not very good. Made me feel like poo. Thinking we need to change the place we have lunch after the pumpkin patch for next year.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">After a glorious nap I vacuumed out my new car. Then Caleb and I went to Target for a few things before we headed to the Pumpkin Carving Party we were invited to. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">The food at the party was pulled pork on a roll, veggie platter, party potatoes or casserole, buffalo wild wing dip with chips, deer sausage with cheese and crackers, pasta salad, & brownies. I only had a little and I was not stuffed but all of the points still added up. It was all very good too.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">On Sunday I did not have breakfast and met my dad for lunch at Bandana's. I had the turkey platter with french fries (which I did not eat they were for Caleb) and a side salad with the dressing on the side. I used the sweet n smoky bbq sauce and only had a few bites of the garlic bread. I did not stuff myself.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Dinner was Bread Company. But some how I still managed to go over for Sunday.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Monday I was just hungry all day. I was tired too. I had a pep talk with myself. I talked myself into walking despite how I had lack of motivation. I felt better but was still hungry and went over. <strong>NO MORE EXTRA WEEKLY POINTS LEFT</strong> and it's only Monday. <em>Sigh!</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">So I made myself make today a better day. I worked on my laundry. Played with the kids. When the kids were napping, I headed downstairs to walk. I managed to jog for 17 minutes straight and for 5 laps. So I ran a mile today. AHHH! So happy for that. I pushed myself to keep going. Testing my limits. I had pains in my legs. They felt tired. I had aches in my side and I tried breathing in my nose and out my mouth to help. I had pain in my hips. I kept going. Telling myself that I can do this. I have done this before. I was so proud afterwards.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I feel much better about my weigh-in this weekend. I feel confident that I can at least lose .5 lbs after the rough start to the week. I feel like I renewed my belief in myself that I can do this.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">It is so hard to keep going. Some days I just want to quit. I feel go about myself. I am starting to see who I am again. I like to see photos of myself again and my reflection in the mirror. I am noticing so many positive changes in my body. I feel great. So I feel like I can just stop and it will be okay. But I can't. If I do I will end up right back where I started and possibly weigh more. I found photos from last year around this time. I did not like myself in these photos and I still don't. I could pick myself apart in these photos. I am glad my husband took them though. For one, I was enjoying family time with my son. But also, now I can use these photos for motivation to keep me going and believing. To help me to never want to be that girl again. <br /><br />I am sharing these with you. It is hard. I don't want others to see my like that. Even though that is how I was, walking around every day. Here goes...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdTDCbhjhUM/UIdDxR07t7I/AAAAAAAAAkI/agNhx_cGWtA/s1600/Easter+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdTDCbhjhUM/UIdDxR07t7I/AAAAAAAAAkI/agNhx_cGWtA/s320/Easter+2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This photo was actually from Easter 2011. I had been working out since January and had lost weight but gave up when the summer days got too hot. Then I just completely stopped. You can tell that by the way I look in the next photos.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x93bTEOe9yE/UIdD35XfJmI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/vV8-FoUrGVY/s1600/Me+2011+Pumpkin+Carving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x93bTEOe9yE/UIdD35XfJmI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/vV8-FoUrGVY/s320/Me+2011+Pumpkin+Carving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pumpkin Carving after we went to the pumpkin patch. Probably around 235 ish. The shirt I am wearing, now swamps me.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DYg_6fyLiXk/UIdD-PeOoYI/AAAAAAAAAkY/MW4inSruG10/s1600/Me+2011+Pumpkin+Patch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DYg_6fyLiXk/UIdD-PeOoYI/AAAAAAAAAkY/MW4inSruG10/s320/Me+2011+Pumpkin+Patch+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">UGH! Why in the H3LL did I think that shirt looked good on me??</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-saiOdYdfgxw/UIdECGJnn4I/AAAAAAAAAkk/fPZMU6M97Cg/s1600/Me+2011+Pumpkin+Patch+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-saiOdYdfgxw/UIdECGJnn4I/AAAAAAAAAkk/fPZMU6M97Cg/s320/Me+2011+Pumpkin+Patch+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My face just looks full here...My son was not happy riding the ponies last year.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI-BjVAnV4U/UIdEGEABjuI/AAAAAAAAAkw/Dg-fTRRIUKA/s1600/Me+2011+Pumpkin+Patch+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI-BjVAnV4U/UIdEGEABjuI/AAAAAAAAAkw/Dg-fTRRIUKA/s320/Me+2011+Pumpkin+Patch+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oh The HORROR!</span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pW1SSiWlYsw/UIdEJmSLHtI/AAAAAAAAAk4/iY9lUXZNbe4/s1600/Me+2011+Pumpkin+Patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pW1SSiWlYsw/UIdEJmSLHtI/AAAAAAAAAk4/iY9lUXZNbe4/s320/Me+2011+Pumpkin+Patch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Yuck! But my son sure looks adorable!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Old Whitney</span> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New Whitney in progress</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HhkjO1c8Io/UFSxQTT1yJI/AAAAAAAAAdE/DecmGl42Z28/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HhkjO1c8Io/UFSxQTT1yJI/AAAAAAAAAdE/DecmGl42Z28/s320/photo.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfmuIVB1DC4/UIcznmkpTRI/AAAAAAAAAjM/4EXv01f4tDc/s1600/10.20.12+200.4+SO+CLOSE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfmuIVB1DC4/UIcznmkpTRI/AAAAAAAAAjM/4EXv01f4tDc/s320/10.20.12+200.4+SO+CLOSE.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can kind of see a difference in my before and during photos. I just know that I feel much better for sure. In the before photo: the jeans I had on are in a bag to go to good will now and the shirt is too big, so I probably need to do the same with that.</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> HAHA Aly photo bombed both of these photos. LOL. Girl loves her picture taken.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't say enough how happy and proud of myself I am. In the past (before Aug 2012) I wouldn't have kept going if something upset or bothered me. Like all the stuff going on with WW. I would have stopped going because it was becoming a conflict. If something negative happened I always got upset and then had a pity party. I can proudly say that I am stronger now. I may get upset still but I kick myself in the butt and say get over it...move on...WORK OUT...lol. But it is the truth and I am still going because I have found that strength within myself to push myself to keep going.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I make healthier choices. I stop and think before I take a bite or drink. I ask myself if I am really hungry. But if it's something I really want or like then I allow myself to have it. I watch my portions. I track everything even if it is frustrating to look up foods that I don't normally eat then can't find it so I have to wing it. OCD anyone. Everything has to be so-so and if it isn't then it makes me aggravated and I just want to say screw it! BUT I stick to it. I had an extra point or 2 to what I have found similar and move on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have started to see myself next year for my friends wedding...Skinny...Cute...Beautiful. I have started thinking about how my husband won't be able to keep his hands off of me, even more so than now. :D I even had a crazy thought about doing what another blogger I follow did and buy a bikini just to see how it would look on me. I have never liked bikini's on my body. Even when I had the body to wear one. Just felt too exposed. We will see...it may be a behind closed doors kind of deal if I do.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I imagine nice legs and a nice butt. I imagine nice arms and no muffin top. I am hoping my belly firms up a little but I gained a lot of weight then got pregnant so I feel like there is no hope for my belly. Thank goodness for spanx! haha </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I also imagine my wedding and engagement rings getting re-sized. I imagine I am able to wear my class ring and the ring my step-mom gave me for graduating high school.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I look forward to many things. I want to keep going. PRAY for this winter to go smoothly... pretty please! :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quote of the Day:</span></h2>
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Work Hard Stay Humble<br />
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The only person you should try to be better than, is the person your were yesterday.<br />
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You're not as breakable as you think.<br />
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Just because today is a terrible day doesn't mean tomorrow won't be the best day of your life. You just gotta get there. </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Have a great rest of the week! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKzl3H_DeoA/UHeEgrsX2_I/AAAAAAAAAiU/fDS1Cw5GvrU/s1600/Photo+Name+Whitney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKzl3H_DeoA/UHeEgrsX2_I/AAAAAAAAAiU/fDS1Cw5GvrU/s1600/Photo+Name+Whitney.jpg" /></a></div>
