Mother of 3

Week 76 and 2 more days

2012-02-12T20:53:00.007-06:00

4 out of 5 occupants of this house are packed and ready to "FLY"

Here's the countdown chart I started on June 28, 2011 200 days have passed since then.

I thought this "2 days til Launch" was perfect for today...2 more days

Found this one of an iPod with "4 days left"

On day 20 I used this one, complete with Cali. already on it. It was fun to look for days

Tony, on his 16th birthday, complete with cherry cheesecake. Love him so much.

Tony, now 16 and 6 ft. tall and size 14 shoe

Week 76 of my Journey and sadly, I gained One pound, back to -105 pounds. The first of the week went smooth but the weekend was rough. I don't get it because I walked 14 miles this past week and I did watch the foods I ate. Saturday was the Sweetheart Dinner at church and I ate a baked potato and DID NOT eat the Molten Lava Chocolate Cake with ice cream they served. Nor did I eat the HUGE Chocolate Kiss that I won for the "Unscramble the Words" game. I took one bite out of an adorable cupcake (white cake mix NOT chocolate, still No chocolate in 76 weeks) and didn't eat the ♥ cookie or anything out of the goody bag. I DID NOT drink any punch either, stuck to water (I drink at least 32 oz. of water a day).

For Sunday lunch we all went to the Legion for their buffet; I thought I watched it pretty good. Nick always ask me every Monday how I did and when I told him he could tell I was upset with the one pound gain and he said "Mom, with all that walking you're turning fat to muscle". He waited a second and said "You know what I mean right Mom". He thought he offended me. It is hard to accept a gain when I'm trying so hard. I can't dwell on it; I must press on. I'm hoping when I get back from vacation to walk 2.5 miles a day and when it gets warmer try for 3 miles a day. Want/Need to lose 25 pounds by the Oehm reunion in August. One pound and One day at a time.

Well, here's what's happening in my nick of the woods. Last Monday was Tony's 16th birthday. He did NOT get a car...he got an iTunes card and $$$. He doesn't like cake so he got cherry cheesecake. He had BB practice at 5:30 so after school he asked if he could get a Frisco Chicken Sandwich from Hardee's so I took him there real quick. The weather was nice and Dan was able to pour a garage floor for a customer but he had to go "work it" every couple of hours through the night...yep through the night.

I walked a new route this whole past week, like it better than the track and for sure the treadmill. In the north part of town there is an asphalt bike/pedestrian trail. I park the car and walk east .5 miles than south .5 miles and turn around and it is exactly 2 miles (I checked the miles with my car). It has a few hills and the down side is there's a lot of traffic on it. It's posted 30mph but I'd say 90% go 40-45 on it but I stay as far away from the driving lane as possible. My favorite part is going "downhill"; sometimes I feel like I'm going to roll down it. ☺ I walked the 2 miles in 35 minutes. I got in the car and I couldn't quit sneezing, I thought it was allergies but I ended up with a head cold.

Tuesday: I went walking about 1:00 and it was snowing. It was so pretty though. I loved having snowflakes land on my face. The snow wasn't sticking on the pavement but the grass and evergreen trees, looked so pretty. It wasn't to cold either (course I had 3 layers on).

Dan, Nick and I went to Tony's BB game at Rock Creek, they lost. Manhattan is about 20 miles away and Dan suggested we go eat at Famous Dave's for Tony's Birthday. I dropped them off and went to Target right around the corner. KJ's birthday is the 23rd and she asked for "my own suitcase..." and I bought the last purple one with a pattern on it, a 3 piece set. I got a few things I needed and hurried back over to F.D. Just as I sat down with the guys they brought out by shredded BBQ chicken. Dan used his "FREE Appetizer" coupon and they gave Tony a huge bowl of ice cream, that he shared but not with me...I didn't even want a lick.

Wednesday: ONE WEEK til vacation and boy did I want to start packing...but I didn't. After much debate (with myself) I decided to take the Dr. up on his advise to have the surgery on my wrist. It will be on Tuesday, the 28th, in Manhattan. They had an opening the 14th but I DID NOT want to have it a day before we left on vacation, can you blame me? Meanwhile, I was told to use a heat pad (Yes HEAT) on my wrist and to continue ibuprofen as needed (usually 2 tablets a day, I hate to take meds.).

It was 29* when I took my 2 mile walk and NO Snow on the ground. Kinda breezy though. Dan was able to take KJ to violin at 5. Nick takes care of the chickens and dog daily (with Dan's help, too). Bible Study at 7:00. Dan and KJ to the fitness center (I was happy I had walked already; I didn't feel like getting out again).

Thursday: I walked my 2 miles...with a steady mist but got it done in 38 minutes. Don't know if it's the moisture in the air or what but my wrist hurt ALL DAY. The cortisone shot I got last week isn't working; like the shot I got way back in Dec. did. After supper the kids and I watched "Wipeout" together than Dan, Nick and KJ went to fitness center (again I was happy I had already got my walk in).

Friday: Went for my walk...it was 19* and ~WINDY~. It took me 40 minutes to walk the 2 miles. When I walked southbound the wind pushed me...when I walked Northbound it was one step forward and 5 steps back but I was proud of myself for pushing through it.

Went to the Post Office and told them to hold our mail next week. One of Dan's worker's is going to take care of the dog and Nick's chickens for us. I went to Wal-Mart and found a Marysville Bulldog shirt for ME!!! Also found a shirt and jacket, perfect for California weather. Dan and I went to Tony's game in Clay Center and JV WON!!! When we got ready to leave for the game I dug out my heavier winter coat (haven't needed it yet this winter) and found a $20 dollar bill in it. SWEET!!! Nick and KJ stayed home. Gpa and Gma are just a phone call away and they keep the DOORS locked...dead bolted!!! KJ had to practice her instruments, too.

Saturday: WE PACKED!!! Well, the kids and I did. Dan will wait til Monday night. I know it was still 4 days yet before we left but I wanted the kids to help me with what they wanted to take. It took awhile to decide what all to take because we are moving 4 times and the first stop there will be snow on the ground and they plan to ski. Then we move down south for a couple days along the ocean. (Not sure what all we will do but I will try to update this blog as much as possible).

Nick and KJ went with me on my walk. Nick took his RipStik and loved going down the hill on it. He guessed he was going 30mph?!?! It was nice to have them along. It was 12* and I think I over-dressed (4 layers) because I not only got REALLY HOT but sometimes I felt like I had 20 extra pounds on me.

Saturday night was the Sweetheart party at the church building. The 2 ladies that planned it did a great job of spoiling us. They had baked potatoes with a variety of topping choices. They served Punch (I didn't have any because they had pop in it and I haven't had pop in almost 3 years). They served really cute cupcakes and ♥ shaped cookies. We played several games and sang several hymns, too. I got 5 sweet "What I Love about You" notes from Dan and it was great to spend time together...without the kids. The church basement was decorated really cute and I think they should go into the party planning business. We rode there with some friends; their daughter and our 3 went to the movie together, so we had to leave the party to go pick them up...way to cold to walk home.

Sunday: I had 4 kids in Sunday school and I realized that I won't be there to teach them, the next 2 Sunday's and 2 Wednesday's. My sister and her husband Roger drove over from KC, bright and early. Roger preached for us. Several men have stepped up to cover for our preacher while he is in India, on a missionary trip. Roger did an excellent job. After services, after discussing it for 10 minutes (☺) we decided that we would all (Tony and KJ didn't go but Dan, Nick and I, my Mom and Dad, Judy & Roger, Raymond, Donna and Levi) go to the Legion for their buffet meal they have once a month. Fried chicken, Ham and Liver and Onions (seriously you all know how much I hate Ham (no matter how it is cooked) but who was the poor soul that came up with cooking Liver and Onions...). They also had mashed potatoes, corn, peas and carrots, slaw, etc etc.

Judy and Roger came to the house awhile to visit (one took a nap, not sure how they slept through the noise). They brought their truck over with a cover on the back so we sent them home with the full size mattress we replaced in Nick's room awhile back. Jim wants it for their house to pull out when we come over to stay...like tomorrow night before we go to the airport Wed. (I just got a lump in my throat and tummy thinking about how close it is til I FLY again).

After they left, I went for my walk. Once again I over dressed (3 layers) but I was glad I got my walk in. Nick and I watched "Finding Bigfoot"; yep, you guessed it...still no Bigfoot. Nick always ask me to watch it with him but I'm getting so annoyed by this show. Every week they check out sights where supposedly a BF was spotted, they go check it out and LEAVE. Now, if I was one of those self-professed BF enthusiast with all the equipment and a camera crew I think I'd stay in that location a lot longer than a couple of HOURS... before I moved on to a whole new STATE. If they believe in them so much WHY do they keep moving on? I don't get it. They hear a sound...that was a BF...they move on. Why??? Because they know there's nothing out there. I would think that in the 80 years since reports about BF started; they would find something...even a dead one, right? If you're going to convince me they exist PROVE it. Not by "Did you hear that"? Well, enough about BF and my thoughts on the subject!!!

Well, here it is Feb. 13th and I wasn't able to walk outdoors today; we got *S*N*O*W*. I will have to go tonight and use a treadmill. I have walked EVERYDAY this month, outside. First at the school track and now this new spot. It sure beats walking around in circles, 8 laps. I got laundry caught up and I know that we will be having french toast for supper to use up the bread, eggs and milk before we leave tomorrow right after school gets out. I am so excited about this trip. To watch the kids' faces as they experience their first time flying (I hope I do better than the last time I flew...gotta be strong for the kids).

Hard to believe that 200 days ago I started a "Countdown to California" chart. Since about 22 days left Jim and I have taken turns posting a picture of the # of days left. I will try to remember to post a few of the ones I found. I especially liked "2 Days til LAUNCH". Here's a little shout out to my brother Jim who worked so hard to get this all organized for the 10 of us going. He got us round trip plane tickets, through Southwest, for $148 each. What an unbelievable deal. We are using his condo membership at all 4 places we are staying out there, also very very reasonable. THANK YOU JIM for helping my family take such remarkable, memorable trips. You ROCK!!!

Well, I'm going to start counting down in HOURS here pretty quick because we leave here tomorrow. Some of us will stay at Jim and Arlene's and some at Judy and Roger's, about a 20 minute drive from KCI. Keep us all in your prayers as we travel and make more family memories.

Have a SON-filled Week.

Week 75 results and Life as a mother of 3

2012-02-06T12:52:00.005-06:00

Found this when looking through pictures last night. I love Tony's expression; Totally bored with picture taking. Looks like Nick is trying to keep KJ from falling off and Dan's laughing.

They grow up way to fast. About 11 years ago, already.

Homemade pizza rolls and Souper Bowl Soup (this is what was left over). Looks like Chili but with way more ingredients.

Week 75 results: I LOST ONE POUND and now at -106. So much for being at goal by our vacation next week but at least I'm 16 pounds lighter than last time I was there way back in June. I'm NOT sure why my body is NOT responding like it was in the beginning. I walked 2 miles EVERYDAY this past week and all I have to show for it, is a one pound loss. Yes, it is very disappointing, especially when I made sure I ate right EVERYDAY, too.

The old me would have thrown in the towel by now a long time back with results like I've been having and to be honest I have to give myself a pep talk several times a day when a set back could take place. I really do. I don't mind the walking part and I'm sure some of you think I could step it up and walk more than that and I plan to do that but by the time I get to lap 5 or 6 I am ready to quit but me, myself and I have a little Pep Rally in my head and I pressed onward. Like I've said before, the eating part can be a real struggle for me, especially on the weekends but I don't think I've ever gone over board in calories. I still keep a food journal along with my daily thoughts Journal. I still ask God and thank Him for His "help" but I am NOT about to give up. Next week it will be a year and a ½ ago that I started this Journey and I've come to far to throw in the towel now. I just need to stay focused and remember why I am doing this.

Monday: It was 70* so after I took KJ to piano at 4:00 I went to the school track and walked 2 miles. I would much rather walk the track, especially when it's so nice out, than use a treadmill. I did the 8 laps in 35 minutes and had a few minutes to spare before I had to pick up KJ from piano lessons. When she got done she went to the park across the way from us with a bunch of friends, til dark. Later, Dan, Nick and KJ went to see the movie "War Horse". It was buy one movie ticket; get one free, movie night. They loved the show an assured me I would love it too but I'm just not a fan of sitting there 2 hours. Tony had basketball practice so he didn't go either, maybe he and I could go tonight...it is 2 for 1 night. ☺Doubt that's what he wants to do for his 16th birthday today (but wouldn't that be cool just him and I together, just like 16 years ago).

Tuesday: Tony had 2 games, they were here and they won both games. Gpa and Gma got to come watch him play, too. It was funny because during the game the basketball came right at me and I have a slow reflex because it hit me...hard, on my knee cap. Well, right behind us sat a couple that are both lawyers in town and I turned around and said "Anyone know of a good lawyer in town; I see a lawsuit in my future". Everyone that heard me laughed at what I said. They both smile and the man said "You gotta hold the neck, too". So then as Dan and I were walking to the car, there was a big post leaning over the the sidewalk and guess who ran into it? This girl!!! It was pitch black and I really should let the school know about that post so someone else doesn't run into it. A week later and I still have 2 bruises by my left knee cap. After the game, I went to the fitness center about 8:30 and got in my 2 miles, on the treadmill. Dan, Nick and KJ got there about 9. I went early because it takes me longer to get my 2 miles in and do a few machines, too.

Wednesday: I got another cortisone shot in my wrist. The same Dr. gave it to me but he was in town that day so I didn't have to go to Manhattan to get it. The last shot was Dec. 13th so it lasted about 8 weeks. He told me I should seriously consider having surgery on my wrist (he had a big dr. word for it then he called it something like "tendon scraping"). He said it's an easy procedure and that I would be happy I did it and it would eliminate the constant swelling of my right wrist. I will look into it but after vacation.

Gpa took KJ to violin because I had to much to do...like walk 2 miles before it got dark. I wish I could walk the track during school hours but it would seem awkward to me. Especially since the boys have classes in a building across the track from school. I made TWIX bars for KJ to take to school. She's in BLT and they had to bring desserts for the teacher's to have in the lounge during parent teacher conferences. Well, I have lost track of how many LOVED these bars. I got the recipe from my sister-in-law 10 years ago and it has become a favorite to make for reunions etc. Bible study at 7 then home. I read the local paper while the kids did homework. It was a long day.

Thursday: I went to the track about 4:30 and walked 2 miles. Teachers Conferences tonight. Dan went to them. Good report from the teachers about the kids and their grades etc. Always good to hear. It was suppose to snow but it didn't.

Friday: No school today not because of weather but a scheduled day off. I went to the track about 1 and got my 2 miles in. It was kinda neat to walk in the mist. I wore a rain poncho so I stayed pretty dry. I saw Nick's cross country tennis shoes laying in the laundry room collecting dust so I thought "I bet those would fit me" and sure enough they did. I asked Nick if I could try them at the track and he said I could. Well, they worked great and light weight and so comfy, I plan to wear them on vacation. KJ spent the day at a friends house and Dan Tony and Nick played racquetball. Tony had 2 games, here in town we went to watch than Dan, Tony and Nick went to the late show to see the movie "Hugo". I went to bed about 10:00.

Saturday: I decided to go to the track and walk before the snow came and guess what? Yep, it started snowing while I walked. It was real light and not sticking to the ground and it was awesome!!! As I walked, I remembered the year that our preacher's wife, Paulette and I walked EVERYDAY for one whole year and NEVER missed a day. We were like the postman "Rain, Sleet, Hail or Snow" we walked. Good times!!!

Tony had 2 games away that night so Dan and I went to them. They lost both games. A school teacher came over and asked me for the recipe for the Twix bars so I emailed that to her when we got home. Tony rode home with us and it was snowing pretty hard. It was so pretty though and great to see snow again. Dan took his time and we arrived home safe. We didn't get much snow and it pretty much melted by Sunday noon. On the ride home Dan's cell phone rang and he had me answer it and it was Dennis, our minister, calling from India. He said everything was going great there and he's healthy. They are 12 hours ahead of us in India.

Sunday: The men of the church are taking turns "preaching" while Dennis is in India and it was Dan's turn this time. As always he did a great job. It was potluck Sunday and I took "Souper Bowl Soup". The recipe said "you'll never fix chili again". It was pretty good and only had about 2 bowls left. I doubled the recipe and I said it should be called "Ten Can Soup" because that's about how many cans Nick opened for me for, to put in the soup. I also took TWIX bars.

The 5 of us rode to B.R. with my parents to help at the service at the nursing home there. When we got home I changed and went to the track to walk. Well, it was a very unpleasant walk and I will copy and paste my FB post from yesterday telling why it was so bad.

I just got back from the track and I'm in tears. Not because I walked 2 miles but because 2 of the 3 boys at the track taunted me every lap. They were at the end zone goofing around and every time I passed they would make a weird noise. I had my music on but could still hear them but ignored them. When I had 3 laps to go, one ran up behind and kept saying "Wanna Race me" then he passed me, slowed... down right in front of me, stopped, wiggled his bum at me and fell on the grass. I ignored him and kept walking. Next time around the other kid did about the same thing and laughed like some old lady. Still, no reaction from me. So when I was done they stood at the exit and laughed and laughed and walked like old people. I said "you boys better move or I'm going to go share what you did with the police up the street". I passed the one that never did anything and he said "I told them to leave you alone" and I said, very nicely "Well, I appreciate that" he said "I did, I told them not to do it" I said "Well, I guess you're more mature than they are" and he smiled. One hung his head and said "let's get out of here". The other one just started laughing but I walked right past him anyway. He was kinda pudgy and I said "You know, you could use a little exercise yourself"; and got in my car and came home. Then I get home turn on the computer and read on my cousin's FB that her son built a snowman and during the night 2 people (2 sets of shoe prints) came in their yard and knocked it over. What is wrong with people these days. Where's the respect. Another cousin had a neighbor kid break her window and after talking to the kids mom and getting no where she approached the father and the kid was home and he didn't even make the kid say he was sorry and I bet she never gets reimbursed for it either. Well, I vented and feel better now guess I'll go start making some super bowl treats for the guys.

It's just hard for me to understand how/why kids would do something like this. I hadn't planned to even say anything but I guess I held it in long enough. I was kinda worried what they might do to me if I did say something back to them but I knew I needed to remain calm, to be a good example.

Well, it was Super Bowl Sunday and my Dad came down to watch it on the big screen. I found some Super Bowl snacks online and KJ and I made homemade pizza rolls for them. I didn't get a thumbs up so I probably won't make them again. While they watched the game, I went through Tony's photo albums looking for pictures to post online for his 16th birthday (see yesterdays post). What a treat to look back at when he was born and all the many memories these past 16 years. He's a special young man and I'm glad God gave him to us.

Well, here it is 8:45 p.m. and I've worked on this off and on all day. I walked a different place today. There's a walk/bike trail in the North end of town I drove it to see how long it was, exactly 2 miles. So I parked the car, walked it and it took me 35 minutes. It seemed to go faster because I wasn't going in circles 8 times but it also has a couple of hills on it and the traffic was pretty heavy. The speed limit is 30 but I bet 90% of them were going 40 plus mph. When I got in the car I started sneezing and couldn't quit. That was over 5 hours ago and now I have a runny nose so it's either the pollen or I have a head cold coming on. As long as it's gone in 9 days I can handle it. ☺ (9 days right now but come midnight it will be 8 days til vaca). Either way I liked that route and will probably use it on days I don't walk the track. It was 50* when I walked and suppose to be nice all week. I'm loving this weather as I mentioned before I'd rather walk outside then on a treadmill.

Well, I better go spend some time with the birthday boy. He and Nick are playing PS3 right now. Tony did NOT get a car for his 16th birthday, he can not drive alone til 17 anyway. He told me he didn't want anything for his birthday, that our vacation was his gift but I gave him some money ayway. He doesn't like cake so he has a cherry cheesecake waiting for him to dig into now. ☺

Until next week...Have a Son-filled week.

HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY TONY

2012-02-05T20:00:00.007-06:00

Tony on his 1st Birthday

Mr. 16 year old 2/6/2012

Tony's first Halloween Costume, he was an Indian, made by Gpa Oehm

Mr. Happy Go Lucky- 1st Birthday

Kindergarten graduation "Hi Mom"

4 years old and so handsome

Tony's 12th birthday he went skiing and Snowboarding at Snow Creek

12 years old and in 7th Grade. He played football, basketball, wrestled and ran track.

Sophomore year, 15-16 years old (not sure why picture is so "yellow").

Sixteen years ago today, the Lord blessed us with a gift we prayed 15 years for, our first born child, a handsome, healthy son, Anthony Ray. He was born on Tuesday, February 6, 1996 at 6:32 a.m. He weighed 9 lbs. 8 oz. and was 22½ inches long. In the beginning I would say he was named after his Grandpa's but one Gpa's name was Tony, NOT Anthony and his other Gpa's name is Raymond, so technically it would be Tony Raymond, which I have used a few times, when he was in trouble.☺ It wasn't long after he was born that everyone called him Tony, it took me awhile but I finally used Tony as well.

I love all my kids the same but there is something about the 1st born, the one that makes you a MOTHER for the first time, it's just so special. Dan and I were so happy because we had prayed many years for a child. Dan was 38 and I was 36 when I had Tony. I remember every one visiting us in the hospital and saying Tony looked so much like the Oehm side, especially my nephew, Levi. All but one person that is!!! Dan's Dad said "He looks like his Uncle Ross". 16 years later, I have to admit it looks more like a Hooyer than an Oehm.

To this day I can remember how excited I was to finally be able to put his birth announcement in our local paper. For years and years when ever I doodled I would write out Dan and Janet Hooyer of Marysville, announce the birth of their 1st child Jessica Paige (yep, that was the name I practiced for many years, never a boys name, the girls name quickly changed once I heard the name Kailoni though). Anyway, what a blessing to finally have a child of our own. And then to be blessed 2 more times with Nick and then Kailoni.

I will never forget the day I found out I was pregnant. I finally went to the Dr. after being sick for over a month but never suspecting I was pregnant because we were told it would never happen. So being married almost 16 years you can imagine my excitement when the Dr. told me that when they did the blood work up she had them do a pregnancy test, too. When she showed me the lab results with a big circle around "POSITIVE" on the pregnancy test, I picked her up off the ground. I couldn't wait to tell Dan, to tell the whole world.

Here it is 16 years later and Tony is now 6 foot tall, weighs 158 pounds and is a happy go lucky, Sophomore. He plays Basketball and PS3 and likes to drive. He DID NOT get a car for his 16th birthday because he has to be 17 to drive without an adult (for that I am THANKFUL). When I asked what he wanted to do for his birthday he said "Mom, it's just another day". Well, you know what, it wasn't just another day for me when I held him in my arms for the first time and cried tears of joy for most that day. Then I asked what he would like for a present he said he didn't need anything and reminded me that we are going to California next week. What a great kid. My wish for him is that the devil never gets a grip on him and that Tony continues to love and serve the Lord. It makes my heart happy to see him lead a song or say a prayer. This proud Mom has to end this post as the screen is now blurry and the keyboard wet with tears (of joy).

HAPPY 16th Birthday, Son.

Week 74 results and LIFE

2012-01-29T20:06:00.006-06:00

Truer words were never spoken

This is what you see when you open my fridge door, we're eco friendly.

It's back...after it blew away

Monday, Monday (did you just sing that)? I can't believe it's Monday again; LIFE is flying by. It seems like yesterday that I was typing away getting another Monday blog update written. Anybody else think LIFE is going fast? I really wish I had time to "Stop and Smell the Roses".

Well, here's my results for Week 74: I STAYED THE SAME. I'm bummed because I thought sure I'd lose this week. I EXERCISED EVERYDAY this past week and this is what I have to show for it. Last Monday, I dug out my Journal from way back in Sept. 2010 and I tried to follow what I ate in that first week of my Journey, this past week. I did pretty good the first part of the week then came the weekend. Uggggg! It's definitely harder to stick to this when the whole family needs fed or you're never home. BUT you know what? I haven't given up and I'm still trying that's all I can do. I had really hoped to be at minus 110 pounds by vacation but I do still have 16 days.

You have no idea how much it pains me when I look at the scale and see this kind of results. I walked at least 1.5 miles everyday or more, as FAST as my short legs will allow. Wait a minute...why am I allowing myself to belittle what I DID DO last week. At this age and size I should be happy I can even walk as fast as I did. (I usually walk one lap in 4:30-4:40). I think today I will go at 1:30 and try to walk even more. When I go with Dan and KJ I just walk til they are done, which is about 35-40 minutes. I can go 2 or 3 miles or maybe even 4 like awhile back. ☺ I've had people suggest I jump rope (yeah, I laughed too when they said that to me) and I've been told to try step aerobics. Friday I was invited to go with a friend to a YOGA session. Well, I don't think I have to tell what I told her. Anybody else got any ideas?

The kids and I got new water bottles Saturday at Scheel's, for 3.99 each. Tony already had one from BB and I liked it and found them there. They hold 32 oz. I like that they don't spill if tipped over, water only flows when you suck on it. I filled it up Saturday, with water of course, at 5:00 and by 10 pm it needed filled again. Same for Sunday and it looks like it today, too. Water is all I drink except an occasional sip of OJ or milk. I've been buying bottled water for years (not a fan of Marysville water) but it's not to bad as long as it's COLD!!! Bottled water isn't that expensive; I got 32 bottles at Sam's Club for under $4. but I was having trouble getting the lids twisted open and my palms were getting raw, not kidding. Also, bottles are bad for the environment. ☺ We still have a container of water in the fridge, too for company.

Well, this is where you can go back to Facebook or whatever else you were doing cause here comes the Hooyer rundown of the past week. ☺

Monday-blog, errands, laundry, cook and workout. I made a BIG pot of veggie soup, I ♥ my soup; carrots, potatoes and green beans and of course a bay leaf. Yummy. I'm making it again today. KJ had piano after school then after supper all 5 of us went to the fitness center. Dan and the boys played racquetball, KJ ran and I walked on the treadmill. After that a quiet night at home. Kids did their homework then became sloths in front of the TV.☺

Last Monday they tore down the old Simmons Auditorium at the park across the way from us. I didn't know they were tearing it down this month, so when I heard and felt, the first whack at the old building, I thought it was an earthquake. Happy it wasn't one. Tony thinks they should put new tennis courts in it's place but I think they will leave it as green space.

Tuesday-Everyday after school, I always run Nick down to his chickens. Later, I went with him when he walked Comet. I tried a new recipe for supper, Steak fingers. Like chicken strips but you use steak. Duh, Janet. I tried them but I doubt I'll make them again...it was a lot of work. ☺ The family liked them but I later found out you can buy them already made up in some of your bigger supermarkets.

All to fitness center, minus Tony, who had BB practice, about 9:00. I walked 1.75 miles. Almost 2 miles and did 300 leg squats and 2 other machines. I forgot my iPod and I noticed I don't work as fast without it. I always hate to exercise but once I get it behind me I feel good about it. (Yep, I'm a sloth, too, I guess) or maybe I've got old tired blood.

Wednesday-After I dropped KJ and Nick off at school I had to take Tony to his 6 month Orthodontist check up at Seneca, then dropped him off at school about 10:00. KJ worked out after school with her friends and then to violin at 5:00. I had Chili ready for supper then off to Bible Study. Dan, KJ and I went to fitness center at 9:00 and I only got 1.25 miles in, they were done before me but let me go the extra lap, at 3.8 speed. Phew!!!

