Hi everyone-

Im short on time, but had to share this email I got!!!! Which for me *JUST* starting my Etsy Store is really exciting. Yes, I KNOW I need to add stuff. Trust me, the stuff I will be putting in there is worth the wait Lots of gift ideas, but FIRST deadlines to be meet!

Anyway-here is the email (my item is the first one second row-Little Bee card I made using Pink Cat Stamps)

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Hi Lauren 

i hope you’re having a great day! i just wanted to let you know that this great listing is featured on the FRONT PAGE for the next 24 hours of our website, http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com/ from one of our member???s HANDMADE WISH LIST!

ETSY STORQUE/BLOG featured us last friday in it’s spring series “HANDMADE WEDDINGS”!

http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/handmade-weddings-off-road-wedding-gift-guide-3496/

 each day we feature a handmade registry member???s WISH LIST and PROFILE on our FRONT PAGE

siempre - dorana

http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com/

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OK I have stuff to share, but work has to come first!! I was just excited about the mention so had to share.

ON now back to my template samples

Hugs to ya, be back later!

Literally!

Im going to share an experience I just had that may help you!

I am also going to lecture you all-and myself at the same time! If something is “wrong” with you SEE A DOCTOR! I;m notorious when it comes to health issue of my OWN to avoid them like the plague. However my children, I run at the littlest symptom. Last year I had a lump under my arm for a YEAR before I got ti looked at, (that turned out to be a cyst-but I waited till it grew to seek help-not smart) then here I did it again……….

Last night (or should I say early this morning) I was hit with severe chest pain. Take your breath away, can’t breath, wake you up out of a dead sleep, kind of pain.

It was in the center of my chest, radiated to my back, and down my right shoulder. I couldn’t breath, and of course began having a panic attack over it. Its scary when you can’t breath and when you do it HURTS more.

Sadly I have had a much MILDER version of these symptoms over the last few months-and chose to IGNORE it, because it always went away after a few minutes, and wasn’t severe. They always happened about 10:30 at night, and usually went away in a few minutes. However the last 2 lasted hours-but was bearable.

I was nervous about it-but really didn’ WANT to know WHAT it was. I know, not smart. But I’m a mom and didn’t want to find out if I had something serious. I have a job to do here, and can’t have anything fall apart with ME> Now I see I should GO to the doctor to stay healthy.

OK back to my pain- I then had numbness in my arms and face. It was getting worse by the minute and I knew I had to go to the hospital.

I told Jason to call 911, and I was taken to the hospital via ambulance.

On the ride there I couldn’t even catch my breath to talk the pain was so bad. I had O2 on, got nitroglycerin twice, and baby aspirin immediately.

BOY how embarrassing is this? That is all I could think. I hear people often mistake indigesion for a heart attack! I didn’t want to be that person.

Then after arriving at the hospital -while having an attach my blood pressure was 110/62-which is fabulous, and then after a FULL workup we knew it wasn’t cardiac at all!

WHEW!

My labs and  everything were perfect.

Nothing I did (now going on 3 hours of the severe pain) would help of worsen my pain.

UNTIL-he pushed on my right lower quadrant. I felt that pain shoot to my back, up to my shoulder, and down my right arm!

After an ultrasound it was confirmed I was having a Gallbladder attack! Read the bottom set of symptoms-that was ME! No symptoms from the top category.

Basically feels like a heart attack but can last MUCH longer. WOW! Thats scary.

So what does this all mean-basically since eatting better for the last 6 months I have begun to develop stones in my gallbladder, leaving it unable to process FAT very well. My body wasn’t getting the fatty stuff regularly, so it wasn’t flushing it all out anymore. It just sat there.

 It was explained like a pan of bacon. You keep the pan on and the grease and fat is liquid. Once you stop cooking it becomes SOLID-YUCK!

So its the same thing with my gallbladder. I was eatting fatty foods, so everything went on its merry way. Then I changed my lifestyle and only eat bad stuff on occasion, and was obviously paying for those occasional treats at night! LOL!

Given the fact I don’t eat hardly any fatty foods anymore, anytime I’d eat anything a little fatty-it would cause me the pain!

Now my mom had some health issues yesterday and I spent the day at the hospital with her. We then had a fried fish dinner after to end the day……………….Like I do when I eat out, I ate 1/2 for lunch, the other 1/2 for dinner. That was the WORST thing I could have eatten!

Well me having virtually NO FAT in my diet, then eatting what later felt like a “heart attack on a plate”, equaled my poor gall bladder to just say” NO WAY am I dealing with that LAUREN!!”

So this leaves me to today. I am resting up, have the nitro headache side effect, and am trying to think of what I CAN eat without another attack.

 I still plan on going to Stamp New England (God willing!!) Saturday.

Im terrified to eat anything at this point because I want to avoid another attack so Im living on fruit right now. No coffee-nothing. Plain water here.

 I have to have my gall bladder removed, so am seeing a surgeon tomorrow to get that all set. I just want it all over with.

Lets just say its NEVER a dull moment here.

I also have to say I feel blessed that its not anything more serious. I shouldn’t have waited to such an extreme for seeking help. I am terrified to have an attack like that again-especially if Im home alone with the kids. They would be so scared. There is no way to act like everything is OK!

I do have to watch for the slightest fever because that means I am developing an infection and removal would be urgent.