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-79950169582233884352012-10-18T08:59:00.001-05:002012-11-12T20:35:07.157-06:00Work Hard Stay Humble<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Thursday!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week has been wonderful! Monday I ran for a full 15 minutes without stopping. I feel like it is getting easier to run longer. Especially if I focus on something different. The first 5 minutes felt great and he last 5 minutes were a little tough but I did it! I am running on my toes more than flat footed like I did when I started out. I don't know what the proper way to run is but I know I sure feel lighter when I do. After a brief cool down walk I decided, what the heck, I'll try running a little faster for a few minutes. I usually jog at a 3.5 so I bumped the speed to 4.0 and off I went. It was amazing! I was laughing at myself because I felt so light on my feet like a gazelle or a ballerina. You know how graceful they are and how they just glide through the air. I felt kind of like that. Is that weird? LOL. I finished 5 minutes of running at 4.2 speed. I bumped it up because I felt like I could go faster and I did. I was emotional afterwards but I didn't cry. It was more triumph and pride. I felt as if I could do just about anything if I put my mind to it. AWESOME!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOIgyavaApI/UH_2boWxJwI/AAAAAAAAAi0/LY4nOaidVGw/s1600/10.15.12+after+my+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOIgyavaApI/UH_2boWxJwI/AAAAAAAAAi0/LY4nOaidVGw/s320/10.15.12+after+my+run.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After my run...I was happy. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday we purchased a new car since my car was almost 10 years old and pretty much on its death bed. So we traded my Cavalier for a Mazda 3. It's super cute and sporty. Love it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Wednesday it looked like it was going to rain and I had already decided I was walking outside so I went ahead and did it. I bundled up my son and put the leashes on my dogs and we set out. Everyone that sees us pass always says it looks like I have my hands full. I guess so, I have a jogging stroller and 2 dogs. LOL. My dogs are always crazy the first mile of our walks. They drag me and pull and smell everything. I remember a time when they were so well behaved on our walks. I think my hubby needs to walk them again, they listen to him and walk so much better. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was feeling pretty good so I decided to jog down one street and up to another. We took a short break then once we hit another street we jogged again to the end of that street. When we got to the pond in the front of our subdivision I jogged again. I got almost to the end of the street and Aly stopped and I didn't realize it so she got jerked by the leash. I stopped and looked down and she was pooping. GREAT! She is the only one that does this to me. LOL. Brandi has never stopped to poop, only to pee. Then I got to carry a poop bag the rest of my walk. Fabulous! We went back to the pond where we fed the ducks bread that we brought with us. Caleb enjoyed feeding the ducks. He never took interest before so it was cool seeing him have fun with it. Of course the ducks wouldn't get very close with my two crazy dogs nearby but we were able to toss bread to them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We headed back and I always start to dread the huge hill on my journey back home. I need to take a picture of it someday, well it would be more than one because I don't think I could get it all in one shot...yea it's that big. I've never timed myself walking up it so I am not sure how long it takes to get up it. I'd say maybe a little more than 5 minutes, maybe. So today I tried something different to help me get up the hill. I had jogged down so my energy was pretty low already so I decided just to take the hill slow. Usually I go fast hoping it will be over sooner and then I always feel like I'm going to die at the top. LOL. I paced myself very slow. Controled my breathing and did my best to stay at a slow pace. Towards the top I was looking down at the ground and before I knew it I was approaching the top of the street. Cool. I then just needed to make the turn up the next street to the top of the hill. Once at the top I was not winded and felt great! Oh and my iphone was playing <strong>4 Non Blondes What's Up</strong>, <em>"And so I wake in the morning And I step outside And I take a deep breath and I get real high And I scream from the top of my lungs What's going on?". </em>I'll have to do that again!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I researched all yesterday to find places to go for my upcoming birthday. Aparently you are supposed to know what you want to do a year in advance if you want to find a very nice B&B. Oops! So I settled for the next best thing. I found a very nice B&B a few miles farther than where I wanted to go and it got great reviews. Plus the lady is a celebrity chef at our local Dierberg's. That means the food is going to be awesome. I booked it. I am so excited! We are going December 1 (a month after my birthday because of deer season). I figured we would hit a few wineries off 94 on the way. Maybe check out Daniel Boone's Homestead in Defiance? Then once we hit our destination and check-in we can explore the town. It is full of history and lots of walking can be done so I can get some exercise in before breakfast in the morning. hehe. This will be our first vacation since we had our son so we are super excited, even if it's just for one night. :D</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I woke up this morning and the tops of my thighs are so sore. It is tough sitting down. I told my hubby, I wish it was my inner or outter thighs that felt sore then they could tone up faster...Oh well, I'll take whatever pain I can get. It just means I am doing something right to look and feel better later. Also, I did a check on my weight. I do this periodically throughout the week just to see if I need to add another exercise or watch what I am eating to keep me on track. <strong>My scale today said 200.6 lbs. OMG!</strong> I am so close to seeing a "1" in front of my weight, ONEderland!!! I am so proud of myself! I called my hubby to share my excitement with him. I will be under 200 by my 30th birthday! :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today we are going to the library in the county so Caleb can see his cousins. I find it silly that I can't check anything out since I am not a resident but whatev. At least we can join in on the activities and fun.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I plan to go to the Friday morning WW meeting again. We are going to the pumpkin patch on Saturday and I won't be able to make that meeting. I will go in early to weigh-in though. What are your plans for the weekend? Any fall activities or parties?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wish my hubby luck! He is going hunting for the first time this season tomorrow and again Saturday-Sunday. Last year it was so windy and he didn't get one. We still have plenty of meat but if he doesn't get one this year we won't have much meat before next season.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I have to be real...I am having a "lucky streak" I guess with my weight loss and it is not normal to lose weight this fast. The norm is at the most 2lbs a week. So yes I am enjoying the fast results and it has kept me going. I do fear in a month or so (the holidays) how my body is going to react. My doctor said I will plateau at some point. When I do I will be bummed but I'll have to remind myself to keep going because even if it isn't showing on the scale, I am still doing good for myself and my body. I have to keep that in mind so I don't lose sight of my goal. That will be when I will need to re-read my previous blogs and get support from my friends and family and readers. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still have struggles here and there. I have days where I do not want to work out. I have to make myself workout. With winter approaching and colder weather to come, it is only going to get harder for me to want to workout. I am going to have to devise a plan to keep myself motivated to workout. I am not worried about food here at home but for the holidays I am worried. Maybe I can do that dollar in the jar for every workout I do or something so I can buy myself something cool? Any thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Above all I know I have learned to control my eating. I am still learning to stop when full if the food is good. I try not to let myself get to that point by not having that much food on my plate to tempt me but there are times when that is not possible. I always remind myself that I should not eat more because I am starting to feel full and I don't always listen to myself. So while I have come SO FAR I am still learning. That's why I like to blog. I can keep track of what I am learning and changing to refer to. I also can get tips from my readers and motivation. Thank you all for that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quote of the day:</span></h2>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Work Hard Stay Humble</span></blockquote>