Thursday-Kids to school and I worked on photo albums (I don't think I will ever get them all in albums). I went to fitness center at 2:00 and got in 1.5 miles. Nick used his "YOUGOWUPI" pass (You Get Out What U Put In, acronym, for getting all A's), got out of school a half hour early, at 3:00. He had me run him down to check on his chickens. Picked up KJ, Tony and his friend Joe, at 3:35. Tony and Joe had a game here in town, at 7, so Joe hung out here til 6:30. The girls game went long so it didn't start til 7:50 so it didn't get over til 9:30. I'm glad it was a home game and I'm glad I worked out earlier in the day. How's that for planning ahead? Tony had 4 points and played really good. It's so fun to watch the kids in their sports. KJ and Dan squeezed in a workout at 6:00.

I got a text from my brother Jim that he and his wife made it to Houston, safe. They flew there for a get away to celebrate their 20th Anniversary. I remember there wedding like it was yesterday. Time flies.

Friday-Kids to school and I noticed when I pulled into the drive that my big Valentine's Day flag was gone. I just put it up the day before and I thought surely someone didn't steal it. It was pretty windy the day before so I drove south aways nothing turned around to head home and I looked down in the valley and sure enough, there was my flag, so I walked down and got it. It got hung up on a twig, or who knows where it would be now. I hung it back up and put paper clips on it to weight it down AND keep it from blowing off again.

Anyway, at 2:00 Dan and I went to fitness center. I got 1.5 miles in again. Dan and I had to leave at 3:00 for Tony's BB game in Hiawatha, at 4:30. Gpa picked up KJ and Nick for us. We sat by another players parents, E-mail me if you want to hear the rest of this story, I don't want to put it on here in case she reads this but I was so shocked and embarrassed but she wasn't. Tony got to ride home with us, that's always a treat, even though he fell asleep halfway home.

Saturday, Dan, Tony, KJ and I went to Lincoln. We dropped Nick off at Uncle Raymond's so he could coyote hunt and hang out there. He called one in but it was to far away to shoot. He loves to be outdoors. Dan had to have his eyes checked, with his contacts in (I think he likes wearing them, they will be handy when he goes skiing) and KJ had asked for new glasses for her birthday, so while we were there she found a pair. Glad we went when we did because if you're 12 and under you get them for half-price. Whew, glad we didn't wait til AFTER her birthday. She got new frames and lenses for $179. She wears her contacts everyday sometimes 12-15 hours a day so now she can take them out after school and wear glasses around the house, to watch TV or do homework. It's times like this that I'm glad I had lasik done 12 years ago. I've saved us some $$$$ in the long run and it's nice not having to wear glasses.

Dan had to pickup stuff at Menard's and KJ and Tony found some ski pants at Scheel's. KJ found some sweatpants, too. We went to Famous Dave's for lunch. Yep, had another coupon to use. Another FREE entree. Dan ordered some platter thingy. We shared an ordered of onion strings (very thin onion rings) and I got a chicken breast. Yummy. Tony ordered the pulled pork and KJ ordered corn dogs. EWWWW!!!

Tony had to get a haircut and I like to go to Cost Cutters inside the Wal-Mart store in Beatrice. They said it would be 45 minutes so we ran to Hibbet Sports and Tony got a pair of tennis shoes. He didn't think he needed new ones but I think when your toe hangs got the sides it's time for new shoes. Maybe they were poking out because they were a size 13 and he had to buy a size 14. This way he'll have nice shoes on our trip, I can just imagine when they asked him to remove his shoes at the airport check-in they would say "Oh, forget it you're already did" LOL

We got back to town about 4:00. Nick and a friend were working on a school project...for 5 hours. It's pretty cool though. I went to walk before it closed at 5:00. I went alone and got in 2 miles and I was booking it, too. It was nice to have the rest of the night FREE!!! KJ went skating with some friends and I started my list of things to pack for our trip. I need to find one more small suitcase so we can each have our own suitcase to worry about. It will be weird to pack stuff for both cold and hot weather, that's for sure.

Sunday-KJ didn't go to church, she had a stuffed up nose and headache. GREAT!!! I got to class and the girls in my class were coughing and sneezing, too. Guess who will be sick on their vacation? Not this girl, I hope!!! Remember when I said 55* was my favorite temperature...I want to change my answer...to 75*. I had to walk (Dan ran) at the track because the fitness center was packed (some people are sticking to their New Year's Resolution I guess). I had on 2 pair of long johns, sweatpants, a hoodie and gloves and I was COLD. I went by the bank and it said 55* (my car said 54*). Brrrr. I shouldn't complain it is January and we're having April temps. I got in 1.5 miles again. I kinda like going early and getting it out of the way. I managed to exercise everyday again this past week.

Just another quiet night at home. KJ just laid around, Nick and I watched "Finding Bigfoot" together and Tony and Dan played Chess, then Dan went to bed and Tony played some PS3. ALL in bed by 10:30 or so. Long Day for me, no nap. ☺

Brings us back to Monday. Got the laundry caught up and I'm just waiting for the doctor's office to call me back. I called to see if I could get another injection in my wrist. The one I got Dec. 13th has worn off and I don't want to be in pain on vacation. He gave me a small dose last time and said he could give it to me again in 5 weeks, it's been 8. It did help more than I realized. The cyst itself is getting smaller but it's right where I bend the wrist, so it's still very painful when I do bend it. Enough about me.

I have to make a pan of TWIX bars for KJ to take to school, for a teacher's brunch. She's in BLT (Building Leaders Today) and they asked her to bring a favorite dessert and this is her favorite. It's pretty easy to make and if I remember right, they do taste like TWIX...but I won't try one. ☺

That's all for this week. Have a SON-filled week.

Week 73 reults for Janet's Journey

2012-01-22T19:25:00.008-06:00

Nick got a GREEN EGG from his "Americana" Hen=EXCITED

*S*N*O*W* finally!!!

Monday again?!?! Hard to believe another week has flown by. Here are the results for Week 73 of my weight loss Journey. I LOST ONE POUND!!! I watched what I ate real close this past week and I exercised everyday and this is the results I get. Wednesday, I did the elliptical for ONE SOLID HOUR and I never stopped that whole hour either. Not what I had hoped for but I will keep on, keeping on.

It's January 23rd and I'm happy to announce that I've exercised 22 days out of the 23 days, so far!!! Truth be told, it is a little depressing to work out daily and then only lose one pound. It makes it harder for me to want to go work out when I see a one pound loss, for my efforts. I'll continue to go (hopefully everyday again this week) because I'd like to be at -110 pounds by the time we leave for California (in 23 days Wow today is the 23rd and it's 23 more days til vaca). Woot Woot.

I got out my food journal and looked at what I ate at the beginning of this journey, almost a year and a half ago. I ate A LOT of food but it was all the right food. I'm going to try to "copy" some of those days this week and see what happens. I still have NOT had chocolate (511 days without chocolate, who would've thought I could do that)☺ and still No POP (almost 3 YEARS on that accomplishment). It just "hit me" as I typed that last sentence, that I really shouldn't be disgruntled...I have accomplished so much and I should pat myself on the back for sticking to this Journey, for so long. I have to remember that I did not wake up one morning and I was overweight and I won't wake up tomorrow morning and be slim again. I have to remember: One day and one pound at a time.

Well, here's a run day of the past week. Monday, the kids had school even though schools in the area did not, due to Martin Luther King day. I didn't have to go to the bank and No Mail to sort through but I did have plenty of laundry to do. Tony had BB practice after school, took KJ to piano lessons and Nick to the chickens. Made a batch of homemade veggie soup...I could eat that everyday and Not get sick of it. Dan likes it too but I always have to fix other food for the family because only Tony will eat it. He reminded me yesterday that he requested my veggie soup for his birthday meal one year. I believe he was 6 or 7, funny that he remembers that, funnier that I remember it.

Quiet night at home after Dan, KJ and I worked out. I did a mile and a half on the elliptical and then several weight machines. Nick has been walking the dog nightly now. I can't hold on to the leash like I need to with Comet because he over powers me. Sometimes I walk with Nick sometimes Dan sometimes Tony goes with him. I miss it but my wrist just isn't getting any better. I don't say much about it because I know of people who are in a lot worse pain than I.

Tuesday- School, despite the kids' wishes that it would be a snow day. Once again we didn't get much snow but it was neat to see the white stuff again. We have had such a mild winter and the older I get the more I appreciate it. Dan, KJ and I worked out after Dan got back from the men's business meeting. I walked 1.5 miles on the treadmill (3.8 speed, up from 3.6 speed) then used the weight machines, too. I NEVER feel like going but once I get there or better yet, once I get DONE, I'm always glad I went. Put on my happy face and "Just DO It".☺

Wednesday- Dan took KJ to violin lessons because it was my turn to help feed the bb players. Thankfully, it wasn't at my house, although that will probably happen in the next 3 seasons. I had to bring a crock pot of corn (I used 3 BIG bags of the Wal-Mart brand frozen corn and Tony said they all thought it was right off the cob, course 3 sticks of melted butter and lots of slat and pepper later, I'm sure it did taste like it). I also had to bring rolls. I baked 54 of them and not ONE was left (oops, sorry KJ I really didn't think that 18 boys would eat 54 rolls LOL). The lady that hosted it told Tony she was going to have to get my roll recipe from me...yikes...BUSTED!!! I buy them at the local grocery store. They come in a little aluminum pan and I just put 6 packages on a 11x16 jelly roll pan, let them raise a little, put a little butter on top and baked them. Me being the bread loving girl that I am, I can't eat one or I'll want 2...or 3...or 4.☺ Anyway, everything was gobbled up.

That just reminded me of the first time I ate at my future in-laws house. I was helping his mom and sisters set the table and I asked where they kept the bread. They asked me "Why?" and I said "Don't you eat bread with your meal?" and Dan's dad heard the conversation and said "Why have bread when you can eat real food". Seriously, when we were growing up my dad ate a piece of bread at EVERY meal and I shared his love of bread (past tense, as I rarely eat bed now not only because of this journey but as Dan says "The whiter the bread the sooner you're dead"...he has me buy wheat bread). Running out of bread at our house, when I was growing up, was worse than running out of Milk or butter or even toilet paper. LOL. Great memories I have of Dan's dad, he didn't say much but when he did it was good!!!

So anyway, Wed. night after Bible Study Dan and KJ decided to take the night off so I went by myself a little after 8(had I known they didn't plan to go that night I would've gone about 2). Anyway, I got there and all the treadmills were in use so I got on the elliptical. This guy that goes every night and walks 4 miles, when he got done came over and started talking to me (his sister and her husband used to go to church here til they moved and Dan knows this guy pretty good)anyway, I just kept up my pace and before I knew it, I had gone ONE SOLID HOUR. Almost 5 miles; I couldn't believe how fast that session went. I didn't take my phone with me and Nick had called to see what was taking me so long. When I walked in the back door they were all so proud of me... but chewed me out for NOT taking my phone (they could've called the fitness center). ☺

Thursday- After I took the kids to school I worked some more on putting pictures in actual Photo albums (not online albums)☺ I'm working on Tony's right now. It's so neat to look back and see how's he's changed. Hard to believe my first born is about to turn Sweet 16. (can you say Sweet 16 when referring to a boy)? Anyway, I really noticed on his pictures how much he changed during the summer after 6th grade. He started lifting weights through the school and went out for 7th grade football. His face thinned out and had a growth spurt, too.

Every year I have the kids stand on the front porch, on their birthdays and first day of school and take their pictures. I want to make copies of each years picture and make and "This is your Life" album for them and give it to them when they graduate and for Tony that is May 2014 and that will be here before I know it.

Dan Nick, KJ and I went to work out, I did a 1 mile on the treadmill then did 4 weight machines. Kids seem to have the same routine every night... homework, art work, practice instruments, walk the dog, workout and then they get TV or PS3 time.

Friday-Tony and KJ went to school and Nick asked if he could go to Lincoln with Dan and I and we let him. We don't let them skip very often but he had a good reason he wanted to skip that day and his grades are A's, so we let him. I think he enjoyed having Dan and I to himself. ☺ Dan had to pick up his contacts and go to Menard's so I had them drop me off at Target and I also went to Michael's, too. Dan and Nick found some snow pants, too. Nick wanted to eat at Famous Dave's and we had a coupon for a Free Meal, up to $15.00, so Nick ordered this huge platter of ribs, pulled pork, fries, corn muffin and spiced apples and he ate it all (minus the muffin). He got all that for 99 cents. I had a baked potato with a dollop of brisket on top. Dan had their polish sausage meal.

After we ate, we headed across town (it takes about 22 minutes to get across Lincoln; that's crazy) to Sam's Club. We got a new full size mattress and box springs for Nick's room, which serves as the guest room, when company comes. Gpa had to pick up KJ from school at 3:30 (Tony had BB practice) and we got home about 4:30. I went to eat with my parents and another couple at 6:00. Dan and Nick not hungry and KJ didn't want to go, so I went alone. I ordered a small chef salad (nothing small about it) with the dressing on the side. It came with grilled chicken and it was so good but I didn't/couldn't eat it all. Dan, Nick KJ and I went to work out then home for the night.

Saturday- KJ's friends', that are twins, picked her up at 9:30 and we didn't see her again til 6. She had so much fun there. She said they were outside almost all day, playing with their baby goats. Tony and Nick helped me at the church building doing odds and ends, I needed help with. Then Dan, Tony and Nick played racquetball while I walked 2 (yes, two) miles on the treadmill. Time went so fast, too...maybe because I remembered my iPod and listened to music. ☺

It was so cute because right after lunch my cell phone beeped and I looked at the message and it was a picture...of an egg. Not just any ol egg...it was GREEN!!! You would've thought she laid a "GOLDEN EGG". Then the house phone rang and Nick was so excited that I had to ask him to repeat what he just said. The last of his 5 hens, finally laid an egg, a GREEN one. He has one Americana hen and they are suppose to lay green eggs but he had given up on her and SURPRISE, an egg.

He does such a good job of taking care of his chickens; he really likes them. Now, that he isn't out for any sports right now he's able to take care of his dog more, too. I sure miss him NOT wrestling this year but it sure is nice to have our Saturdays free. I do wish he would've wrestled this year though but like I said before I really think that since he was to small to wrestle through the school this year he just wanted to enjoy having a break from it and I also think that since he finally placed last year at State he reached a goal. I don't really know because he just don't talk about it. Anyway, track season is just around the corner and he said he was going to go out for pole vault again.☺

I had to give Dan a buzz and my wrist was hurting by the time I got his done so he said he would give Nick a buzz. Good job Dan and now that is officially YOUR job!!! LOL Tony doesn't want his buzzed but he does need a haircut, so that's on my list of things to get done next weekend.

Sunday-the Lord's Day. What a treat to hear a great sermon from none other than my 23 year old nephew, Levi. I will never forget when he was little and he's spend hours, even days with Dan and I, that he would always say when he grew up he wanted to be a preacher and bless his heart he went right to preaching school after graduating from high school. He didn't necessarily want to be a full time preacher he just wanted to learn more about God's word. We all love it when he gets up to preach or do a lesson on Wed. night. What a great example of a christian young man for my kids to hear his message on encouragement and to have in their lives.

He made me cry when he mentioned my years of teaching bible class (I started teaching at age 12 because there was a need for someone to teach the cradle roll and I have continued to teach all these 40 years later, because there is a need to teach the young ladies that have been coming. I had 5 girls in my class yesterday and they encourage me by their desire to learn more about Jesus. They are learning the books of the New Testament (by the song that we sing) and they are like sponges soaking up every lesson that I teach, just a little side note there) and mentioned my bulletin boards. He encouraged Tony and Nick to keep leading songs and work past the nervousness. Our minister is on a missionary trip to India til March and the men of the congregation have been taking turns doing the sermon.

After worship, the 5 of us went up to Gma and Gpa O's for lunch. She fixed a full buffet of food. Roast Beef, Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, cooked carrots, corn, salad and peach Jell-O. I didn't over eat but my taste buds enjoyed the meatloaf. I haven't had meatloaf since Mom sold the cafe'. Tony was upset when he discovered he couldn't have a 3rd helping of it because it was ALL GONE!!! I forgot to grab the strawberry cheesecake (I got it from the local grocery store for 2.99...yep COUPON QUEEN strikes again) I had planned to take to Mom's but that to is history as the guys dug into it later and Tony finished it off eating it right out of the container it came in. I was informed it was good.

Well, I thought I'd just lay my head down on the couch for a little bit and I woke up to hear Tony laughing at me for Snoring so weird. I'm always happy to hear I was snoring because it always confirms that YES I really did get SOME sleep. No matter how embarrassing it might be. It was so weird because in my dream I was at Wal-Mart and my parents were there and I kept seeing something (someone) behind their back and I kept trying to see who it was. Well, I finally saw the face and it was my niece, who just went back to Brazil, last week. In my dream I was trying to reach her to hug her and saying her name and I woke up...reaching for the sky and saying her name. So wish that wasn't a dream as I miss them so much but thanks to Skype and email we can keep in touch. Right Howie?

Well, once I woke up I decided to go to the track and walk. It was 43* so Dan and KJ went, too. I did a mile and what a treat to have KJ walk with me, holding my hand on my last lap. Priceless!!! While we were there I heard Comet barking and sure enough Nick and Tony had walked/ran to the track to cheer me on. ☺ (It's just a couple blocks from our house). Back to church at 5 then we were home the rest of the night. After a supper of french toast Nick and I watched Bigfoot, later joined by KJ. You guessed it...still no actual Bigfoot found but I still watch it with Nick, just for that time together. (Maybe someday I'll learn how to play chess and Tony and I can have that one on one time together like he and Dan do. I don't see that happening anytime soon, chess just seems so...what should I say... BORING, no better Not...um, I'm thinking...it's not a game for me because it takes to much strategizing for me.

Well, brings us back to Monday. Good ol Kansas weather. Yesterday the sun was shining and then at 8 pm it *S*N*O*W*E*D* and today the sun is shining again and the snow is melting. I got the laundry caught up and I'll go get groceries while KJ is at piano lessons. Dan already worked out today so I guess KJ and I will go together later. If she doesn't go I hope someone, anyone, will come stand by me and talk to me an hour and make my workout go faster. Anyone up to that? ☺

Have a SON-filled week.

Week 72 and ...

2012-01-16T09:57:00.003-06:00

My Gpa and Gma Oehm on their wedding day, almost 100 years ago. So happy to have this. I can see a resemblance in a few family members that look like Gpa.

Well, for Week 72 I have some good news and some bad news...Good News is I didn't Gain this week, bad news is I didn't Lose this week either, I stayed the same, -104. I'm happy I didn't gain but sad I didn't lose. I just wish it came as easy for me as it did in the beginning. I worked out 6 days last week and I tried to watch what I ate during the busy week, too. I still keep a food journal so I guess I better take a look at it and see whats up. It's really hard when you have company and you try to eat what you serve. I need to watch my portion sizes.

I started crying when I weighed this morning, so upset with myself. Truth be told, I'm getting sick of having to weigh everyday but if I don't, I'm afraid of what will happen...it will start creeping back on and I will NOT allow that to happen. I have 30 days til our trip to California and I want to lose 11 pounds by then so I MUST buckle down and DO THIS!!!

Next...

So...last Monday I walked the dog a mile, did 5 laps on the treadmill and a few machines at the fitness center. Also did laundry, got groceries, went to the bank and took KJ to piano lessons, Tony to and from BB practice and Nick to the chickens (I spend so much time in my car).

Tuesday I went up to the church building and put up new bulletin boards (can you believe I went there ALONE and survived it...I did get spooked a few times though from creepy sounds). It was 53* when I walked Comet, 2 times through the park. Tony played in 2 BB games. He made 9 points in the first one. The 2nd game they went into overtime and won by 4. They WON both games. KJ and Nick didn't go to the games. KJ worked out with a friend and Nick stayed home and worked on art and homework, I suppose. Dan and I went to fitness center about 9 and I walked a mile (at 3.8 which is pretty fast for me and my short legs). Long Day!!!

Wednesday, it was cold and windy but I still walked Comet, 2 times through the park close to 2 miles. I shouldn't say WALK because he basically DRAGS me. I'd like to get him a pair of blinders like they put on horses/donkeys so he can't see all the squirrel's in the park. He liked to pull my arm right out of it's socket. Dumb dog...but I'm not ready to get rid of him...just yet. ☺ Glad I went at 1:00 because about 3 the wind picked up it got COLD and started blowing snow. Kansas weather is so weird. Like they say "If you don't like the weather now...wait an hour and it will change".

Dan took KJ to violin and I stayed home to fix supper. My niece and her husband who are visiting from Brazil had a list of things they wanted to eat while in the states. Well, I was trying to help them get it all crossed off and they had corn dogs on the list so I made CORN DOGS for supper. I thought I'd never served corn dogs before but Dan said I made mini corn dogs once or twice...in 31 years of marriage. ☺ So anyway, I deep fried some fries and onion rings, too. (I ate i corn dog 220 calories and 1 on. ring and a few fries). I also made a small batch of caramel popcorn for her, too. (She said Friday, she thought they had eaten everything they had on their list).

Well, we did have bible study since the roads weren't bad because it had stopped. 15 of us there. We had singing (which I LOVE) and a short lesson. My niece and her husband stayed overnight and we all watched "Despicable Me". You that know me well, know what a sacrifice I made to sit and ATTEMPT to watch a 2 hour movie, with my family. About an hour into it my legs were jumpin, so I got up and made them popcorn and folded laundry.

Thursday, I walked the dog through the park 2 times again (2 miles). He really likes to chase squirrels and I wish dog's didn't have to be on a lease cause I'd certainly let him loose... course I'd never see him again if I did that. I try very hard to keep the leash tight but he over powers me, that's why I like it when the boys hold the leash and walk with me.

My niece had a college friend coming to see her and I told her they were welcome to stay for supper and visit here. I made tacos and later they had root beer floats (none for me though). KJ and I went to the fitness center about 9:00 and got our workout in. My nieces' friend left about 10:30 after a nice visit. Her and her husband spent the night again. We played several games today, too. While they have been here we've played "SET" "Phase 10" "Qwelf" "Last Word" "Boggle" even read Trivial Pursuit questions to them. She had to translate some of them but he is one smart cookie (and I'm glad I was the one reading them and not the one trying to answer them). His English has improved so much since his last trip here in '09.

The phone rang at 10:30 P.M. and it was our minister, calling to tell us he arrived safely in India. It was 10:30 A.M. there. He will be there for 6 weeks then make a 2 week visit in Germany to see distant relatives there.

Friday, my niece and her husband said their "Goodbyes" to me. After they left I cried for quite awhile. I'm going to miss spending time with them. I enjoyed having them around during the day to play games with and go "shopping" with and just visiting with. What a cute couple they are.

I walked the dog, 2 miles again. At 3, Dan and I went to Wamego for Tony's BB games. They lost both games but they were good games. Gpa picked up Nick and KJ for us. We got home about 9, Tony got to ride home with us. My brother Jim got here about 11:00, here to go deer hunting.

Saturday, Nick went deer hunting with Jim bright and early in the morning and again in the afternoon but No luck. I went to the track and walked, Tony went with me and then we walked the dog together, too. He made me tear up when he said, he sure loved me and appreciates all I do for him. Wow that just made me tear up again. Didn't do much today or at night. The guys all watched football and I spent some time on Pinterest (addicting, too).

Sunday, went to worship. I had 3 extra kids in class and what a treat. I taught their dad when he was little and they were in town to visit his parents. With our minister in India, the men of the church will be taking turns preaching. Dan did a great job Sunday night giving the lesson.

For lunch my Mom, Dad and Jim ate here with us. Mom brought down her baked chicken and mashed potatoes and I cooked some frozen corn. Jim had to get on the road and I tried so hard to get a nap but it didn't happen so KJ and I went to the track. I walked one mile in 18 minutes. That is pretty fast for me. I just wish all this walking would start paying off. Well, I guess if nothing else my knees have benefited from all this walking and of course NOT drinking POP has helped the knees, too, without a doubt.

Brings us back to Monday, can't run to the bank, it's closed for MLK Day and no mail either. Kids had school unlike some schools. Just got a message from my niece they arrived in Brazil safe and sound!!! Praise the Lord. It is 102* and 87% humidity, a little different than what they had here in Kansas this past month, although we had record setting high temps. Their one month visit went WAY TO FAST!!!

My cousin posted some pictures of my Grandpa and Grandma Oehm's wedding day, Dec. 11, 1912. 100 years ago this year they got married. They both passed away in 1976, both in their 80's. It's my dads turn to host the Oehm reunion this August, so we need to get some things planned for that. I just had to post a picture of them. I used to play Marbles or Carem with Gpa. I have a dent in my finger nail to this day from shooting the carem piece. ☺

Until next time...have a SON-filled week.

2012-01-09T12:58:00.005-06:00

Redneck Sled ride (hood of a car)

PULL!!!! Shooting clay pigeons

8 of us at Alcove Springs right by the waterfall (dried up right now)

Bobcat prints, perhaps. Saw turkey and deer prints, also.

Also at Alcove Springs (dried up til spring)

Well, for Week 71 I didn't have a good week, weight wise...I GAINED 2 pounds so I'm at -104 pounds. I seem to be losing my focus and letting my busy life get in the way of reaching my goal. I need to get back that determination I had in the beginning of this journey. Not sure what is going on with me but I don't like it. I was doing good at the beginning of the week again and seems the weekends are the hardest for me. I missed 2 days of getting exercise of some sort, too. IT'S GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO STAY FOCUSED and not just give up. I don't want to give up I've come to far but I can't seem to get back that will power I once had. Like my brother said the holidays are over now so now I need to get back on track. I realized today that I should be proud of the fact that I've only had 5 gains in the 71 weeks I've been on this weight loss journey but it's still hard to post about a gain. I will try hard this week to get it back off as I have 5 weeks til we leave for our trip to California and I WILL BE TAKING MY SCALE WITH ME ON THIS TRIP, TOO!!!

Moving on...So...here's a run down of my past week. Last Monday the fitness center was closed so I walked 4 laps around the track (Dan Jogged). I averaged 4:45 minutes per lap which is bookin it for me.☺I actually like walking the track better than a treadmill and it was a beautiful day, high of 57*. Nick walked the dog with me, KJ had piano lessons and Tony had BB practice. I cooked a turkey roll in the oven for supper and it wasn't to bad. Quiet night at home.

Tuesday, still no school (holiday break) and my niece called and asked if we'd eatin yet and I was just getting ready to fix lunch so I invited her and her husband to join us and her dad and brother did too. I fixed grilled cheese and tomato soup (one of her things on her list to eat while still in the states) and french toast, too. Then we all went out to Alcove Springs and walked around out there. It was so nice out and a great day to hike. I was so proud of myself for hiking up 2 huge huge hills with all of them, I was sore the next 2 days but I did it and glad I did because the view was awesome. Nick had taken his walking stick he made and I used it to help steady myself on the steep incline. The kids were happy I was able to keep up with everyone something I couldn't have done before I lost this weight.

We then drove over to the ferry and looked around then out to Sonic (I got water) then we all came back to our house and played "OLD MAID" (hee hee) and "Apples to Apples" and "SET". Doesn't seem to matter what game we play my niece WINS every time. ☺ The joined us for Pizza Hut buffet and then they went to the fitness center with us. He played racquetball with Dan and the boys and she used on a treadmill by KJ and I and spent the night with us. We've enjoyed having them here and we'll miss them when they go back to Brazil this week. Time went to FAST.

Wednesday, the kids went back to school after a long holiday break. I think they were ready, at least to see friends again. We went to a couple of thrift stores in our area and she had good luck and I found a few things, too. I lost track of time so Gpa had to pick up Nick and KJ from school and Gpa took KJ to violin lessons, too. We grabbed some tacos at Taco Bell and then we all went to Bible Study. Afterwards they came here and my parents, too, for more games. I have so much fun with them and he has really done great speaking English and understanding what we are saying. He's also got a great sense of humor, too.☺

Thursday, whew what a day...you can read all about it in my last post titled "Expect the Unexpected". ☺ It was another nice day (the local radio reported a high of 68* so I walked the dog. After supper, Dan took his brother Paul and Mike to see his new shop, etc. I played "Phase 10" with my niece and her hubby and my Mom then I left to go to the fitness center. I did 5 laps in 21 minutes, which is good for me and I did that WITHOUT Music...I forgot to grab my iPod. It was a long day but a fun one.