 You don’t need your gallbladder to live at all. Nothing changes. It should be a day procedure. Ill find out more tomorrow.

OK so my point is-go to the doctor if you need to, and if YOU have had these same things-its most likely not anything THAT horriffic. Maybe having had my daughter go through so much I feel like I should be OK with it all too.

So that was the start to today.

Maybe this was TOO much info, maybe it helped someone. I dont know.

Im feeling better already. Just very tired from the events.

Thanks for letting me share, and I hope I helped ONE person who may have similar things, feel better about it all.

OK going back to bed now.

My Papertrey Ink newsletter project will go LIVE later tonight! 10pm EST.

 So don’t miss that.

Here is a recent photo of our dog-Daisy.

She loves sleeping hung over the arm of our couch. She is just adorable.

Funny when I don’t show up for a day, I get lots of emails asking if all is well. That is so sweet Thank you.

Yes! I am here. Just letting the mojo flow, and not stopping it by blogging.

I get lots of emails about Daisy. Prior to be a dog owner I wouldn’t “get it”. I really wasn’t a dog person before we got her. OK Ill ramble on to dog stuff later in the post-keep reading

Well in just 6 days you will get to see the first peeks at the fruits of my labor! I’m also gearing up fro Stamp New England. Sometimes Im amazed at what needs to get crammed into a day here.

I am B-U-S-Y! Plus I have my niece again today, so that throws a huge wrench in my plans! I’m actually praying she sleeps a good part of today. Three kids, a dog and a new baby-with DEADLINES………………that is juggling!!!

I am gearing up for my template peeks, and thePTI countdown! I think one of the templates this month will make LOTS of people HAPPY!! HINT! HINT!!

Anyway-lots to share, little time.

I’m still spinning over the Bachelor stuff, but won’t give it anymore of my energy.

You may remember I was the FEBRUARY Guest Designer for Queen Kat Designs Stamps. (WOW! Where DID Feb. go?) There is more stuff on their blog–>HERE!

Im in love with their Butterfly Writing bkgd, Doodle Tulip, Mini Sweets, Hooters, Love Birds and of course Flutterby!!

I just saw Their March Fairy Release and may have to pick that up!

I had been sent a set called Rocker Kat. As I said before it allowed me to step outside the box.

WATCH OUT!! This is where I go off deep into thought!

I made a little photo holder of Alexa and I, from when she was a baby.

 About 11 months old here. I am 22.

Its amazing what ONE photo can stir up in us. The memories it holds. ONE moment, captured, can have so much meaning.

I LOVED this photo. It was the beginning of a very happy time for me in my life, which has only continued.

I was a single mom, and I felt like if I could take care of her, and juggle everything that I was, I could do ANYTHING!

 It was actually a great time in my life. I never thought that being a young mom to a child, with special needs, and going through a divorce nonetheless, I could be happy! But, I was. It only took about 6 months for me to find out that I would be OK. Life would go on, and in fact, get better. I was stronger than I ever thought. I learned SOOOO much about what I wanted, didn’t want…….I could take on the world.

It was the first time in my life I was able to find “myself” and truly be on my own. I was only 21 - 22 at the time. Definitely “older” and more mature than most at that age.

Before that I didn’t know WHO I was or WHAT I wanted. NOW, I WAS happy.  Life alone was much happier than being in a miserable first marriage, to someone who made me feel “not good enough”, and endless fighting. Definitely the type of house I didn’t want my daughter growing up in. We brought out the worst in each-other. I also left knowing I tried my best, and even though everything fell apart (he was having an affair for 2 years before I knew. His entire family helped him keep the secret!) it wasn’t my fault.

I did my best, but when only one person works on a relationship- it isn’t going to work! Its like having a row boat, and only ONE person rowing. You get now where, except go around in one big circle. In the end, his infidelity was the final straw. The minute I found out I left. Of course, I had no idea where I was going or what I was going to do, and HOW! But I put one foot in front of the other, and just did it.

It was hard and scary. Leaping into the unknown. Leaving my “comfort zone”.

 I was scared to be a single mom, but in reality I already was. Erik had checked out of our marriage long before that, and had hardly embraced “fatherhood”. That was hard too because I thought he would have been a fabulous dad. He was the one who pushed to start our family. Now I think he really just wanted to “trap” me. He actually even admits to a lot of that. Another long story that I just assume forget.

I think from then to now how much I have changed, and all that is in my life-would not be, had those event NOT taken place.

In the end, Erik did me the biggest favor in the world! I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t be happy, or have my AMAZING husband, or my other 2 children. I would be in a loveless, empty marriage. I am so thankful.

Now I don’t know WHY all this just poured out today. I think looking back on the photo and remembering that time in my life just inspired me to share.

Maybe if YOU are in a situation, maybe life is going all wrong, and don’t think you can do something, or are afraid to take a leap, know that things will be better. There is a purpose! Someday you will look back and remember when……

You can and WILL be happy again.You are stronger than you think. Life can be better than imagined. Sometimes when things go bad, we don’t know why. I know I wondered WHY all that happened to me. Had I known the day I “thought” my life was falling apart, I’d have the life I do now, I would have thrown a party! LOL!

Just like when I found out Alexa had Down Syndrome. One of the hardest days of my life. If I had a crystal ball, and saw her now (cancer and ALL) I wouldn’t have shed a single tear!