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-17259819849752203812012-10-13T17:24:00.001-05:002012-11-12T20:38:16.565-06:0025 lbs Gone!!! ... And some of my tips.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhU1yJy2aEk/UHnGhC-9xiI/AAAAAAAAAik/ZAyybxHcM5g/s1600/203.4+10.13.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhU1yJy2aEk/UHnGhC-9xiI/AAAAAAAAAik/ZAyybxHcM5g/s320/203.4+10.13.12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10/13/12 weight 203.4 lbs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total loss 25.8 lbs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earned my 25 lb award today</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tank top: Large</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Capri's: Large</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good Afternoon!</span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I stepped on my scale this morning and was shocked at what I saw. I did lose weight. I was sure I gained or stayed the same this week. I worked out, yes. But the way I felt, the way I ate at times. It just felt like a bad week with no weight loss. So happy to see 203.4. I am so close to being under 200 pounds <strong>YES!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>My breakfast:</u> Panera Bread Power Sandwich. It's so good and filling.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>My lunch:</u> 1 1/2 c Ceasar Salad with 2 slices of Boar's Head Classic Chicken. And a Gala Apple.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>My dinner:</u> Homemade Vennison Chili simmering in my crock pot.I add 2% cheese and use whole wheat crackers. My house smells amazing!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have drank tons of water today and walked for 2 hours for the baby mania sale.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is muggy and warm here today. It's so strange since it has been chilly the past week. It has also been very windy, I expect that is due to the storm I heard we may get, or rain.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't get much sleep last night. My son woke up around midnight with a low fever and fussy. After the tylenol kicked in he was in full force. Every few minutes he would turn around and kick one of us. He also kicked the covers off then put them back on. He decided to get out of our bed and bring toys in the room. Finally around 3am we told him he had to go to his room and play if he wasn't going to sleep. He wasn't happy about it but he went.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>6:30am...My alarm goes off</em>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I rode with my neighbor friend to weigh-in, we grabbed breakfast and then headed to "Baby Mania". It is like a huge garage sale held in the parking lot of a local school. They have tons of baby stuff, maternity, older kids stuff, and furniture for cheap (if you look). Some people do price their stuff high. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I returned home to get ready to go grocery shopping. My husband and son were getting ready to go to the Circus. My hubby won tickets from work. They got to sit in the Company Suite. I think Caleb enjoyed himself as much as a 2-year old can. :) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My goal this week is to plan my meals and exercise. So I made up my list and headed to the store. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be making my Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with some kind of potatoes and a veggie. Rosemary & garlic pork chop loin with a potato and veggie. Breakfast burritos with eggs, veggies, and cheese. I know we will have left over chilli a night or so. I am not sure on the other meals but I do have a few lean cuisine's. I am sure we will have mexican one night too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I plan to start 30DS and walk this week too. I said I would start the C25K when I hit 10%...I'm nervous and I need to get my routine back before I can start that. I just need to do it. Maybe next week...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so proud of myself for kicking that feeling I had all week. I mentioned it in my last blog. I am not sure what was going on but I was getting nervous about the upcoming holidays and eating and not losing weight. I think I lost focus of what is important and I psyched myself out. I also starting alternating the days I took phenterine so that I can stop taking it once the prescription runs out. I guess that bothered me too. It made me insecure, like it wasn't me doing all the work to lose the weight with the help of an appetite suppressant. Amazing what we get stuck in our minds and have to change our ways of thinking in order to move forward.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the past I wouldn't have been able to move forward. I would have just continued my downward path to my old ways. I know that this experience is teaching me how to change and make positive choices.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am learning so much and my mind is clear for this upcoming week. I just need to stay focused on the goal.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My Tips:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make small changes. Concentrate on one change at a time. Like drinking more water during the day by substituting other drinks for water. Or drink a glass of water before each meal.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Write down everything you eat and drink. I have learned from doing this. I used to eat so much food. Now I monitor what I am eating and it is really helping me. Yes it is time consuming but it has great benefits in the end. Also if you are having a bad week you can go back and look at the weeks that ou did great. You can see what you ate, drank, and if you exercised.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't think of exercise as a "chore". Find something you enjoy to do and you will find that you will want to do it. I love to bike ride but it is hard for me because <strong>a)</strong> I live in a very hilly subdivision and I don't think I am ready for hills <strong>b)</strong> I haven't pulled my son in the bike carriage yet so it makes me nervous on my own <strong>c)</strong> It gets dark now by the time my husband gets home from work so we aren't able to go until the weekend. With that said I am okay with the rides we take when we can. So I found I like to walk outside. I also enjoy walking on my treadmill with a movie on or a show I like to watch. I love to swim when the weather is appropriate. Also I have started parking farther away so I walk more. I play with my son outside. The idea is just to start moving. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Drink Water. I love water with ice in it and when it's very cold. I try to drink at least a gallon a day. I notice when I haven't had enough. I feel dehydrated, tired, and sluggish. I get headachhes sometimes too. I read that if you feel thirsty chances are you are already dehydrated so drink up every chance you get. Also, don't drink your calories (except for milk) if you can help it. If you do just be sure to add that in to your daily budget. Got a craving or feel hungry? Drink a glass of water, you may just be thirsty. Then go to bed to avoid late night snacking.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be accountable. Get your friends and family involved with your weight loss journey. I feel accountable every Saturday when I weigh-in. I know that my weight goes in their system and it counts. I enjoy going to the meetings because everyone there is going through a smiliar journey as me. You can also start a blog and write everything in there.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plan. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time. When you know what you will be eating for each meail including snacks you are more likely to stay on track. This one is hard if you are busy but you have to make time. Bring fruit or nuts with you. When you grocery shop have healthy choices available for you to make.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Think Whole Grain. Switch from white breads, pastas, rice to whole grain varietys. This will help you get more fiber in your day. Find the ones that you like and taste good. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fruits and Veggies. Have them with each meal and snack. I try to make this a habit. It helps you get your 5 in for the day. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't skip meals. If you don't eat often, 5-6 small meals a day, you will start to feel like you have less energy. You will feel tired. I am not a doctor but I know I have read somewhere that skipping meals can be harmful to your health (slow metabolism, drop blood sugar...).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Use a smaller plate. It tricks you into thinking you are eating a lot more than you are. This also helps with portion control.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Measure Everything. Have several measuring cups and spoons available so you can be sure you are having the accurate serving for each food.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Splurge a little. We are human. We want foods that are sweet. It's okay to have ice cream or cookies every once in a while. Just be sure to eat in moderation. If the serving size says 2 cookies then only eat 2 cookies. This will become easier with time. You will be able to control your eating and not want to go back for more.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Slim down your recipes. You can by Fat Free or Low Fat in almost everything. You just have to find what you like. I have found ideas from other bloggers and Pinterest. I buy 2% cheese because I like the way it taste and it melts well. I buy Skim Milk. I buy Reduced Fat, Low Sodium, and Fat Free especially in my canned goods. Use Lean meats. Bake or grill instead of frying. Use any substitution that will help make the recipe still taste good but have less calories.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One Pound at a time. Set small goals for yourself. Sure we all have that number we would love to see on the scale but if we don't get there fast enough then we get discouraged. Don't do that to yourself. Instead, say you want to lose 5lbs to start. When you do, reward yourself with something, not food. I have bought new running shoes, a purse, new work out outfit, smaller sized jeans, exercise mat, free weights, moisture wicking socks, etc. Then set another small goal. Before you know it you will have reached your ultimate goal and have enjoyed the journey along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I have salad or order salad I have the dressing on the side. I dip my fork into the dressing and then into the salad. This helps me have less dressing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I eat egg whites when possible with bell peppers and onions. I top it with 2% cheese.