Friday, Tony had a game in Abilene but Dan was to busy to go. He's doing a living room remodeling job for a guy this winter. I didn't want to drive down and back by myself and Tony has to ride to and from the game with the team so I just stayed home. There's still a lot of games left this season. I went to the track and walked my mile after walking the dog with Dan and Nick and got that out of the way. I went out to eat with my parents at the restaurant up the street the others had "things" to do. I ordered a Taco potato and it was wonderful. I didn't put sour cream etc. on it so I kept it pretty low cal plus I only had fruit for lunch.

After supper my dad came here to watch the Cotton Bowl with me on our big screen. My brother Jim played football for Kansas State, so he and his son went to Texas for the game. Unfortunately, Arkansas beat KSU. I never did spot them in the crowd but he did find our cousin there and they got to sit together.

Saturday, whew what a BUSY day. It was recycle day so we got that all bundled up and taken to the recycle location. I vacuumed and dusted. I had to organize a Surprise going away party for our minister (he's going to India for 6 weeks as a missionary) for the next day and then also had a house full of family and friends. For lunch we all went to Pizza Hut then they all came back here and played pool, ping pong chess and Apples to Apples. Come supper time I said I had Hot dogs and mac and cheese for supper which was fine for everyone so I made that in between making the cake for Dennis' surprise and also made cheesecake and Reese's bars. Finally at 9:30 I got up to the church building to decorate for the party with the help of my sister, niece and her friend and took a deep breath as I climbed into bed. It was a lot busier than this sounds...believe me. ☺

Sunday after worship we had sandwiches, salads and desserts for Dennis' going away party. I found a leather journal (that looked masculine) and gave it to him from the church. He was happy to get it as he was told he should purchase a journal to write down highlights of his trip, by the guy he's going to India with. Several wrote "notes" to him that he can read while away from all of us. The men of the congregation are stepping up and covering for him while he is gone. After India he will spend 2 weeks in Germany visiting family and a young man that lives there, that Dennis and his family met in 1984. We're all praying for Dennis and his first missionary trip to India. His wife Nancy, who lost her battle to cancer almost 2 years ago, would be so proud that he finally gets to make his dream come true.

Anyway, sniff sniff...we all went out to Raymond's farm to shoot clay pigeons, play soccer and have redneck sled rides and visit. I love spending time with family.We laugh and cry (happy tears) and hate it when they have to get on the road to go home. The 5 of us got home and the fitness center was closed (it closes at 5 on Sunday) so I walked the dog through the park...in the dark...all by myself. It scared me so bad when 2 boys rode up behind me on bikes and Comet bout yanked my arm off when he leaped out at them and gave a deep loud "BARK". I don't know what surprised me more, the boys surprising me or his loud bark? I couldn't wait to tell Nick because Comet is pretty quiet. The kids did homework and I uploaded pictures then I watched "Finding Bigfoot" with Nick. I enjoy that one on one time with him and for the record...I'm still NOT convinced there's a Bigfoot BUT I'm starting to wander if maybe just maybe that was a BIGFOOT we all saw that night we pulled over to check the tire and we ALL (6 of us) saw that "THING" by the fence, that scared us so bad. We didn't know what it was then and 37 years later we still don't know. I'll never forget that night! How bout you Judy, Raymond, Jim, Karol and Jeannie? We'll never know.

Well, we're up to date again and like every other Monday I've got laundry going and errands to run and I'm going to go walk the dog, it's another beautiful day and like Nick said "JUNEuary" weather. KJ has piano and you never know what we'll end up doing tonight. Until next week.

Have a SON-filled week.

2012-01-05T22:50:00.003-06:00

Expect the unexpected...Dan called me about 3:15 and said his oldest brother Paul and another cattle buyer was in town, at our local sale barn and that I should make extra food for supper. So I quick made company potatoes and put them in the oven, set some dinner rolls out to thaw and started frying chicken (2 skillets full). While it was frying, I put the frozen corn in a pan and made peach fluff (and took a deep breath).

I had everything ready about 5:00 and Dan texted me and said that Paul wanted to get on the road and I thought "What am I going to do with all this chicken (22 pieces)"? So I called my niece Ashley and her husband (that are visiting from Brazil) for supper and they were with my parents and I told them ALL to come, we had plenty. So Ashley asked if she could also invite her dad (my brother) to join us (his wife was working out of town). I said sure. They all came and we were getting everything on the table and Dan called and said that his brother said they could eat with us after all.

SO...we ended up with 12 for supper and I guess I worried for nothing because we had ONE piece of chicken left over. Whew!!! It's times like these that I appreciate growing up in the kitchen of our family cafe and learning to cook for a crowd and getting it all done FAST. And to think I had planned to fix the kids' favorite All Beef Hotdogs and Mac and Cheese for supper.
P.S. I watched my portions and did not over eat...and even did 5 laps on the treadmill later.☺

Week 70 and Happy 2012

2012-01-01T19:32:00.010-06:00

"May all your troubles be as short as your New Year's Resolutions".

My niece and her husband that I drove to Branson

Here he is playing guitar at a guitar store

Jordan running in S L O W motion to the "Chariot's of Fire" song his dad was playing on piano-it was pretty funny, especially at the end when he acts like he ran into a pole.

The Gabriel's always close their show with a patriotic song. They got a Standing ovation.

Wow...70 weeks...that's 490 days...that I've been on this Journey. I'm happy to report that I LOST 1 pound!!! I started off last week eating very healthy then I went to Branson for 3 days and I tried to watch it there as well, so I'm happy that I lost. I had hoped to be at my goal of losing 125 pounds by now. I'll be honest with you; this journey has been hitting quite a few bumps in the road lately and I don't like it. I haven't given up and I'm still working at it but it's just not coming off like it did in the beginning.

I DO NOT WANT TO GAIN THIS WEIGHT BACK SO MY RESOLUTION FOR 2012 IS TO DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO GET TO MY GOAL.

In order to do that I need to step it up and push myself harder when I workout. I need to plan and prepare meals better and not let anything get in the way of my goal. I have a family vacation to California in 44 days and I know I won't lose 25 pounds by then but I do want to lose each week til then. The Oehm reunion is in August and I'd really like to be at goal or close to it. For so many years' I've always been the largest there and this time I want that title to go to somebody else. (That sounds mean but you know what I mean, right).

I also want to keep losing because I feel so much healthier. My knees don't hurt and I have more energy than I have in years past. Tony graduates in 2 years, Nick in 3 and I just want to be the mom that doesn't get noticed because I'm over weight. I can do this, I've done it for 70 weeks and I want this to be a part of my everyday life. With the New Year I thought maybe I'd stop posting my results each week on Facebook and just blog the results on here. It's been 70 weeks and I don't want my FB to just be about my weight issues. Those that want to continue to follow me, can just check here, on my blog. I'll try this a week or two and see what happens. Feel free to leave a comment on here if you think I should keep posting results on FB, not sure what to do. Although I know for a FACT that I would not be where I am if it wasn't for my FB cheerleaders!!! Well, enough about that.

So... I wrote in last weeks post about our Monday so I will start with Tuesday. It was beautiful outside so Dan asked the kids to rake the leaves. It didn't take them long and then they were bored again. Tony, Nick and I walked the dog while KJ played her violin and piano. Then all 5 of us went for a ride to Dan's shop. Nick checked on his chickens and came back home. They all watched a movie through our Free one month trial of Netflex and I was able to make my hand-stamped calendars for 2012, colored them and everything all by myself (course I paid for it during the night when my wrist was throbbing) but they are now in place, one hangs on my fridge, one is on my desk one in the TV room and one on KJ's bulletin board. This year I also made calendar's with pictures of the family on each month, turned out nice.

Also Tuesday, my niece (who's visiting from Brazil for a month) asked Dan if I could drive her and her husband to Branson, so her husband could see our good friend, Doug Gabriel and his family in their show. Her husband plays guitar and she wanted him to see Doug play his "mufftar" etc. Well, Dan said No, he didn't think I needed to go since we have a vacation next month and I'd just been there in July. Well, Wednesday about 10 a.m. he changed his mind and said I could go, after all. I hurried and called the Gabriel's to make sure they had a show Thursday evening and she was so excited that we were coming down. Then I called my Mom to tell her the good news that YES I could go and then I finally reached my niece, to tell her I could go. I had to hurry and pack clothes for KJ and I. The boys stayed home with Dan (Tony had bball).

We were on the road at 12:34 (remember the numbers thing with me).

We decided we'd drive to KC and stay at my sister's house Wed. night then leave early Thursday morning for Branson. It helped break up the otherwise 7 hour trip. She was able to do some shopping and get them some nice dress clothes for work a lot cheaper in the US, then in Brazil. We left at 9:40 a.m. and stopped at Clinton Wal-Mart for a battery for KJ's DVD player and my niece went into a Goody's clothing store and shopped there for over an hour but had success there, too. She had a list of things they needed to get in the US while here and I think by the time we hit the outlet mall in Branson, she had most of it checked off. She found 2 shirts for her husband for 2 dollars a piece, some dress slacks, 4 pair of shoes, for less than what they pay for one pair in Brazil. This is all NEW stuff. I'm so happy for them. It was fun to see their excitement as they found more and more bargains. KJ had fun window shopping.☺

While they were at the outlet mall Mom and I went to look for a motel. My brother tried to get us a place to stay through his condo but it was booked full (Branson was just as busy as ever, course the weather was wonderful, 65* Thursday). We ended up staying at the motel (La Quinta) next to Doug's theater. 68.00 a room and the whole motel was fully remodeled in 2010-2011. It was very clean and came with FREE breakfast. I couldn't believe all they offered: biscuits and gravy, make your own waffles, sausage, eggs, donuts, juice, oatmeal etc etc. (even had an indoor pool but none of us used it), also free wifi. I liked that it was right next door to Doug's theater. ☺

Doug and his wife and all 3 of their kids perform. Their oldest son plays drums for the show, their middle child is the comic (it suits him well) and also plays drums, etc. and works the concession stand before the show and at intermission and their daughter, that is 6 months older than KJ, sings and works in their gift shop before the show. The whole family is involved and I'm not getting paid to say this but if you ever go to Branson GO SEE THE DOUG GABRIEL AND FAMILY SHOW!!! You won't regret it. He has won so many awards down there I can't keep track. I know he won Best Morning Show a few years and Male Vocalist 8 times. Now they do a morning and evening show.

They are good people and we met Doug in 1990, our first time to Branson. We met Cheryl the next year, when Doug pulled me on stage and sang "Pretty Woman" to me and told me that after the show he had a tape for me. Cheryl started talking to me and told me how red my face was etc. and starting visiting and we've been friends every since. She's the one that told me I should start my "On the Road Again" van trips to Branson. We both had 2 boys then one girl and almost the same age. They have brought their show to Marysville so many times that I can't remember, like 12 or more. Always great to spend time with them.

Friday after eating the FREE Breakfast they hit the outlet malls again and Mom and I waited in the van for them. Doug had given my Mom a coupon for The Rib Cage (restaurant next door to his theater) for buy one lunch menu item get one free, so we ate there before leaving town. I ordered a baked potato with brisket on top and I have NEVER seen such a big potato. It was the size of Texas...well, maybe not but it sure was good and I couldn't eat it all. My niece got a pork burrito and said it was wonderful. KJ ordered a quesadila off the kids menu and she loved it. Remember she is a picky eater so you know it was good. We all liked the food.

Before we left Branson I wanted to show my niece Dick's 5 & 10 store, celebrating 60 years in business. The locals say "if Dick's five and dime don't have it...it wasn't made". It's a cool store and I ended up buying my first ever Branson t-shirt. (I've been going there 21 years and never bought myself a tshirt, now that I am a little smaller I can wear them. It's dark brown, long sleeve with "Branson" in pink letters. I love those 2 colors together. I also found some "flameless" candles that I had been looking for. Earlier we went to the "Everythings a Dollar" store and I bought a few things there, too but otherwise I didn't buy anything. It's amazing how cheap you can make a quick get away, especially when you divide it by 5 people (or the number in your party). It also helps that gas was under $3.00 a gallon the whole way. ($2.89-Springfield). We ate at Wendy's, off their value menu. KJ and I each ordered apple slices at McDonald's so we'd have some fruit. So anyway, I did all the driving and once we finally dragged my niece out of the last store (LOL) we left Branson about 2:45. We got to KC area about 7:30 and we decided not to stay over night and just drive on home, they'd keep me awake and watch for deer. We had safe travels and arrived home about 10p.m.

THANK YOU DAN FOR LETTING ME GO!!! I HAD A BLAST!!! You're the BEST!!!

Saturday, I slept in, did laundry, made cookies and a cheesecake for the potluck at church Sunday. Dan and the kids went out to my brother's farm and shot blue rock and fireworks, etc. I didn't know they were going to stay out there til after 10; I just felt like staying home and getting "things" done. Dan went to bed but the kids and I stayed up to "ring in the New Year". AS soon as it turned midnight Nick said Happy New Year to me and went to bed, we all followed suit. I could barely stay awake. (20 years ago I'd make fun of my mom because she couldn't stay awake til midnight and she was the age I am now...Mom I apologize...you were right when you said "You just wait til you're my age"). Mother always knows best.

Sunday I got up at 7:15 and peeled a 5lb. bag of potatoes for Potato soup for my nieces husband, he loves it. I also made chicken noodle soup. After worship was potluck and then the 5 of us went to the nursing home to help our minister who had to speak there. I had hoped to get a nap but that didn't happen. Tony and I walked the dog and the fitness center was closed. I threw a couple pizza's in the oven and made malts (chocolate for KJ, carmel for Nick, Carmel & chocolate for Tony and Dan had a fresh pineapple malt) for the family (I did not drink any) but I did have a small slice of pizza along with my celery, carrots and an orange. Nick taped "Finding Bigfoot" on Animal Planet; so I watched that with the boys. If you've seen the show, you know that the girl Renee (which happens to be my middle name) does NOT believe in Bigfoot and won't until they actually have one in their possession...well, that is ME!!! Prove it to me or move on. Makes for good conversation for Nick and I. ☺

Well, not sure what today will bring (Monday). The kids go back to school Wednesday. Here's what I put on my status for the New Year yesterday.

My wish for you in 2012

Spiritual Sundays

Marvelous Mondays

Terrific Tuesdays

Wonderful Wednesdays

Thankful Thursdays

Friendly Fridays

Sweet Saturdays

May Health and Happiness follow you into 2012. Have a SON-filled New Year.

Week 69 birthday and xmas

2011-12-26T12:08:00.007-06:00

Just some of the Hooyer family-Christmas 2011

Look at that smile; he's such a cutie. I love holding babies

KJ's music room is now complete.

Some of the Christmas Goodies I made this year and didn't eat one bite of.

I made these kolache's and cinnamon rolls for our Iowa Christmas

After they were baked-cinnamon rolls and Kolache's

One of my birthday presents from my parents-it has a "flameless" candle behind it

Santa wasn't good to me...he brought me 2 pounds, perhaps of coal, for Week 69. Actually, I had a great birthday and xmas week despite the gain. I have to look at the bright side, I am 105 pounds lighter than last year and I am determined to keep seeing a loss. It's getting harder each week to get a loss. I'm still trying very hard, too. I'm determined to keep seeing a loss and this week I hope to take the 2 pounds back off. (Dan told me when we were at the track that he gained weight over the holidays, too, which made me happy cause I felt human).

I think one of the problems is that with all this holiday travel and get together's I'm not eating enough of the right foods. I made it a point NOT to eat any holiday treats, too. All I had Saturday at the Hooyer xmas brunch was a dollop of hash brown & sausage casserole about 10:00, some celery and a spoonful off the cheese ball with one cracker, that was around 2:00 and 2 apples and a pear the rest of the evening. Sunday lunch I ate some peas and scalloped potatoes and some crackers on the way home and not hungry, so no supper.

Of course, I didn't exercise Friday through Sunday either. I'm trying very hard to not get discouraged because this is on my mind 24/7. I have to remind myself all day long to stick with it lately. I just don't want to mess up so bad that the weight starts coming back on. I NEVER want to be back there again. I'm sure those of you that have me on Facebook or read this blog are probably sick of reading about all this but being accountable each week is what keeps me from throwing in the towel, completely. I even wonder if I should just stop posting my weekly results on FB. Oh how I wish I was one of the lucky ones that could eat what I wanted, when I wanted it and it didn't make me gain weight. Well, enough about this, it's making me sad.

Moving on...last Monday I was finally able to mail my Christmas cards. With this sore wrist it took me twice as long to address envelopes, etc. this year. Plus, I tried to come up with a cute way to write my xmas letter but ended up just sending out what I posted on here last week. The older I get the less my creative self comes out, if that makes sense. That night the 5 of us went out to eat at the Wagon Wheel for my birthday...only because the weather was supposed to get nasty but of course it didn't happen.

Tuesday, my 52nd birthday, I stayed home from my traditional All day birthday shopping trip because of the forecast of snow. It wasn't just the kids that were bummed when they woke up and found out that we got NOTHING!!! (and they had school). We never did get the snow so I stayed home for nothing (insert sad face here). My niece and her husband that are visiting here from Brazil called and they came over to visit. We tried to play a game of Book and Runs but just to many distractions.

We went out to Pizza Hut for my bday supper because they have a buffet on Tuesday nights. I ate a huge plate of salad with onions and very little dressing and had a slice of thin crust cheese pizza. I should've put a candle on it and called it my bday cake. I'm not going to lie but that slice of pizza was awesome. It was worth the 200 calories to me. It had Happy Birthday to ME written all over it. LOL.

The older I get, Birthdays to me, are more about being blessed to have another year of life than about the presents. Dan and the kids didn't get me anything this year and I'm fine with that. I always say I don't need anything because if I need something I just buy it myself when I need it. My Mom and Dad gave me a really neat "As for me and my house" plaque that you place a candle behind it, to light up the message. They also gave me a set of Chicago Cutlery Knives. We got a set like them as a wedding 31 years ago and even though they are good quality, I needed a new set. ☺ My 2nd cousin Mary gave me an "As for me..." plaque. I already have one like it but I told her I will still use it. I have it hanging in my TV room. You can never have to many of them, right??? She also made me a table runner. Thanks Mary. That night Dan, KJ and I went to work out. The boys stayed home and did their homework.

Wednesday, Tony was able to "Job Shadow" through the school and rode along with a local Police officer. He liked it and being a small town he said that it was pretty quiet. He did get to see how they handle a call about an unwanted customer, at a local store. Not sure if this job shadowing helped him make a decision if he wants to be a policeman or not but he seemed to like it...and NOT because it got him out of school for 3 hours. I'd rather him NOT be one but it is his decision. After Bible Study Dan, KJ and I went to work out.

Thursday, while the kids went to school for a half-day before winter break, I packed our suitcase. I managed to get it all in one suitcase. SURPRISE!!! No School til Jan. 4th. The kids finished off the semester with great grades. I'm proud of their hard work. Dan took the kids to a movie and I stayed home and put pictures in a "family" frame I bought and I was in bed by 10. I didn't feel the best all day so I stayed home to rest.☺

Friday, we put the xmas goodies and presents for the Hooyer grab bag in the trunk and hit the road at 9:30. Dan had an eye exam appointment at 11:30 in Lincoln. He is trying out contacts (to wear skiing because it's hard to wear glasses with goggles). I went to KOHL'S and found what I was looking for to finish the decor of KJ's Music Room (see picture). Dan and the boys ate at Famous Daves (yep, I had a coupon) and Dan got FREE ribs. KJ and I kept shopping and got our lunch to go from Wendy's. We finally left Lincoln at 2:30 and got to S.C. Iowa at 7. Tony and Nick went ice skating with some of the cousins and KJ waited for some of the "girl" cousins to get to Grandma's.

Saturday, all the Hooyer's gathered for a Brunch, in the rec. center, of the local college. Dan is one of 11 children so I believe we had almost 60 there, so Dan's Mom rents it out every year. There's a 4 lane bowling alley, fooze ball, pool, air hockey, etc. The adults play cards and I since I don't care to play cards; I hold babies. We all sat on the steps and the college kid working took a few family pictures for us. Not everyone was there at picture time though. I counted 13 not in the picture. Also missing was our nephew Dillon who died after a 4 wheeler accident in October. Gone but not forgotten. I felt so sad for his Mom; she came into the kitchen area with tears rolling down her cheeks. We all had a good cry and tried to comfort her. I can not imagine what it must be like to be dealing with the loss of a child and I pray I never do. My babies mean the world to me. I got a "In Memory of Dillon" wrist band and I haven't taken it off since I got it. I miss his smile.

We also did the grab bag. I ended up with a nice pool stick, Dan got a brief case full of games (chess, checkers etc.) Tony got a bike lock, Nick got a sweatshirt and a bag of toffee glazed peanuts and KJ got several bottles of Peppermint scented Bath & Both Works lotions. It's a fun game, especially since you can steal stuff. I stole a Nebraska Snuggie and was questioned "why"? I'd take a "Husker" snuggie and I said "I'm a closet Husker fan" (actually it looked really warm and the kids use them). Later, the Snuggie was stolen from me so I stole the nice pool stick from a brother-in-law; proclaiming I'm also a "closet Pool shark". LOL. I told them we have a pool table in our basement and needed another stick. (the boys are down there right now playing). It's fun to play and there were some pretty nice gifts I liked. ☺

We had to be out by 5:00 so we started cleaning up the place and made it out on time. I took the car and filled it up since I figured nothing would be open the next day, Christmas. (Casey's were open along the route home). We went back to his Mom's and visited some more with 3 of Dan's brothers that came over. I think we were all ready for bed after a long day and in bed by 11ish.

Sunday the 5 of us went to services at the church of Christ, in S. C. and then back to Lois' for lunch. She also invited her other son and his family that doesn't live in S.C. and another son and 3 of his kids. She fixed Ham, scalloped potatoes, peas and biscuits. I cut up several apples and oranges for dessert. We said our goodbyes and got on the road by 1:30. We finally got home about 7. We had NO MILK but Casey's saved the day. I started laundry right away and Dan and Nick checked on the chickens. Nick got 7 eggs while we were gone. Nick found out from Uncle Tom that the size of a chicken's COMB on it's head determines whether or not a hen will lay eggs. That totally explains why the 2 with the short combs do NOT lay them.

The kids opened their "stocking stuffer" gifts earlier and we helped each one pay towards the items they wanted (Tony-PS3, Nick-hunting gun and KJ-iPad). And of course our trip to California (in 50 days) is their xmas present this year. Tony got a FREE one month trial of Netflex with his PS3 so they set that up for the month. Dan and the kids watched "Home Alone 3" together. I must've missed a good show because I heard a lot of laughing in there but I was busy uploading pictures and putting stuff away. Also someone hacked my Facebook account so I had to re-do that. It took about an hour before I finally was able to access it again. I was thankful I got my whole FB back because I have so many pictures on it. We finally got to bed at midnight. I know I'm old because the highlight of my day is BED TIME; I'm always tired.

Brings us back to today- Dec. 26th; Christmas is history and no white Christmas. The boys walked the dog and Dan and I went to the track today. The fitness center was closed (holiday) so Dan ran there and I walked. I walked 6 laps in 27 minutes, about 4:45 per lap. Pretty good for me. Especially since I didn't get to exercise Fri-Sunday. It was 45* and it went pretty fast, course I was listening to music on my iPod. KJ had piano lessons and Tony and Nick went to Wal-Mart with me. I stocked up on lots of fresh fruits and veggies. We had veggie soup (with roast in it) for supper tonight and fresh fruit salad. YUMMY.

Well, I think I'll go watch a movie with them now that I got this finished.

Have a SON-filled New Year!!!

Happy Holidays from Our House to Yours

2011-12-22T23:16:00.004-06:00

♫ ♪ We wish you a ...

31 years as Mr. and Mrs.

Tony, KJ and Nick skiing in Steamboat, Colorado

Greetings Family and Friends, hoping this finds all of you in good health. Grab a cup of cocoa and settle in, as you read this quick summary of what we’ve been up to this year.

Dan's been busy working on his shop, in between doing concrete work; for paying customers. He has plenty to keep him busy but still finds time to spend with the kids. He likes to play Tony in chess, too.

Tony, a sophomore and about to turn 16, has hit the 6 foot mark. He was happy to get his braces off, too. He played tennis, basketball and ran cross country. He likes to drive but Nick got his license in August so now it's whoever gets my car keys first, drives.

Nick, a freshman did pole vault again & cross country.. He decided to take this year off from Kid's Fed Wrestling, although he's gone to State the past 5 years and placed 5th this year, so I'm a little sad. He has 6 chickens that he takes care and is making a little $$ selling their eggs. He got his first buck exactly 1 year from shooting his first doe. He and Tony did a lot of river fishing this summer, too and caught some nice size catfish.

Kailoni, a 7th grader, continues to play piano and violin. I love to listen to her play. She decided to go out for Cross County, too so it was nice to watch all 3 kids run this year. KJ's quite the artist, too. She spent a week with a cousin in Iowa then she and I spent a week helping at VBS in KC.

All 3 kids went to bible camp in June so I went to California with my brother Jim and my parents. I had always said that if I lost 100 pounds I wanted to be on the Price Is Right. Well, I lost the 100 pounds and my brother Jim talked me into FLYING to LA but I didn't hear "Come on down". We had such a wonderful time that the 5 of us, plus Jim's family and my parents are going back to California in February. (It's the kids Christmas present and their first time to fly). God just keeps blessing us over and over again.

May Health and Happiness follow you into 2012.

Have a Son-filled Holiday.

Week 68 and turning 52

2011-12-20T09:32:00.001-06:00

The 5 of us at Jim's; picture time

To many camera's flashing we didn't know which one to look at.

All 21 of us. I think some of us thought this one was the "funny pose" one.☺

OK here's the funny one. I like how Jim's heading for the other camera's. We're a crazy bunch.

My niece Ashley and her husband Douglas after we picked them up at the airport

Scene of the accident. That's Tony Nick and I with the lady that was driving the van to the right EMT's and firefighter's work on getting the 2 ladies out of the car.

Well, I've got some good news and some bad news for week 68 of my Journey. Good news is I didn't gain...bad news is I didn't lose, either. I stayed the same and have lost -107 pounds. In 68 weeks of being on this diet, I've gained 3 times (went a whole year without one gain) and stayed the same twice. I'm just now starting to realize what an accomplishment that was. After the week I had (this week looks like it could be a repeat of last week) I will accept it and move on. One day and one pound at a time, I'm not giving up it's just a hard time of year to focus on dieting and it seems to get harder each week. It's not like I've given up it's just I'm never home to eat the way I need to eat to get the results I want. I just wish I could eat what I want, when I want it and never gain but I'm not one of those lucky ones that can.

Well, I never did get back on here to finish last weeks post. So I'll do that real quick and go from there. My weeks are pretty much the same; basketball games, run KJ to piano and violin lessons, run Nick to the chickens and walk the dog and work out. I'm so far behind this year because of my wrist pain. Last Tuesday I went to an orthopedic dr. and he looked at the xrays and said it's not technically a cyst but had another name for it. I do have tendinitis so I have to continue to ice it and ibuprofen daily. He gave me a cortisone shot (I didn't pass out but I had huge tears rolling down my cheeks, it hurt so bad). He said if the shot doesn't help with the pain he'll do surgery later. At this writing it's been a week and I have less pain and I can bend my wrist more, without pain shooting to my elbow.