Same thing with her Cancer. had I known she would definitely be OK, and we would weather the storm like we did, I wouldn’t have worried so much. But ALL of it made my family what it is today. ALL of it had a purpose. Every moment-good and bad. It all lead me here, where I sit telling you my whole life story in ONE post! LOL!

I don’t know-maybe this will help someone else? Maybe you can relate?

Its was just another puzzle piece to my life.

For all of it I am grateful.

Anyway-

Alexa was the BEST baby in the world. She was actually fabulous period till like age 7! LOL! Then ATTITUDE came into our lives I hear its a good thing. Makes her like every other (now 9 year old) girl her age.

OK getting back to the CARDS!! Sorry about all that. Felt good though to think back.

I stamped the cat, and cut it out. I then stamped the hat on Pink Passion and cut it out. Added a row of BLING!!

Then keeping with the BLING theme (if is ROCKER CHIC!) I made this card in purple colors.

I liked the glittered star so much that I did this SUPER simple one

More glittery stars! All 3 samples using that same set.

I want to thank Vicki for having me asa  guest, even though between the 2 of us it was most likely the WORST Guest Designer in history scenario! LOL! We both had major computer issues.

Speaking of KAT’s I thought Id share another recent photo of our dog Daisy

I get LOTS of dog lovers asking me how she is, since they haven’t seen photos in a while!

Isn’t she cute.

Since she is now “behaving” I don’t have those naughty photos and stories to share anymore. She is really good. Only ocassionally will she eat a Barbie! LOL! Granted, if its left on the floor unattended I think it SHOULD get eatten!!!

Those who don’t know-she is a cockapoo, and is now 1 years old.

Daisy enabled many families to get a cockapoo when we got her last year! LOL!

Daisy has been great!

I have to say I don’t know what we did before we got a dog! She is pretty amazing. Always everywhere we are. She “stamps” with me everyday, and yes, sleeps in our bed. She does lots of things, pre-dog owner, that we said we’d never do! Like sleep with us and eat people food. With 3 kids keeping her away from people food is near impossible. Her favorite treat is Cheese Doodles! OH MY! Open a bag of those and she will get up on her hind legs and twirl in a circle for them, begging! HILARIOUS.

NO! My dog doesn’t LIVE on Cheese Doodles or people food, but she tries.

Daisy is amazing with the kids-all kids-big or small (well not babies! She want to lick thier face off), and other animals. We have 3 cats and she “plays” with them daily. Her and my boy cat sleep cuddled together, and they even eat together. STRANGE!

When people come in she gets SO excited. Sometimes she pees! LOL! But that has gotten better, as has the jumping up. That part is owner error. Its hard to make her NOT jump when you have 3 kids who run around palying with her, encouraging her to JUMP for a snack, JUMP for a TOY and whatnot.

Anyway-she is a love!! Weighing in at a whopping 15lbs-perfect for our family. I do get her groomed every 6 weeks. Mainly because her hair gets long quick and I can’t keep it untangled.

I would definitely recommend her breed to anyone.

I even thought about getting another! But that would be INSANE.

OK now Im back to the daily grind

Thanks for reading all my RANDOM rambling.

If you skipped it, I don’t blame you! LOL!

Till tomorrow

2nd post for today

OK I had to share some more photos.

I just got back from the movies with my own kids so figured I’d take a quick break to post.

I totally have “new mommy” brain and she isn’t even mine. I totally forgot to post the sketch let alone get one done :C SORRY about that.

I’m already anxious till next time I see her. Luckily the kids are on vacation after this week so I hope I can steal her for a bit

I HOPE I can get her name gift done BEFORE then, cause once I get my hands on her its all over.

So here she is getting ready to go home.

I bought her this outfit to go home in! She came HOME Valentines Day.

I think she looks FAB in pink!! She has a gorgeous complexion great shaped head, with an even covering of hair.

The pants have a heart on the butt too. She makes so many little noises and faces, its hilarious. She scrunches up her face a lot too-like in these photos.

Look at her FEET! Her toes are SO long! Oh and big hands.

I call her Monkey. I found the most adorable monkey (girly monkey) jammies, that I can’t wait to see her in.

More stretching!! Black and white does her no justice.

This is proud mom & dad

AH! Don’t they look so eager, bright eyed and bushy tailed? I can’t wait to see them in 2 weeks! LOL! So far Gabby likes to be wide awake at 2am.

Proud Auntie Lauren-right after she was born

Amber loves the baby (Noah saw her yesterday (didn’t hold her) and Alexa hasn’t seen her yet)

This is my mom-proud nanny

Here is my brother, mother, me, Amber and Gabriella

Thats all for now. I just had to share more photos.

I wish I could bottle up that new baby smell don’t you?

Be back tomorrow with a video!!

Do you want to meet up and stamp with a bunch of talented ladies?

Well what are you doing March 20-21st?

Get ready for a stamp weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m excited to tell you that I will be teaching a class with a bunch of other AMAZING girls at Stamp New England!! Check out the blog for details-and register to attend ASAP! Space is very LIMITED!!

I can’t even wait to get to meet everyone!! If you do sign up-let me know! Julie and Joanne worked really hard to pull this together so a big thank you to them

Oh and don’t forget your camera’s girls

OH I feel like a little kid!

There are going to be some fun changes on my blog I HOPE!

