Another Snow Day

Well, Friday we had another snow day. I give up, I've had enough. It's like a broken up summer break ~ they're missing way too much school lately. It would probably help if they EVER plowed our road. So early in the day Sam and Liam played outside, but I didn't get pics because it was snowing way too hard to get anything. Then in the afternoon Sam laid on the couch to read while... Maggie and Liam went out to play. Liam spends most of his time out there, he just swaps playmates when Sam or Maggie quits.

While Liam attempted to make a tunnel, Maggie decided to entertain herself. She kept getting that saucer and running to jump on it to slide down the little slope in the picture.

I have slowed down on the blog a bit, but rest assured I have not quit working out. I've done it every day faithfully. I'll post again soon, I have more pics of the kids in the snow...Love you all!

Lots and Lots!

Ok ~ so maybe we need a garage. I'm sure Jon thinks so right now. Here he is this afternoon cleaning my van off so I can drive it to work tomorrow... I'm good on snow fall for now. It's not going anywhere either. We're getting nowhere near a melting point anytime soon...the snow is here to stay! I have to say I'm fine with that ~ this time of year I'd rather look at the snow than dead grass every day of the week!
I got my work out done early today:
500~Crunches
30Minutes~Weights
30Minutes~Treadmill

Maggie and Liam got there report cards today. They are both doing well..the only notable thing in their reports really was that Liam is now reading at the 8th month of the second grade reading level...which is GREAT for him. For the first time ever he's reading beyond his place so to speak. I'm very proud of him!!
Not much else going on here. Love you all!!

Sorry It's Late...

but better late than never right? I did do my workout today...
500~Crunches
20Minutes~Elliptical
30Minutes~Treadmill
The weathermen were right for a change. That was a doozy of a storm!! Jon went to work this morning, but came home at around 8:30am because we were under a level 2 snow emergency. They're saying on the news that we got between 6-8 inches...laughable I say. If it's 1 inch it's 12!! I'll post pics of it tomorrow ~ or later today I guess. Love you all!!

Happy Birthday Steve!

Slow day in the Garrett household today. I got my work out done early today...
500~Crunches
30Minutes~Treadmill
30Minutes~Upper Body Strength Training
I figure upper body is enough...surely the elliptical and treadmill are taking care of the legs...wouldn't you think?
Well, once again the weathermen are FREAKING OUT about this storm. I hope they're right. It's always a let down when they make a fuss and we get a whimpy storm. If they're going to make a fuss I want a BIG DEAL! LOTS of snow! SO, my fingers are crossed. It's bath night...Maggie and Liam(seperately)take their bath's every other night so Liam is in the shower right now (God help our bathroom floor). Sam always showers in the morning ~ that shower is the only thing standing between him and a neverending sleep. I don't think he could wake up in the morning without it. We are settling down for the night...we love you all!
PS Steve I've tried repeatedly to reach you today unsuccessfully...so
HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY DORK!!!

Yucky, but Productive Day...

Well, I started the day very slowly. I am starting to think I have some sort of flu bug that I just can't shake. I keep feeling gassy and nauseous...lots of indigestion. Always seems to be worse overnight and in the morning?? Anyway, due to said nausea I took a long time in getting off the couch this morning. Once I got up though, I had a pretty good day. I got three loads of laundry done, cleaned Maggie's room, spot cleaned the kids bath and did my workout:
500~Crunches
20Minutes~Elliptical
30Minutes~Treadmill
Yea me!!!
This afternoon I made ginger-molasses cookies for Jon (& the kids lunches). Since I recieved my Kitchen Aid Mixer we have stopped buying sweets for their packed lunches. I make it all...I make pretty big cookies too, so I don't think they feel deprived. I understand from what Sam has said that the cookies make very good trades!
Last night I took Dr. Oz's realage test...boy do I have my work cut out for me! My biological age is 35.7...but my "real age" is 38.9. Apparently I need to eat better...blah!! I'm really trying to add veggies, but doggonit...I'm not a rabbit. If it was up to Dr. Oz I wouldn't eat anything that tastes GOOD!! Oh well, I'm working on it anyway.
I'm feeling very skeptical about our weathermen right now...according to them we are about to get a MAJOR snow and ice storm. My experience thus far has been that the more fuss the make over a storm...the more insignificant it will actually be! It's the ones they don't talk about that are usually bad! I'll keep you posted. Love you all!!!

Something Strange...

