Losing weight is hard stuff...

So, If you have read my blog, you know that I am working at losing weight... The last 2 weeks have been sooo stressful, that I haven't done so well. But I recognize that I am off track and am putting myself back on the healthy train. So here are some of my stressors lately...

Things that cause me stress:

1. We opted for a select comfort number bed... A lot of people like it, but we don't. And for 3300 bucks, I am quite unhappy about how crappy I am sleeping. Thank goodness for the 30 day trial period.

2. We were told by a mortgage broker that we qualified for a loan, then after looking at houses, he turned around and said we weren't. (although, due to our previous house, we should be able to buy again in February)

3. Eating causes me stress.

4. Money... Can't live without it, but don't have enough of it to live... happily

5. The presidential election/economy... need I say more...

6. Student loan debt. $65,000 in debt for school, making our debt to income way too high.... Hello, besides our cars, it's the only debt we have. We are trying to make a better life for ourselves, and now it sucks more.

I guess I could go on and on, but I know that nobody wants to really hear about it.

So on the better side of things, I started watching my niece, Paisley, 2 weeks ago. She is such a good baby, and my kids absolutely adore her. We have so much fun with her at our house. She is like just another child for me!!! But I can give her back... he he he. (Also, since I will not be having any more kids, she fills the void for wanting another baby!)

Ady and Paisley! (please don't mind the chocolate all over Ady's shirt!)

Hayden and Paisley... He told me he needed a sister just like her...

Paisley is so adorable. She grins just about every time I see her!

My kids keep me sane... they know how to bring me back to reality, and so does my husband. Without Ben, Hayden or Adyson, I would be crazy. They make me the best I can be, and I love them so much. I am so thankful that God has given me such an opportunity to have them in my life.

Ady "flying in the sky"

Ady's Favorite thing to do is jump on the trampoline... I am under her, taking her picture!

Note: The lack of pictures of Hayden... He is in the "don't take my picture" phase... I hope that doesn't last too long. He said something really cute today. We were driving on our way to Winco to get groceries, and I was flipping through the stations on the radio. I guess he heard a song he really wanted to hear and said "Mommy, I need to listen to the farm song..." I was like ok, what is he talking about... He went on the describe it as the one with the "girl." Come to find out, it was the Country station... He now refers to country music as farm music... I thought it was funny.

Losing weight is hard stuff...

My Husband, he sews...

Just Kidding... He doesn't, but he does a dang good job of fixing stuff!
My sewing machine unexpectedly broke yesterday. I don't know what happened, or why, but it devastated me. He is working on it right now, and I know, with his intelligence, he will have it working in no time! Thanks, BEN! I love you!















So I attempted to do what little hair Ady has... After taking about 15 minutes to complete the look... she took it out... figures. I guess I will stick to the simple bows and pigtales for now!

I have 2 posts today! Ben has a new car!

I have 2 posts today, so after this one is over, please read the next one!!!

If you know us, then you know we are car people... Mainly Ben!!! We have had so many cars since we have been married, its ridiculous (focus, neon, xterra, gtp, focus, talon, towne and country, dodge truck, eclipse, geo, ranger, another gtp, eclipse, black honda, silver honda, white honda, mazda, envoy, and 300C) That's right... 19 cars in 5 years... plus, I could be missing some... Anyhow on the 14th of September, we found Ben and Affordale Dream car. It's a chrysler 300 C Hemi with all the options. We have been looking for one for so long, and when we came across it at Lithia Ford, we were stoked. I think Ben is in heaven with this car! I am glad that we found it for him... I hope this puts an end to our car obsession for the next few years!!!!

Ady eating bubbles from the car wash bucket!!! Total tomboy.

Hayden washing his car!

Ben giving his car it's "first wash"

She's a beauty!

Decorating

So One of my passions is decorating for cheap. Recently I have started to decorate Ady and Hayden's rooms, buying things from 2nd hand store, craigslist or making them myself (don't worry, I clean and sanitize everything I buy... I am a freak that way). I am not finished with their rooms yet, but I have a good start.