I finally managed to get my Christmas cards addressed and in the mail yesterday. In the past I've always had them in the mail by Dec. 10th, even when the kids were little. ☺ For the past 5 or 6 years, I've made calendars to give to teachers and friends but this year I couldn't bare the pain when I tried to "stamp" the sheets. I did find some cute stickers to use and made them for KJ's piano and violin teachers and my fridge. ☺ Maybe next year; as I really like to make them.

So anyway last Tuesday as soon as KJ got out of school, my mom KJ and I went to Liberty, and Wednesday morning 6 of us went to KCI and greeted my niece and her husband as they got off the plane. It was funny when Douglas looked at me and I could tell he was trying to think how to say something in English when he said "Who are you"? (last time he saw me I was 107 pounds heavier). I felt sorry for them they were both so cold (it was 55* here (just beautiful out) but when they left Brazil it was 102*. Wander what he thinks of today's weather...snowing and 27*. Looks like they might dismiss school early. We all went to lunch and Mom KJ and I headed back home with a few side stops in St. Joe...hey I was able to finish my Xmas shopping.

Wed. night after bible study a bunch of us (like 20) went to Pizza Hut with Ashley and Douglas. Then Thursday morning Ashley, Douglas, Donna and Raymond stopped by here and got me and we went shopping in Lincoln all day...and I do mean ALL DAY!!! (See Dan, Raymond goes shopping with his wife all day). ☺It was funny because the kids kept texting me when will you be home and once KJ texted "Mom, when will you be home"? I texted back "Midnight" jokingly hoping she'd quit asking, little did I know it would be midnight. I had a BLAST spending time with them. Now, I'm glad I went since today is my birthday and it's snowing and I couldn't go on my annual Birthday Shopping Trip to Lincoln.

Friday Dan and I went to Chapman for Tony's basketball game. Although he's a sophomore he got to play on the freshman team (they only have 6 on it) and he made 10 points. He also played some on the JV team, too. They won both games. Grandpa picked up Nick and KJ after school. Nick checked on his chickens then went home and KJ hung out with her friends. Tony stayed to watch the varsity game and rode the bus home. Once we got home I got busy addressing Xmas cards and since I couldn't sleep I stayed up til 6 a.m. but Dan was kind and let me sleep til 9 and took the kids to the new donut shop for breakfast.

At 1:00 my Mom and Dad picked up the 5 of us in their van and we went to KC area. We got there about 4 and about 5:30 the 7 of us went to eat at Texas Roadhouse with my brother Jim his wife and kids. Jim called and reserved tables but they were given to someone else and they gave us 3 FREE appetizers. Dan and I shared a tender steak, baked potato and salad. We usually split a meal now that I'm on this journey. I wish we'd done that years ago; I maybe wouldn't have needed this Journey.

We all went back to Jim and Arlene's and waited for my sister and her family and Raymond and his family to get to Jim's so we could have the Oehm Xmas. Judy's daughter Kari graduated from Harding University in Arkansas that morning. For the first time in I think 5 years we were all together for Xmas; all 21 of us. We started taking family pictures (that's always fun) and then did the grab bag. I ended up with an umbrella from Brazil that Ashley brought. It has pictures of tourist sites in Rio on it. Xmas was over before I knew it; everyone was calling it a night by midnight.

Sunday morning we all went to church then to Judy's house for Kari's Graduation Open House. Our group of 7 from Marysville stopped for gas at the Quick trip. KJ and I were the last to come out of the store and we noticed no one setting in our van and we heard sirens and they were all standing by the highway. There had been a terrible accident. A mini van and a car collided. People were talking to the ladies still in their car (they had to use jaws of life to get them both out). I asked where the driver of the van was and she was setting on the curb all by herself; so I went over to check on her. She was so shaken up but said she wasn't hurt; but later she said her chest was starting to hurt from hitting the steering wheel. She asked me if I would get her purse and phone out of her van. I looked inside and I could hear the crowd (and my family) yelling at me to get away, the van was on fire. WOW my kids chewed me out later and said it was dumb of me, I guess I wasn't thinking I just knew she needed her cell phone. I didn't have my cell phone on me so another lady let her use hers. I stayed with her until she finally got ahold of her son and the EMT's advised her to go get checked out at the hospital.

The driver of the car was not responding and was bleeding internally and it was coming out her mouth. As they wheeled her by they said she had no pulse. The other lady was breathing when they got her out. I'm hoping to find a report about it online to see what happened to all of them, I can't get it out of my mind. Two witnesses said the car ran a red light. Mom took some pictures of it.

My sister gave me a game (she gives me a new one each year) for my birthday "BUZZ WORD". We "played" it on the long drive home and sure made the trip go faster. We stopped at Sabetha for evening services and found out that a dear friend of the family, I've known all my life has a birthday one day before mine. We went downstairs afterwards for cake and ice cream (I didn't eat any) and I got to visit with a couple that used to go to services in Marysville. We finally made it home about 8 p.m. You really can cram a lot of fun, into 24 hours.

Yesterday morning (Mon. 19th) after I took the kids to school I was able to finish our Xmas cards and got them in the mail. I also had 3 memory chips full of pictures to upload. Took me all day but they are now on Facebook...I haven't tagged them (feel free to tag yourself) or added captions yet but I will sometime. We went to Wagon Wheel for supper last night because we were to get 4-8 inches of snow and the kids hoped for no school but it didn't happen. They did talk us into opening their Xmas "stocking"presents though. Their main present is our trip to California (in 57 days). Tony got an electric razor and cologne. Tony was surprised I didn't get him socks; a joke I've done for him since he was 5 or 6. ☺ Nick's been collecting dollar gold coins so he's got more now and also a pocket knife shaped like a bullet plus a few odds and ends. KJ got a sterling silver ring (she always wants to wear my ring) and each one of them got iTunes cards. Lord willing they will go skiing one of these days over winter break, too. I think KJ was a little surprised she didn't get more but she gets it now when I explained to her now much this California trip is going to cost.

Well, it's stopped snowing and school was not dismissed. I should've gone shopping!!! I could've taken Dan's 4 wheel drive. ☺ My Mom and Dad just dropped off my birthday present. She found an "As for me and my House" thingy (?) that holds candles. I'll post a picture. I'm getting quite the collection of them; I'm always surprised when I find another one. Well, I suppose I will end for this week as I have things I need to finish up. We plan to go to Iowa Friday, for Dan's family Christmas, on Saturday. I wrapped the presents last week and there's plenty of goodies in the freezer yet. Note to self...don't make so much goodies next year.

Not sure what the rest of my birthday will be like but I hope to get out of the house. I just watched KJ's violin recital on our local TV channel. Was surprised to also see KJ and later Nick on there wishing everyone a Happy Holiday. The TV channel recorded it at school. I hope to go look at the xmas light again tonight. When I was a kid (many many moons ago) my parents would load up the station wagon and we'd ride around on my birthday looking at the Xmas lights and we did that last night; they will look so pretty with snow on them. The kids have a half day Thursday so maybe we'll leave for Iowa then.

I just got a sweet phone call from Ashley and Douglas wishing me a Happy Birthday and told me they were going to come "animate" me. Translated means "visit" with me. I offered to make them Potato soup (the one thing I can make an not ruin) but she said I can't cook on my birthday. ☺

Have a Son-filled week.

Week 67 and my crazy busy life

2011-12-12T21:54:00.003-06:00

Only picture I got of KJ at the recital but I did get video (see FB)

Cookies my cousin made for KJ's recital. To cute to eat and gone in 60 seconds

I love the ♪ music notes♫ she put on them

Week 67 of my Weight Loss Journey and I'm happy to say I LOST ONE POUND, -107 now. Monday mornings I always wake up with a nervous stomach. The scales and I have a love/hate relationship, especially lately so I'm always happy when it shows a loss. Thankfully I've only had 3 "HATES" (with the scales) since starting this Journey 67 weeks ago. Still hard to believe I went a whole year without a gain.

Well, here it is Monday night already and I had a crazy busy week and today was just as busy. KJ's violin recital was tonight. My cousin, Joni saved the day and made me the 2 dozen cookies I needed to bring. They were a hit and so cute. (see pictures above). I think I will post this now and TRY to update it tomorrow. Probably not as I have to be at the Dr. in Manhattan at 9 a.m. He'll look at my xrays and MRI and hopefully give me some HOPE on what I can do about it. Been dealing with this since August 17th, so I'm just ready to get this taken care of. Then after school tomorrow KJ, my Mom and I are going to Liberty and sleep there and go to the airport bright and early to welcome home my niece and her husband. They live in Brazil and will be here a whole month. ☺

I'm so far behind this season. I don't have my xmas cards addressed yet, let alone our family xmas letter typed up. I didn't even make my "stampin' up" calendars yet (wrist is to sore). It's late and I've got to get up earlier than usual. Check back tomorrow for "the rest of the story".

Until next time...have a SON-filled week.

Week 66 of my Journey and other news

2011-12-04T16:34:00.011-06:00

I ordered this for our front door: Welcome- The Hooyer Family

" Class is a Sweet Treat" my classroom door candy cane theme

Nick with his first buck- shot this exactly one year from shooting his first deer (doe) ever

Hard to believe it was 66 weeks ago that I started on this Journey. Hard to believe I went a whole year without a gain and since the one year mark, I've had 3 gains. Last week, after 2 Thanksgivings and 5 days away from home, I had my worst week, I gained 3 pounds. It was my first gain in 8 weeks so this week I'm happy to say that I LOST ONE pound for a total of -106 pounds, gone.

Hard to believe I've stuck to this JOURNEY so long. I've had my ups and downs but I have weathered the storm and stuck to it this time. I have to remind myself to take it one day and one pound at a time. You'd think by now this "journey" would come easy for me but here lately it's on my mind, day in and day out. I find myself worrying about a gain, after I eat something. I worry, did I eat enough of the right stuff. Did I work out enough to do any good. I have to plan ahead in the morning what I'll eat the rest of the day and sometimes that's hard to stick to with my busy schedule. There's days I just wish I was born skinny and didn't have to worry about all this.

Well, enough about that...Hard to believe it's December already...the 5th. 15 more days and I'll be 42 years old. LOL I mean 52 years old. I don't know why but lately I've thinking about when my Mom was in her 50's and what a go getter she was. She worked in our family cafe' and on the weekends we'd be traveling to watch my brother play football for Kansas State. I think we went to all his games or almost all of them. It was my parents, grandparents and Dan and I usually. We even drove straight through the night to watch him play in New Orleans and as soon as the game was over we made the long trip home. I'm that age now and now we're driving to watch our kids in their sports but I don't have the energy my Mom had. (Mom, even though you hated the long trips you were so much fun to travel with).☺

December is such a busy month. I have a long To Do List that needs my attention but with the pain of my wrist I haven't tackled any of it yet. I need to soon or there won't be Christmas cards sent, calendars made, xmas goodies to eat and no presents to open. Bah Humbug.

So lets start where I left off last Tuesday. I called the dr. and asked that I be referred to a surgeon for my wrist. My appointment to evaluate my wrist, isn't until the 13th but they said they'd call if anyone cancels before that day. I had hoped that he'd do what needs done before the end of the year but it doesn't look like it will be. We shall see.

Tony didn't have BB practice until 6 so he walked the dog with me. My wrist was hurting so bad so he held the leash. It's nice to have the new trail close to our house, to walk on but it sure got slick after it rained then dropped below 30*. It turned to ice and by the time I walked the dog it was starting to thaw and was a little slippery but still so nice to have so handy. After supper, Dan and I went to the fitness center. KJ went with 2 friends right after school. The kids did homework and worked on their art work, too.

Wednesday, I went to the church building and changed the 2 bulletin boards, for the winter season. Also changed my classroom door, too. I used a red/white striped candy cane looking paper to cover the door and bent red/white pipe cleaners for the letters to say "Class is a SWEET TREAT" and hung real candy canes on the door, too. If I remember I'll post a picture of it. Always looking for new ideas.

Took KJ to violin lessons at 5:00; it was warm enough that I waited in the car for her and read the local paper. They will have their winter program Dec. 12th. After Bible Study, my parents, both brothers and Levi came to the house. I was so happy I wasn't the one that had to get in a cold car and drive home. The older I get (and the thinner I get) the more the cold bothers me. I got a chill just typing that. I wish I could find a heavier coat before the real snow starts to fly.

Thursday, my dear friend LaVerle called and asked me to eat lunch with her, so I met her at the local cafe. She's an 81 year old widow who has a lot of energy, too. (I wish people's energy would rub off on me. I just never seem to have it, even though I take vitamins daily, eat healthy and exercise, too). Always great to spend time with her; we've been friends for many years. She makes me laugh.

Tony had his first basketball game of the season and I was so happy it was here. I literally had to talk myself into going to it. I just wanted to stay home in my nice warm house, with my warm and comfy clothes on. That scenario makes me sound like I'm 110 years old and on my last breath or something but I just didn't want to get out in the cold. I'm turning into a wimp. Tony did get to play a little but they lost the game.

Friday I walked the dog and ran errands. Nick asked me to get him out of school early so he could go deer hunting with Uncle Jimmers. It was so cute watching him head out to Jim's truck. He was head to toe in camo. Deer blind, gun, coat, boots everything (and he bought it all himself, too). He got a doe. Levi came over awhile and played PS3 with the boys awhile.

Saturday, I SLEPT IN! I slept til 9 so did the kids. OK this is going to seem odd to even talk about this but here lately every time I wake up and look at the clock it's always like 2:22 or 3:33 or 5:55. Like the past 2 weeks or so. I always look twice to make sure it's not a dream. Something about numbers and me. Way back when I was in high school I noticed numbers. When I'd be dragging main and the clock read 11:11 I'd say "Thinking of you, Lisa" I also always noticed the odometer numbers. Like 12,345 or 22,222 etc. and it has continued all these years. (As you probably noticed by my FB pictures when I take pictures of the odometer numbers in sequence). I've said it before and I'll say it again...I'm an odd ball.

It rained all day so I didn't walk the dog. Dan and I drove to Auburn to watch Tony play BB. Nick went hunting with Jim and KJ went to work out, then to the movie, with her friend then worked on her art. Thanks Gpa for hauling her around. I'm glad Dan talked me into going to the game, once again I just wanted to stay inside; because it was raining and later turned to snow. They WON and Tony got to play some. He also was able to ride home with us. We grabbed a bite to eat and got back home about 7:30 and got in my warm cozy clothes and settled in for the night.

Sunday, Jim and Nick went deer hunting early. At 7:30 Dan got a text with a picture of Nick with a buck...all smiles. He was pretty excited. (More pictures on FB) After worship, we had Potluck. I made a big pan of "That Stuff" AKA "Shipwreck", cranberry salad and EZ peach pie. I didn't eat any desserts but the dessert table sure had some yummy looking desserts on it. I walked the dog about 3 and even bundled up, I was cold. No p.m. service on the first Sunday so Nick and Jim went back hunting about 3. No deer though. Jim goes home today but it won't be long and we'll see him again, for our xmas.

Have a SON-filled week.

Week 65 results, Thanksgiving and Black Friday

2011-11-28T17:28:00.011-06:00

My kitchen sink after preparing food to take for Thanksgiving.

Tony with his c/c coach and his "M" letter he got

KJ with some of the jr. high c/c runners and their coach

Nick getting his "M" letter from the c/c coach

Finally a picture of me with my 3 siblings, Thanksgiving

This may look like your average sibling picture but we all know what's ahead.

"PANCREAS" Thanks Raymond for your random word it all went down hill from there.

Here let me get that for you...reminds me of the good ol days.

No comment needed here just imagine what was said here and factor in that it's after midnight.

Wow...just WOW!!! I think this looks like the 4 of us need to go get some sleep.

Nieces Kari and Kourtney and our KJ going thru the Thanksgiving "buffet" at Judy's

FINALLY, a picture of my sis-in-law Arlene and my brother, Jim. She never lets anyone take her picture so THANKS Arlene for coming out of your comfort zone. Isn't she pretty?

"In Memory of Dillon Hooyer" wrist bands in school colors. Gone but not forgotten bud.

Dan's 2 sister's, Sarah and Anne (Dan's Mom had 9 boys before these lovely ladies came along).

Brenda, married to Gregg, (Dan's brother) and their daughter, Heather. Playing Taboo

4 more of Dan's brother's Phil, Mark, Tom and Paul playing cards

Maria (Paul's wife) Dan's brother Curtis, and 2 sis-in-laws Judy (Phil) and Debbie (Mark)

Dan with his Mom and nieces Marta and Heidi; playing Taboo

The chess table Dan's dad made years ago. Dan and Tony play chess almost nightly.

Week 65 results: Unfortunately (but not surprisingly), I GAINED 3 POUNDS

so I'm back to -105 pounds lost. I was away from home 5 days, had 2 Thanksgiving's, NO exercise; or will power for that matter. I have no one to blame but myself but I'm more determined than ever to take it back off this week. I let my guard down and this is what happened. What a bummer because I had gone 8 weeks since the last gain, too. I was on this Journey last year at this time and managed to lose 2 pounds, after Thanksgiving. I know one problem was I didn't eat hardly any fruits or veggies and I didn't get ANY exercise either. All my own fault. After posting to FB my results, my awesome "Cheerleaders" were right there for me, encouraging me to "shake it off" and "don't give up". This may sound "Odd" but I don't think I ate "enough" this week. 2 days I didn't even have lunch. One good thing is...I still haven't had CHOCOLATE or POP!!!☺

Moving right along...so last Tuesday, I got my haircut, packed for the 5 of us, for the 5 days we were going to be gone and renewed my driver's license, here in town. Nick and I walked Comet after school and after supper Dan, KJ and I went to the fitness center. Tony had BB practice and was worn out and Nick just wanted to stay home. Since NO-SCHOOL Wednesday; they stayed up til midnight.

Wednesday: The kids and I and my Mom left Marysville at 9 a.m., in my parents van, for KC. (Dan, my Dad and Levi drove over Thursday morning). We had a deer run out in front of us, saw a bunch of dead deer on the side of the road, saw 21 turkey's, numerous hawks and a pond with hundreds of geese on it. We got to my brother Jim's about 1:00 after stopping at the Dollar Tree. Then a bunch of us went to Chili's for lunch (which ended up being my supper, too) because after bible study when everyone else went to Chic-fillet, Nick and I went to Dick's Sporting goods to look at a hunting gun for Nick (his $$$) and at 9:40 he walked out of the store the proud owner of a hunting gun. (I knew you would ask so here's what he bought...a 20 gauge shot gun). ☺

He looked at several and the guy working was very helpful and PATIENT. The one Nick really wanted was only going to be discounted $10 for Black Friday so Dan said to go ahead and get it while we were there (saved $10. in gas $$$).☺ I DID NOT like filling out that long info sheet and I still hate guns but I'm glad Nick has a passion for it, like his Uncle Jim does (read that as Does, as in "do" not Does (as in deer) LOL and my Gpa did. (As of this writing Nick bought a deer tag and is ready for the season).

So anyway, we missed supper (and the only exercise I got was from shopping all afternoon (Penney's, Fashion Bug, Kohl's and walking in Dick's Sporting Goods (that place is huge). On the way to Judy's, where everyone else was already, we were driving in Gladstone, when a huge buck ran across 5 lanes of traffic and ran into the side of the car right in front of us. Well, I always stay as far back from the car in front of me as possible and was thankful I did because the guys mirror came flying in the air and almost hit us. The buck was stunned, danced around trying to get up and finally went back the way he came and jumped back over a 5 foot fence. At the stop light, I looked at the guy that was beside us and he was shook up and was checking on his baby in the back seat. That is the 4th deer that Nick's seen up close and personal in the last few weeks and we were still talking about it when just a couple blocks from Judy's, a buck walked right across the street in front of us, a residential area. I heard on TV that animals are coming closer into towns because they are running out of rural areas, with all the construction going on and lack of food.

So anyway, we got to Judy's and I made my cranberry Jell-O salad for the next day and as it got later and later, my siblings and I got our 2nd wind. I suggested that the 4 of us take a sibling picture on the couch as I can't remember the last time we took one of just the 4 of us. Well, we started off with the typical pose and as Donna and my Mom clicked away we lost our composure and thanks to Raymond randomly saying "PANCREAS" we broke out into a giggle fest and laughed til I couldn't breathe. I remember every xmas my mom and her sisters took pictures together on my grandparents couch...(wow, why did that just make me tear up). I have a mental picture of them and I can see them "aging" through the years. I used to think that when they were in their 50's they were so OLD but yet they seemed so YOUNG at heart. Me however, I'm almost 52 and I feel OLD!!! The old gray mare she ain't what she used to be.

It seems like I'm falling apart DAILY, every since I turned 50...but I'm still standing, for which I'm thankful, even though it's hard to say fifffffftttyyyy twwwwwwoooo. So anyway, we left Judy's about 1:30 a.m. and once I got to Jim's, thankfully no deer in sight, I couldn't sleep so I uploaded pictures. At 7:15 my sweet hubby texted me to say that he, my dad and Levi were getting ready to leave Marysville. (I didn't say it to him then but THANKS FOR THE WAKE UP CALL...NOT!!! I couldn't go back to sleep, like I hoped...so I wasn't prepared for Black Friday all nighter).

Went back over to Judy's Thanksgiving morning and put my sweet potato casserole in the oven, once the turkey came out (Judy, it was your BEST turkey yet and by the way I hope you found the $$$). What a beautiful feast we had. Turkey, Ham, Dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, company potatoes, corn, green beans, rolls (Judy, I just realized you didn't make your broccoli/rice dish) and Donna made 5 pies. Also served were brownies, apple cheesecake, date bars, Oreo balls and more. I didn't eat any dessert although KJ wanted me to try the apple pie she helped Donna make. Does anybody else get sleepy after eating turkey? I felt so drowsy; course I did only have 4 hours of sleep.

Later, we played "Likewise" and planned our Black Friday shopping stops. About 10 my sis and I went to Wally World and I won't say what it was but I stood in line and we both got what we stood in line for. Dan took the kids to Best Buy because Tony wanted a PS3 and KJ wanted a iPad (they had to pay for them with their own $$$, KJ has to make a few payments yet to us for hers).

So was told there were 200-300 people waiting when BB opened the doors at midnight. Tony hurried and found a PS3 system right away BUT he had to wait in line over 2 and a half hours just to pay for it. AND the funny thing is (well, to me it's funny but to Tony...not so much) we went to Target next, walked in the front door and they had the same PS3 right there, same price, NO LINES and a whole stack of them...OOPS!!! My bad. They DID NOT have the iPad for KJ so she was bummed. I mentioned to Dan we could stop at the BB in St. Joe on our way to Iowa later and we decided to go ahead and leave KC, since we were WIDE awake (at that time) went to Jim's and quietly loaded up the truck (so glad Dan brought the truck, noway the car would've held it all).

We went right to Best Buy and Dan went in with KJ (Tony and Nick were asleep so I stayed in the truck with them). About 10 minutes later I saw them walking towards the truck and KJ was smiling and carrying a sack so I knew she got her iPad. (I'm glad she said she'd share it with me, that thing is awesome and easier to read then my iPod). While they were inside I decided to check FB and I was so excited when I read this post that my niece Hannah, who was due anytime posted "Great holiday at home with the family. Sipping cider, playing games, timing contractions...Malachi Reese joined us at 5:19 p.m. weighing 7 lbs. 6 oz. Everyone is doing well and we are so thankful!" I had to read it twice. He was born on Thanksgiving Day and we're all so THANKFUL he is finally here. Can't wait to hold the little guy at xmas. I ♥ BABIES.

So anyway, Dan said I could go to KMART which opened at 5 and I got what I wanted. Can't tell what it is cause it's for the OEHM reunion in August. I also got a few things for my sides xmas. Plus I bought me an electric griddle, mines about shot and an electric can opener (with this wrist I can't turn the manual one). I also got KJ a pair of Ugg boots for 10 bucks, that have an actual sole on them (for support).

Got back to the truck at 6:00; took me 40 minutes to check out. I drove to Omaha and we got breakfast at McDonald's and Dan drove to Sioux City. He needed stuff from Menard's so I dropped Dan and Nick off and took KJ to find something for breakfast; she was asleep when we stopped in Omaha. I drove the last 50 miles to S.C. but I was starting to get drowsy and everyone was asleep so I chewed gum and read billboards to myself and was happy when we were almost to Dan's moms house. Dan and Tony were awake by then and we were 2 blocks from her house and I heard Tony yell "Mom" and grabbed the steering wheel. He said my hands fell off the wheel and I was drifting to the left, with a car coming towards us. Thank You God for a safe trip. I told them NOT to talk sports when I'm driving and sleepy!

So anyway Dan took a nap and Tony and Nick played PS3 and KJ used her new iPad. I ran to the store for a few groceries. I stopped at the 2nd hand store there that I really like and found 2 shirts for church and a purse. It's different and not something I'd normally buy but it's giraffe print (like the phone cover the kids picked out for me) and pink handles. Yep, weird huh? KJ said if I don't use it she will. Got back and made the cranberry Jell-O and caught up on e-mails and FB. I didn't take a nap because than I wouldn't sleep that night. My M-I-L Lois took us out to Pizza Ranch for supper (I had no lunch). I ate to much, I know. Went back to M-I-L's and the 5 of us and Lois started to play Phase 10 when Dan's brother and his family came and a few local kinfolk. Had a great visit. KJ ended up sleeping at a cousins house with another out of town cousin joining them. I never asked what time she finally went to bed...if they even did. ☺

Saturday we had the Hooyer Potluck Thanksgiving at the indoor shelter house at the park. There was over 50 Hooyer's there. It was so cold and windy but NO SNOW!!! We were there til 5 then we all went to Dan's sisters Sarah's house. She has a big beautiful house with plenty of room for all of us. SOme played cards, some played Taboo, the boys played PS3 and the girls took "weird" pictures using KJ's iPad. I laughed so hard at some of them. If I knew how to upload them to here I would; to funny. Anyway, at 10 I said I had to go I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Sarah lives just around the corner from her mom so I went home.

Dan was given 4 wristbands with "In memory of Dillon Hooyer" on them in the school colors of blue and orange. The kids and Dan are all wearing them. I hope to get one when we go back up for xmas. The inside says "Love one another". We all missed Dillon this trip and I'm sure his parents and brother missed him there, too.

Sunday, we went to church in S.C. and got to see a couple we hadn't seen in years. I wish we had more time to visit with them but we told them next time we have an hour open we'll meet them for coffee and "catch up". She reminds me so much of Miss Nancy. Way back in the early 80's we used to go to their house and play cards or games. Good times, good memories. I told her I wanted her recipe for "taverns" that had a can of Hormel Chili, a can of SPAM and a few other things that neither one of us could remember, in it so I'm looking forward to her email. You know how much I hate SPAM but this was really good. You put it on a bun and put it in the oven on broil and let it get "toasted".

Went back to Mom's after worship, loaded the van, ate lunch, said our goodbye's and got on the road. So glad we had the truck as Dan brought home a chess/checker table that his dad made years ago. It found a spot in our LR, Dan and Tony play chess quite often. His Mom made each of her 9 sons a nice ceramic chess set for them years ago but Dan's are still in storage; I don't want them to get broken.

Nick drove some, I drove until the hot sun made me feel drowzy and Dan drove the rest. That Black Friday No SLEEP wore me out. Dan took Nick to check the chickens, he had 11 eggs waiting for him to get. My Dad took care of our dog and chickens while we were gone. Dan and Nick also walked the dog...I had a huge mess that needed to be put away. 5 loads of laundry staring at me. Bah Humbug. It's always great to get away for a few days, especially to visit family but I hate that pile of laundry.