Thank you to all of you for the warm Christmas wishes

Jason got me a Insignia 720P HD Digital Camcorder for Christmas! I could fall over. That means I may post a few little videos of me here doing some video tutorials! Now that would be so cool. You can not only come here to see some creations but maybe “talk” to me too! LOL! Maybe you don’t want to do that, but I think it will be a blast.

I just need to figure this all out.

My mom also got me a really nice jacket, and Jason a GPS system which was really cool too. We actually had to use it the first time we left the house, to find my mom who got lost! LOL! I think she needs to bring hers with her when she goes out more often.

I got some other stuff but nothing that would overly interest everyone-little things we all love.

So Im taking a creative break to play with the kids & their toys,  and my new toy, and hope to return with photos and it all figured out.

I also have TONS of deadlines that I need to get completed.

That all being said we had one the of the best holidays this year. Christmas Eve and Jason’s grandparents was so nice and relaxing, as was our holiday feast with my family yesterday. Just what I had hoped for.

I do feel terrible as the ONE thing I guess Alexa really wanted she didn’t get. So I told her that Santa sent me an email because he accidentally left it on his sleigh and that we could go to the store to get one today.

Her face lit up like crazy when she heard that. I had no idea she wanted that particular doll so bad!~

So I’ll be back tomorrow with a sketch, and some holiday photos.

OK now I want to hear what YOU got! Anything special? How was your holiday?

From my family to yours.

Thank you all for coming here, through the past year (or longer/shorter), as I share so much of myself and my family.

I want to get a better photo-but don’t want to spend my time on the computer today.

May you have safe travels, and warmth of family around you this week.

What a wonderful time of year.

I like to STOP and reflect before the season is over. Enjoy the traditions we have as a family, with my children. Get over the RUSH and hustle bustle of TO DO’s! Take a few days of spending time with just the kids. Not worrying about everything else that I normally do.

I want to take the time to say that I am so very thankful for every blessing in my life.Thankful to God for providing me with these blessings, and allowing me to see the rainbows after the many storms and trials. I have truly been blessed. I have an amazing life-really!

What more does one person need?

I have everything I could possibly want in life-my 3 amazing children-who I get to stay home with during the most amazing years of their little lives, a man who loves me unconditionally-my soul mate, family, health, a nice roof over my head, I’m able to have a hobby and do what I love! What more could I ever need?

I’m just so thankful for the time I have,  my family, and friends (-that includes you all as well) , our health, our home, and everything in it.

When Alexa got sick it blew my world and my perspective apart. I saw all too clearly the things that were and aren’t important. That in ONE moment things can change forever. I transformed a lot from the experience. I know, I always say that, but its so true. So many things that would have driven me clinically insane, I see aren’t important. Things maybe I would have put off for later, I do not.

Christmas time for me is season of reflection. A earmarking of memories, and milestones from one year to the next. I come into the new year transformed from this past year. I feel I have changed and grown so much, every year. I like to think for the better.

My kids are growing before my eyes, into these amazing little people. People that I helped create. I’m in awe of that some days. Actually sometimes they seem like mini adults! LOL! I am really cherishing these years where the magic of the season is.

I don’t know what is to come in this next year-or what I will have to say next time-but I pray its more of the same. I just want my family to have health, happiness and love of  each other. Most importanly be just be thankful for today. Make the most of each day we are blessed

The journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step.

That is what my bracelet says, and it reminds me, one day at a time.

I want to wish you & yours the same.

Merry Christmas (and Happy Hanukkah)!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! 

I am thankful: 

Thankful defined-

grateful: feeling or showing gratitude; “a grateful heart”;

Gratitude, appreciation, or thankfulness is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive

an expression of gratitude; a short prayer said at meals; grace, a benediction

Thanksgiving to me-

T-is for TODAY! I am so thankful for today. I feel that way everyday. To be able to wake up and live another day. I try to take a moment and find something to be thankful for everyday. T is also for time. I am thankful for the time I have with my family, and loved ones. The time I have whenever I get to do what I love. Time is precious, and passes quickly. Hang on to every second you have.

H-is for Health. Having gone through Cancer with Alexa, makes me SO eternally grateful for every day that each one of us awakens, and we have a healthy day! Each day is truly a gift, and your health is one of the best things to be blessed with. I am thankful that God has healed Alexa, and carried us through a difficult time, to all be here, so thankful, not just today, but everyday. I am also thankful that I have a healthier lifestyle, and have met some major goals for myself I feel AMAZING!

A- is for appreciation. Appreciation for my family who means the world to me. I could do a entire post on JUST that. In fact Im sure I have! LOL! A is also for- a higher power. I am thankful to God for everything he has blessed my life with.

N- is for Never Knew/met. You may wonder what this means, but to me its being thankful for all of you whom I never met or would have never known if it weren’t for this CRAZY world of stamping. I have developed so many relationships and friendships I never thought possible in a cyber world. TRULY AMAZING. I am so thankful for all of you who visit me here, who have shared and I have become friends with. You are all like an extended family if friends that keep me going everyday.THANK YOU!!!