In Ady's room, I think I have spent a total of $120 altogether for everything... Thanks to my sister for the free bed frame of which i painted it black. Also I found the dresser on craigslist for 20 bucks, cut out the top 4 drawers, and refinished it. My husband, and his dad, made the completion of that dresser a reality... without all of their handy work, it would have probably ended up in the garbage... thanks guys! I am still looking for baskets to fit in the areas... someday i will find the perfect ones. I found her bedding set at Ross for $12. It was a good find. For the paintings, I found canvas's at Goodwill for .99 cents a piece and just used the paint I already had to repaint them. Boy were they ugly before I started on them. I also made the picture hanger out of picture frames I bought at goodwill for .49 cents a piece. The curtain fabric I Found at Goodwill as well for 2.99. I am stoked about how much remaking her room actually cost me. I
would have painted but we are renting and I didn't want to make any extra work for myself, so I just put up ribbon using liquid corn starch. It can be easily removed with water, and when it's gone you will never know it was there. I also decoupaged her name and flower hooks, and painted the cork board myself.

Hayden's room is another story. He was into the whole cars and trucks thing, but now he is getting into spiderman big time, hence the combination of the two... If you don't know me, I am not a fan of anything characters... So him having spiderman in his room is a big deal for him. I made the comforter myself with fabric I found at walmart for 8 bucks. The bed frame I got off of craigslist for $10 and painted it red. I also found the dresser at a garage sale for $25. It was white then, I spent a lot of time sanding, and finally after about a month, I now have finished it in a satin black. I painted his cork board with a racing flag theme... You can tell by the pictures that he really loves hanging his stuff on it.

I am IT, I guess

I AM
I am: IT
I have: to get my life under control
I had no idea: that making simple changes could impact my life so much
I Am: Proud to be a mother
I Think: about our financial situation way toooo much
I Know: that what every is supposed to happen, will happen, and I just have to deal with it
I Want: to go on vacation
I Have: to not be so anxious
I Dislike: others who take advantage of good people.
I Miss: the easy days
I Fear: death
I Feel: like buying a house... i hope it works out
I Smell: like victoria secret love potion lotion
I Crave: alone time
I Cry: when i am disconntent
I Usually: am a helper
I Search: for solutions, when they are right infront of me
I Wonder: what the next 5 years will bring
I Regret: buying the house on Chandler
I Love: Ben, Hayden And Ady
I Care: others... I always want to best for them
I Always: want to say something and usually don’t
I Worry: about the new loan we are getting to purchase a new home
I Am Not: able to make friends very easily, I hve come to realize... Why, I don't know?
I Remember: Numbers very well
I Believe: Life... I am still trying to decide what is right for me
I Dance: to make my kids laugh (I am not very good, but they enjoy it)
I Sing: out loud in the car
I Don't Always: Tell people enough how much they mean to me... keep in touch like I should
I Argue: when I am being defensive, even though I know I may be wrong
I Write: better than I speak
I Win: at making the most of my life
I Lose: not making good choices
I Wish: we would be done with this whole house buying thing
I Listen: to what you are saying... I am a very good listner
I Don't Understand: Choices other's make
I Can Usually Be Found: Playing with my kids, exercising, sewing, decorating or sleeping
I Am Scared: of the ones I love dying
I Need: start sewing more, So maybe I can sell some things at bazaars this year
I Forget: what life was like before kids... I don't miss it at all though
I Am: Loved
I tag: Everyone

1st Month is a Success!

This is a long one.... I have a lot on my mind... Bare with me please.

Also I have added "My Follower's" To my page. Please add yourself if you would like to keep updated on our blog!