I usually post my blog on Monday's but I was so busy with laundry, errands and phone calls (I made an appointment with the orthopetic surgeon (Sports and Medicine, Manhattan) to see what he thinks about the cyst. I can't get in until Dec. 15th though and then who knows when surgery might be; so looks like another month with pain). I didn't even get started on this until last night and to tired to finish it so I had to work on this all morning. I still must be tired because I dozed off while typing this (I hope you all didn't doze off, too). The sun is shining through the mini-blinds and the space heater was running; not sure how long I slept but I know it was long enough to dream. I dreamt Judy was whispering in my ear to tell her where I got KJ's iPad and she handed me CASH to go get her one, for herself but don't tell her husband how much it cost. In my dream it was a thousand dollars and I was smiling holding all that cash. We were in a resturant and my brother Jim took the last piece of pizza and I chewed him out for eating the last piece and he reached over and took the wad of $$$ from me. I woke up holding the "mouse" in my hands, which were both asleep. I'm so weird.

So Monday night was the cross country banquet and the 5 of us went to that. I had salad, turkey, a little potato and green beans and a small molasses cookie. I planned ahead and only had soup for lunch. It was neat to hear the coach talk about each kid. Tony and Nick both got their "Letter" and c/c pin for it. They hung them in the living room above their school pictures (not sure I'll let them stay there). The coach was so happy that all 3 stayed out for c/c and he seemed to have all 3 kids' personalities figured out and I'll leave it at that.

After the banquet KJ, Dan and I went to the fitness center then Dan and KJ went to see the movie "Arthur". T and N had homework and I started on this blog. My brother Jim came over to deer hunt but I was in bed before he got here and still asleep when he left to hunt at 5. I didn't hear him either time but know he's here because he said so on FB. ☺ It's now noon and Dan came home for lunch. I'll close for now.

Have a SON-filled week.

Week 64 results and other news

2011-11-20T21:02:00.007-06:00

Nick did this conte color of himself reading a hunting magazine. The couch looks so real. I love it and plan to frame it and hang it above the couch.

Can you guess who this is? KJ had to draw a picture of a family member, so here's Tony.

Week 64 result for "Janet's Journey"...I LOST ONE POUND, -108!!! Not sure how that happened because it was a tough week. Looking at my food journal from the past week, I'm surprised I didn't gain. Was a busy week and I didn't eat a lot of fruits, did pretty good on veggies though.

Only 2 things standing between me and THANKSGIVING and that is Tuesday and Wednesday.☺ I LOVE THANKSGIVING...Food, Family and Fun. Kids don't have school Wednesday so we'll head to KC. I plan to stop in Seneca to renew my driver's license, unless it's as busy as it was when we went to get Nick's. If I renew before it expires Dec. 20th I don't have to take the written test, so I might as well renew while I'm going through there anyway. Friday we'll keep the tradition of Black Friday shopping. Got a few things were looking for at the right price. Then we'll head up to Iowa for the Hooyer Potluck on Saturday then head home on Sunday.

Here's what happened in our nick of the woods...starting with last Monday. Tony was sick and stayed home from school so he missed BB practice, too. I walked the dog in the afternoon and after supper Dan, Nick, KJ and I went to the fitness center. It's not even that cold out and I already dread winter and getting out to go to the fitness center. I wish we could get a treadmill for the house. I'm surprised at how cold I get after losing the weight. I actually need a winter coat now. Also KJ finished her art project, a picture of Tony. Nick worked on his (pictured above) for over 3 hours. I love it and hope to get it framed and hang it above the couch in the picture. I wish I was artistic...I can't even draw a stick figure and do it justice.

Tuesday, Tony went back to school. He had to run 60 times (end to end, in the gym)for missing practice the day before. It's the coaches rule if you miss for any reason you run, I'm sure it helps discourage skipping practice. He left practice an hour early Wednesday, for Bible Study and ran laps Thursday and never complained. He's ready to play, their first game is Dec. 1st. I'm ready for the season to begin.

Also on Tuesday, Nick and 6 others got to eat at Pizza Hut with the Principle. I thought he was picked "Student of the 9 Weeks" for his great grades but it had nothing to do with his grades. It's something new they are doing this year and the teachers nominate students for their positive behavior etc. (I always wonder what the kids act like at school, when with their peers and I guess this "award" let's me know he's a good kid). Dan, Nick KJ and I worked out while Tony was at BB practice. I walked the dog earlier in the day.

Wednesday, I walked the dog (on the new trail). I went to the chiropractor, too. He said to come back in 2 weeks unless the pain gets bad again. So far so good but I also starting wearing a Q-RAY bracelet. Dan has worn one for years and I thought I'd give it a try for a week and I think it's helping. I haven't had the severe pain and haven't taken any ibuprofen since Friday.☺ We'll see on Wed. how I feel about it.

Also on Wed. KJ had violin lessons so while she was inside, I waited in the car and read the local paper and next thing you know she was back to the car...I had fallen asleep. Probably won't be able to wait in the car anymore...I got a little cold waiting and had to turn the car on and run the heater awhile. After bible study, Dan and I went to work out. All 3 kids had homework. My brother, Jim, came over to deer hunt. He fell asleep at Mom and Dad's and stayed there the first night he was in town. ☺ It also *S*N*O*W*E*D, not much but it sure was pretty.

Thursday, I walked the dog, alone...again. When Jim got in from deer hunting (he didn't get a deer) we went to Pizza Hut, with our Mom and Dad. (I made myself a great salad...lots of red onions, YUM) then went over to Wally World. That evening both my brothers were here and Donna, Levi, and my parents, too. I love it when we get together and reminisce about our youth. I ♥ my family.

Friday, after I dropped the kids off at school I picked up the leaf blower at the job sight and did our driveway and sidewalks. I also did the INSIDE of the garage, too. It was full of leaves that blew in. I guess I should've checked the weather channel because by noon we had strong winds and more leaves came off the trees and you couldn't even til I had leaf blown. I'm glad that I put the garage doors down because no leaves got inside my clean garage. I also walked the dog...alone...again. I don't mind really but it hurts my wrist because I can't hold on with just one hand but I do it anyway, or he'd never get walked.

KJ had 2 friends spend the night. NO they did NOT go see the movie "Breaking Dawn" that I think the rest of the 7th grade went to (the line was around the block). They had fun at the fitness center and then KJ and the girls begged to eat at Pizza Hut, so we did. Did you know they have large $10. pizza's? We got 2 and bread stick's and had enough left over for the guys. Then we went over to Wally World. (my home away from home). I found some stickers to use for the calendars I make every year. With my sore wrist I can't "color" what I stamp, so I'll just use "stickers" this year. (Note to self...Janet work on calendars, 2012 is just around the corner).☺

When we got home they went right to KJ room. I could hear them giggling til midnight. Although, I found out later that KJ fell asleep at 12, the other 2 stayed up and talked til 3 (or so they said) YIKES!!!

Saturday...surprise surprise NICK walked the dog for me and Tony and I cleaned out his water and filled his food up. KJ's friends hung around til 2:00. Tony kept saying he was BORED and wanted to go somewhere so he asked Dad and he said we could go to Manhattan. We left here about 11:15. We're trying to find a "Profanity Blocker" that hooks to the TV. The boys like watching hunting shows, Myth Busters and Gold Rush but these shows don't block out all the cuss words. I think as Christians we shouldn't listen to them, let alone, speak them. (Eph.4:29, Col.3:8 and James 3:10). Cursing is a SIN and we should want no part of it. I've heard Christians that use euphemisms. Makes my skin crawl. Maybe you don't agree with me, so I'd ask that you pick up your Bible and study it or you could google it, there's plenty of info. on the subject.

Anyway, so when I got to the car, Tony in the driver's seat, Nick and Tony decided they'd rather go to Lincoln, so we did. Tony drove all the way up AND also IN Lincoln. He did a great job and he was proud of himself. Once he said "Mom, this traffic is terrible, no wonder you get "stressed" driving here". When I drive in big cities my rule is "Radio Off" and help me drive!!! So anyway, Nick wanted out at Scheel's, to look at hunting guns so he knows what to buy on Black Friday. Tony and I drove clear across town to Best Buy only to find out, that they don't carry the "Profanity Blocker" anymore. They were swamped in there so I asked 5 different workers if they had them. All of them looked at me like I was from outer space. I found an "Older" looking guy, who knew what I was talking about but said "We don't carry them anymore because there was no demand for them" and told me to check them out online (which I did and Best Buy was to sell them). He told me try Radio Shack but was told the same thing there. He told me to try Target but all they had was one for DVD's. So I'll call our cable provider and see if they know of anything. I guess I could email our preacher's daughter because she got one and told me about it, last year.

The trip was not wasted though as I FINALLY convince Tony he needs a heavy jacket for winter (he's still wearing shorts and t-shirt to school and it was 32* this a.m., with NO jacket). He wore it to church yesterday and he thanked me for it (What's that hon...You were right Mom)...☺ SO anyway, Nick kept calling us to hurry up, he was waiting OUTSIDE for us. Well, town was BUSY and it was about 5 miles back to him. I told him to wait inside or go to Office Max and get the stuff Dan needed but he wouldn't. (I think he enjoyed annoying us) When Nick's ready to go he's ready to go...NOW, that's why I HATE taking him shopping. (No offense Honey but he shops like you...you get what you want and you're ready to go)☺ Tony's like me, he likes to check out EVERYTHING.

So anyway once we finally got to Nick, he was starving (it was 4:30 and I fixed "Brunch at 10:30 (French toast and sausage). Tony pulled into RUNZA but Nick said "Can't we eat REAL food" and I said "Where"? (dumb question, Nick loves Famous Daves BBQ) so I told them we could go there but we were going to eat "CHEAP". So, Tony had to back all the way out of the drive through lane. I guess Nick forgot what I said about eating cheap because his was 15 bucks (Dan said it was OK)but he cleaned his plate. HE had a rack of BBQ ribs, double onion strings (they were the best I ever tasted), corn on the cob, cornbread muffin and fried apples. (Did I tell you he weighs 93 pounds now)☺ Tony ordered the Pulled pork and got everything like Nick but potato wedges instead of onion strings and he cleaned his plate, too. I had a baked potato with a scoop of BBQ chicken on top...one word "Delicious" and 650 calories (but it was my lunch and dinner both).

Nick drove home with a stop in Beatrice for Popcorn so I can make caramel popcorn (today). Only deer we saw, were the dead ones, on the side of the road. As we pulled into the driveway, Tony's friend Katie pulled up and asked him to go to the play with her, so he did. It was great to spend some time with my boys. It makes me sad when I stop and think that Tony will be 16 in Feb. and it won't be long and he'll graduate. That thought just made me tear up, seems like only yesterday we were telling everyone our good news.

Sunday after worship my brother and sis-in-law said that Tony, Nick and KJ were going to the farm, with them. So since they were gone Dan and I went to Sonic together. Donna and Raymond made spaghetti for them then KJ helped Donna make one apple and one pecan pie. They didn't taste it though it's for Thanksgiving. I never heard what the boys did (probably shot guns or rode the 4 wheeler. (Whoa,typing 4 wheeler just made me think of my nephew Dillon, whom we lost last month in a 4 wheeler accident, going to miss seeing his cute smile at Thanksgiving).

I walked the dog and I got a Sunday nap, too, been awhile since I've had a Sunday nap. Back to church at 5 then the kids and I went to Wally World. They wanted tacos for supper so we stopped at Taco Bell on the way home. If you stick to ordering JUST tacos you can feed a family of 5 for about $10. there. I got my usual 2 fresco Tacos (only 300 calories TOTAL and I love them). KJ worked on her art work. This week she has to draw herself, which she doesn't like. Nick and Tony did their homework and I started "writing" this blog. (it takes me so long to write this but it's my online Journal...for when I get old and can't remember my "wonderful life"). Even though I had a nap I was so happy when it was time for bed.

Well, that brings us to Monday. It's already 12:30 and Nick told me to wait to walk the dog because he wants to go with me. I plan to go to the fitness center tonight with Dan and KJ and maybe Nick. I'm going to make sweet potato casserole, date bars and caramel popcorn and put it in the freezer until we leave Wednesday. Which reminds me...here's what I put on FB for my 24 days of Thanksgiving.

The 24 DAYS of THANKSGIVING!!! Day 15: I'm THANKFUL that today I was told they are going to fix our streets!!!

The 24 DAYS of THANKSGIVING!!! Day 16: I'm THANKFUL for a warm house on this cold night. Love that it *S*N*O*W*E*D a little, too. ONE MORE WEEK!!!☺

Day 17: I'm THANKFUL for my F♥A♥M♥I♥L♥Y. Had a living room full tonight. We laughed (one cried), they ate and watched some football. I'm thankful I wasn't the one who had to drive home in a cold car though!!!

The 24 DAYS of THANKSGIVING!!! Day 18: I'm THANKFUL... it's ♫♪FRIDAY, FRIDAY♪♫!!! There's only 5 things standing between ME and 5 days of R & R...and that's Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The 24 DAYS of THANKSGIVING!!! Day 19: I'm THANKFUL for my 5 senses. What is your favorite of these 5?

* 1st is SIGHT- I could go the rest of my life and NOT ever look in a mirror but NOT being able to LOOK at my kids, Dan or this beautiful world God created; would be very hard for me.

*2nd would be HEARing-I love hearing my kids laugh (the fighting...not so much) or KJ playing her piano or violin... and listening to the hymns at church.

*3rd-probably TASTE; although if all food tasted the same or terrible, I wouldn't have to be on this journey.

*4th-SMELL-I love the smell of baby lotion, lilacs, the coffee aisle at Wal-Mart (although I don't drink coffee) but I hate BO, pigs and skunks.

*5th is Touch-although I love a hug or pat on the back, I don't have to "touch" anything to know that I am LOVED.

(Hang in there friends only 5 more days of these...I'm committed).☺

Day 20: I'm Thankful for freedom of religion on this Lord's Day.

Day 21: I'm THANKFUL that "another one bites the dust"...I LOST ONE POUND... -108. Now back to the kitchen to make caramel popcorn, date bars and sweet potato casserole. Bring on Thanksgiving...2 more sleeps and we're outta here.

Well, I have things to do and places to go, see you all back here next Monday and if I forget to get on here on Thursday HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I know I'm thankful for this time of year, when I can stop and think of how blessed I really am.

Have a SON-filled week.

Week 63 and more

2011-11-13T20:52:00.005-06:00

This is what was going on at our house last night... Tony played chess with Dad (while texting, too)

and Nick and KJ worked on their art (and I started today's blog entry)

11/11/11 was Veteran's Day and I saw this on several FB pages so I'm posting it on here, too.

THANK YOU VETERAN's, including my DAD, for your service. U.S.A

Well, it's Monday again and here's the results for Week 63 of my journey. I LOST ONE more pound, -107 now. I'm one step closer to my goal of losing 130 pounds. It's 13 weeks until our vacation to California so I need to step it up and try to lose 2 pounds a week, so I can be at goal by than.

I've had several ask me how I keep on track each week and I always tell them "Prayer" "Cheerleaders" and a lot of "Determination". I've come this far I don't want to "derail" now. I've had some ask me to put on here what I eat daily but it's no special diet I usually eat what ever the family eats, just smaller portions. Also, I DO NOT use any diet pills, potions or any other diet aid that's on the market. I seriously just watch the number of calories I consume each day, walk and PRAY.

For breakfast lately I've been eating oatmeal and add raisins to it. I ♥ it!!! It really hits the spot and keeps me full. Otherwise, I'll scramble an egg and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds and a couple pieces of pre-cooked bacon. For lunch, if I'm home alone, I'll eat homemade veggie soup or a can of the Campbell's "Cup at Hand" tomato soup (I get the low sodium one) or the Veggie one, 70 calories. I also like some of the WW microwave meals, usually under 300 calories each. Supper is usually where I consume the most calories and I always try to eat before 7 p.m. and then not eat anything after supper. I also eat 2 or 3 fruits a day; a banana, grapes or one of the little fruit cups of peaches I keep in the fridge, 80 calories but it has a lot of sugar in them so I don't eat them often. Also, I buy Planters "South Beach Diet" approved can of nuts. I eat the almonds, KJ likes the cashews and Dan eats the macadamias. The reason I buy this kind is because it only has 50 mg of sodium compared to regular cans of just almonds, that have 380 mg (or more) of sodium and actually the almonds taste better, in this for some reason.

It was another full week at our house. I went to the chiropractor twice this past week and it's the weirdest thing, after a visit I usually can go 2 days without severe pain and then it comes back strong and after the next treatment it goes 2 days again. This week he wants to cut back to one treatment a week and see how it goes, since we don't have insurance for it. Here it is Monday and I haven't had a treatment since Thursday and it's doing pretty good and I don't go til Wed. I've cut back on the Ibuprofen but I still ice it a couple times a day. I'd like to just go ahead an have the cyst surgically removed but I'm such a chicken; so for now I'll just keep praying about it.

It rained most of Monday so Comet didn't get walked. KJ didn't have piano, her teacher was out of town. We had another tremor Monday night about 8:35. I felt it and I just said "Lord, be with us". It really gets your attention, that's for sure.

Tuesday, it rained most the day. Dan, KJ and Nick went to the Pancake feed they have every year on "election day". They both had art work on display there. I think I've gone to it maybe 2 times since I've been married (31 years) for one thing I can't take the smell of it. It smells like burnt pigs in there, yes you read that right. You know how much I hate PIG. It's also smokey in there from pancakes, sausage and eggs cooking and I'm not a big fan of pancakes, so I stayed home and feasted on veggie soup.

Tony had a Scholars Bowl meet at Seneca. He said he answered 6 questions correct. Can't remember if I wrote about this already on FB or on here but Nick was named "Student of the 9 Weeks". He told Dan but he didn't tell me because he didn't want me to put it on FB or on here. Oops!!! to late. He had a 3.8 grade. KJ had a 4.0 grade. I've said it before and I'll say it again, they do NOT get their smarts from me. God has blessed them so much.

Wed. since the forecast said SUNNY and high of 60*, I invited my Mom to ride along with me and we ended up in Lincoln (after looking locally and in Beatrice, for a winter coat; the down side of losing weight is now I get COLD) but still no luck. I did find something for casual that's like a zip up hoodie that's fur lined inside and I also found a jacket I can wear to church this winter. Didn't pay much for either one.

Nick went on a field trip to Omaha, with the art club. They left at 7:30 and imagine his surprise when I walked up to him at McDonald's in Beatrice (they didn't get very far). He had a good time and came home with a few things he bought. No school for Nick on Thursday either because he went to the FFA Leadership Day at Holton. Tony had another Scholars Bowl meet at Wamego; he answered 6 right again. Can't wait til they have a meet here so I can go, I think they're fun to watch.

Thursday, I hurt my wrist or should I say Comet made me hurt my wrist, when I was walking him. On our way home one neighbors dog got inside the fence of another neighbor's yard and they were fighting/biting each other and the little neighbor girl was inside there trying to get her dog out of there. She said the last time it happened her dog was scratched pretty bad.

Anyway, when Comet saw them he took off and I was pulling on his leash with both hands and I couldn't get him to stop. I knew not to drop the leash, especially with the little girl there. Thankfully I saw Dan was coming in the truck and I gave him Comet's leash and he drove him home, Comet outside the truck. My wrist was killing me but I didn't want to leave that girl there alone, finally the little girls mom came over and after 5 minutes or so she got her dog out of there. I didn't even know Comet could bark, especially like a Big Dog.

Friday was 11/11/11 and as Tony put as his FB status "I think there's 111,111 FB status' about 11/11/11". KJ went to a sleepover. The house is so quiet when she's gone, no piano or violin practice to listen to. Dan and I and the boys went to eat supper with my parents and another couple. Tony's friend called and asked him to hang out (it's a girl and they are just FRIENDS, she doesn't drink/party either so they hang out a lot). So later, Nick asked me if he could drag main #1 that meant I had to ride shot gun as he can't drive without an adult (Flashback to 1975 when my Mom would do the same for me THANK YOU Mom...but were you as embarrassed as I was?)☺ and #2 kids stopped dragging main years ago (depending on who you talk too but I was always told that the price of gas is what caused kids to stop dragging main) but some kids at school wanted to try to get it started again. It ended up that about 20 kids parked their cars/trucks on main and all stood around and talked. Tony was one of them, he just smiled when he saw me in the passenger seat. I told Nick I'd let him out and I'd go on home but he said they were all upper classmen. It was nice to see the smile on Nick's face earlier though, as he "followed" a truck load of kids, making sure he stopped at each stop sign and used his blinkers, etc.

Nick's pretty shy and Tony's very social. Nick doesn't do much with the boys his age (he did fish a lot at the river this summer with some friends in his grade). When I ask him what his friends do on the weekends, he said they sit at home and play video games. Nick doesn't like to play video games or chess or even FB. He does like to watch a few shows on TV like hunting/fishing shows, things like that. He also likes to build things and takes great care of his chickens and occasionally he'll go with me to walk "HIS" dog.☺

I went to bed early Friday night and slept late and it felt GREAT!!! KJ was with her friends most the day. Dan and Nick worked on the fence at the shop. Tony needed a haircut (basketball starts today) and I can't use scissors yet so he went to the salon inside the Wal-Mart in Beatrice. It was a lot cheaper than the Manhattan salon. They charged him $24. and this was $12. and she thinned it out on top (that kids got a thick head of hair). While he got his haircut, I got what I needed to make Oreo balls and bon bons for Tony's FCCLA fundraiser the next day. It only took 2 hours but I got them done. It was hard to roll them into a ball, with a sore wrist but I did it.

Tony and Nick went out to spend some time with Levi at the farm. Nick bought 3 pumpkins at Wal-Mart (75 cents each) and 3 mini-propane tanks, too. Well, they made a little fire out there stuck a propane tank inside a pumpkin and put it over the fire and then Nick shot at it. Well, it exploded and started a fire, that quickly got out of control (Tony said he kept telling them it was to windy but...). Long story short they ended up calling 911 and the fire department had to come put it out. They were so scared it was going to get to Uncle Ray's shed but thankfully it didn't. (Raymond thank you for taking this so well, the boys learned a lesson, that will stick with them always and Levi were NOT mad at you bud OK they love spending time with you). Tony got a lot of smoke in his lungs but is fine now and Levi cinged his brows but praise God, no one was seriously hurt and no structures were damaged.

Moving on...KJ went to see "Courageous" with some friends but only after she finally practiced her instruments and worked some on her art project. It was funny because someone posted on Tony's FB there was a big buck on main street so Tony asked if we could go see it (we live 3 blocks from main) but of course we didn't see it. We had to pick up KJ from the movies anyway.

Sunday, after worship we grabbed Sonic food because Tony had to be to school at noon to help sit up for the FCCLA (formally FHA but now FCCLA, which stands for Family, Career, Community, Leaders of America, a club that is for boys as well as girls) auction, a fund raiser for the club. I went at 1:00 and looked at all the stuff that was donated. They had 8 tables of stuff to look at and if you liked it you put your bid down with your bid #. They had a "Nebraska" calendar, memo cube, note cards etc. that I thought I'd get to give as gifts but the winning bid was $25. Also bid on 3 pkgs of designer socks (9 pairs) I thought I'd get for KJ but the winning bid for them was $21.00. They had a lot of stuff to auction off but it was mostly "designer" purses (I carry a billfold), jewelry (I own one necklace, a few bracelets and a wedding ring and I rarely wear any of them) and make-up, which I never wear. I can't justify paying a $100. dollars for a purse, jewelry or make-up. Especially those last two even if it was for a good cause but my husband works to hard making a living to support the 5 of us to spend that kind of $$$. Enough said about that. They did draw my name for a door prize, I got a 3 pack of socks for KJ.

They ate all my Oreo balls and bon bons (looks like I'll have to make more for the holidays). I had several ask me for the Oreo balls recipe, including the lady I got the recipe from years ago. I thought that was funny but I didn't tell her. For the bon bons I used my sister-in- laws recipe that's in "Granma's Cookbook" (for you Hooyer's that have that cookbook).

I also took a pumpkin dip. There was just a little left so I gave it to one of the teacher's that sat at my table because when I was getting ready to leave she said "Oh, you brought the pumpkin dip" and I said "Yes" and she asked for the recipe because she really liked it and I said "Would you like the rest of this because I have more at home" so she took it and said she'd give Tony the bowl at school. The recipe by the way is VERY simple. 1- 15 oz. can of Libby's Pumpkin Pie filling and one 12 oz. tub of Cool Whip, whip together and serve with ginger snaps or molasses cookies. I used a package of the Wal-Mart brand cookies that have sugar, iced oatmeal and macaroon's in it. If you don't like pumpkin you won't like this but it'd be good with Thanksgiving. The recipe said to hollow out a small pumpkin and serve the dip in that but I couldn't find a SMALL pumpkin so I served it in a small burnt orange colored bowl ($2.50) I found at Wally World and sit it in the middle of a cute tray ($2.50) with acorns and leaves on it and put the cookies around it. Speaking of THANKSGIVING...only 10 more days. I'm still doing the 24 days of THANKSGIVING on FB and here's this weeks.

The 24 DAYS of THANKSGIVING!!! Day EIGHT: I'm THANKFUL the tremor we had again last night was just that...a tremor and not a massive Earthquake.

Day NINE: I'm THANKFUL for FACEBOOK, where I can keep in touch with my family, old friends, new friends and a few friends I've never met face to face...you know who you are. ☺

Day TEN: I'm THANKFUL that it's THANKSGIVING in 2 weeks. Can't wait to spend some time with some OEHM'S and HOOYER'S.

The 24 DAYS of THANKSGIVING!!! Day ELEVEN: I'm THANKFUL I LIVE IN THE USA and PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!

Day 12: I'm THANKFUL for each minute I get to spend with my kids. They keep so busy so I'm happy with a few minutes here a few minutes there.

Day 13: I'm THANKFUL for another beautiful Lord's Day (and that it's almost bed time, I missed my Sunday nap today).

The 24 DAYS of THANKSGIVING!!! Day 14: I'm THANKFUL for another ONE pound loss for week 63, -107 pounds. It's 13 weeks until vacation and I'd like to be at my goal by than and I have 23 pounds to go, that's like 2 pounds a week...I better step it up a notch.

10 more days til Thanksgiving so 10 more days of THANKFUL FOR...

Anyway, I'm glad they had a good turn out and the club made some $$$. 2 years ago they built a new, bigger Santa house that they can also use all year round for other events. They want to make "Welcome" signs to put at the entrance to town, also. It was fun to watch the bidding but I missed my Sunday nap. KJ went to see "Courageous" again (4th time) this time it was "FREE" with 2 items for the local food pantry. KJ said every seat in the theater was filled and I was told they got 2 van loads full of food for the food pantry. This is one movie I want to buy on DVD.

I fixed french toast (usual Sunday night meal) for supper but I didn't get to use any of Nick's fresh chicken eggs. Every Saturday Dan and the boys and my Dad go eat breakfast together and the lady that works there asked Nick if she could buy some eggs from him (for home use not the restaurant). She gave him $5. for 2 dozen, that put a smile on his face.

So anyway after supper Dan and Tony played chess and KJ and Nick worked on their art projects. I'll take pictures when they are done. After dishes I actually started typing this blog post, my head bobbing up and down like a bobber with a fish on the line. I was so drowsy. I was happy to see 10:00 roll around and I had no problem getting the kids to get to bed, even Tony went to bed (he usually stays up til 11:00 but he also felt sick last night and today he stayed home from school. (You know he's sick when he misses school and he'll miss the first day of BB practice and a scholar's bowl meet). I fixed him a bowl of oatmeal at 7:15 and he's still asleep, 3 hours later.

Brings us up to date. It's another beautiful day outside so I think I'll walk the dog right after lunch. It gets so dark and cold early now. I walk him along the new trail by the house. It's really nice to have a nice level sidewalk to walk on (I don't let Comet walk on the actual new sidewalk, I make him walk on the grass beside it...for reasons I think you know...☺ I've got to run some errands until next week...