Ok, so I did my work out...not much to it on Sunday. 30Minutes on the Treadmill and I'm done! Anyway, by now I'm sure you've all noticed the little feed menu on the side of the screen. I love having it there, because when Kings Mountain or Charlotte (or Rock Hill or Lincolton) pop up there I know that you all KNOW what's going on with us. So, I've noticed a disturbing trend on it...I keep getting someone identified only as United States...and they always visit the same days thread, "No News Really...". Generally speaking, despite the fact that I was an X-Files fan, i'm not a paranoid person. But, does that not strike y'all as odd as well. I've gone back and looked at the post. The most offensive thing on there is that Maggie was "Jonesing" for a new Junie B Jones book. I can't help but start thinking (I'm embarassed to even type it) "big brother"!! I mean ~ do they seriously have "trigger" words they look for? Would they even show up if they DID visit a site?? I know ~ I'm probably freaking out over nothing...but it's just WIERD darn it. So if you know it's you popping up like that let me know...leave a comment. I like to think this whole thing is harmless, but that "feedjit" thing is freaking me out...I may have to delete it! Love you all!!!

On the Ball Today...

When I am unable to motivate myself...I rely heavily on others. Thank you to my hottie hubby for shooing my patoot downstairs early for the work out. It's all done:
400~Crunches
15Minutes~Elliptical
30Minutes~Treadmill
20Minutes~Upper Body Strength Training
Yea me!!
So, I have the rest of this glorious Saturday looming before me to PLAY!! I am currently eating a bowl of homemade veggie soup (leftovers from Thursday night) and then I will shower - trust me I need it right now! I stink! Then after we take Darcie home we will head to Mt Vernon. The little ones have been stockpiling free pizza's from Pizza Hut (reading rewards). So we're going to let them get their personal pizza's (blaaa) and then head to Wal-Mart for some new t-shirts for Jon. Exciting huh?? I think tomorrow I'm going to kidnap Katie after church and head to a movie theater to see Twilight. Looking forward to that!! I love you all!!

Another no news day...I worked today. I did get my work out done this evening...400 Crunches and 30 Minutes on the treadmill. Maggie has a friend over to spend the night. My head hurts like crazy, I'm guessing it's the cold front coming in...annoying really...getting a headache every time the weather changes. I'll do more tomorrow...tonight I'm ready for bed. Love you all!

Yea Sam!!

The middle school sent home report cards today. For the first time in years Sam is not in trouble or grounded on report card day!!!! That's for a variety of reasons - you could call it compromise I suppose. He brought most of his grades up or kept them in a reasonable place. I relaxed my standards a bit. I still think he's capable of straight A's...but I will now happily accept B's, and C's will earn him NO PRAISE, but no punishment either. So, we are all feeling pretty good about his report this time around and I am relieved that I do not have to take away his iPod :)!!

Done with my work out for today : 400 Crunches and 30 Minutes on the Treadmill. I decided to save my last 15 minutes of the week (elliptical) for tomorrow or Saturday...the idea of not doing it for 3 days in a row make makes me a little apprehensive. I'm afraid I'll give up on it after a lull that long, so I'm going to break it up more in the future.

The kids are out of school AGAIN tomorrow ~ ridiculous I know. They are all happy that they get another 3 day weekend...and I am happy that Jon took the day off to stay home with them and I get to go to work!!! That one day restores my sanity a little. I know that I do useful things everyday for my family...for some reason it just doesn't always feel like a valuable contribution. Maybe because my purpose in life is to show Jesus to people and it's easy to fail in front of people you're around all the time. A bit easier to show Him in little spurts to people who come and go quickly. Pathetic I know, but hey, I'm still a child in my Christian walk. Jesus has his work cut out for Him in me!!

By the Way...

I mentioned last night that i was going to go watch my husband work out...

I just thought I'd share with you WHY I may find that a desirable pursuit... My hubby is a hottie!!!

Wow! I could watch him work out all day!! I love you hon!!!