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I eat vanilla greek yogurt (okios) with about 1/2-1 cup strawberries and 1/4 c Kashi Go-Lean Honey Almond Flax. It's like a sweet treat for me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I take a multi-vitamin, biotin, b-complex, omega 3 fish oil, and Glucosamine, Chondroitin every day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I eat Subway: 6" Turkey on Wheat with Provolone Cheese and Veggies. No dressing. I eat Bread Co (Panera Bread): Smoked Turkey on Country with Spicy Mustard and Chicken Noodle Soup with a French Baguette. Or Power Breakfast Sandwich with and apple. I eat Jimmy Johns Turkey Tom with no Mayo and I had Provolone Cheese. I eat Pennstation East Coast Subs: Small Turkey Dagwood with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and a few fries. I eat McDonald's McDouble and a small Fry or a kids meal. I eat Jack In The Box: 2 Tacos with Sauce, 1 egg roll with sweet and sour sauce. Or a Breakfast Jack. I eat at Tequila's Mexican Restaurant: Chips and Salsa (about 14 chips if that) and Chicken Fajitas. I ask for no sour cream. I don't eat the rice and beans. I only make 2 fajitas.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I can't find a meal at a restaurant, I order a garden salad with low-fat or fat-free dressing on the side and ask for grilled chicken with it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I may have forgotten a few of my tips. It is hard to keep my mind focused with my adorable 2-year old talking to me. :) So if you have any questions or would like to make suggestions for me please do so.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">If you are struggling just know that you are not alone. Tomorrow is a new day. Start fresh. If I can do it you can too!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great evening!</span> <br />
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Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.</blockquote>
</span><br />jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-59062510255619028692012-10-11T21:47:00.001-05:002012-11-12T20:39:42.942-06:00Who Am I?<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Evening Everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you had a great day! I had a busy day including a good check up at the dentist. Score! I have been struggling in my head with the switching of my phentermine every other day. It's like I am setting myself up to fail. STUPID! Why do I do this to myself??? I feel great! I have done the work to get me where I am so why am I making this medicine out to be the winner here? I think I don't want to believe that I really did it even though I am very proud of myself. It could also be a hint of PMS starting as well...Oh Joy! Any who...I need to get my butt in gear and stop being so hard on myself. I also need to sit down and literally be a newbie at WW again! I need to plan out next week as if my life depended on it. Cross all of my T's and Dot my I's. More on this later...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are a new reader you are probably wondering Who the heck I am. Let me tell you a little about myself.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My name is Whitney. I was born November 1, 1982 (Yes, my 30th birthday is coming up :)) in Nowata, OK. I also have a brother, Dave, born 4 years later. We grew up in Southern Missouri until I was in 4th grade. My parents divorced and we moved in with my dad. He lived in St. Louis Missouri with his girlfriend and her 2 kids, Ashly (1986) & Derrick (1990). My dad married my step-mom and they had my half sister, Emma, in 1996. My mom also re-married and they had my half brother, Dylan, in 1997. (I hope I have all of my dates right or close to it). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I met my husband when I moved to Oakville during my Sophomore year of high school. We started dating in 1999. My dad and step-mom divorced during my Junior year. I still keep in touch with my step-mom and her family, they were apart of my life for so long it only seemed natural. My dad re-married after I graduated from High School. My mom re-married again August 2011.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband and I moved in together in May 2006. We married in June 2009. We had our son in April 2010. Life is Good!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Growing up I always felt bigger. My brothers (step & half too) & sisters (step & half too) were always so skinny, like skin and bone skinny. Some of my friends were smaller than me too. I guess I never really felt comfortable about my body after puberty started at age 13. I turned to food for everything. I was an emotional eater.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through High School I felt skinny. I look back at the pictures now and yell at myself for ever thinking I was fat. I was 125-135 lbs in High School. After High School the weight crept up. Year by year I would buy bigger sizes. I was in such a state of denial that I just took it as I was growing and that was normal. I never saw it as a problem. Not until I turned 21. I was fast approaching the 14/16/18/20/22 sizes and I did little to stop it. I loved food. Food was there for me always and it tasted so good! No self control. No portion control. No clue I needed to stop at the point where my stomach felt like it was going to burst, literally. Exercise was pretty non-exhistant. I would exercise here and there but never enough to make a difference. I knew I was getting fat but did nothing to stop it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had lots of issues as I got heavier, mentally. I took medicine, it made me mean. I saw a councelor, she was not helpful. I had depression real bad and it got worse in the winter. I was in a bad state and let myself go completely. Pushed away friends and family. It's very hard to get them back too once they were pushed away for too long. I am so lucky to still have the friends I do today. I am also lucky to have my family stick with me through this. Most of all my husband. He should get a metal/award for putting up with my craziness for these past 13 years. I know he loves me though and I love him. I hope to be able to show him how much I appreciate him staying by my side through all of this some day. I also need to thank my good friend Bettina for supporting me. I always text her my weight loss and anything going on. She's been such a great friend and I'm glad to have her in my life. :) hugs (:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course when you are fat you don't want to believe it. You don't want to talk about it. Not until you are ready to make a change. It is so hard! Why do we do this to ourselves? It isn't fun and it does hurt. Aren't we hurt enough? Don't we deserve to live our life? Why not do something about it?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sure it's easier to just sit on the couch and watch TV. Sure it's easier to go through drive through. Sure it's cheaper and easier to buy junk food (at times). But I had no idea what it was doing to my body. My body was reacting to the way I ate in several ways and I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. Certain foods did not agree with me. I would get the worst stomach cramps, just as bad as menstral cramps, and have to run to the bathroom. NOT FUN!!! I also got anxiety attacks that also led to stomach cramps and trips to the bathroom. I would get shakey if I didn't eat...hypoglycemia or something my doctor once told me. Scary Stuff! My councelor told me I had PTSD (Post Tramatic Stress Disorder) from some of the things I shared with her. Why did I put myself through all of that? What did I gain from it? I know I never want to feel that way again or go through any of that again.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the summer something "clicked". Yes I have tried to lose weight. Many times. Yes I have stopped and returned to my old ways. But this time is different. I feel different. My mind is clear. Like a fog has been removed. I am determine to be 140 lbs. It will happen for me. I want to feel good about myself. I want to look in the mirror and say WOW look at that. My husband is so lucky to have me. hehehe. But Seriously I want to be healthy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here is my new journey...23 lbs down 65 more to go. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I look forward to hearing from you and following you as well.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Night for now. :)</span><br />
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-48688278959186814392012-10-10T10:54:00.003-05:002012-11-12T20:41:35.119-06:00Saturday's Weigh-in and Exciting News!<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Morning,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Hump Day!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sorry it has taken me so long to post this week's blog...super busy weekend. I don't know that I even realize what happened. Lol!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday Weigh-in Day 10/6/2012</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My weight: 205.6 lbs </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total: 23.6 lbs</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I reached my 10% goal! I was so excited about this but I never got the chance to actually celebrate. I had a dress fitting later Saturday afternoon then Sunday I was gone all day for my neice's baby shower. I haven't even shown off my key chain to my husband. I feel like the excitement went away a little because I was so busy. Jerry had his upcoming interview weighing on his mind so I think we were both just preoccupied.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monday</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was pumped to start Jillian Michael's 30 day shred...Except when I went to start it up it was on level 2...that was the only level I had...I know it sounds weird. My hubby copies our DVD's to Itunes so that we don't have to use DVD's...somehow my level 1 and 3 disappeared. So Frustrating!!! I was mad, very mad! It seems like every time I want to do something it never goes as I want or as planned or as smooth as it could. Any Who...I cooled my jets and decided to do Billy Blanks Boot Camp Basic Training. It was easy at first but got tough towards the end. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am proud of myself for finding a way to still work out even though it wasn't what I had in mind. In the past I would have just said screw it and sat on the couch all day, being crabby. Hooray for me for making positive changes within myself.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday</span> </h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caleb had his scheduled flu shot at Jerry's work so we headed to Clayton for that. When we finished it was too early for lunch so we went shopping. The hubs needed new, black, work shoes and a wallet. Caleb and I went to Old Navy first. He needs a few nice outfits so we picked him up a few things including the cutest outfit for pictures and possible Thanksgiving!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to try on jeans. My 16's have all been big on me by days end lately and they look sloppy on me. I grabbed a pair of 14's in boot cut and skinny <span style="font-size: x-small;">(for my boots). </span>We went into the changing room and after I wrestled with Caleb for 20 minutes to try on a few of his clothes I was sweaty...gross. Thanks phentermine. LOL. So it was the moment of truth...I grabbed the boot cut pair of jeans and pulled them up, buttoned them and looked in the mirror. <span style="font-size: large;">HOLY COW</span> they fit and looked great! <strong>No freaking way!</strong> I was so excited and happy! Sure 14 isn't a small size but it <strong>IS</strong>, however, a small<strong>ER</strong> size than what I have worn in the past several years so heck yes I was excited about that! I tried on the skinny 14's too. I didn't like how they looked on me personally and they felt big in the butt/hip area but they would be great for tall boots which is the only time I'd ever wear them. I put them back for now because I am not ready to wear boots just yet. I also put on a cute white vest, size large, but when I saw myself in the mirror...I don't need anything puffy right now. LOL. We will wait for puffy clothes. Skinny clothes are what I will stick with for now. I did buy a size large 3/4 sleeve sweater and 2 size large cami's...yay!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a successful trip and I saved money too! Bonus!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We stopped by Jimmy John's for lunch then headed to Kohl's. I took several pictures of shoes for Jerry. He told me what he liked so I grabbed those in his size. Then I grabbed him a new wallet. I also took pictures of 2 shirts that I thought he might like and since he doesn't have a yellow or burnt orange shirt I figured it would be okay. He liked them both. Grabbed a tie to match the yellow shirt and headed out.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made a super delicious dinner, Parmesan crusted Tilapia with asparagus and parmesan roasted red potatoes. I also squeezed in time for a walk last night. I walked at 3.0 speed at a 6.0 incline for 47 minutes. It was a great walk, I had to stop because we watched our neighbors little boy for a few hours and it was getting late. My Nike said I walked a 10K last night...<em>haha funny</em>! I think it got out of wack somehow. I sure felt the pain from Monday's Billy Blank work out though.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hubs had an interview this morning, within his company, and I am so curious to know how it went. His current boss told him about an idea they had to keep him with them instead of moving to IT. As he told me about it, we were both getting excited at the idea and forgot about the IT position...Both would be great opportunities for him so I will be happy for him either way.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gotta finish up my housework today. Laundry, cleaning, etc. Having busy weekends and not being home = dirty house! BOO! I need to work on Caleb's room too. He plays in there a lot and never puts toys away. He knows how to put toys away because he helps me downstairs and in the living room but his room, we need to work on.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I need to walk/run/or do billy blanks again today too. This has been the worst week as far as food planning and keeping in my budget! I need to get back to focusing on that pronto! First step was add up all of my points used since saturday for each day so I know where I stand today. <em>YIKES!</em> I have been so good at tracking since I started WW in August but this past week has been tough. I am still focused so I am not worried. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also I started taking my phentermine every other day, as my doctor suggested I could do this month since I will not be taking it in November. I am thinking about asking for a prescription to get me through the holidays though. Looking through Pinterest's food has made me want all bad things lately. lol. Wish me luck!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I love how I feel and how I look! I want to keep going so I can look and feel even better!</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have several photos to share. I was able to fit in a dress I bought 1 year ago and a dress I haven't worn since I was 20.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great rest of the week!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quote of the day:</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It will hurt.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It will take time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It will require dedication.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It will require willpower.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You will need to make healthy decicisions.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It requires sacrifice.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You will need to push your body to its max.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be temptation.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, I promise you, when you reach your goal, it's </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">worth it.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">205.6 Saturday October 6 2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">205.6 Saturday October 6, 2012. 10% weight loss!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">205.6 Saturday October 6, 2012.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">205.6 10/6/12 Size 16 Dress. I was finally able to zip this dress up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">205.6 10/6/12 Size 16 dress</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">205.6 10/6/12 size 16 dress</td></tr>
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-21650507403092519992012-10-04T09:32:00.005-05:002012-11-12T20:43:25.022-06:00Weight Loss Tools<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Evening, I hope you all had a great day because I had a wonderful day. My house is decorated for fall and Halloween. I had my follow-up doctor's appointment this morning and Doc is happy with my progress. I needed that extra assurance that I am doing okay and it is all me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am currently taking an appetite suppressant called Phentermine. It is used as a Weight Loss Tool to help you lose weight when you are using a diet program, such as Weight Watchers. It is not a magic pill. You take it while you are exercising and eating healthy to help you lose weight for a short period of time. I have been taking it for 2 months now. I will take it for one more month and then I am going to try to do Weight Watcher's with out it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">It has helped me to lose weight fast, yes. BUT it has also helped me find confidence in myself that I can do this on my own. That is what I needed. I have tried and failed many times to lose weight. You have to really want it or it will not work. You have to want to make a change. You have to want to change how you eat and live. It takes hard work and it will not happen over night. I did not gain my weight in one day. It took about 9 years but now I am focused on getting healthy. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">My husband has noticed a complete change in me these past 2 months. He has seen me more dedicated and focused than I have ever been. He is very proud of me and what I have accomplished. I am very proud of me too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I have already seen the positive changes I have made. I am hoping they turn into positive habits. I have a fruit or veggie with every meal. I drink tons of water every day. If I am craving something I ask myself how bad I want it? I ask myself if I am actually hungry? I then drink water or eat something healthy first. Then if I still want what I am craving I have it. I eat it in moderation of course.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Don't get me wrong. I have had bad days where I just eat whatever and work it off later. I am human. But I don't beat myself up about it. I allow myself to do that because it takes time to change a lifetime of habits. You need to know that it is okay to still have those foods just in moderation.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">For instance, for breakfast I had 3 egg whites, 1/2 cup bell peppers, 1/2 cup onions, a little garlic powder and black pepper, 1/4 cup of 2% colby jack cheese cooked in EVOO. I was a little hungry after I finished so I had a banana.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Lunch I have 2 slices of Sara Lee's 45 Calories and delightful whole wheat bread, toasted with 6 slices of oscar mayer's smoked turkey, 1 slice kraft 2% cheese, dijon mustard, and a klosen dill pickle spear. I'll add tomato to my sandwhich if I have it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Dinner I have talapia baked with Reduced Fat parmesan cheese, lemon pepper, and butter on top. With a broccoli or asparagus and red potatoes. I mix up how I make the potatoes but I watch my portions. </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I do have pork loin, chicken, lean beef, or vennison too.