Have a SON-filled week.

Week 62 results and tremors

2011-11-07T14:30:00.004-06:00

You'll understand this picture when you read the events of Saturday below. LOL

Week 62 results...I LOST ONE MORE POUND for a total loss of -106 pounds. I've said it many times on this Journey "One day and One pound at a time" and I'm not complaining, I'll take that one pound, it's better than a gain, any day!!! I'm just so thankful every week that I keep losing. I work so hard at this, trying to make it a way of life and I'd be lying if I didn't say I get a little nervous come Monday morning weigh-in. My brother thinks I should report the point ounces (like 1.6 oz.) but it's easier math to just do the actual weight and no ounces.

Well, I had another busy week. Tuesday it was so nice out that my Mom and I walked a mile. The sun felt good but we got a little over heated by the time we finished. The high was 75*, pretty nice for November. It was Taco Tuesday at our house as we had Taco Bell for supper. I walked the dog alone and Nick finished his art project.

Wednesday I went to the chiropractor. I don't know what was louder, the snap crackle pop when he popped my neck or me when I gasped after he popped it. I have always been afraid to have my neck or back popped but I will admit I'm glad he popped it (and I didn't become paralyzed like I always thought would happen). Treatment has helped a lot but it starts hurting on the days I don't go for treatment though. Anyway, I took KJ out for violin lessons and then Bible Study that evening. You know you live in Kansas when the day before it was sunny and 75* and the next day it's rainy and KJ and I actually saw *S*N*OW* on our way home from lessons. Made my day, I LOVE SNOW but it didn't amount to anything.

Thursday, knowing the kids didn't have school on Friday, I did my usual Friday chores (dust, sweep etc.). After school I always run Nick down to the shop so he can check his chickens and get the eggs. He usual gets 3 eggs a day. He loves his chickens. Nick and I walked the dog and checked out the progress on the walking trail that they are putting in where the main line of the old railroad tracks were. I just wish they'd do something with the mess in front of my house but what's the rush...it's only been 8 years. I made a Sweet Potato Casserole and put it in the freezer for potluck Sunday. Also a pumpkin roll and mini pecan pies.

I also got a check in the mail for $12.50. I tied for 2nd place in the local newspapers FREE (I can't stress that enough FREE...I don't want anybody thinking I GAMBLE) Football Pick 'em Contest!!! It was the last week and I just figured I didn't win anything because usually they put the winners in the paper each week but they didn't have ANY results so I was happy when I checked the mail and saw the check. I have always won at least once a year (one time I even WON the $200. prize because I didn't miss any). I've been doing this contest for 25 plus years; it's a lot of work to pick who you think will win but it's also fun too especially when you know you are beating MEN!!! ☺☺☺

So Friday, after I went for treatment the kids and I went to Lincoln. We took Dan's truck because we had to bring back stuff he ordered. After shopping awhile we headed home. I'm happy we had Dan's truck with the cattle guard on the front because crossing into Kansas I saw a big buck (Nick said 8 pointer) on the shoulder of the left lane and I said "Deer" and I didn't swerve and the buck hit the front bumper on my side. Thankful, no damage to the truck and no one was hurt. Also thankful that I was only going about 55 MPH (I drive slow at night for this very reason...deer). I found a driveway and got out to look for damage and we looked for the buck but it was long gone. I can just imagine what the car would've looked like had we taken it to Lincoln instead. Tony and Nick were with my nephew Levi last night and a doe ran into the side of his car, again no one was hurt and no damage. Tony said he's a "Deer magnet".

Saturday the 5 of us headed to Sabetha for the 38th Annual Bible Bowl/Youth Rally. There were 7 teams this year and I'm happy to announce that Tony, Nick and KJ and a young man from another town (you HAVE to have 4 on a team) took 2nd place. They WON 5 out of 6 matches. Also proud of the kids because KJ took 1st place in Individual, she only missed 5 out of 60 plus questions. Another kid took 2nd he missed 6 and Tony and another girl tied for 3rd, they both missed 7 questions. Nick missed 9. The kid on our team missed a total of 20 questions which makes it hard to place first as a team but what can you do when you only have 3 kids from Marysville. I am so proud of the kids. As soon as they got back last year, Dan started studying Genesis with them. Next year it will be on Matthew. Gma O took pictures, I'll have to get them from her.

So anyway...I think Tony's a "chick magnet" because it seems no matter where we go, some girl latches on to him. Saturday, he met a girl at the Bible Bowl and when it was over he begged us to let him go with her and some of the other kids at the rally, for supper, then go to Seneca, (between Sabetha and Marysville) to a movie. Yeah, just what we wanted to do hang around town while he went with friends. So, Dan, Nick, KJ and I tried out their Mexican food restaurant then drove to Seneca. Well, Tony's bunch decided to go bowling instead and Nick joined them, Dan and KJ went to the movie and me...well guess what I did? Yep, I went shopping. They have a PAMIDA store there and I'm glad I went because I found a pair of Lee Jeans there. (Yep I went down another size). Tony said his good-byes (and I'm sure he's been texting her) and we got back to Marysville about 9:30. Poor Comet didn't get walked.

Can you imagine setting at your computer, with your legs resting on a foot stool and the foot stool sways left and right (and it's NOT on wheels). At first I thought it was the wind (25MPH gust) or the trains in the RR yard, a couple blocks south of us but then Tony said his radio TURNED ON!!! KJ asked about it, too. Dan and Nick were already in bed, it was 10:55ish. Well, it wasn't but a couple of minutes later and my cousin in Oklahoma posted "Did anybody else just feel that (earthquake)"? Then our local radio station posted the same thing and right away 15 people commented that they felt it, too. It scrolled across the screen that tremors had been felt in Texas, OK, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. It was still the topic of conversation today at the chiropractor, Wal-Mart and grocery store. I know earthquake's are a serious thing but I just had to post that people about the 2011 Kansas earthquake...we will rebuild. If it never happens again it will be fine with me but if it does I know that God is in control. I was happy that it also was daylight savings time and I'd get an extra hour of sleep...NOT. I woke up at 4 a.m. my wrist was killing me. That's happened a couple of times now and "Advil" usually helps me go back to sleep, if not, I just stay awake and pray, til the alarm finally goes off.

Sunday, after worship, we had a THANKSGIVING potluck meal. Turkey and Ham all the trimmings. (I'm so glad I planned ahead and made food Thursday because I was so tired when we finally got home Saturday night it was a nice feeling knowing the food was in the freezer). Mom and I had decorate the fellowship hall on Thursday and I bought some candy corn on clearance at PAMIDA and I used it as eatable "confetti" on the tables. Right after we ate Tony and I rode with my parents and our minister, to the nursing home in BR for a short service with the residents there. Dan had to catch up on bookwork from being gone all day Saturday, Nick had homework and KJ had to do her piano and violin.

After the 5 of us had seen the movie "Courageous" together, I told my parents that I was going to take them to see it, so we went to the Sunday matinee of it, KJ went, too. I'm not sure who cried more; my Mom or My Dad!?!? I really like this movie and if you haven't seen it, go see it (and take plenty of Kleenex). It's from the same group that made "Fighting the Giants" and "Fireproof". It's very rare that I go to the movies because it very rare that a good family movie comes along and I hope they make more movies. I finally walked the dog about 8:30...in the dark...it was creepy. That's what I don't like about it getting dark so early.

Well, it brings us back to Monday. Went to the chiropractor again this a.m. I told him that the treatments are lasting about 2 days now before the pain returns, which is way better than pain daily and his goal is to make it 3 or 4 days of no pain. He really has helped a lot and for that I'm thankful. Speaking of THANKFUL I saw several on Facebook that was doing a "24 days of THANKSGIVING" where each day of November you put on FB what you are Thankful for that day so I decided to do it, too. I will copy and paste them below of what I have for the first 7 days so far.

The 24 Days of THANKSGIVING! Day ONE: I am so THANKFUL for my husband of 31 years, that loves me "in sickness and in health" "in good times and my not so good times" and works harder than anyone I know, to provide for our family. ♥♥♥

The 24 Days of THANKSGIVING! Day TWO: I'm THANKFUL...this is RAIN and NOT SNOW! Enough said!!

*Day THREE: I'm THANKFUL for my Momma, who no matter how much pain she was in, still helped me decorate the fellowship hall, for our Thanksgiving potluck Sunday at church. I ♥ U Mom and THANKS!

*Day FOUR: I'm THANKFUL...I was driving Dan's truck, with the deer guard on the front, when I hit that BIG BUCK tonight and THANKFUL no one was hurt. Also thankful I remembered "DON'T SWERVE". I feel bad and now I know what they mean when they say "Deer in the headlights" look.

*Day FIVE: I'm THANKFUL...that I get an EXTRA HOUR OF SLEEP TONIGHT! I ♥ daylight savings!

*Day SIX: I'm THANKFUL for the THANKSGIVING potluck and fellowship we had after worship this morning. Also THANKFUL that I got to take my awesome parents to the movie "Courageous" today. And THANKFUL that Levi, my boys (and the deer) weren't hurt when the deer ran into the side of Levi's car tonight. God is Good!!!

*Day SEVEN: I'm THANKFUL that I LOST ONE MORE POUND (-106) and that I am getting relief from my wrist pain.

Time to fix supper (homemade chicken noodle soup should hit the spot on this chilly, rainy fall night). It's 5:30 and dark already and all 3 kids are working on homework right now.

Have a SON-filled week.

Week 61 and more

2011-10-31T13:45:00.004-05:00

Nick right after his last cross country meet as a freshman. He PR'd, too

The knife Nick Whittled this weekend...say that fast 3 times.

I put the knife Nick whittled here by his deer skull and fish

Nick made this sign to hang above his bedroom door.

Well, I'm 61 weeks into my Journey and happy to say I'm still moving right along. I LOST ONE POUND, for a total loss of -105 pounds. Although I do wish it would come off a little faster, I am happy with the results and I'm proud of myself for NOT giving up. I really do take it one day and one pound at a time. People are starting to "notice" it more now, especially those that hadn't seen me in awhile. When I went to Nick and KJ's award last week, two ladies commented on my weight loss. Then at the funeral Wednesday, those that hadn't seen me in along time all commented on how "good" I looked. If you know me well, you know I don't take compliments well and I will admit I was embarrassed by all the attention but so happy that they all told me that I helped encourage them to make the commitment to get healthy. Also talked to a cousin and a couple other ladies at Black Squirrel night and they said the same thing.

I'm just thankful that I have been able to shed 105 pounds in a healthy manor and I pray God continues to bless me with the strength and willpower to lose the next 25 (or so) more pounds. To God be the Glory!

Well, it's Monday Oct. 31st...Halloween. Just another day for me. Not much going on tonight. KJ's going to her friends house to hang out and Nick and Tony will be home. Nick has an art project to finish and Tony well...he's grounded. Tony's grades for the 1st 9 weeks are no where near what he is capable of getting and it didn't seem to bother him, so Dan grounded him...from pretty much everything, unfortunately. Hard to do but he really needs to realize that it's time to get serious about school and grades and not all this fun and games. Someday...I hope he thanks us for helping him realize how important it is to do well in school.

Here's what I've been up to this past week. Monday, KJ had piano right after school and then I ran Nick down to check on his chickens. He usually gets 3 eggs a day. If he doesn't live on a farm when he gets older I will be surprised. He has all the qualities of a good farmer.☺ Then Nick went with me to walk the dog.

Like I mentioned before, Monday night Nick and KJ and other students were recognized for their results on the Standard of Excellence. Nick and KJ both awarded for Math and Reading. Afterwards, they served snacks in the the cafeteria. The kids all sat with their friends, so I got to visit with several mothers.

Tuesday it was so nice I walked ALONE over 2 miles. Tony walked the dog for later. It was so nice to walk at a nice pace and not get slowed down by the dog but I had a sharp pain in my knee, that's why Tony walked Comet for me. It felt better by bed time. I think I just walked to fast on an uneven surface and not used to it.

Wednesday, I picked up my Mom and we went to the funeral of our former TOPS leader, Janet. She was just 64 years old and lost her fight with cancer. Her family asked that her TOPS friends all walk in behind them into the service. I HATE FUNERALS AND I HATE CANCER!!! It was nice to see all my former TOPS friends. I miss going to meetings each week and having that time with friends but with my kids' busy schedule it just didn't work out for me to go each week. They were all happy to see that I have had success though on "Taking Off Pounds Sensibly"(what TOPS stands for). I had a nice visit with several of them that day; on the way to the cemetery and at the luncheon, as well.

That afternoon, it was a little cooler but I walked the dog a mile than also walked another mile, alone. I like to "Pray" as I walk and thank God for all my many blessings. There's been a few times where I actually catch myself "singing" out loud, too...thankful no one hears me though.

KJ didn't have violin lessons so I didn't have to rush supper that night and I made a big batch of veggie soup (I LOVE veggie soup)!!! At 7, we went to bible study and back home, where I kept getting on to Nick and KJ to keep working on their art work. Sometimes I just feel like a drill Sergeant "Get busy on that art work" "Go practice your Piano/Violin" "Bring me your dirty clothes off the floor" "Finish your homework" "Take care of the recyclables" "Shut the TV off and get busy". I look back at when they were little and how I felt overwhelmed sometimes, but now it almost seems like it was easier than...cause they didn't have 101 excuses. Don't get me wrong they are great kids and I love them dearly but they are "testing the waters" and sometimes it gets a little to "deep" for me. It's then that I try to remember that I did the very same thing to my parents and I have to try to remember to be consistent and that one day I will turn around and they will be moving on with their lives so I have to guide them the best way I know how to NOW!!! (Now why did that last thought just bring tears to my eyes)?

So anyway...Thursday morning I called the local chiropractor, Dr. Frank, after my sis-in-law Donna told me I should have him look at my wrist. I'm so happy she did too because I no more walked in the door and was telling the receptionist my info (I couldn't write it because I've been wearing a brace for 5 weeks) and he came out and asked me what I was there for and I said I'd like him to look at my wrist and he looked at it and said "Oh, you mean this ganglion cyst" and I said "What"? and he said it again. He had the receptionist google it and sure enough that's what it looks like. I told him I had been to the drs 3 times, had 2 sets of X-Rays and a MRI, got a cortisone shot (that didn't help) and not not ONCE had I heard the word CYST...but had 3 totally different diagnoses.

So anyway, after I told him about falling any hurting my wrist he told me my elbow was out of whack to (not surprised because I jammed my right hand all the way up). He worked on it about 30 minutes and by the time I left I was able to move my thumb and bend my wrist (a little). He said the worse thing I could do was wear that brace for 5 weeks...causing my wrist and thumb to "lock". I went back again Friday too and this morning. He used electric shock today and it felt so good (once I got past that first ZAP) LOL. It's not 100% yet but I can at least move it. He said he can't cure it but can make it where I can at least use/move my wrist. I've talked to a few who have had surgery on their wrist to have the cyst removed...not sure I'm ready for that yet though. This injury has cost a fortune and if it keeps up I'll soon be able to call myself the "Million Dollar Lady"(Sorry Dan I know this isn't funny to you or our pocketbook)

and to think that a chiropractor is the one who diagnosed it...folks go see them first...cheaper and WAY smarter.

So anyway, I walked the dog then I walked again, alone. It's a lot more fun to walk outside than indoors that's for sure. I ended up taking Tony (he wasn't grounded til Sunday) and KJ to the last football game. It was at Seneca and I had to go there to pick up my MRI copy anyway so Dan said we could go to the game, too. I can't believe now much trouble I have had with this injury, then have to haggle to get copies of my x-rays and MRI...WOW. Well, enough about that...

Friday...well, the boys got up bright and early and rode the spirit bus to Salina. The Marysville girls volleyball team made it to State playoffs (first time in the 30 plus years). They ended up getting 4th place. KJ could've gone to the game too but chose to stay home and go to school.☺

Friday night was Black Squirrel Night. KJ went with her friends and Tony walked with me to it and met up with his friends there. Got to visit with my cousin and a friend for awhile then I went over and watched the costume contest. They sure had a lot of cute costumes this year, especially the little kids'. Every year they have a drawing for free turkey or ham and my dad won one (it's actually a gift card for 10 dollars off a turkey or ham).☺ (after all ten bucks is ten bucks ☺ little inside joke there). Dan and Nick (he was carving a "knife" out of a piece of wood, a pretty cool one) came over long enough to get "free" black donuts, cookies and coffee; of which I had NONE!!! The local bank gives out candy bars, some have guessing contest and the MHS band plays, too. And of course the black squirrel mascot makes an appearance here and there. (Little trivia...I was the black squirrel mascot 2 years, lots of fun but the costume is super hot and kids like to pull the tail...which is attached to the collar...which chokes you).

Also Friday night my brother Jim made a surprise visit. He said he'd be here at 6, then 8 and he actually got here at 10. (I brought him home a black donut). He brought his boat over to put in storage for the winter. I watched the World Series with him even though I was cheering for the Rangers to win it and he of course being from Missouri, was happy that St. Louis won. Jim was only here about 20 hours...and he didn't hunt or fish while here either.☺

Saturday night all 5 of us went to see the movie "Courageous". Another great movie you can take your whole family to. The same guy that helped write it and star in it also made "Fighting Giants" and had something to do with "Fireproof". I laughed and cried but I won't tell you about it, you need to see it for yourself. Sunday they will show it again here, for FREE, so go see it. (Mom and Dad, plan to skip your nap cause you're going to this movie with me, OK)!!! It's so nice to be able to go to a movie with the whole family and not have to worry about hearing or seeing anything bad.☺ I hope they make more movies.

Sunday, after worship I tried to take a nap but I was to busy nagging Nick and KJ to work on their art work. That evening I took the kids and 2 of KJ's friends to a haunted house in Seneca. Some friends from church who live over there helped out with it. I'm not fond of the whole halloween scene but we did go over to it. It was funny because one of her friends kept saying she wasn't afraid of them and loved to watch scary movies so imagine how fun it was to walk through with 3 girls glued to my hips. KJ basically had her face buried in my back the whole time. She clawed me and screamed in my ears. They wanted to exit it but I wouldn't let them since it cost $3 dollars a piece...and I made for it.

One of the guys in costume said he'd lead us through it but the girls wouldn't let him past us. Our friend her me say KJ's name so he was trying to convince her it was OK and they said they'd "tone it down for us". Well, I went from standing in line thinking I'd be scared (I HATE HAUNTED HOUSES AND SOMEDAY maybe I'll tell you my stories why) to laughing at 3 girls who were so scared. I wasn't trying to be mean and laugh at them but it was so funny the way they acted. KJ was pretty made at me at first but I told her she had to admit they did make for an interesting night. I don't think she'll go again anytime soon...me either. (It's funny cause Tony and Nick were going to go through with us but it was groups of 4, I can only imagine what the boys would've done had they gone through with us. They didn't get scared at all of course.

Well, brings us back to today. It's 6 pm and going to eat now. Maybewe'll have some trick or treaters stop by since we're actually home tonight.☺ I feel like I need a nap or something though to make it til 10ish.

Have a Son-filled week.

Week 60 results and more

2011-10-24T11:50:00.010-05:00

It's official-Nick can drive (with an adult)

KJ on her ripstick (she didn't break her wrist again either)

Zip A Dee Doo Dah

Zip A Dee Eh

My, on my

What a wonderful day!

I lost ONE pound

and happy to say!

Zip A Dee Doo Dah

Zip A Dee Eh!!!

Great way to start Week 60, with a ONE pound loss, for a total of -104. I'll take it, too. I do great all week than the weekend comes and I really have to work at it. Monday-Friday I'm home alone for lunch so I don't have to cook for anyone but myself. This past weekend we ate out every meal, sad I know but I made good food choices, when we did.

Friday night Tony worked the concession stand at the FB game and KJ went to a friend's til the game so Nick suggested Pizza Hut pasta since he had to run at Regional's Saturday (pasta is the food of choice for runner's). I had salad (little dressing but LOTS of onions, etc.) and a few pieces of breadsticks. Saturday, I fixed french toast, pancakes and sausage about 10 (brunch). KJ had 2 friends spend the night and the boys slept in, too. (I just had one piece of french toast and 1/2 a banana).

MHS took 3 other boys to Regional's besides Tony and Nick. When we got there the coach came over to Dan and I and he seemed "concerned". He told us that one of the other boys had forgotten their uniform and that his parents were going to try real hard to get it there in time and that Nick had told the kid he could wear Nick's, since that kid was a Senior and he had a good chance of making it to State, which he did, he placed 9th. Thankfully, the start of the race was running behind and they made it in time with the shirt. The dad told me he would not have allowed his son to wear Nick's shirt because it was his son's fault he forgot his shirt and that Nick ran hard enough to make it to regional's and deserved to run, Senior or not. I'm glad they made it in time. Nick PR'd (Personal Record), shaving 1 minute 10 seconds off his time. He scared me (and himself) when he crossed the finish line and he could not catch his breath and was wheezing. He kept walking and finally calmed his breathing down. He said some kid was right behind him the whole time and he wasn't about to let the kid pass him at the end so Nick sprinted full speed. Tony ran great too but only the Senior boy advances to State. The team was excited when they placed 6th.

After the boys ran at Regional's, we all went to Manhattan. After much discussion on where to eat (so many choices) they all agreed on IHOP (even after eating pancakes etc. for brunch, they love breakfast I guess). Well, we sat there for what seemed like an eternity and no one would take our order. They'd walk right by us and they weren't that busy. So we decided to leave (another group left, too) because Dan needed to go to a couple of stores before they closed at 9. Well, then we had to decide between Taco Bell and Wendy's that were right there. Dan and KJ wanted Taco Bell and Tony, Nick and I went to Wendy's. (I had a baked potato and small Chili...YUM!!!) Dan was able to get what he needed and we had about 40 minutes before the mall closed. We just walked around, we didn't buy anything. Well, Nick did buy a camouflaged phone cover. We made it home about ten. (I was ready to call it a day, too).

Sunday, Tony was "STARVING" and asked if we could go to Sonic so we did because it was our churches turn to go to the two local assisted living places to sing and have a short lesson. Sorry to say but my kids always complain and say they don't want to go and I told them the Lord has blessed them so much the least they can do is go and encourage not only the old people but also our minister, too. I was proud of them when they went in and got out the song books and chairs and Tony even said the closing prayer. It took about an hour out of their day but I think they were glad they went. Levi had gone too and he took the kids to Sonic for a treat than stayed here and played Wii and visited til 5:00 service.

My niece Kristen who works and lives in Northern Nebraska now had gone to visit friends and she asked if she could stop here on her way back home and spend the night. She LOVES the breadsticks at our Pizza Hut so the 5 of us, my parents (her grandparents) and Raymond, Donna and Levi went, too. I had another amazing salad and a few breadsticks. Then we came to our house and visited. While Tony and Levi played the Wii Kristen fell asleep on the couch. As I put some blankets on her I told her she could sleep in KJ's room but she was sound asleep. She left about 9 this morning to tackel another 7 hours on the road. I'm so happy she stops by here when she does travel. She said she has to work Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. We were all bummed to hear that. She just graduated in May as a Speech Patholigist so to find a job anywhere in your field, you take what you can get, even if that means missing out on family gatherings. My niece Ashley knows what that is like. We'll just have to add her name to the skype list that day.

Well, I pretty much gave the update for the weekend here's a summary of what we did Monday-Thursday (I blog all this so that when the kids get older they can "READ" about their childhood...if they choose to).☺ So Monday, Tony had his first Scholars Bowl match. He said he answered 2 correct but he never told me how the team did though. It was away so I didn't go. I did walk the dog, alone, during the day it was kinda cool out and I worked out, too. I made Homemade Chili for supper.

Tuesday, I walked the dog (alone) one mile (I think Comet has become my responsibilty now, has the kids don't have time for him anymore. Dan helps when he can). Then I walked one mile with my Mom (it was 48*)and then I went to the fitness center for 30 minutes. I fixed fried chicken (used boneless, skinless, breast meat) mashed potatoes (No gravy) and corn (about 4 bites of it) for supper. It felt good to actual cook a meal and everybody was home. Whew... Dan had a men's business meeting to go to and the kids did homework and KJ did her piano and violin music.

Wednesday, I walked the dog and took KJ to violin lessons then to Bible Study. Read the local paper while the kids did their homework. I'm kinda upset that the paper doesn't always put the cross country results in the paper. This week it was only online not in print so I had to print the article off the computer (I always clip articles out of the newspaper for their scrapbooks).

Thursday, what was supposed to be a nice walk through the park, with the dog, turned into a jog/run when Comet spotted a squirrel. He liked to pull my arm right out of my socket. I didn't let go and I didn't use my bad wrist to get him stop but I think the guys working at the park had a good laugh and something to talk about over coffee for a few days. Just the day before when I was walking him Dan and Nick went by in the truck to go check on the chickens and Nick stuck his head out the window and was talking to me and as they started to drive off Comet took after them full speed ahead...I had to drop the leash so I wouldn't fall. Dan stopped the truk and Nick grabbed his leash and scolded him...I continued to walk him. I know some of you are probably wandering WHY I put up with this dog and his antics but seriously...he's helped me loose 104 pounds so I can't get rid of him plus as hard as it is to believe this about me, a city girl who couldn't stand to be around dogs I have a little spot (little little spot) in my heart for him.☺

Friday was a half day of school (end of 9 weeks) so we thought it would be a great time to go get Nick's driver's permit (he turned 14, 2 months ago but he didn't want to miss school to get it). Well, everyone else must've had the same idea because they were BUSY. Tony and Nick had cross country practice first and we had to go to Seneca (33 miles)to get it. We got there about 2:30 and didn't leave til 4:30. Just one ladt working and she was trying so hard to move it right along. One guy had been there for over 2 hours waiting for her to come outside for his motorcycle testing and right when Nick was to be next she said she had to close the office for about 20 minutes to do that. That made the group MAD but what could she do. Finally, Nick took the test (he missed 5, just like Tony did and several others that we talked too, well, except the girl that was ahead of Nick, who missed 12...her dad said "How do you get all A's"?) Nick was so happy. I was happy I remembered to bring the correct kind of birth certificate as the 2 mom's behind me had waited all that time just to be told they DID NOT have a true state issued (embossed seal) certicate so their kids could not get their license that day. I took a picture of him as soon as he got in the driver's seat (YES HE WORE A SEAT BELT he just doesn't have it on in the picture and he hadn't asjusted the seat yet either). He did a great job driving home and I didn't have to YELL at him once (unlike with Tony) LOL. I did raise my voice (OK Jim I screamed)yesterday though when we were on our way to church and I told him to watch the next intersection as a truck was blocking his view and he had to yield the right of way and a truck had to stop and she motioned for us to go ahead (I thought sure it was gonna hit my door). He apolized and learned a lesson. Oh the things we do as parents for our kids...and to think I have to go throught this one more time with KJ...in 15 months. Yikes. Pray for me, for all of us and our teen drivers.

So anyway, Friday night the kids all went to the fb game here. KJ had 2 friends spend the night and they actually fell asleep before midnight. Tony went to a bon fire with some friends after the game and we told him to be home by 11:00 (or call if he was staying longer (this is the first time he's gone to something that wasn't a sporting event etc.) We told him if they had achol there he had to leave or call us and we'd pick him up. We know the parents and was pretty sure they wouldn't allow that but you never know what kids will try to bring to one of these, right? So any he called at 10:50 and asked to stay longer as they were all just setting around the bonfire talking so we said 11:30. Well, he wasn't home and we got ahold of him and the girl (NOT A GIRLFRIEND just a Sr. girl that he is buddies with) said it was her fault because her parents insist she drives slow on gravel roads and he made it home a few minutes late. Tony hangs with her because she doesn't drink either or cuss and he said it's nice to have a friend that loves Jesus, too. ☺ You know I was thinking that night how did my parents survive raising 4 kids but then I remembered what my Mom always said "I trust you" and all 4 of us respected them so much and obeyed them...no questions asked. I still say my Mom is the origional author of WWJD (What would Jesus Do) because she'd always say "Remember as you go out tonight "What Would Jesus Do"? I was never tempted to drink or smoke not only because I thought it was wrong or it would hurt my parents but I also didn't want to hurt my Lord. If you read your Bible you know what it says and I planned to keep my body away from it. Nothing good comes out of smoking and drinking. Which reminds me of a post I saw on Facebook: Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a mechanic. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matt. 7:21.