K -is for kids! You know I had to use this letter for my kids! I can’t imagine my life without them. As insane as they make me most days they are my heart and soul. My reason for breathing and living. The love I have for them is indescribable-although I am certain you know what I mean. I also have to add Jay in there! I know its not a K word but he is my best friend! My rock. My soul mate. I strive to be as good of a person as he is. He is the most amazing person I ever met. Oh and Daisy our dog. She is the best little furball a family could ever has asked for. For someone who never wanted a dog, she is my little sidekick. I love her to pieces. K is also for kindness-I have been blessed by a world of kind people, so thank you to all of you!

S- is for Stamping (of course)! I am so grateful that I have been able to find a creative outlet that not only helps me de-stress and get some “my time” but has connected me to so many people that I never would have come in contact with had it not been for this insane hobby! Stamping saved me during some difficult times.

G is for giving back. I think it is important that everyone finds some way to give back to others. No matter how big or small. Every small gesture makes a difference. I have some goals for myself and family to do our best to give back! Be it sending boxes of cards to places that need it, to raising awareness for causes I believe in, to donating clothing, volunteering, so pitching in to help a friend during a difficult time. Sometimes its a RAK, or lending an ear. Ask yourself for ways that YOU can giveback with the coming New Year! Not only will it help someone else, but you will feel AMAZING!

I -is for inspiration. I am thankful that I can get inspired everyday from something. Be it one of you, my children or my surrounding. I am also thankful for the oppourtunities I have been given to work with/for some amazing people in the stamping world

V- is for valuable. Value has different meaning to everyone. I think finding value in yourself is so important to your own outlook on life, and feeling of selfworth. When you feel you have value you exude confidence. Also make sure you make the people in your life feel valuable to you is so important. Acknowledging the little things that shows you listen and care makes someone feel very valued by you

I- is for I can do it! I truly believe we can do anything we set our minds to. Often that is our only limitation. If you are positive in yourself you really can do anything you set your mind to! I don’t just sit here and say this stuff, I not only believe it but I live it.

N is for NOW! I hate the whole “tomorrow” attitude. I think it has to do with my dad. He ALWAYS said “tomorrow” and promised big things for “tomorrow”, and you know what tomorrow turned into? Not TODAY, tomorrow-again! It would never happen. It made me so upset. I try to never put off for tomorrow what I can do today. I am NOT a procrastinator, and I think its because of that. Also we need to really treasure what TODAY has to offer. Make the most of it. Having a sick child taught me that NO ONE is ever promised tomorrow. Make today, your tomorrow.

G- is for GO FOR IT! See above “N”.This has always been my attitude. If you want something you have to go after it! Its not going to just fall in your lap. Whatever it may be, believe you can achieve or obtain it, and nothing is impossible.

Well thank you for stopping by here today. I have so much more to say (don’t I always) but the family is calling

I hope that whatever your today brings, you find something to be thankful for.

Lauren
 

Make a Smilebox slideshow

OH my word is this ever LATE! We are a month and a half past this party, and I am just now posting this! AND Im only posting it since I want to post Noah’s birthday Smilebox, and I will feel extremely guilty if I do that one before this one! YIKES! Oh motherhood. Gotta love the daily dose of guilt. Weather its because you yelled at them for the 60th time to not yell at their sibling (I know it makes no sense but I know “I” do it! Not good), or had to take something they love away because they didn’t listen, then YOU feel bad………ugh! This is the stuff they don’t put in books, and most of the books that are written for parenting, I believe is by the CHILDLESS! Its so much easier to say WHAT you should and shouldn’t do when you don’t have them! LOL! Before I was a mom I always said ” I will never do X.” 9 Years and 3 kids later………..here I am, often doing X.

I am now going to run and edit the photos so Amber & Alexa can make their TY notes. See, really late on those too. I still have TY’s to get done from a gift Alexa got from my PSF’s in MAY! See people I really don’t get it all done! I do procrastinate :C Boy do we have a bunch of TO DO’s for afternoon craft time this week.

Now Im in utter panic! These are ALL so late :C

Not good. Why did I even begin this task today? I guess to get it done.

Anyway details of Amber’s 4th birthday party, if you weren’t around then.

We had her party at Empire Beauty School. Each girl got nails painted, hair & make-up done! They had a blast.

In the photos you will see Amber held up her nails ALL day, because they told her to make sure they didn’t get ruined while being wet. I don’t think she hardly put them down. As for the make-up she was like a PRO!

All I could think the ENTIRE party was looking back on this day, the day she gets married! Time will just fly by. That is what that whole thing felt like to me. How am I suppose to entrust MY BABY to some guy someday?! I know crazy. She may decide to NOT ever get married, but still we all think it. Then I think she better get married, I want grandchildren! What if she doesn’t want children?! What then?! Crazy. I often get ahead of myself.

I just told myself-enjoy this time while she is little because before you know it she will be in the world, all grown up. I get weepy just THINKING about it. I know it sounds CRAZY since she is ONLY 4 but seeing my oldest- Alexa be 9 is a killer! Where has the time gone? Seems like just yesterday SHE was 4. You have no idea how fast it goes past us. I realized how quickly during Alexa’s 2 1/2 years of chemo, thankfully it went by in a flash.

I think because Amber is my “baby” and like my little sidekick, its a real killer for me to see her grow so fast. Being the 3rd child she seems to advance so much quicker. Much more independent and “old” for her age. Im sure our life circumstances only pushed that even more so. 