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Snacks are usually carrots, apples, strawberries with greek yogurt (Oikio's vanilla is really good) and sometimes kashi go-lean honey almond flax on top. I also have WW String cheese or a handful of nuts.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Once you get into a habit of eating this way it just becomes second nature. Keep all of the good stuff in your house so that you can eat it right away when you are hungry.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">It is harder when we go out to eat but I always choose veggies with whatever I am having. There are times I will have a fry off of my husbands plate or I will order fries. I just eat moderately.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">You can still have all of things you love, you just have to watch your portions and how often you eat it. You can also substitute certain ingredients for lower fat or fat free versions. Losing weight doesn't have to feel like you are trapped and can only have certain things. It can be a learning experience for what works for you and what doesn't. NEVER GIVE UP! Learn from what doesn't work and keep going. Tomorrow is a new day. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Make small changes. Switch out one of your regular sodas for a diet or a water each day. Then move on to something else. Like try to have a fruit or veggie with each meal.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">It isn't that hard it's just changing your habits and that takes time. Be patient.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"><u><strong>Other Weight Loss Tools:</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">You can use any food and exercise tracker app on your smart phone or online.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">You can write it all down on a note pad.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Go to a meeting for people trying to lose weight.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">If you know of any more please let me know.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"><u><strong>To Lose Weight:</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Drink Lots of Water at least a gallon a day.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Watch your portion sizes</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Measure Everything</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Write down everything you eat and drink</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Eat more Fruits and Veggies. 5 a day.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Eat lean meats</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Eat Whole Grains</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Choose Fat Free, Low Fat, 2% when you can</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Eat 5-6 small meals a day to help boost your metabolism</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Take it one meal at a time, one day at a time, one week at a time.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Take a multi-vitamin daily</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Join a gym/Take a 15-30 min walk every day to start. Build up to longer times.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Do strength exercises. Buy free weights or use canned food to work out your arms.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Do a workout DVD like Billy Blanks Boot Camp or Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Go for a bike ride or take a swim</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Join a team for a sport you enjoy playing</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Make time to take care of you. If you want it bad enough you will make the time for it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Weigh yourself once a week.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Measure yourself once a month.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I am not a doctor or anything so definitely check with your doctor to help you lose weight. That is what I did. This is just how I have been losing weight.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Now I know that sometimes it is hard to get out of a funk. Especially if you struggle with depression. I struggled with it for years and once you are down it is so hard to shake it. You just have to Do It! Fight that inner voice that says you don't want to or don't feel like it. You will be glad you did a year from now. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">If you have any suggestions please share them. I am sure I forgot a few things that maybe you remembered.</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quote of the Day:</span> </span></h2>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana;">DO NOT GIVE UP! The beginning is always the hardest.</span></div>
jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-83940049536020582952012-10-01T08:29:00.001-05:002012-11-12T20:44:50.332-06:00Not giving up<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good morning,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How was your weekend? Mine was great! Got a lot accomplished and had lots of family time. We purchased my son's Halloween costume. I really hope it works out. I am waiting for it to come in the mail. If it does then I can start getting my costume together. We are hosting Halloween this year since my neighbors have a conflict that day. So I will be busy getting my house in order for that.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weigh-In Day: Saturday September 29, 2012</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My weight 207.8. I lost .6 more pounds last week. My total is 21.4! Last week was rough. I was upset about the whole issue last Saturday. The antibiotic I am taking was making me ill so I was either hungry or I felt sick. I felt out of control in a way.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did, however, run twice last week which is great considering I wasn't feeling well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Focus:</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I need to get back into routine this week since I am feeling a little better. I need to plan out my meals and make family dinners. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I need to walk every day and try to run at least twice this week.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I need to continue to drink lots of water.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I am learning & making a habit:</span></h2>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I always need to track every bite or drink. (and I do)</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I need to drink my water, at least a gallon a day.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I need to walk every day, at least 5 days a week.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I need to plan out my meals and continue to have good food available.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I need to practice portion control.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I need to measure everything.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I need to take it one day at a time.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I need to believe in myself.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Quotes of the Day:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">You can feel sore tomorrow. Or you can feel sorry tomorrow. You Choose.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
Small changes CAN make a BIG difference.</blockquote>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
MOTIVATION is what gets your started. HABIT is what keeps your going.</blockquote>
</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">Exercise to be fit, not skinny.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">Eat to nourish your body.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">And always... Ignore The Haters, Doubters, and Unhealthy Examples that were ONCE feeding you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">You are Worth more than you realize.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8adYVU5dl7g/UGme0XJA5QI/AAAAAAAAAgw/e_9xuLPB9xc/s1600/207.8+9.28.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8adYVU5dl7g/UGme0XJA5QI/AAAAAAAAAgw/e_9xuLPB9xc/s320/207.8+9.28.12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Friday September 28, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I felt pretty. I felt skinny.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My shirt is an XL from JC Penney.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My Jeans are 16 stretch from Old Navy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My jeans were baggy and falling off by the afternoon. I may need to try a 14.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't remember ever being a size 14. I feel like I went from a 10/12 straight to a 18/20/22. Did you ever feel that way? No? Okay well I did. While I know a size 14 isn't a small size it is the smallest I have worn in at least 9 years. That is a good feeling. I go on Saturday to try on bridesmaid dresses. I am hoping to be able to fit in a size 14 dress. I'd love to be a 10/12 by the wedding in May 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I am noticing:</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">My rings are still big on my finger. I may have to put my spacer on soon.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">The bra I am wearing has always been a little big in the cup but now I have it on the smallest hook. If I have to go smaller I will not be able to wear it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I am wearing size Lg Capri's from Old Navy. They are not tight and are comfy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I am wearing a men's size Lg T-shirt. Some men's size small are big but some are small. This particular shirt was a little snug about 2 1/2 months ago when I bought it. It is now a little big and roomy but not baggy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">My feet seem to be smaller. I already know that my new shoes are too big but the Brooks I bought 2 years ago from <a href="http://www.fleetfeetsports.com/locations/fenton" target="_blank">Fleet Feet</a> were fitting fine. Yesterday my foot slid all over in them while I walked.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">My family have noticed my weight loss.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I am not in a lot of pain after my workouts/walks. I have the expected soreness which is good but no other aches or pains.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I have energy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I choose healthy foods more now than I did before.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I feel good. I feel healthy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I was able to sit in my In-Laws lawn chairs comfortably and there was room left when I sat. Such a good feeling. I don't have to be embarrassed now.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">My bath robe wraps me much better than before.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I am noticing a difference in the mirror.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am making positive changes. I am turning them into positive habits.</span> </span></div>