Well, I already reported earlier what we did Saturday and Sunday and here it is Monday again. Tonight KJ has piano at 4 and KJ and Nick will we recognized at the awards ceremony for the "Standard of Excellence" based on last years testing for reading, science and math. Tony's age group did not test last year. Sadly, Wednesday I will be going to a funeral for another "VICTIM" of cancer. Her name was Janet and just 63 years old.

It's 2:00 already and as usual I have errands to run and walk the dog yet and it's 75* and sunny. No sports practice tonight so I'll be picking up all 3 at 3:40. Tony's basketball starts next week and Nick says as of right now he wasn't doing wrestling through the school just kids fed. KJ has continued to run one mile 4 times this past week as she says she wants to do cross country next year too. I better get.

Have a SON-filled week.

WEEK 59 results etc

2011-10-17T10:35:00.003-05:00

Kids with Gma H.

Nick waiting for the concrete

Dan and Tony work the concrete for the shelter house at Camp Ia Ne Ka Mo

It wasn't all work and No play...T & N waiting for the concrete truck to arrive

the kids relaxing in the outdoor hot tub at the motel on a crisp fall night...brrr

KJ at the outdoor hot tub/ pool

Nick took this at the Marys. dam

the COOP by the dam, I love the sun shining

Nick took: Leaves in the alley

another one Nick took for art class

Nick took this one from the truck window as we crossed the bridge

WEEK 59 and HAPPY to report that I LOST ONE POUND; minus 103 now. Although I'm happy I LOST a pound, I wanted so bad to report a 2 or 3 pound loss. It will now be my goal for next week. I did great at the start of the week and really watched the calorie intake and exercised;it seems the weekends are the toughest. I'll explain that more later. I just want you all to know that I have NOT given up on reaching my goal but I am finding it harder to stay motivated. I am still determined but I am finding it harder and harder as each week passes. I have to remember "One Day and One Pound at a time".

So anyway...last Monday the kids didn't have school; Teacher's In-Service, so Nick worked on his art project "picture taking". I drove him out to the dam and he took several out there that he ended up using. He took several in our yard and also by the train tracks. After looking through over 250 pictures he was able to narrow it down to the 50 he needed for school.

KJ had piano lessons from 1:30-2:30. Dan and I worked out that evening and then I walked the dog. I think this week I'll start walking the dog during the day because I don't like walking him by myself in the dark, it gets dark so early and I get spooked and the kids always have homework to do after practice.

Tuesday, back to school for the kids and Dan and I worked out. I was about 10 minutes into my elliptical workout when I got a terrible side ache. I got off the machine and tried to stand up straight but the pain was so bad it felt better to lean over. Finally, I was able to walk over to the bike and ended up doing 15 minutes on it. When we got home I walked the dog...alone...again. Hopefully once cross country is over Nick will be able to go with me but he always has so much to do.

Wednesday, after cross country practice the c/c mom's fed the kids and I had to get KJ to violin practice by 6. Thankfully, we made it to Bible study by 7. It was singing night (I love singing night). I walked the dog while the kids did homework. I didn't get to go to the Fitness Center today though.

Thursday, kids to school and I had a dental checkup. I got my teeth cleaned and the lady that cleaned them is a council woman. I very nicely presented my thoughts about the condition of the street that runs in front of our house and how, 8 years after they removed the train tracks, I'd like to see them finally pave it. She listened to all I had to say and said she'd drive by and take a look.☺ Hey, it don't hurt to try. I talked to the mayor a month ago and as far as I know it was not discussed at any council meetings. We pay taxes and I feel we have a right to have a decent street to drive on. I have to wash my car more because when it rains it's muddy (and I have to dust more, too).

Also Cross Country NCKL was Thursday. Tony, Nick and KJ all ran. KJ is done for the season because 7th and 8th grade don't go on to regionals but Tony and Nick both advance to regionals. Tony PR'd (forgive me for not remembering his time) and Nick was able to finish even though his hip started to bother him again. He said later, he was just happy he wasn't the LAST one to finish. They will compete Saturday at Riley County or is it Royal Valley?

Friday...YAY FRIDAY!!! Well, I knew Tony wanted to go to the away football game but I also knew that Dan and the boys had to pour concrete Saturday. The game was at Rock Creek and they had to pour concrete at the camp and so we ended up getting a motel room at Wamego instead of driving all the way back home just to turn around and Dan and the boys having to drive that again at like 4 or so in the morning. It was a smart call and after Dan and Nick loaded his truck with supplies they met us at the game. Well, when they got there I was in the car...trying to thaw out. Brrrr. I went to the car at half-time, shivering (I had on 2 shirts and 2 jackets and still cold). Seems I lost my insulation or something.

Marysville Lost 55-28 and we also lost another Quarterback. Our 1st one got injured in the 1st game and had to have surgery and this one got hurt 3 minutes into the game. Was told he broke his ankle and was going to need surgery can't confirm that though. So anyway, it was nice to drive 15 minutes to the motel. The kids had the pool (outdoor and NOT heated) to themselves but they also had a hot tub so they would swim then get in hot tub and repeat the process for about an hour. Nick wore his JEANS so he stayed warm. KJ wore sweatpants and a tee but Tony was macho and wore shorts. Yep, I just shivered thinking of it.

Well, the plan was for KJ and I to go shopping in Topeka and then when the boys were done helping Dan I'd go pick them up cause Dan thought he's be there til 10 p.m. but it turned out that they got it down with the help of several guys and ended up beating KJ and I home. Imagine that!!! Contrary to what KJ told Dan about wanting to be done shopping that isn't all true!!! She was having fun shopping UNTIL it was my turn to try on clothes than she wanted to move on. I was very patient while she looked and tried on clothes but she got bored waiting for me and I HURRIED. Where she takes FOREVER to look at EVERYTHING.

I actually enjoy shopping for clothes now although it's hard to decide what to buy and which ones need to stay at the store. I got a pair of black dress pants for 20 bucks, used a coupon and in store sale. I found 2 long sleeve casual shirts and after using coupon etc. I got both for under $20. KJ got 4 shirts, and a nice gray jacket for church, all for 34 bucks at Burlington Coat Factory. She found a "Snoopy" shirt at Penny's and after coupon and sale it was under 10 bucks. We went to K-Mart and we walked into the store and she saw a really cute KU shirt (No Jim I didn't leave out an S for KSU). We got it for 9 bucks. The price tag said 24.99 and I said No Way but when we scanned it, it said 8.99 so I said she could get it and she'd have to deal with Uncle Jimmers later. (Jim played football at KSU). She needed long sleeve shirts for winter.

She also found a cute phone cover but she had to pay for that herself. She also bought her own perfume and hand lotion at Bath and Body. She's got spending $$$. It's funny because she always wants "stuff" but when I tell her we don't buy "stuff" a lot of times she won't buy it. We buy clothes for her but not the extras, it teaches her to think things through. "Do I really need it?"

We had to go to Sam's Club and KJ watched a movie on one of their TV's there while I got everything we needed. I had to get paper products for the church building and home plus groceries, so my cart was full. It was hard to maneuver with a bad wrist. I stood in line 25 minutes just to get checked out and it took the kid about 20 minutes to do. He kept talking to me and telling me how tired he was and he had only been to work 30 minutes etc etc. He must have OCD because as he put everything in the cart he would stack it just so and then move it. It took forever!!! Next time I will pay attention to how long it takes to check people out cause they were busy in there but he took FOREVER. What I told KJ would only be a little while, ended up being 90 minutes before we finally got out of there. We left Topeka at 6:15 (even though there were several more stores I wanted to go to). I don't like driving at night and we got home a little after dark. I want to share this article with you that happened last week to a lady that lives 25 miles from us. What is this world coming to?

http://www.marysvilleonline.net/articles/2011/10/14/news/doc4e95b5cb2e48e422003433.txt

Sunday after worship we ate real quick then at 1:30, Tony had his last soccer match. He was goalie and then later he played and made one of the 2 goals of the match. They lost 5-2. Nick didn't play because he didn't want to take the chance of an injury with XC regionals this week. KJ played her last match at 3:30, they also got beat. It was windy and chilly and I think I'm glad the season is over. I'm such a wimp now.

After p.m.service I went to Wal-Mart and bought a shower curtain and rod and with the help of Nick, we took off the old shower doors that are 16 years old (we got our moneys worth out of them). It only took an hour from start to finish and although I don't care for the pattern on the curtain (palm trees) it's doable til Dan remodels the bathroom...soon I HOPE. Now if I could just do something about that UGLY tub!!!

Well, it brings us back to Monday and here it is noon and I haven't had lunch yet and I need to run errands, too. Then walk the dog...while the sun is shining and it's still a little warm.

Have a Son-filled week.

Week 58 results and saying Goodbye to Dillon

2011-10-09T20:43:00.007-05:00

No pictures this week but here's my most recent bulletin boards. "Happy Fall Y'all" and "Our Class is a Treat". I had fun making my own "Candy Corn" cutouts and put each kids name on them.

Well, here's a first after 58 weeks on my Journey. I STAYED the SAME...Nothing Lost, Nothing GAINED. I thought I'd gain today after stepping on the scales yesterday morning and it showed I gained 2 pounds. I wasn't surprised after we made a quick trip to Iowa for my nephew's funeral. I didn't eat any veggies and only one time did I have fruit, some fresh pineapple, in 3 days. No good excuse but it is harder when you are away from home (and mourning the loss of a loved one).

Last week was rough readers and not just on my "Journey" but "Life's Journey" for my 12 year old nephew, Dillon, who died after an ATV accident. Nothing prepares you for the phone call we got last Tuesday. Dan and Nick had gone to check the chickens and they came in the back door and Nick was crying and Dan looked like he was, too. I thought something had happened to the chickens or something. Dan told me that his sister-in-law called and told him to pray for our nephew, Dillon, who had an ATV accident. It was BAD and Life Star was en route. Dan, Nick and I huddled together and started praying. The phone rang again and Dan's sister told us Dillon had passed away. We were devastated. Nick cried so hard, he was so sad that his cousin, his little farm buddy, had died. Never had I wished so hard that it was all a dream and I'd wake up but it wasn't. It was hard to tell Tony and KJ the horrible news when they got out of cross country practice. Dillon was one week older than KJ and I can't imagine how I would ever cope if one of the kids died before me. It's almost been a week and I still cry several times a day.

Tuesday night and Wednesday was a blur, as I went through the motions of life. I didn't feel like working out but I did, several times I had to wipe the tears from my face though. Wednesday night 2 other cross country mothers and I fed the team. I had to bring salad and garlic bread and we also served Spaghetti and dessert. Dan ran KJ out to violin lessons than we went to Bible Study.

Thursday morning Dan and I walked the dog and got him food and water to last him the 36 hours while we were gone. After I got our dress clothes in the garment bag and the rest of our clothes in the suitcase, Dan and I headed to Sabetha to watch KJ and Tony run Cross County. Nick didn't run because his hip muscle was still sore (not sure he'll run this Thursday either). Tony had a PR time of 20:25. KJ did pretty good don't have her official time though. As soon as Tony finished his race the 5 of us left from Sabetha and took highway 75 to Omaha than interstate on to Sioux Center. We got to town at 10:15 and drove by the church where they had the visitation for Dillon earlier. Dillon's parents and siblings were just getting ready to leave but we were able to go in an see little Dillon. I'm going to miss that little "twinkle" in his eyes and his smile. It was so hard to see him lying there.

Beside his casket was a brand new pair of cowboy boots. We were told that just 3 days before the accident Dillon had asked his dad if he would buy him a pair of cowboy boots. He wore them with pride all 3 days and there they sat, never to be worn again. At the funeral the song "If I Die Young" was sung but the gal changed some of the words and mentioned the "Boots" in it. Wiped me out. The pews were packed. Teachers and classmates from Dillon's school, wore their school colors, Orange and Blue. It was super windy at the graveside service. Dillon's grave is close to Grandpa Hooyer's.

We went back to the church for lunch. I was able to visit with several of Dan's aunts, who I hadn't seen since Dan's dad passed away 4 years ago, Oct. 25th. That evening most of Dan's sibling's and families gathered at his Mom's. It was a beautiful fall evening so 2 of my sis-in-laws, Brenda and Jolene and I visited outside. (We go WAY BACK...Dan and I married first, then Brenda married Dan's brother Gregg the next year and I think Jolene, who married Dan's brother Loren, were next). Did I mention Dan is one of 11 kids? Oh and don't get me wrong, I love to spend time with ALL my sis-in-laws (Maria, Deb, Brenda, Jolene, Natasha, Judy, Julie, Anne, Sarah, and the 2 from the Oehm side, Donna and Arlene) all 11 of them are special to me and I don't want to leave out my awesome SISTER, Judy. Love you all!!!

The 5 of us headed back to Kansas Saturday morning. Tony wanted to be home in time to go to the school play, "You're a good man Charlie Brown" that night, which earned him 25 extra credit points in English. Not sure if he really needed them or not but he sure wanted to go. I started on laundry right away. It rained all evening so I didn't get to walk the dog and the fitness center closes at 5 on Sat. and Sunday so I didn't get to work out. It rained Sunday evening so I didn't go then either. I'm going to push myself all week to get this weight loss moving in the right direction and get this last 30 OFF!!! It's 18 weeks til our vacation to California and I would LOVE to be at my goal weight by then. I have got to get motivated and determined to do this again. Help me CHEERLEADERS!!!

Yesterday, the boys didn't have a soccer match but KJ had 2. They won the first one and lost the 2nd one. They are fun to watch. Next week is the last week of soccer. Then comes basketball for Tony and maybe just maybe wrestling for Nick. The lowest weight class is 103 and Nick weighs around 88 pounds right now. The coach wants him to go out and he said he'd only let him wrestle when there's a kid close in weight to Nick. I don't know to many freshman that weigh 88 pounds but we'll see what Nick decides. Otherwise he'll probably just stick to Kids Fed wrestling. KJ is undecided about playing basketball. A lot of her friends are going out for it but Dan and I'd like to see her take some time off to focus on her piano and violin lessons and art projects. Again, we'll wait and see what she decides.

Brings us to today, Monday. My weeks just fly by. Won't be long and it will be Thanksgiving than Christmas. We're all counting down the days till A & D come visit all of us for a month. WOOT WOOT. The kids are home today, NO SCHOOL...Teacher's In Service. We had a good rain in the last 24 hours so Dan's home today catching up on bookwork. Not sure how we'll spend our day but Nick wants to go ride in the country, to take pictures for his art homework.☺

Have a Son-filled week.

In Memory of Dillon Hooyer

2011-10-05T22:10:00.000-05:00

In Memory of Dillon Hooyer
When you read this please take a moment and say a prayer for Dan's brother Paul and his wife Maria in the loss of their 12 year old son, Dillon. We're devasted by the news of Dillon's passing, at such a young age but we can not question why God took Dillon from us. We can however thank God for blessing us all with Dillon, if even for a short time. We will miss his smile and that twinkle in his eyes.

Week 57 results, Mother-in-law visit and more

2011-10-03T09:00:00.010-05:00

Sue and I "catching up" at the bonfire/hay rack ride at Dennis'

Nick doing flips on the swing at Dennis' get together. I taught him that! LOL

KJ heading for the finish line at her c/c meet at Rock Creek

KJ playing cymbals in the homecoming parade, 7th grade

KJ smiling as she passed us during the parade

Nick dressed as a Nerd for Homecoming Spirit Week Nerd Day

Nick's egg basket he made (with Dad) for all the eggs he gets

Nick's egg basket has 6 slots for eggs. That kid thinks of everything, he even "padded" it.

Nick letting the chickens out for the day

Can't call them "chicks" anymore...they are so big now.

My Mother-in-law Lois and I checking out Nick's chicken coop.

Dan with his Mom looking at the shop Dan built at the Industrial Park

Here it is October already and what a beautiful fall day. I spent most the morning trying to catch up...typical Monday. I worked outside awhile, cleaned out the car, picked up the house, did laundry, uploaded pictures and now I'm finishing this blog. And with Monday comes my journey results so for week 57 here's my results. I LOST one pound and back to -102 pounds. For some reason every since I got to the 100 pound goal I had it's like I'm not as focused or something. Not sure what it is and although I lost this week it just doesn't seem like I have the determination I had at the beginning. Don't get me wrong I am still watching what I eat and doing the same things as before (Pray, read the 12 Steps, keep a food and journey journal, don't it after 7 (if at all possible and exercise) but I don't feel as motivated. I'm not sure what it is that's got me in this situation but so far I've been able to keep on track, pretty much.

I don't know if it's because of the constant pain in my wrist and all the problems with that or the pressures of raising teenagers and their hectic schedule or all the "fun" I'm having with "all the things" that go along with being female and Over 50!!! I'm not a "woe is me" type of person but lately it seems like I've been that way...so hopefully I get over it...and quick.

Here's a look at the past week. Monday evening after supper Dan and I went to the fitness center than we walked the dog together and the kids worked on homework. Than the kids and I watched "The Price is Right" together. I think they were surprised how much TV time Jim and I had.☺

Tuesday: After I took the kids to school I decided to go to Manhattan and do a little shopping than head over to KJ's cross country meet at Rock Creek. I was looking for something to wear to the wedding we went to Sat. but no luck. I did find a sweater type top to wear to church etc. though...on sale even. I tried on so many things but so many tops now are so low cut or just plain U*G*L*Y!!!☺

I stopped and got a sub sandwich for KJ to eat after she ran and surprised her with it. She ran the mile in 8:21 and took 16th, just 2 seconds behind her friend Kate. She was so hungry and they didn't have a concession stand either, so she was happy I stopped for the sub sandwich. She was able to ride home with me, which got her home 2 hours earlier than her teammates. It was great mother/daughter time. You can't beat one on one time with a kid.☺ She got home just in time to go to soccer practice.

Tony was busy helping with the sophomore float at the park and Nick was working on a marble maze...for over 4 hours. I didn't get to the fitness center but let me tell you I probably walked 2 or more miles just walking the mall and the cross country trail.

Wednesday the usual routine take kids to school etc. The cross country mom's fed the team supper at the school, than I took KJ to violin practice. I sat out in the car while she was inside at practice and I had planned to read the local newspaper but I fell asleep...felt great.

Than we had bible study. I have to share this with you. Our minister was giving announcements and was telling us about his trip to Colorado for a lectureship he went to. Well, he rode his motorcycle and he was telling us he pulled off the highway because it looked like it was going to rain and he said He had a HEART ATTACK!!! My heart sunk!!! and he was smiling and said "It's a 6 ounce hamburger patty, with fries and chili etc. piled on top". The "heart attack" was the food he ordered at the restaurant. He's so ornery!!! So anyway, Dan and I went to workout while the kids did their homework. Than KJ and I walked the dog and I finally got that newspaper read.

Thursday I had another appointment for the results of the MRI I had. They said it's probably acute tendinitis. So after much discussion they gave me a steroid shot and sent me home with a big black brace that has a place for my thumb. It's the thumb area that has been giving me the most trouble. She said I should feel the effects of the shot in 2-3 HOURS...well, it's been 4 DAYS and still nothing. Even the pain tablets don't help. Was told if this shot doesn't help that I'd have to wait at least til next Monday (10 days) before they can give me a higher dose steroid shot, directly to my wrist. I was warned it is painful and the guy that can give them, only comes to town on Monday. Well, pray for me because I'm thinking I'm going to be scheduling an appointment...no matter how big that needle is; I just can't live with this constant pain, it's making me miserable.

So anyway, because I had the shot and wasn't sure of any effects on my driving I didn't go to Horton to the cross country meet. Nick didn't run due to a sore hip and thigh but Tony ran the 3 miles in ??? sorry I forgot what it was now, it wasn't a PR I know that. They got home pretty late and Nick was happy to hear that the dog had been walked.

Friday, I put up fall bulletin boards than Dan and I went uptown to watch the homecoming parade and Nick joined us. Tony rode on the sophomore float and KJ got to march in her first parade. She played the cymbals. When she heard she would be playing the cymbals in the parade she was happy to hear that she wouldn't be carrying the heavy drums BUT once she walked in the parade she complained about how heavy the cymbals actually were and she was tired. She had a few pinch marks from them, when she was done. She also played them for the half-time queen and king ceremony. Dan and I had taken the dog on a long walk then walked over to the game to watch KJ then left the game right after it. We got beat 55-0. KJ had her friend stay overnight and the boys came home after the game.

Saturday Dan drove to Sabetha, about 45 miles from us, to pick up his Mom. One of her nephews and his family, was going to the KC area so she rode along with. She got here about 10 a.m. Saturday and Dan gave her a tour of his new shop at the industrial park and Nick showed her his chickens, etc. Than we ate buffet, for lunch, at the Pizza Hut. One of Dan's workers got married at 4 so my Mom came down and played Boggle with Lois while we were at the wedding. She brought steaks along so Dan grilled them for supper. While I got stuff ready for potluck the next day at church (taco salad and EZ peach dessert) Dan, Lois and the kids played Heartland Strategy, then bedtime.

Sunday after back to back (worship/potluck/devo)we hurried home so Tony could change and get to his soccer match at 1:30. The rest of us (including Gma and Gpa O and Gma Lois) went to watch. Nick didn't play due to his injury. Tony was goalie and did a great job (even though he has a bruised hand from hitting the goal post thingy. KJ's match wasn't until 4:30 so we came home to wait. I had to rest my eyes a bit I was so drowsy. We went back at 4:30 and watched KJ play. They won 16-0 and KJ made one of those points.☺ Dan and Lois had to leave before it was over, to take Gma back to Sabetha to catch her ride back to Iowa.

After KJ's match we stopped to pick up KJ's friend Taylor and headed to our preacher's house in the country for his annual fall bonfire cookout and hay rack ride get together. Got to "catch up" with Sue and I went on 2 of the hay rides. Gates asked me to tell a scary story so I started talking with my "witch" voice and I my brain went blank and I couldn't think of one scary story (and I used to be the queen of scary stories) so here's what I came up with. "It was a dark night in the old house as I walked through each room wishing I had a night light when suddenly I turned on the light and SCREAMED as I saw myself in the mirror" and went Bahaha. She said "That wasn't scary that was funny". I tried!!!

On the last ride we sang a few "camp" songs. We sang songs earlier, before it got dark, around the fire. Time always goes so fast out there and my kids didn't want to leave but we finally did at 9:45. On the drive home 2 different times a deer bout got us, I was thankful we didn't hit them and thankful we had Dan's truck, with the big guard on the front. I didn't have to tell the kids twice to get to bed, they all seemed worn out from yet another busy weekend.

That brings us to today and here it is 3:15 and I finally have this post ready. Meanwhile I've got the laundry caught up, too. Look like another busy week ahead and I just marked off another day off our "Countdown to California" list. 135 more days. I need to get busy, I want that 30 pounds gone by our trip.

Have a Son-filled week.

Week 56 results, Soccer and a MRI

2011-09-25T19:56:00.007-05:00

Mr. Hooyer- Senior Citizen's day for Homecoming (minus the gray hair we added later)

WE GOT EGGS!!! Nick's chicks finally laid eggs

KJ with the cheetah she drew for art

the cheetah reference and KJ's picture

Tony and Nick and the rest of the high school soccer team, taking a breather.

Nick warming up

Tony, the goalie for most of the matches

It's Week 56 already? Time goes so fast!!! I wish I had better news but I'm afraid I gained this week, one pound. No matter how many times I stepped on that scale; it still showed I gained one pound BUT I am still at -101 pounds. I noticed Saturday that I was up 2 pounds and I worked really hard to get one pound gone by this morning. I need to re-focus my journey and get back to what I know needs to be done to have weight loss. With the kids' busy schedule it seems we grab a bite at Sonic or Hardee's to eat on our way to cross country or soccer practice/matches,etc. Also with my hand hurting so bad I haven't been cooking as much either.

I know I can do better, like I did to get -101 pounds off, I just have to stay focused and be as determined as I was last year at this time. I know I need to eat more veggies, too, like I used to. That's the hardest thing for me daily, is eating my veggies but I will work on it this week and Lord willing when I report next week it'll be that I LOST!!! One day and one pound at a time!!!

Well, it just seems easier to talk about my week if I go by days so here's what I did last Monday. Besides the usual laundry, walk the dog and workout at the fitness center, I kinda took it easy Monday. The garage sale wiped me out and I was a sloth most of Monday afternoon.☺

Tuesday, I finally made good on meeting my "cousin once removed" Julie, in Lincoln. I told her that once the garage sale was behind me I'd get up there for a visit. I hadn't planned on it but she was my personal clothes rack everywhere we shopped. I joked that I felt like I was on that show "What Not to Wear", where they trash everything in your closet and make you go shopping for a whole new wardrobe. Only thing missing was the haircut/makeup makeover. Perhaps next time. LOL!!! I tried on so many shirts and surprisingly I came home with 4 long sleeve shirts for this winter and got all 4 for under $35.00. I needed shirts. I went with Julie to pick up her son from school (hard to believe he's 8 already) then left Lincoln. I got home in time to pick up the kids from cross country practice, they grabbed a bite to eat, then dropped them off at soccer practice. I went to workout then walked the dog. WHEW!

Wednesday, I had a Drs. appointment because my wrist still hurt and almost 2 hours later...I still had no answers. I am impressed by the PA Julia, she gave me her full attention and was trying so hard to find out why the constant pain. Even after taking more X-Rays, 2 Drs. and the PA still couldn't figure out what was wrong with it, so they made an appointment for an MRI...more about that later.

KJ didn't have violin lessons Wed. so she was able to stay after cross country practice and eat with the team, the meal the moms made for all of them. Then at 7 we went to Bible Study. It was late and I walked the dog alone and didn't make it to the fitness center. (insert sad face here)☺

Thursday, Dan and I went to Belleville to watch Tony, Nick and KJ at their cross country meet. All 3 got a PR (personal record)time. KJ ran her mile in 7:58 and Tony ran the 3 miles in a time of 20:47 and Nick ran it in 23:02. Nick wasn't happy with his time, he felt he ran slow do he was happy when he found out he PR'd. I'm just so proud of them for going out, especially KJ. I have to share a few sayings that I saw on t-shirts. Remember they usually run at a golf course..."Cross Country; Finally a real use for a golf course". "Notice, there is NO Bench in Cross Country" and "May the "course" be with you". There's more I liked I just can't remember them.☺

Anyway, the kids rode the bus home (the coach expects it) so Dan and I got to eat supper together...at the Dairy Queen...just the 2 of us. We shared a salad and I had a turkey deli sandwich. When we got home, Dan went with me to walk the dog. Then I went to work out...alone. I like to go around 8 pm, usually no one there.☺

Friday, Tony rode with a kid and his parents to the football game at Clay Center. We WON. Dan and I went to work out and KJ and Nick worked on homework and their art projects. Then Nick KJ Dan and I went to the late movie "Dolphin Tale". Good family movie that's based on a true story. Of course it made me cry but I also saw a tear running down Dan's face. I'm glad I went.