7 Hours and 40 Minutes Until LOST!!

Productive Morning at the Garrett household...ironic because I was TOTALLY unmotivated this morning! When I put the kiddos on the bus this morning I had very little get up and go. Drinking 1/2 caff coffee has definitely put a damper on my mornings!! So, I was puttering around the house thinking about all the things I needed to get done today when Katie called. She wasn't feeling too motivated either, so I invited her to come over and work out with me today. She is a lifesaver!! She said to give her an hour and she and Cash would come over. THAT motivated me REAL QUICK. So, while I waited for her impending arrival I scrubbed the 1/2 bath, dusted the living room and swept the laundry, kitchen and living room. After she got here, I got my work out done:
400~Crunches
15Minutes~Elliptical
30Minutes~Treadmill
20Minutes~Upper Body Strength Training (which included 5 sets of 10 STINKIN' push ups)
Yea me!! and Yea Katie, because I really didn't feel like doing anything today ~ she got me through in a pinch!
So, now all I have left to do on my list for today is clean the kids bathroom and make some more cinnamon bread! Geez, you know what's cool about busting things out? You have time for a nap!!lol
LOST IS ON TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ho-Hum

No big news today, despite it being such a newsworthy day. I got my workout done early today (yea)! 400 Crunches, 15 minutes elliptical and 30 minutes treadmill. Then I settled into the couch to watch the inauguration. I've never actually watched one before ~ it was kind of boring. Historical, but boring. Seriously, I'm not sure why 12 minutes of driving from the capitol building to the white house is newsworthy...I don't know how any one can talk about so little for so long, poor Charlie Gibson, he's had a LONG day!! My heart really went out to George W. I think he did the best possible job in a real bad situation but I'm not going to get into all that! I made meatloaf (with ground turkey) and mashed potatoes for supper. I almost forgot all about payroll, luckily it came late today so no one even noticed I forgot it ~lol. Now, we're all snuggled down for the evening, Lunches are packed, dinner cleaned up and coffee made for tomorrow. I think I'll go watch Jon do his workout. Love to you all!!!

Fun with the LaFevers

We went over to Katie and Johnny's last night to hang out for a few fun hours. Katie made her 1st ever batch of cheese soup (which turned out remarkably delicious). I took over my homemade wheat bread, it was a big hit. Everyone liked it, or at least the kind souls all said they did haha. So, we ate clear to bursting and settled in for some Scattergories. After, of course we adults posed for pics for Katie and I's blogs!! AND guess what? I WON! HAHAHAHAHA! Sorry, don't mean to be a poor sport, but Johnny has always kicked my butt real bad, so while I only beat him by a couple points I did glory in it!! I told Katie to go over by her husband and pretend she likes him...I think she had everyone convinced when she climbed on his lap!

Sam and Austin played the game with us. They started out playing individually...then as the game progressed it was determined that they could only compete if they combined their scores and their minds (lol). Which we of course allowed, we were just glad they wanted to play with us old folks for awhile!

Liam worked up a powerful thirst running from the girls.

As you can see, we were totally wrapped up in our game and not paying them a lick of attention...and this scary sight is what happens when you don't pay a lick of attention to the girls!! They decided to make themselves "evil" so they could chase Liam and Cash all over the house. Which was quite amusing for us!!

Frightening, aren't they - they looked like it was Halloween instead of almost Valentine's Day. This is thier TRUE nature shining through I think!

The older boys lost interest before too long and headed off to play with the Wii while the girls bathed,

...and Liam and Cash lay on the couch watching SpongeBob SquarePants.

Once the girls and the house were put to rights we headed home to bed. Thanks to the LaFevers for having us ~ we had lots of fun!!

Today, we are all off. I'm doing some laundry and putting off my work out. Don't worry, I WILL do it, just don't feel like doing it RIGHT now. I'll post it later. Love to you all!!!

Would you believe??

I know this will be a stretch...but...it's snowing again. Yup...not quite so enthusiastic about it today because we have NO sun. I'll live though. I'm kinda crabby today. First day of flux, if you know what I mean (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). We went to church this morning and returned Quaid to his parents there, then brought Austin home with us. Sam wanted to play his new Mario Kart game with him (thanks Poppy and Grannie Annie)! They also suited up and played outside for a bit. After church I tried my hand (or rather my mixer) at whole wheat bread. The verdict is still out. Jon and I tried a piece and believe it's pretty good...we'll see what Katie and Johnny think. We are heading over there this evening for cheese soup and good company (and I'm hoping a kick butt game of Scattergories - of course it will be my butt getting kicked, as Johnny is ridiculously good at that game). The bread turned out very dense, reminded me of the pumpernickel bread at Lone Star Steak House. Moist and sweet though...I will definitely make it again sometime, I'll let you know later what everyone else thought of it.
I did work out...well...Sunday is only 30 minutes on the treadmill so no big deal, but it's done. I think I'll take my camera with me to the LaFever's tonight. I'm cognizant of the fact that I haven't posted any pics in awhile. I love you all!!

Suburbian Paradise?