I dont say that because I love her more or less than the other 2. I think anyone who has more than 1 child knows you develop different relationships with each child. You love them the same, but each one has that special something that the others don’t. Thats what makes THAT person as special as they are. OK I hope that makes sense to you like it does to me, and if it doesn’t thats OK. Im just blabbering on about my thoughts

Time to get going on those TY’s.

I have Noah’s Smilebox and stuff to do, as well as LOTS of eye candy. Having said that, I have 500 photos to go through and edit to get to that point so stay tuned.

OH gosh, now I really wish I didn’t think about it all.

OK I am all stamped out. So Im finally going to share some things many of you seem to want to know. I know this is primarily a stamping blog but I also share everything else! Basically if its on my mind, something going on in my life, the world knows about it. Why not share a huge part of something I have struggled with?

 You all are just so sweet for all the lovely comments regarding my latest new photo! I am eatting healthy, exercising DAILY, and drinking lots of water. I really feel amazing about myself, and am proud I have accomplished what I set out to do. I changed my life for ME. No one else.

I didn’t think anyone would care to read the times I’ve posted aobut my struggles or my exercise stuff and whatnot but MANY have, as it is part of your struggles too.

Now this is LONG so you can stop. No guilt

I have to say spilling all this for the world is NOT easy! Especially sharing my awful photo of a day I felt my worst. The words weren’t as bad as sharing the PHOTOS!! I know this all just rolls out on my blog but I almost deleted it like 20 times. No lie. Its a truly sole baring post. I felt if I can write all this to share and help then I better suck it up and SHOW you that it all works.

Reality of it is, I have been thin my whole life. Never struggled with my weight. Never worked out. I was just thin and had NO interest in being in SHAPE. Well then I get pregnant with Alexa. It was a stressful pregnancy and it was the start of what I call “stress eatting”. I began eatting to fill my worries and fears. Not sure if it helped, but it did allow me to gain 72lbs! Nice huh? I felt so defeated after giving birth, thinking it would just FALL off over the next few months. NOPE! Only lost like 25lbs, kept the rest. Anyway I really thought I’d NEVER be thing again. Well,  I worked it off and got in shape after my divorce. I never felt better.

So began the rollercoaster of weight issues.

I went on to have Noah, lost the weight. Then I had Amber, lost the weight. Every time with exercise. 

 So there I was thinking I didn’t really  have an issue since it only came with pregnancies.

Then Alexa got Cancer. My problem came back! Having NO activity LIVING in the hospital for about a year, my best friends were cream cheese brownies, lots of sugar and coffee and whatever other bad thing I could possibly get my hands on at 2am, to help me not deal with my emotions. Over the last 2 1/2 years I see photos of myself where I got to my FINAL weight point, would work it off, then slowly climb back up during another cancer crisis. I would eat my worries away. If I did eat something bad, I would “punish” myself for it, by then eatting something else. Not good. Also the never ending fad diet, not easy to stick with forever!

So I decided for a healthier eatting LIFESTYLE change. Thats why I LOVE Dr. Phil!! He is so realistic about it all. Diets don’t last forever. You need to change the way you LIVE.

I don’t care how thin you are, or your gene pool, if you eat really bad it will catch up with. Once you have those fat cells, they are ALWAYS there, waiting to fill up!

Now I can think of a MILLION excuses as to why I could stay unhappy with myself, WHY I would wait to start-tomorrow, then tomorrow turns into weeks. Why I have NO TIME to exercise, but do have time for other stuff. There are NO MORE excuses. NOW is the time. I put my TODAY outlook on so many other aspects of my life, to finally use it work on this issue now.

I know not EVERYONE is interested in this, but many are, so I’m here to share. If it helps ONE of you, then fabulous. As women I think most of us can say we battle with our weight and what we *think* we should look like.

Now keep in mind I’m not a doctor, or dietican. I am a stay at home mom, to 3 kids, with an INSANE life and a BUSY daily schedule. Just like many of you. I’m just happy to share things that have worked for me and that is basically HARD WORK, with a concious effort to eat healthier. I take food ONE obstacle at a time, and relish in my defeating each as it comes, not looking forward. If I have something I shouldn’t I have it in moderation, and make a better meal choice for my next meal. All about balance.

I have no magic pill or wand that can make anyone healthier or an easy fix to get into shape. Getting out of shape is EASY, getting IN shape is hard work. If it were easy everyone would be models :D I had a goal and then worked my hiney off (literally) to reach that goal. The biggest hurdle we all have is our MIND set.

I am happy that weight LOSS won’t need to be a part of my New Years resolution! I can focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and work on other goals instead. I’m not where I ultimately want to be yet, but I know I am not far. I am determined to get through the holidays not a pound heavier. My goal is MODERATION! I don’t need a whole pumpkin pie to make me happy. Only a sliver.

I’m not on a diet, just changed my eatting HABITS, so its not a constant deprivation.

I have received MANY inquiries as to what I have been doing to exercise, and eat to lose weight.

I can’t even believe I am going to say this, but over 12 weeks I have lost 35lbs! I didn’t realize I had 35lbs to lose! LOL! OK well I wanted to lose it, but didn’t REALLY think it would actually happen. 

 My “OK I am so done with this” moment came on my 30th birthday in May. I was turning the BIG 30, and wasn’t happy. I wanted to be a HOT 30. I wanted people to say “What! You had 3 kids?!” not ‘Well, you have had 3 kids”.