This last Wednesday marks the end of the first month with the weight loss challenge. I am proud to announce that I have officially lost 15 pounds and 6 inches (regardless to the fact that I was on steroids for half of the month...) I am starting to feel like a new person. I already have increase energy, no longer craving crap, am getting better sleep, and my confidence is growing more and more each day.

Starting this whole life change was difficult for me to accept. It took me a long time to accept the fact that I did have a compulsive eating problem, and that I was the only one that could fix it. I wanted to think for the longest time that there was some miracle drug, machine or diet that could fix my world. What I didn't understand, and now do, is that nothing is going to work unless I want it to, and put in the time and effort needed to make my life different.

Literally, all i have done is started eating healthier and working out. I no longer crave sugar because I allow myself to have a bite when I am wanting it (I don't eat a whole pan of brownies, or 4 scoops of ice cream). I make healthier choices at all meals and only eat until I am full. I still eat out, not fast food, but I eat what I want. I tried a bite of my kids happy meal I picked up for them the other day and was in amazement about how awful that food actually tastes. I can do without it now.

As for the Hubby, he is doing great at well. He is losing weight, not that he mentions it or anything, but I can really tell. He has been feeling a lot healthier, and not so many stomach problems occur like they did before. I am proud of him for supporting me in my time of need and not slacking off as some husbands would do.

Ben has been such a blessing for me because he always believes in me. He is there for me when I need someone to talk to, to listen to me, even though I am not making any sense. He always has words of encouragement, and understands when I am having a hard time. He has been the most diligent husband I could ask for. I know, that for the rest of my life, I have the perfect partner, husband, and father of my children. I am thankful that the Lord has blessed me with such an outstanding man.

The kids have been so cute lately. On Tuesday of this week, we started watching my niece, Paisley. The kids are so happy when she arrives. The first hour of Paisley arriving, all Ady says is "Doll, LeeLee" (which I believe translates to Baby Paisley) Hayden refers to her as his sister, and stated "Mom, now I just need a boy" and I asked "A brother?" "Nope I just need a boy... " I think, already, all the girls are getting to him!?

Kids come up with the cutest things to say. When Dana arrived to pick up Paisley she asked Hayden if he had been a good boy that day... His response was "Kinda" and then she asked if he was naughty and he replied "Maybe" He is getting quite a mind of his own, and knows what's going on around him.

Ady is saying new words everyday. Her 14 month vocabulary now includes, ma ma, dad dEE, hayd or 'der der' (for brother), doll (for baby), shoes, nose, honk, bottle, yeah, and so many more... She really is a determined little girl that wants no more than to be able to keep up with her big brother.

Also, we have become qualified to buy another home... We are starting our search, and unlike last time, we are going to take our time to find a house that we can afford, that works for us, and that we love. We are excited for this experience, but yet at the same time scared... With the economy being the way it is... we are scared for the future. We question constantly whether right now is the right time for us to buy, or whether we should wait and see where Ben's job takes him. We have considered moving out of state... but i guess until we actually find him a better IT job, we will be living in Idaho.

I will post some recent pictures later!!!

Family Fun Weedend!

This weekend we headed for Mountain Home AFB. There was an Air Show going on, and we wanted to see what it was all about. There were airplanes of all shapes and sizes, fighter jets, helicopters, and everything in between. I think Ben enjoyed it the most, and I know the kids got a kick out of it, but what's most important is that we were able to spend time together as a family, enjoying eachothers company.

Hayden and I attempting to take our own picture! i think it turned out quite well!

Ady had her own agenda that day!


Red lips from his strawberry snowcone!


Playing in the tank!


Going down the inflatable slide! They had a few inflatable toys there for the kids to enjoy. Hayden climbed up the tall slide and went down all by himself.

I have a new hobby!