Ahh...today my adventure was COSTCO!! Years ago we had a Sam's Club membership, and we enjoyed it. Last year they built a Costco in what we consider a much more convenient location so I asked Mom for a membership for Christmas. I love buying in bulk, when it's practical...oh, who am I fooling? I love buying in bulk even when it's NOT practical!! Some stuff was a real good deal, like the 4 lbs of butter for $6...you can't beat that even at Aldi's!! Actually, everything we bought was a good deal, just some better than others. Anyway, we won't need to buy ketchup or macaroni & cheese for a very long time (lol)!! Then we went to Wal-mart and did the rest of our shopping. We go to the grocery twice a month (aside from the occasional milk run) so bulk is a good idea for us. We don't live in close proximity to any reasonably priced groceries! We have the Marengo Market...it's...quaint. Small town quaint...where you know all the cashiers because they go to church with you or their little brothers play baseball with your kids and milk costs $15/gallon. Ok, slight exagerration, but while we do enjoy the occasional trip to the market we could NEVER afford to shop there regularly!! I kind of look at the market as a perfect example of "local color".
Liam has a friend over for the night. He was very excited about it. He and Quaid added all the toppings to their own pizza. For some reason the kids really love doing that! Of course, I always have to add cheese after the leave the table. I think they wouldn't end up enjoying their pizza as much if I baked it with the 1cup of cheese they put on there?!? I could be wrong though.
We are experiencing a heatwave today...24degrees! The sun was out again too. We've seen the sun quite a bit lately...unusual for Ohio in January.
While Liam and Quaid played against Jon on the foosball table I did my workout this evening:
400~Crunches
32Minutes~Treadmill - I went over 2 minutes because I was listening to an awesome Third Day song)
...and that was it for today. According to guru, Dr Oz, I should walk 30 minutes everyday and do 1 hour of cardio per week. My hour of cardio was complete yesterday (yipee).
I hope you're all staying warm...especially all of you down in NC...do you guys even own coats???
I love you all!

Done...again!

I know this is getting old, but hey! I need the accountability. Done for the day. After a long day at work I came home and:
400~Crunches
12Minutes~Ellliptical
30Minutes~Treadmill
20Minutes~Upper Body Strength Training

Phew!! Glad it's done!

Crapola, It's Bitter Out There!

Hello All. I'm hearing a faint echo of moans coming from the general direction of North Carolina. You POOR BABIES...it's cold down there isn't it? What is it agin? Thirty something? PISH POSH!! We have gotten LOADS of snow this week; which I am LOVING btw. Today the SUN was out. So despite the absolute folly of opening the blinds when it's so frigid out...I opened the blinds. Then I sat on the couch for 15 minutes and closed my eyes and turned my face into it. It was a wonderful 15 minutes. Honestly, I'm enjoying the weather right now. I really don't mind snow in January...for that matter I don't mind it in February either. You will see a drastic change in my attitude come March though!! The sun is supposed to be out tomorrow too, so bring on the negative temperatures. With a little sun I can weather anything :)!

I did get my work out done.

300~Crunches (Kate r we bumping that up Sat or Sun?)

12Minutes~Bike (yes, I'm a weenie when I don't feel good)

30Minutes~Treadmill

I finally entered the zone today and cleaned the kids bedrooms . My house is very clean...bumper to bumper (or bathroom to bedroom). I'm such a dork that when I have it all clean like this, I wander from room to room with a goofy smile on my face just enjoying it. You see, I KNOW it will only last til the kids get home from school.

I took a nap this afternoon after I got everything clean. I still am not feeling 100%...better, but not great yet. I'm glad I haven't skipped any workouts though!

Tonight ~ we are supposed to have temperatures in the negatives...yea..not windchills. Temperatures. So, I expect that the kids will be on a delay. Although that isn't a given this year. The powers that be sure appear to not want to have to make any days up. Since they already missed all those days for Ike now we just have to suck it up and send them. Don't get me wrong, I WANT my kids to go to school. I could never get anything done if they were here...but I've had quite a few anxious moments this week waiting for them to get home (and deciding whether or not to keep them home). Well, I hope you're all doing well and personally I think we should just all be glad we don't live in Minnesota right now!!! Hahahaha!

Love you!!

I Did It Mom!

Well, I put it off quite awhile today, because i've had a stomach bug. No messy details, suffice to say i had almost decided not to work out today. Despite Katie's protests...she wanted me to do something even if I didn' push myself. Which I agreed with in theory, but...
Then I got a text from mom this evening that said : u better have updated your blog by the time i get home from the Eagles concert. (groan)
SO,,,I went down:
300~Crunches
12Minutes~Recumbent Bike (gimme a break, i just couldn't handle the elliptical today)
30Minutes~Treadmill
Thank you to Mom and Katie for keeping me on track!! Love to you all!!