Here is my AWFUL photo that I didn’t even want to look back on

My birthday May 3rd.

I HATE it. This was me. Its also the ONLY photo I let anyone take of me for MONTHS!

Now here was one from Alexa’s birthday Sept 29. Feeling and looking like myslef.

Now I didn’t actually DO something about it until the first week of September. I know! I told you, always “tomorrow”.

Now after losing another 17lbs-this is on the 7th of November

See the difference?

 I don’t believe in scales. They make you CRAZY! So I don’t own one. Since Alexa has monthly doctor appointments I began weighing myself there ONCE a month. For ME,that was a good thing. Right before I started in August, then the following month September lost like 18lbs, then again last month (which I had hit a plateau so that wasn’t a fun scale day :C) lost 4 lbs, now this month lost another 13lbs . Boy was I super duper happy when I saw the numbers on the scale this past Wednesday! It was MORE than I thought it would have been.

I started a work out that had me take my MEASUREMENTS the day before I started the workout program. So I figured watching those measurement , and my CLOTHING was most important.

I also marked the WEEKS on my calendar on the fridge, to keep me on track, and knwoing where I was in the programs.

 I never leave the house to get in a amazing workout, and I do it in my living room! LOL! In between all my daily things with the kids I have an elliptical machine, which was what I started with (had it for like 4 years) but I mainly use DVD’s. Many of these videos also have QUICK workouts for your SUPER busy days. I try to keep mixing it up so I don’t get bored and I work different muscles.

IMPORTANT NOTE! Im not affiliated with ANY of these programs. I just feel like I could be on their advertisements though !LOL! They truly helped me get to my goals.

So here is what I do

I do my best to work out EVERY DAY!  Now that may seem excessive, but not when you start to enjoy it, and look forward to that time. Even if its 10-20 minutes. We ALL can find 10 minutes in the day. SOMETHING is better than NOTHING! Its now a part of my daily routine, and if I don’t get to it then I feel tired, blah and CRABBY!! I love having it be part of my day now. Its like my coffee use to be.

NOTE: the first 2 to 3 weeks of this lifestyle I was not overly thrilled with the working out and change in eatting habits!

Now when I eat I use a KIDS plate, or just dish out HALF of what I would normally have on my plate. PORTION control! It is RARE I am still hungry after I eat the smaller portions. I think we get use to eatting MORE, so we THINK we need more, or are still hungry because we are mindlessly eatting all the food on our plate.

Once I got over the CRAVINGS it was smooth sailing. It also takes about 2-3 weeks  to have your first real “WOW! Are you losing weight? You look great” compliment, so that helps!!

I chose the Mitch Gaylord Melt it off program. This is THE one that actually got me motivated to START! I found it motivating and helpful. It was the commercial that made me take that first step back to health.

This one was the real start of everything for me. Yes, it was from an infomercial and it works!! I love it. It uses a 2lb “G Ball”. At first I couldn’t do MOST of it, but within 3 weeks I was seeing great results. My brother is in tip top AMAZING shape. He is a professional arm wrestler and he would make fun of the workout. Well I made him do it with me, and I kicked his butt with this video! I felt great! LOL! He was definitely impressed and surprised. Granted I STILL can’t do some of it, but that gives me goals to meet.

This is the one when you start, where you take your measurements. There is nothing like doing the MATH when you are LOSING weight.

I have gone down 3 pant sizes. I now weigh what I did in highschool  only I am actually toned! LOL!

I have lost 7 inches from my chest (OK honestly not THAT happy about that-but oh well! LOL!) 6 3/4 inches from my waist, and 6 3/4 inches from my hips!

Now some other DVD  favorites of mine:

The Biggest Loser-Cardio Max- Purchased at Target.

There is NOTHING like wanting to QUIT your workout, when you have people far larger than you KICKING your butt, doing the SAME workout! You can customize this and it too have various levels to work up to. If you have seen the TV show you know these are people JUST like YOU. So get moving Its really amazing.

Jillian Michaels- 30 Day Shred-another Target find. This is my current “go to” workout.

She is the insane one from the Biggest Loser. She works them super hard. So when I saw this video I knew I needed it! LOL! She has a  series of 4 levels. 20 minute ONLY- kick your butt (in one exercise quite literally), I think Im going to throw up, amazing workout. This helped me get off that Plateau. In 3 days of her workout I lost ANOTHER 1/2 inch from the measurements! I DO recommend getting in decent shape before beginning this one That is just MY opinion. But you are guaranteed results in a 20 minute workout, and its so true. I feel I sweat even more in this one, than some of the hour workouts I do.

I also use Turbo Jam. Another infomerical. 

I love this one. It combines boxing exercises to kick your but with an aerobic like workout. At first you need to get use to the moves, but once you do you have fun. I used this once after I had Amber and needed to get back into shape for when Jay & I got married.

Pick Your Spot Pilates-Yes another Target one. This is full of 10 minute segments that really work you! Who can’t find 10 minutes? IF you are reading this post, then you certainly can fidn that AFTER you read my blog! LOL! This one was perfect after I had Noah. Having a colicky baby and little time I got back to pre-pregnancy weight in no time.

If you don’t know what is Pilates-this type of exercise is PERFECT for those of you with back, and joint issues, or who don’t want to jump around to break a sweat. You don’t need to be like a human GUMBY doll to do these, like you do in yoga.