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jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-25106831750298381252012-09-26T09:46:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:45:39.738-06:00A Lesson Learned<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodmorning readers. Drop me an email or comment sometime. Say "hi". :) I'd love to hear from you.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well I am disappointed.</span></h2>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw an email this morning from the person I met on Monday saying that they wont be bringing their little boy today. They said that they wanted him in a more routine type environment. They wanted him around more than one kid to get him socialized. But if something were to change then they would call me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well bummer!!! I was so excited to start today. :/</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had planned on working on a color a week and maybe 2 numbers a week. I have preschool books that I can copy so the kids can color and trace.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will still do that for Caleb. We just did our normal routine this morning minus an extra kid. Do you or did you work with your toddler at home to prepare them for preschool? What kind of activities did you do?</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We colored certain <u>pictures one color</u> each then <u>traced</u> with crayons. With my help, he <u>wrote his name</u> at the top of each paper.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We reviewed our <u>shapes</u>. Sometimes he gets them all and other times he acts like he has no idea. Silly boy. I know for sure that the Square is is challenge shape. We will continue to work on them and he will get it eventually.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We reviewed our <u>colors</u>. He has <span style="color: #38761d;">Green</span>, <span style="color: #f1c232;">Yellow</span>, and <span style="color: blue;">Blue</span> down great! But like with the shapes we will continue to work on his colors and he will get it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We read a few of his <u>Sight Word</u> books. He really likes them. He repeats the words as I say them one at a time. It's so cool hearing him pronounce each word. Some are hard but with practice he will learn to pronounce them correct.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So the lesson I learned...</span></h2>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I should have had it set up down stairs for learning. I should have been ready to let the little boy interact with us for a lesson. I should have had the pictures on the table to be colored. I should have shown the parents what we will learn. I told them what we will learn but I guess they wanted to see it in action.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am still new to this and by no means do I think I know what I am doing. I just know that Caleb needs to know certain things before kindergarten so I am working with him on the basics, what I know. I have books and stuff to help me but I have no structure or routine. I do my best and that is all I can do. I figure I am doing okay because Caleb sure is smart for his age.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just yesterday while we were at Wal-mart, one of the workers there heard Caleb singing his ABC's. She asked him if that was him singing. He got shy, then his bossy side kicked in and he said, <em>"Go over there".</em> Telling her to go away basically. Well anyway she asked him how old he was. Again he told her to <em>"Go over there"</em>. I told him to be nice and tell her that he is 2. She was very impressed. She said that her 3 year old sings her ABC's but just started learning them. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">YEP...Proud Momma Moment! (Big cheesy grin) :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">How many of you have had that proud moment? Where were you and what happened?</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">SO</span> I may not have a degree or structure or routine but I know my son is learning. I am pretty sure I could teach another child too. Moving on.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Has anyone had this happen to them? Any suggestions? </span>jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-22817839506064130812012-09-25T20:18:00.001-05:002012-11-12T20:46:45.979-06:00Tuesday and October<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello readers. I hope you had a great day today. Say "hi" sometime. I'd love to hear from you.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Diagnosis</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">...Drum roll...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Acute Bronchitis & Sinusitis...So I am now taking antibiotics, using an inhaler, using a nasal spray <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I think it's a steroid),</span> taking OTC decongestant cough meds, and using a humidifier at night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Now that I am...<em>hopefully</em>...on my way to feeling better I can concentrate on other things.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Has anyone else caught a bug that they can't get rid of or that is just plain keeping you from feeling like yourself?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">News</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I contacted someone looking for a sitter last week. She wanted to meet me on Monday. So we decided it would be a good investment for my babysitting to have nice floors <span style="font-size: x-small;">(instead of the cold concrete with rugs on top)</span> downstairs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">My oh-so-very-talented and wonderful husband spent the weekend laying the new floors for me. It looks so much brighter down there...and much nicer too! Now we still have to add base boards, transition pieces, some more lighting, and a ceiling but all-in-all it looks so much better now that it is done. Do you have a talented spouse or significant other?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will be watching a 2 year old little boy for a few hours. I am so excited for Caleb to have a friend to play with a few times a week. I plan on doing some color, number, shape, and sight word activities with them and of course they will play. Do you or did you stay home? Do you or did you take your kids to an in-home day care?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I am going to have to adjust my schedule so that I can plan workouts for each day <span style="font-size: x-small;">(once I am feeling better...of course)</span> around when I have kids all day. Currently I workout either in the morning while Caleb watches his shows and plays or during his naps. What is your schedule like? How do you fit in work outs every day?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile</span>, I have been planning a surprise baby shower for our niece who is due at the end of November. Two of my sister-in-laws are helping me plan it. I think it will turn out great once the day arrives. Have you ever planned a baby shower?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I decided to make a diaper cake because they are so cute and I liked the one I had. I am doing it a little different so I am hoping it will turn out. I will post pictures if it turns out soon. If you have made a diaper cake before please share tips and advice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also</span>, I was asked to be a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding. So we are going to try on dresses to order a week and a half...the day before the shower. ahhhh! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">My dad invited us to his company picnic on the 14th so we will be doing that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">We will be going to the pumpkin patch with my "awesome neighbor friends" on the 20th then on the 27th we will head to Grant's Farm for our annual pre-Halloween fun night. Do you have great neighbor's or not-so-great neighbor's?</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span> love my neighbors! We will plan a night to carve our pumpkins and make pumpkin seeds. Then we will dress up and go to Grant's Farm for their fall evening activities. What are your favorite fall activities or what do you do with your family?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Halloween</span> night we gather at our neighbor's house (like 5 households & friends gather at one) combine our candy, put out food, and hang out by the fire pit. It will change a little since majority have little ones that will go around the neighborhood. But it is still a great time! The best part is that my Birthday is the next day. :) How do you celebrate Halloween, if you celebrate it?