The BUS...

Wow...what a morning! On this fine Tuesday morning I feel that the Highland Local School District is being negligent. Sam's bus was stuck in our ditch for 1 hour and 25 minutes. Why so long you ask? Well, they were 3rd in line to get "rescued" when they got stuck. Things I have learned this morning:
1. My son will not get embarrassed if I go out to the bus and pull him off.
2. All other children/adolescents/teens will beg me to spring them as well.
3. Teenage boys will ask if they can use your restroom if you go out to the bus.
4. Teenage boys get an undeserved bad rap these days. Everyone of those boys said please and thank you AND removed their shoes the minute they were in the door without a word from me.
5. With 3 busses stuck in ditches the middle school will begin as planned and the elementary school will only call a 2 hour delay.
6. When it becomes obvious that the busses cannot make it back to start elementary routes they will cancel elementary...but leave the middle and high schoolers in for the day.

SO...my mailbox is HISTORY!!

My kids are all home. No way after all that I was sending my sweet babies off on busses this morning! We're hunkered down for the duration. I'll post again later...love to you all!
Update: Done with my workout

300~Crunches

12Minutes~Elliptical

30Minutes~Treadmill

Short and Sweet

Done with my work out for today:
300~Crunches
12Minutes~Elliptical
30Minutes~Treadmill

I also plan to lift weights today but I'm going to wait and go down with Jon this evening for that. I do have to say, as I've said a million times before...I don't know why I have trouble sticking to an "exercise" program. I truly feel SO MUCH BETTER!!!! Hopefully, I can be a little more committed this time around! I don't want to go back to feeling yucky, that's for sure!
Nothing going on here today...laundry. I need to clean the kids bedrooms too, but I'm just not feeling like it right now. You have to be in the right frame of mind to enter there domain...nope, not feeling it. Love you all!

No news really

I'm disappointed in all of you! I didn't go down to work out today until 7pm and I didn't get not a single email, phone call ... nothing! I did go down. I've decided that I will do the whole thing (ie elliptical, crunches and sometimes weights) Monday thru Saturday. The only thing i have to do on Sunday is walk, which i did for 30 minutes. We were able to make it to church this morning. We got a fair amount of snow and ice this weekend but the main roads were cleared. After church Maggie and Sam and I went down to Columbus. I took them to Barnes and Noble. Sam hooked up to Wi-Fi so hw could load some new stuff on his iPod and Maggie was "Jonesing" for a new Junie B Jones book. So with that all done we came home and had eggs for dinner. Then Jon and I went down to walk (he did push ups and the bike) and now we're winding down. The kids lunches are packed, my coffee is all set...We're ready for Monday...i guess...

Whew...

Glad that's done! Bad news: It took me awhile to get my tushy down there today...Good news: At NO point did I consider not going down today. That's called PROGRESS ladies and gentlemen!
300~Crunches
10 Minutes~Elliptical
30 Minutes~Treadmill

We're having a quiet day today. Sam has been in his room ALL DAY playing Wii. Maggie has followed me around and yapped and jabbered ALL DAY and Liam, well...Liam is kinda crazy. We have about 4 inches of snow on the ground with a thin cruchy layer of ice over it all. In addition to that we have a misty rain coming down...So, of course, Liam is outside playing! Aren't those conditions ideal for playing outside??? Yup, he's crazy! He needs the outlet though. He's found that the snowboard slides pretty good on the ice if he runs and belly flops onto it.
Family game night was fun last night. Tonight we're going to pop some popcorn and watch Kung Fu Panda. We're hoping the roads will be clear for church tomorrow. I hope you're all doing great ~ Be back soon!!!

A God of Miracles

Praise God and Him alone!!! Somehow He motivated me and moved my butt downstairs at 5am this morning!! I had to work today (I'm there now)...and the kids want to have a family game night when I get home. I truly don't know how He did it! But at 5:05am this morning I found myself on the elliptical. So, you see...He really can work miracles!!!
250 ~ Crunches
30 minutes ~ treadmill
10 minutes ~ elliptical

I Feel Good (DAnaDAnaDAnaDA)

Already done for today!
200 Crunches
10 Min. ~ Elliptical
30 Min. ~ Treadmill

Last night I did some weight lifting concentrated on my arms. Only because the kids were disappointed that I'd already worked out when they got home. They really enjoy going downstairs with me. Note: I said THEY enjoy it. It makes things much more stressful for me. This morning they are on a 2 hour delay. While I was on the elliptical they argued heatedly about who got to use the treadmill and likewise when I was on the treadmill the elliptical caused a nasty little debate. If the work out doesn't raise my heart rate they certainly do. The good news : I feel GREAT!!!!