Sewing... Yes it is my new hobby. I am not a quilter, nore a perfectionist, but I am trying. I enjoy making things with the sewing machine my mother bought me for Christmas a few years ago. I have been making baby blankets... (sorry no pictures, I gave them all away) Outfits, Halloween costumes, crayon caddies... and more! This is the first hobby I have found that really keeps me going. I have tried scrapbooking (not dissing on it or anything) but It never kept me interested. I would do a page and then give up. With sewing, it is completely different, just ask Ben. I start something, and just keep going. I love seeing the outcome and seeing that what I have made is being used.








I actually made two of these outfits... One for Ady, and one for Paisley (my neice) They looked so adorable in them, and they are so easy to sew! I get such gratification out of seeing my work look so cute on them!

P.S. I also made the shoes she is wearing!




















First of All, I didn't make the spiderman costume. Hayden insisted on buying it for Halloween and not letting me make him one. I made Ady's costume. She is giong to be a chef for Halloween. I saw the pattern at WalMart of all places, and decided that that would be her best option. I love how it turned out.
... And the chef hat is the first hat she will actually keep on!

This outfit is a Christmas present I made for my new neice Paisley. Dana and Bill are into the western type stuff, So i thought they would really get a kick out of this.





























This was the first outfit I made for Ady... She really didn't want her picture taken.















I made these matching outfits for my kids to wear to my Mother In Laws Red White and Blue Casual Wedding. Simple and Cute!




I have often thought about making sewing a business, but I do need more experience. I actually have considered hosting a booth at next years farmers market to see if my things would be bought... That is what I am working towards. Wish me luck!

I am losing weight!!!! YEAH

So our family has been trying to eat healthier and be more physically fit. We really have our up and our down days, but as a whole, I think we are doing dang good! It has been almost 3 weeks since we have "changed" and I can already feel a difference. I told myself that I would only weigh myself once a month, but gave in at the end of week two and found out that I have already lost 10 pounds. I am actually quite proud of myself for doing this because, if any of you know me, it is hard for me to commit myself to something so real. Also, I didn't want to go on a "diet" because I have heard the many stories of going Up and down in weight. I wanted to do something that would change me as a person, making me (and my family, of course) healthier. I have come to learn, if you don't change what's going on inside, then your aren't going to stick with whats going on outside. I think I put off "being healthy" for so long because it was so much easier to eat crap and not work out. But I have changed... And I am happier.

I think we started this because we (Ben and I) came to the realization how unhealthy we felt. We were always getting sick, having stomach aches, and always eating crap, never sleeping well.... the list could go on and on.

The kids seem to be reacting to this quite well. Ady loves her veggies and her fruits quite well. Hayden will eat the "good stuff" here and there but enjoys sugar a little too much.

We will keep you all updated on our progress and hopefully shed the weight within a year, and be back to our "premarried" weights before to long!

So, I am new to this and don't know what I am doing...

If any of you have any ideas or suggestions, or know anything about blogging, I would like to know. Also, if you are reading this, please leave a comment and let me know you were here!!!! That way I can add you to my blog list! Thanks, Terah

Feedin' Duckies (Labor Day)

Little sister trying to take the Acorn's brother found















Hayden loves to climb


















Wrong Way Addy!!














I promise she is NOT in timeout


















Brother and Sister love



















Feeding the Birds















More Bird feeding













Give them a wave















Wish it was the beach, but sadly is just the city park













Haydens Kite











So on Sunday of Labor Day weekend our family went down to Ann Morrison Park and fed the ducks and geese. I know you are all thinking that it's not right to feed them, because they need to know how to fend for themselves, but hey, every kids needs to do this every once in a while... Even though it was chilly and breezy we had a ton of fun watching the kids enjoy the birds. Hayden got a kick out of one geese actually taking his whole piece of bread away from him while he was trying to feed them. Ady just kept waving and saying "uck, uck, uck!" (tranlates into duck, duck, duck)

We then attempted to fly Hayden's kite. We didn't get it much off the ground and gave up... plus the kids could see the park from where we were standing. We decided to go and play.

Not so much happened this Labor Day weekend. We enjoyed the moments we had to spend together as a family, and hope many more are to come!