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">So basically from now through November it gets pretty, crazy busy around here. I need to keep my mind focused on my goal.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I took care of my yard work that had fallen behind since I fell ill. At one point I thought, I don't want to walk today, I'm tired. Yea, I was. I've been sick for over a month and have an infection so of course I was tired. I told myself to just walk and that is good for me right now. Have you ever felt too tired to do your workout? How did you push yourself to do it anyway?</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">So that is what I did while Caleb napped. Once I got going I decided, oh sure I can run. I was exhausted after 5 minutes. I did run at 3.8 instead of my normal 3.5 so that was part of it. So I walked a few minutes then ran again. I wasn't sure I would make it. It was very hard to keep going, but I did. My feet and ankles hurt. My back hurt. My knees hurt. I had stomach cramps too. I pushed through and I made it another 5 minutes. I felt good afterwards but it was hard during. I had to remind myself that I always feel better afterwards. Do you feel better after your workouts?</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">I hope as I get better that I feel better during my runs. Especially when I start the C25K program. Has anyone completed the C25K before?</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">It's storming like crazy tonight. We had quarter-sized hail earlier. I just hope my little red head, Aly, doesn't keep us up all night. She doesn't like storms. </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">Is it storming where you live?</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quote of the Day:</span></h2>
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can.</span></blockquote>
</em><br />jcwhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050197858322209069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208567789747662743.post-56189313144385841522012-09-23T15:44:00.001-05:002012-11-12T20:48:02.078-06:00Fall is Here...Busy, Busy Days<h2>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weigh-In Day: Saturday September 22, 2012</span></h2>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good morning readers. Are any of you trying to lose weight? Have you ever been where I am now? If you have lost weight would you like to share your story with me? I'd love to hear tips and advice from you all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning I stepped on my scale and saw 209.4 for the 4th time this week. I felt good about that number. Went to my WW meeting and stepped on their scale...208.4! WHOA! I even said out loud, "Oh My Gosh!". The lady said, is that a good or a bad Oh My Gosh? LOL I said good. </span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that's 4.8lbs lost this week. My total weight loss since Aug 4, 2012 (7 weeks): 20.8lbs.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was very happy and emotional about this number!</span></h3>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. I never thought I would get out of the 220's that fast.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. I have been working my ass off. (pardon my french) but I have.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. I have been getting in workouts and eating right despite the fact that I have been sick.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. I am so proud of myself!</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. When my WW Leader called my name to celebrate my loss she said, "Whitney, you are on my list again this week. When did you start WW?" I told her 8/4 and that my doctor had prescribed me an appetite suppressant. She also wanted me to start WW again to get myself going on how to eat and exercise so that when I am off of the medicine, I will still lose weight. She said, "Okay, I was getting worried about you." She went on to say how important it is to eat right and exercise, I think. I wasn't really listening because I felt like she was singling me out. I even said aloud that I was worried to come in to weigh-in because if I lost too fast then I may be kicked out. Not really but I felt that way. Then she just moved on to the next person. Usually she says "give her another hand." It may sound silly but that really bothered me. I felt like I was being publicly chastised for losing weight.</span><br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is what I know:</span></h3>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes I am taking an appetite suppressant. </span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes I thought the medicine was working magic and that is how I was losing weight so fast.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes I am working my butt off making good changes for myself.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes I am focused on my goals.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes there are days I don't sit down except to eat.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No I am not sitting around all day just letting the medicine work its "magic".</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If my doctor is watching me, which by the way my follow up with her is next Wednesday, I am fine. I trust her judgement. I believe she will most likely take me off the appetite suppressant because I have lost a lot of weight fast.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My fear is that with my belief that the medicine has been doing about half the weight loss for me, I will not be able to continue losing weight when I am off of it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A year ago if I had gotten sick while trying to lose weight and felt like crap. I wouldn't have kept on going like I have been. I would have laid around the house, moping until I felt better.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mind is clear and focused. I am determined to change myself. I will reach my goal.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is how I feel:</span></h3>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can say what you want in front of fellow WW members. I will continue to come every Saturday, on the medicine or off of it. I will prove that I am serious. So what if I took medicine to help me along the way. If it is helping me change my life then that's awesome. It is nothing to make me feel bad about.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though I am on an appetite suppressant, I still feel hungry at times. I do not starve myself. I eat when I am hungry and I don't eat when I am not. Simple.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I choose healthy foods before I eat anything bad and I drink tons of water.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I make a point to work out a few times a week even though I haven't been feeling well these past few weeks.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am aware of what I am eating. I track everything I eat or drink. I check off my good health guidelines each day too.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am putting forth a lot of effort to lose this weight. I know that I will have to keep this up and work even harder once I am not taking the medicine. That's fine because I know I have earned the weight loss rewards.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband said it right. The medicine only helps you lose 5-10 pounds in a few months (the doctor said the same thing). The rest is all you. He said he has never seen me so determined and clear about what I want. He is very proud of me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana;">I have worked hard to keep the house clean and tidy. This week I had to shampoo the carpets again. I cleaned down stairs very well, took me about 7 hours to do it. I keep myself busy and I work hard.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel GREAT!</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana;">Has anyone had this happen to them? How did you handle it?</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Rewards:</span></h3>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5lb - Bought a new pair of shoes. They are now too big on me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10lb & 5% - Bought a new purse, wallet, sunglasses & case, and 2 pairs of earrings.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15lb - Bought a nice exercise mat.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">20lb - TBD. Although I may buy some moisture wicking socks.</span><br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Goals this Week:</span></h2>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Start doing a workout DVD. Using my new mat. :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Focus on my meal planning. I have been lacking since I have not felt well.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Walk at least 3 days. Use my 3lb weights for my arms when walking.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Run/jog 1 day.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I told myself that when I reach my 10% weight loss, which is 22lbs. I will start the C25K program. I am nervouse and excited about it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will be under 200lbs by my 30th birthday!</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quote of the day:</span></h2>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. - Benjamin Franklin</span></blockquote>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_MIdZiZw9E/UF9zINTC0lI/AAAAAAAAAfU/1Lr3lKv-IA0/s1600/208.4+9.22.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_MIdZiZw9E/UF9zINTC0lI/AAAAAAAAAfU/1Lr3lKv-IA0/s320/208.4+9.22.12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My weight 9/22/12: 208.4 (4.8)lbs this week</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The capri's I am wearing were a little tight in the waist about a moth ago. They feel comfortable now.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The shirt is an XL that was a tad big but not bad.</span></div>
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