I like this stuff when Im tired, or just want to work on strength. You do get a good workout. I’m still into the cardio/weight training  stuff at this point, but still use this one several times a month.

Honestly if you aren’t doing this for YOU, then it won’t work. I reached my limit. My “it” moment when I had enough of failing at the “diet” and saying TOMORROW. Enough of NOT wanting to be in photos or feeling icky about myself. Enough of buying clothes that make me LOOK thinner, when I want to just BE thinner! Now I go in the store and get something OFF THE RACK!

First thing is first. Be realistic. Be honest with yourself. Write your goals down.

Some of this is from the Mitch Gaylord journal and it truly helped me. I also put a photo of me that I LOVE in plain view for me to see when I am working out to remind myself of WHERE I wanted to be! Next to it was my WORST photo, so I had a visual of WHY I was really doing this. Now that BAD photo is gone, but my old one is still there to keep me going.

So now ask yourself-

Why are you doing this?

What is your purpose or desire for changing yourself?

What is your ideal vision of yourself?

What past limiting beliefs have stood in your way?

What are you committed to doing to relieve those beliefs?

What was your defining moment of needing a change?

Then get that photo and start that journal

The important thing to remember is in the beginning ALL of it is difficult. Its alife change. There may even be some excising you just can’t do! Try to modify them if you can, and try to keep up as much as you can. Before you know it, you will be a PRO! Just keep with it. Keep moving.

Next people asked what KEEPS me motivated.

I purposely buy clothes that are a LITTLE tight, or the next size down. I work to make them then fit! I wait a week or 2, then slide them on! That is the BEST feeling. I am also refusing to GO UP a size. If things get snug, I now know to kick it up a notch and not let 10lbs creep back on. THROW AWAY those bigger clothes. Then you have NO safety net! LOL! I mean it!

So that is it. Now for the FOOD stuff.

I MAKE myself eat breakfast! Its the most important thing you can do to get your metabolism going. I read NO CARBS in the morning. It makes you MORE hungry through the day, so I have yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit or something like that. Don’t get me wrong me wrong I still eat the occasional waffle! LOL! Just not so much syrup and butter. I aslo LOVE Quacker Oatmeal (weight-loss one) in banana bread! So filling and really yummy.

I cut out my coffee, and if I do drink it I use fat free cream and Slenda (that was the hardest part)

I drink TONS of water! Usually a full glass before meals. And I LOVE the Crystal Light packets. The water alone helps. The packets spice it up so it doesn’t get BORING!

No more SODA! I use to love diet Pepsi. Now it makes me SICK!

Have healthy snacks on hand. Readily available. I love granola bars, nutragrain bars, and stuff like that. They are tastey. and low cal. There are SO many 100 cal packets of things you can buy there are NO excuses for KILLING your healthy eatting with a SNACK! Also only eat ONE!

Make sure I stay on TOP of my hunger. If I feel hungry I eat something healthy before it turns into a handful of chips or cookies. Usually 2-3pm is my point of real hunger!

I take green tea pills. I heard they help metabolisim. Not sure if its true but oh well.

I cut my portions in HALF!

I LOVE SmartOne frozen meals! They really good, are quick too. Part of my problem would be skipping lunch cause I don’t eat what the kids do. They are really yummy, and are along line with Weght Watchers. They even have desserts! Also yummy. I like the points system so you can whatever you want. I think that “diet” works for so many because you can eat whatever you like, but it teaches moderation! I just try to live in moderation mode.

Going out to eat. Well like my meals I don’t clean my plate! I also try to go for something “healthier” than I would normally eat. Im not talking salad, Im just saying instead of FRIED chicken I may look for GRILLED! LOL!

I don’t snack after 7 pm!

If I want something bad I ask my self 100 times if it is really worth eatting! Often just by checking the calories I don’t want it bad enough. Then if I did. I usually feel sick after from all the sugar, or I can’t even finish it! NOT a bad thing

Don’t go to the food store HUNGRY! NO! NO! NO! That is when the worst decisions are made.

Most importantly I have recruited my husband as reenforcement! Before we go somewhere that I KNOW may be full of temptation I ask him to keep me in check. By this I mean, I run by him what I am thinking of eatting, he will then say Are you really sure you want to do that. What about having X instead?

Now he isn’t doing this on his own and to be annoying. I ASK for it! It saved me many times from regretful eatting.

Lastly in recipes substitute LOW fat or NO fat items. We always did this so that wasn’t a hard transition for me. I think it adds up though.

So I think that covers it. I hope I helped someone in some way by sharing my own issues, and helping you see I am a TYPICAL person just like YOU! Same struggles. Im not famous, I don’t have a chef, a personal trainer, or any of that fancy stuff that movie stars have. I am a daily work in progress, but I am doing it. I feel so much better that I did 12 weeks ago! THAT makes it all worth it.

Better yet since its a way of living, I don’t feel deprived! I CAN have something. I just don’t have as much.

Start now and by the holidays you could seriously be transforming yourself too.

I hope this didn’t seem like a big ole lecture. Someone on your back doesn’t help you to want to get healthy. I just felt I would openly share what so many have contacted me about.

Now that Im done Im back to thinking I should delete this! LOL!

Oh well. I am leaving. I have Noah’s Party to get ready for.

I will leave you with this quote I always tell myself:

Let TODAY be your TOMORROW!