My New Love (Thank you Oprah)...

Thank You Oprah...over the weekend I decided that I would record the Oprah show this week. She was talking about your "Best Life" and who doesn't want their best life? Right? Of course none of us want to WORK for it...we want our best life to be a FREE GIFT...and eventually, it will be! Our eternal "best life" is a free gift. But outside of that gift...nothing in this fallen world is FREE. and NOTHING is easy...not even our free gift. I struggled with that one for a LONG time!
Anyway... this morning I watched Monday's episode, in which Oprah discussed her weight struggles AGAIN...funny how those of us who struggle with our weight go in circles on this issue, huh? So today, Oprah gave me a free gift...an epiphany that she shaped out for me. We all know it's one thing to "know" something...and a whole other thing "believe" it. Yeah?? I've seen and read so much self-help it's ridiculous...I KNOW that you have to make yourself a priority. I KNOW I can't take care of the people I love if I'm not taking care of me. I KNOW I should exercise...eat right...get enough sleep...spend quality time with God and reading my Bible. But there's a problem with that...you invest your time and efforts into what you LOVE. So I take care of the kids and Jon and my friends and even my house...but not ME! You see...I don't love me. Geez, I can't stand me. I constantly disappoint myself. I'm too fat, too pushy, too controlling, too...too...too...
Wow, it's kind of a shock to realize in all clarity that you don't like yourself. And something of a relief to realize your apathy and disgust is totally unfounded. I am NOT trying to toot my own horn here, those of you who know me know that is not who I am...But, upon close inspection this morning I realized...I am a WONDERFUL person. I am worthy of care. I am loving and gernerous and loyal to a fault. and if I don't take care of me WHO will take care of Jon and Sam and Liam and Maggie. All these years I've had a million excuses:
1. I don't have time
2. I can't afford to get a gym membership
3. I'm too busy, and even
4. I'm too lazy
Well, those of you who know me also know that while I may be many bad things, lazy is NOT one of them. It all comes down to the fact that I have not given MYSELF the love I DESERVE!!
In an effort to debunk some of my excuses this is what I have in my basement. I know...sad isn't it. How could anyone who has a complete gym in their basement NOT work out. Now seems like as good a time as any to say "Thank you Jon, I know it's a lot and I truly appreciate that you indulge me with this and even humor me when I refuse to get rid of any of it...because I know I should be using it even when I'm not. You are an awesome supportive husband!'

SO...I am promising myself...I WILL love myself. I BELIEVE that I am worth every effort. I believe that I will be a better wife, a better mother, a better friend, a better homemaker and I BELIEVE that I am LOVEABLE!! I will do this...for ME!

Here's what I need from all of you...encouragement and accountability. I am NOT looking for praise. But, I'm not foolish enought to think this new love will be easy. I am prone to depression, especially at this wretched time of year. There will be days I don't love anything, let alone me. I vow that EVERY DAY I will post my workout. If I don't call me...email me...nag the crap right out of me. Remind me that I matter, that I'm loveable.

Thank you to my family and to my friends and to those of you who fall into both categories especially! I love you all!

My workout today consisted of:

10 minutes ~ elliptical

30 minutes ~ treadmill

200 crunches

Garrett Girls Get Baking!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE my new Kitchen Aid Mixer?? Well,,, I DO! Before I had it I viewed it as a TOTAL luxury...NOW I don't know HOW I ever survived in the kitchen without it!!!! I always liked baking, which is a bit different from now. NOW, I brainstorm...Hmmnnn, what can I bake now?? I've made cheesy potatoes, peanut butter cookies, banana bread and even pizza dough! Which turned out great btw...I think next I'll try to make some bread tomorrow. Maybe honey oatmeal bread...I'll let u know how it goes!

In the meantime, Maggie is thouroghly enjoying her new Easy Bake Oven. Tonight she is making a Pretty Pink Barbie Cake.

I have a lot of catching up to do on here...I'll try to get back soon to post new years eve pics... I love you all!!

Happy Birthday Mason!!

Happy 14th Birthday Mason - We love you and wish you were with us today! Have an awesome day!! Love, Dad, Cheryl, Sam, Liam and Maggie...