Saturday, oh yes up bright and early so I could be in Seneca for my MRI. (we just opened a million dollar hospital and I still had to drive 30 miles for an MRI)!!! Anyway, I got there early so they took me first. It even creeps me out typing about it but I hope I NEVER have to have another MRI...brutal. First, on the drive there I kept telling myself "You can do it" "Forget about all those MRI horror stories you've heard" etc. 2nd, I didn't realize I was claustrophobic. It did everything in my power to NOT punch the panic button. 3rd, if they offer you a blanket, no matter how hot blooded you are...take it. That constant cold air blowing on my neck...I realize they have to use it but burr!!! 4th, seriously...invest in some REAL ear plugs. The little foam ones I jammed into my ears popped OUT about 5 minutes into the torture chamber. That constant noise (I can still hear it) ANNOYING. 5th-make sure you are in a comfortable position BEFORE you enter the "CAVE" because they tell you DO NOT MOVE!!! I had my right hand straight out, the one that's injured and my left hand I rested my head on. It soon went NUMB and when all was done I had a nice big red spot on my face. 6th It's OK to cry because the technician can't hear you or see you. I started praying and then I'd sing then pray again, all to myself. It was the LONGEST 35 minutes of my life!!! (and I've had 3 kids...all WITHOUT DRUGS).☺

My left leg started cramping then I started shivering. I wanted to squeeze that panic button so bad but you know what kept me from doing it? TONY!!! Tony had an MRI last year when he broke his wrist and he told me it was no big deal, so I couldn't let him know, his own Momma is a wimp. ☺ NOW I wait for the results!!! 3-5 days.

Anyway, I got back from the torture chamber and Tony asked me if we could go to Manhattan because he needed a haircut (I can still buzz Dan and Nick's hair but I can't grasp scissors to cut Tony's hair). Plus, he needed jeans and sweat pants after yet another, growth spurt. It was nice to have Mom and Tony time and he drove to and from, too. I didn't get back in time before the fitness center closed at 5 but I did walk the dog about 2 miles, it was so nice out.

Sunday, after worship we grabbed sandwiches and the kids had to be at their soccer matches at 12:15. The boys played 2 matches. They lost the first and won the 2nd. Tony was the goalie most the time. They both seemed to like it and Nick was running all over the field and usually had a big smile on his face.

When Dan signed up the kids he asked the guy in charge what time matches would be because we didn't want to interfere with going to church on Sunday mornings or Sunday evenings and he said they would all be done by 5. Well, KJ's match was a make up match due to rain last week and she had to be there at 4:15. Well, it got started late and then they didn't have a sub to take her place if she left so I thought I'll just let her keep playing not knowing it was 5:30 an we missed pm service. I felt terrible, I've always said I'd never let a sport come before going to church, even an evening service. KJ was so upset and I told her it will NOT happen again. They will have to play one short if it means missing services. She said "Mom, church and God are way more important to me than soccer".

So anyway, we went home and I made supper and KJ worked on her art and Nick his homework. Before bed we had a "family pow wow" and finally after what seemed like it would never get here...it was time for bed. I couldn't wait til my head hit the pillow. I remember Gma Jelly Beans saying that phrase so many times and thinking "I hope I never get that old and weary" and here I am almost 52 years old and saying those very words...and I'm way younger than she was when she said it. I'm getting old...fast.

Well, this brings us to Monday and this is a late posting because I had several errands to do and I watched "The Price is Right" today and so many other interruptions. Way back in June, when my parents, brother and I went to LA, we went to a taping of TPIR and today it aired. First person I saw was my brother, Jim. We were in the center section, back row and we thought we had bad seats (we couldn't even see half the games they played due to all the huge boom cameras). Well, I had plenty of air time...I saw myself several times. And may I just say that I'm glad I had lost over 90 pounds back then cause TV does make you look 10 (or more) pounds heavier.☺ And Drew Carey is WAY thinner in person than he looks on TV. Wednesday, the episode Jim and I went to alone, airs and pretty sure we won't have as much TV time.☺

Tonight after c/c practice Nick asked me to drive him to the chickens and the 6 year old neighbor boy, Thomas came over and he ended up going with us. Imagine Nick's face when he opened the coop to let the chickens out and he found an EGG!!! Then another and another!!! 3 eggs. He was so excited. FINALLY!!! eggs. Thomas told his mom later that he brought Nick good luck.☺ We didn't have them for supper but Nick wants them for breakfast tomorrow.

Finished supper, Tony's at the JV football game, Nick's trying to find "Old man" clothes for Senior Citizen day for Homecoming Spirit Week and KJ is almost done with her cheetah picture. It looks pretty good. Dan's doing book work and I'm going to go walk the dog and then work out.

Have a Son-filled week.

Week 55 results and Garage Sale fun...

2011-09-19T10:25:00.005-05:00

Would you like to live on a street that looks like this? Me either!

Lake Marysville, no but close to it. One of the bigger pot holes

This was taken right in front of our house. Not much fun to dodge the pot holes

taken from our driveway looking North, they took out the RR tracks 8 yrs ago

The approach to our drive way. Dan has had to fill it in with rocks...for the last 8 years.

Monday already...well, here's the results for Week 55 of my Journey. I LOST one pound for a total of minus 102 pounds. To be honest, I thought it would be more, as hard as I worked setting up and taking down the garage sale, I'm just happy it wasn't a gain.☺ I have to share with you what I read online last week. "How can a 2 pound box of chocolates make a woman GAIN 5 pounds"? I thought that was pretty cute. Anyway, the only exercise I got last week was from walking the dog and all the work on the sale. I didn't get to the fitness center all week because I literally worked on the garage sale stuff up to the time I opened on Friday.☺

The 6th annual Highway 36 Treasure Hunt is now history and I say it every year, that NEXT year I will go to the sales and NOT have one but so far that hasn't been the case. It's a lot of work pricing all my "stuff" and I spend a lot of time on it but I am always happy with the end results. I was happy with how much I made (about $450.00 and total sales were over $1,000 between me, my sister, my parents, my sis-in-law and the 3 kids). It takes a lot of quarter and dimes to add up to that but I price stuff low so I don't have to bring it back in the house. As for clothes I usually get about 2 or 3 dollars on my blouses and kids clothes a dollar or 2 depending on if it's name brand, etc.

Tuesday night, KJ had a cross country meet in Clay Center. She was so HAPPY I took the time to go watch her run. I lost track of how many times she told me and how many times she hugged on me. She took 54th out of 86th with a time of 8:32 for the mile. I enjoyed walking the course and encouraging her at a few spots (nice workout going up and down the hills there).☺ I'm so proud of her for going out for cross country, I'm proud of all 3 of them for going out.

When I got back from watching KJ, Tony helped me move all the "stuff" for the sale, from the house to the garage. I was so happy to be able to see the floor again in the bedroom and to be able to get into my office with out stubbing my toe, on all the boxes. Nick was busy making saw horses

that we put plywood on top of, for tables. (We also ended up using all the tables from the church building, too).☺

Wednesday, after I took kids to school, I made two pans of brownies for the cross country meal at 5:30. The night before a meet, the mothers take turns feeding the kids. I was down for corn and brownies and 3 other's made Lasagna and garlic bread. Then I started unloading all the boxes and worked on that til 4:30, then went to the school with the food.

KJ had to eat and run and I had to clean up after we fed them, so my Mom took KJ to violin lessons (THANKS MOM) at 6:00, then we had Bible study. Busy day and I was worn out.

Thursday, I started setting my mom's stuff up and my sister, Judy got here around noon and unloaded her van full, then we started organizing all the tables and tables of stuff. We put several tables outside of our double car garage but quickly had to cover them with tarp because it started to mist. We had advertised we'd be OPEN, rain or shine, Friday and Saturday then we thought about opening Thursday about 4 but God helped us decide NOT to OPEN early, thanks to the light rain.☺ Judy and I went to a few local sales after we ate supper with mom, dad and KJ.

After we ate, as we were leaving the restaurant our mayor, who used to be my boss, was walking into the cafe and I said "Just the man I want to talk too". You see, the city accepted a bid to make a walking trail where the old railroad tracks were in town and I asked him, NICELY, if that included the R.R. spur that was in front of our house and he said "No". I told him it has been 8 years since they took out the tracks (in front of our house) and we STILL don't have curb and guttering on our street, (just a bunch of pot holes full of rain) and that we live on the ONLY gravel road "IN TOWN" and he agreed with that statement. I asked him to PLEASE put us on their "to do list" and told him to take a drive down our street when he left that night to see what I was talking about but he said he's seen it. (Don't worry DAN I was very NICE about it)☺ It's just been a sore spot for me. If you could see how bad the street is you would agree. We pay our taxes and there is NO reason why we have a gravel road...in town.

I lost count of how many people commented on the pot holes full of water, that they had to watch where they walked, when they parked to come into the sale. My neighbor lady is 90 and has gone to many counsel meetings over the past 8 years about our street and she was always told it's on the agenda...for 8 years??? I know for a fact that not a one of our council members would allow for their street to be like this...for 8 years, let alone 8 days. It's ridiculous. If I remember, I'll take some picture of it. Well, I feel better now...thanks for letting me vent. ☺

So anyway...I found a few ladybug things for KJ's collection at one of the sales Judy and I went to and a few odds and ends. Later, I made a few more signs and went to bed pretty early...for me...I was TIRED!!!!☺

The boys had a cross country meet at Clay Center but I didn't get to go and they were fine with that, they knew I was busy getting ready for the sale and that my sis was here. They had to run in the rain but they still ran in pretty good time, not personal records but still good. Now that the sale is over and done with for another year, Lord willing I can go to the rest of their meets.☺

Friday, Dan hung up the signs all over town for me. I make BIG signs so you can read them and put an arrow on them, the direction they need to turn. We are 4 blocks away from both Highway 36 and Highway 77, so for shoppers not familiar with the streets, it really helps them find us, when they see the way the arrow is pointing. I dropped the kids off at school and when I got back we opened the sale. We got BUSY!!! I LOVED it. There was a steady flow of people all day. We had people from Nebraska, Nevada, Missouri and all over Kansas. Sometimes the garage was so full of people it was hard to move around.

It sprinkled off and on, in the morning but it stopped before 10 but the rain didn't stop the people from coming. We had people up til 7 p.m. and it started getting dark and all we had to do was put 2 tables into the garage and a few pieces of furniture and close the doors and left for supper. Tony rode to the football game, at Chapman, with a friend and his parents. KJ went to a friends house and Nick was home working on his art project most the evening. Judy said she'd go with me to walk the dog, it was about 9:45 but he got walked.☺

Saturday, we opened the sale right at 8 and we had a lot of people, not as busy as Friday but still lots of people, all day. It started slowing down about 5 and we started putting stuff leftover in boxes to take to the local thrift store. We were all happy with what we made. The kids made $$$, too. It is a lot of work and I used to give my stuff away to people in need but you know what...I can use the $$$, too. With 3 kids and me being a stay at home mom, every little bit helps out.

Sunday, I LOVE SONdays (I didn't spell it wrong, it's SON day) a day set aside to worship God and a day of rest. We all went to Pizza Hut with my parents, my brother Raymond, sis in law Donna and Levi. They canceled the soccer matches and the FFA fishing thing, due to rain. I was so worn out from the sale, that I took a NAP, a much needed nap. After p.m. service I went to Wal-Mart for groceries, then I walked the dog, alone. Kids had to finish up homework, etc.

That's my Reader's Digest short version of my past week and here it is Monday again. I'm taking it easy today. I made an appointment to see the Dr. about my wrist, that's still hurting, bad!!! Can't get in til Wednesday though, good thing I'm not dying. LOL ☺

I was just reminded (Thanks Natasha) that next Monday, the 26th and Wednesday, the 28th, the 2 episodes of the "PRICE IS RIGHT" airs, that we went to way back in June. Monday, look for us (my parents, brother and I) in the back row, middle section. Wed. look on the left hand side of the TV screen for Jim and I. I doubt we'll make air time but you never know.☺

Hav a SON filled week.

Week 54 and 911

2011-09-12T11:35:00.004-05:00

10th Anniversary of 911 Remembrance downtown

Our local fire department and police etc. on main street

Local firefighter during the moment of silence of the 10th ann. of 911

Monday snuck up on me since the kids didn't have school, so here's my results for Week 54. I LOST the one pound I gained last week ☺ so I'm back to minus 101 pounds. I was divested last Monday when I had my first gain (after going a whole year without a gain) so I was happy when the scales showed I lost again. Although I get stressed by weighing daily and reporting weekly, I feel that if I didn't, it would be to easy to fall back into my old habits. I gotta do what I gotta do.☺

I do struggle with the fact that I only lose a pound a week and I'm trying to comes to terms with that (if you saw how hard I work out when I do work out, you'd know why I'm so upset). Also, this sounds weird but sometimes I don't eat enough, compared to what I ate when I first started my journey. I get so busy during the day I don't get in enough fruits etc. and sometimes don't even eat 900 calories a day. Once the garage sale is over I'll concentrate on it more. I do enjoy all the fresh fruit that's available right now. Yesterday, I had a great fruit salad with kiwi, strawberries, grapes, pineapple, mango and peaches...YUM. I Love fruit now, before my journey it wasn't something I grabbed when hungry.

So, here's what last week was like for me and the fam besides working on the garage sale (and getting side tracked). Last Monday was Labor Day and all 5 of us went to Pizza Hut with my brother Jim, who was here for dove season. Then Tony, KJ, Jim and I rode around in the country awhile. KJ needed to get a landscape picture for Art class and she took over 300 pictures. She decided on a picture of a barn and prairie grass and when she's done with it I'll try to remember to take a picture of her picture.

Jim left that afternoon and I walked the dog (the Fitness Center was closed for Labor Day). Nick and Dan finished the chicken coop (it is awesome especially knowing Nick built it himself and with Dan's help). Nick loves his chickens and he makes sure they get out in the mornings and puts them inside the coop at night (doesn't want a fox or something to get them). He's hoping it won't be long til they start laying eggs.

Tuesday, I went with Dan to workout. KJ had a cross country meet at Wamego but we didn't go. I had a teacher's meeting and she was fine with us not going to it. She ran the mile in 8 minutes and some seconds but I forgot what.

Wednesday, after a 45 minute work out I went and got my haircut...SHORT. Last time I had it this short was 2002. It's up over my big ears but it sure is cooler and easier to work with. My beautician said I looked 10 years younger so I told her "Cut off more til I look 20 years younger" ☺ I hated growing it out, it was a pain and I have no patience for waiting for it to grow. It was always flying in my eyes, like at the cross country meet and it was HOT!!! So goodbye hair!!! Last time I had it cut was April so it was long and stringy and a major pain.

Also on Wed. KJ has violin lessons at 6 so that means I have to have supper in the oven ready for Dan and the boys because as soon as KJ gets out of cross country practice I drive her the 8 miles to lessons then get back in town and do straight to Bible study at 7. I surprised her with her favorite Subway sandwich to eat on the way to lessons. I had them hollow out my bun, it takes about 75 calories or so away and had the roasted chicken. What surprises even me is that I add spinach, yes spinach leaves, banana peppers, red opinions to my sandwich. Before my journey, I NEVER even ate the above mentioned.☺ Grandma Jelly Beans would be so proud of me. Makes me hungry thinking of it. Also had some of the best honeydew melon I've had this summer, with it.

Thursday and Friday same o same oh mark stuff, run errands and work out. Dan and the kids went to the football game so I went to work out. They called the game due to lightening and about 30 some minutes later it resumed and we Won.

Saturday, the boys had a cross country meet at Wamego so Dan and I went down to watch it, KJ stayed at Gma and Gpa's and later went to a friends birthday party. I'm so glad it was cooler that morning cause it got warmer in the afternoon on our way home. They ran 3 miles at the golf course, with one hill called "Big Bertha".☺ Nick's time was 23:10 and placed 77th and Tony's time was 22:02 and placed 63rd. Both had a P.R. (personal record) and it was fun to watch. I got a little exercise in too by "speed walking" to a few of the look outs and made it back to the finish line (after getting lost by the water hazard) in time to watch the boys finish. Dan came over and told me he lost his phone some where while running around watching the boys. All I could think was where would we start to look for it at. About that time one of the Marysville parents came over to us and guess what they had??? Yep, Dan's phone. I don't know who was happier Dan or me!!! It was weird to ride to and from the meet just the two of us, it was so quiet. I missed the "noise" of having kids in the car, minus their squabbling.☺

Sunday, which was the 10 year anniversary of the 911 Twin Towers terrorist attack, KJ and I went uptown for the 911 Remembrance on main street. They line main street with firetrucks, ambulance and police cars and the driver stands beside it. The local church bells ring and then a guy played taps, after a moment of silence. It seems like only yesterday that it happened, I remember Tony was at school and all I wanted to do was go get him and bring him home where I knew he'd be safe. I had a niece born on that very day and my brother Raymond and his wife were celebrating 14 years of marriage that awful September day that changed us all. I watched a little bit on the news of the ceremony at Ground Zero but I had to stop, it just made me cry.

After worship, Tony begged to eat at Sonic, he was STARVING" and didn't want to wait for me to fix lunch, so we ate there real quick. I had hoped to get a nap but I didn't. I did get more stuff marked though. I know you must think I sure spend a lot of time "marking" stuff but you have NO idea how many interruptions I have daily; that's why I started on this 4 weeks ago. I seriously wonder if I will be ready come sale time.

Sunday evening, Tony and I went to Wally World and got groceries. I got some chips, pop and water to sell at the sale and I'll also offer ham and cheese sandwiches, for the hungry shopper who doesn't want to take time away from shopping, they can shop and eat. If I had popcorn I'd make some caramel popcorn to sell, too that always goes fast. Since the kids didn't have school today they asked to stay up a little later than usual, to watch some of the 911 stories on TV, so we did. I hope that someday I get to go to New York and the first thing I want to do is go to Memorial Plaza (the mayor asked that it Not be call Ground Zero anymore).

Brings us to Monday!!! It really is hard to even blog with kids home. I've been in the car 4 times already but I should get it done pretty soon. They do have c/c practice at 4 today, well T and KJ do, Nick has an orthodontist appointment. I just took T and N to help Dan for awhile.

Nick is so excited... he got a big envelope in the mail addressed to him from the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) and he won a FREE pair of Ariat cowboy books (up to $300.) They have a FREE contest online where you pick how you think the riders will compete and finish and Nick won with his guesses. He went online and picked the boot and size and now he waits for them to arrive. You can see his name etc. here: http://roadtovegas.pbrfantasy.com/ right hand side under "Billings recap".

Well, there's the highlights of the past week at our house. I have a busy week ahead of me as I get ready for the sale. My wrist is still hurting so I plan to go back to the doctor after the sale and see if a cast will help. I know I say it every year that I will go to all the garage sales and NOT have sale and every year I have a sale but I always have nice kids clothes to sale and I like to de-clutter the house and I could use the $$$ so I have a sale plus I kinda like having them. There's over 65 sales just in Marysville alone. Plus all the sales along Highway 36 from the Missouri border all the way across Kansas to the Colorado border but seriously, SOMEDAY I am going to go as a SHOPPER!!!

Have a Son-filled week.

Week 53 results and Labor Day

2011-09-04T20:42:00.007-05:00

This is what is left of my sister-in-laws parents' RV that caught on fire Saturday

Nick, Tony and KJ ready for their first cross country meet.

KJ talking to a team mate and 2 other boys after she ran her mile

Nick heading for the finish line

Tony (red and black) presses toward the finish line

Happy Labor Day readers!!! No "Labor" for me today though. I've been like a sloth the past few days, my wrist has been giving me fits, even with the 800 mg Ibuprofen, 3 times a day. I'm usually not such a wimp but the pain is getting to me. I think I'll call the Dr. tomorrow and see what can be done. I was told to wait 2 weeks to see if swelling went down and if the pain stopped but it hasn't so I'll probably have to get a cast. If it helps the pain, I'll get one. I had 3 kids without any pain drugs and it didn't hurt as bad as my wrist does...well, it probably did at the time but this is constant. It's affected my sleep and also my emotions. I cry often and everything bothers me. I think I'm starting to roll "down the hill" every since I turned 50. I won't list all my "problems" here but I'm dealing with a few other issues, too. I shouldn't complain, I don't have cancer or anything and I'm NOT 6 feet under but do pray for me, Please. Getting "OLD" is Getting Old!!! LOL that's pretty funny Janet. See that...I'm even talking to myself.

Well, here's the results for Week 53. Sadly and as hard for me to type as it was last year when I announced my journey, I GAINED One Pound. No matter how many times I stepped on the scales it showed I gained. Yes, I'm upset and tears did flow, I have to remember that I have LOST 100 and move on. The past few days have been rough on me and I invited myself to a "Pity Party". It has been hard for me to stay focused on my Journey and also trying to handle my wrist pain, etc. I had good self-control but I will admit there was a few times I just wanted to eat anything and everything BUT I didn't cave in and I prayed my way out of it. It just makes me more determined to see a loss next week. Moving on...

Last Monday I had to go to Beatrice and went to the little mini wall there to a store called Schwiser's. I tried on about 30 or more shirts and I ended up buying 5 shirts and a silver bracelet with black stones. I got all 6 things and only spent $57.00. I needed dressy shirts for Sunday morning so I was happy. They were 70% off then she told me that they took an additional 33% off anyway, I was happy and I will admit it was nice to try on 1x and size 16/18 shirts; been a LONG time.

Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. I spent marking stuff for the garage sale but I didn't work on it at all Sat. and Sun. just in to much pain. I'll get it all done in time for the sale if not I'll save it for next time. Seems I just get going and the phone rings, or I have to go get the kids or time to fix supper. I'm not complaining because I'm a MOM first and the garage sale takes a back burner. I've heard many say I spend to much time on my garage sales marking everything and I probably do but I really think the reason I have great sales is because 1. I mark EVERYTHING 2. I hang up all clothing 3. I mark it CHEAP (you never get back what you paid for it and I'd rather sell it then bring it back in the house). I used to donate stuff but now I donate it AFTER I first try to sell it, with 3 kids I can use whatever $$$ I make at the sale, too.

Another thing that pulled me away from marking stuff was going to work out. I went every day Monday - Saturday. Saturday, I was there a whole hour. I went everyday but by myself and could stay as long as I wanted. They were closed Sunday and today and I felt so miserable yesterday, I made no effort to even walk the dog...and it was nice and cool, too. I will walk the dog later tonight and I plan to go daily this week. I can't believe that as hard as I work out daily that I'm NOT losing 4-8 pounds a week. Mind boggling.

My brother Jim and brother-in-law Roger came over to dove hunt. Nick went with Jim 2 times and got 4 birds. Jim and Roger usually got their limit. It makes me so happy to see Nick take such an interest in hunting, fishing (Gpa Jelly Beans would be so proud)and even building stuff. They hope to finish the chicken coop today.

Saturday, Tony, Nick and KJ had their cross country meet in town. That was kinda neat to go watch. KJ ran the One Mile Fun Run in 8 minutes and ? seconds. Tony and Nick did the 3 mile run (notice they don't call the 3 mile run a Fun Run)☺ Tony ran in 23:13 and Nick ran it in 24:45. I loved hearing them talk about the golf course they ran at. "Killer Hill" they said lived up to it's name and Tony said impressed when they handed him a glass of cold water...which he drank some and the rest he threw on his face. I don't care what time it takes them to finish I'm just proud of them for going out for it. I lost track of how many people commented on "all 3 of your kids are out for cross country". ☺

Saturday, my sister-in-law Donna's parents' RV caught on fire, at the RV park by Manhattan and is a total loss; as you can see by the picture, they lost everything. Her parents were NOT in the RV when it happened, thankfully. They are staying with Raymond and Donna right now and they are handling it as best they can and will return to their home in Texas as soon as they meet with their insurance company. Was told that the fire started from the fridge.

Yesterday, we had potluck after worship. I told myself Saturday I wasn't going to go to the store and I'd fix something I had already in the house. I had a bag of macaroni noodles, a bag of smokies and like all good Hooyer wives have plenty of...Velveta and a stick of butter and a little milk. Not to bad. I also made coffee cake. Happy that's all gone. We noticed the freezer, in the kitchen at the building, was super iced over so we unplugged it and I went back up about 5 and scraped it all out. Looks so much better but it cut into my nap time. We were invited to a cookout at 6 in B.R. I ate a hamburger and a few chips. NO dessert but I did eat a banana on the way home because I had to take my ibuprofen when I got home. I was so worn out I went to bed before everyone else did...which is so NOT like me.

Well, I've rambled on enough. Dan shut off the A/C and opened all the windows. I need to get outside and go for a walk and enjoy this great weather, it feels like F A L L !!! Not sure what else we'll do on this day off. Nick and Dan will finish the coop, Jim goes home today and I just updated my blog. ☺

Have a Son-filled week.

Week 52 (One year ago)

2011-08-28T21:36:00.007-05:00

This old door is off our OLD fence from way back when now on the coop

All Nick wanted for his 14th birthday was to build a chicken coop...and he did.

They sure have grown in 4 months, Nick takes great care of them.

One year ago I started on this Journey (diet) and I haven't looked back. Last week I made it to the 100 pound goal (without ever having a GAIN) and today for week 52 I can make that

-101 pounds. I lost another pound. One day and one pound at a time...I'll take it. Now I keep working on the last 29 pounds. I'd LOVE to be at my goal by the time we go to California in 170 days☺(24 weeks) so I need to keep losing a pound or two a week. I didn't think I would ever get to 100 pounds and now 30 seems within reach.☺

I was so emotional last Monday and Tuesday, after reading all the well wishes from all my

Facebook cheerleaders and receiving the flowers, gifts and the cute "100" (pounds) balloon. It's because of my cheerleaders that I am down 100 pounds and I wouldn't be here without their support. Here's looking forward to their continued support on the next goal, 30 pounds.

Well, I know one thing for sure...I've been giving 100% when I work out. I'm loving the elliptical (I call it Eclipse, easier to pronounce) at the fitness center. It's NOT as boring as a treadmill. It also helps that I take a towel and cover up the time and distance and not look at it til at least 10 songs have played on my iPod. Did you know that "Don't Stop Believing" is my favorite song to listen to BUT only when working out. It really makes me Move it, Move it. Just wish a good work out didn't involve sweat...I HATE to SWEAT!!! Ewwww, Gross, so if you just lost your lunch but if I had my way that A/C there would be set on 55º. ☺

I will start with Wednesday since I posted last Tuesday on our 31st Anniversary. Wed. Dan and I worked out over the noon hour...I doubt I'll do that again. It was to busy for my liking (and somebody was using my favorite elliptical)☺ That night, right after KJ got done with cross country practice at 5:30, I drove her out to violin practice. (it's the only time the teacher has that works with KJ's new school schedule). So that meant I had to have supper (good ol "Hamburger Casserole Sizzleburger") ready for Dan and the boys, since we go to bible study at 7:00. KJ now has piano lessons at 5:00 on Friday nights since they have cross country practice at 7 A.M. on Fridays, not sure how that time slot will work but the piano teacher is flexible and said she will work with us. We really want KJ to keep playing piano and violin so hopeful that KJ schedule works for her. She's loving Jr. High.☺

Thursday, I went to the Dr. and had my right wrist and left thumb X-Rayed. Thankful my wrist wasn't broken but I do have a hairline crack. Was given a prescription for ibuprofen for the swelling and was told to keep wearing the brace and if still painful in 2 weeks, they'll put a "cuff" cast on my wrist, to wear for 4 weeks. So guess what I'm praying for...? I don't want a cast, it's bad enough to wear this brace, 24/7.

As for the thumb, I'm officially an OLD lady...yep, I have arthritis. I got to see my x-rays and they showed me what a normal thumb looks like and then mine. Looks like a jagged knife. They said they looked at my birth date, to see how old I was and hard to believe I was just 51. Can't say has the meds are helping the pain, just bummed I can't bend my thumb. I think I jammed it when I fell but I blame my brother Raymond for the sore thumb...all that thumb wrestling when we were young. Bahaha. So anyway, that was my fun Thursday.

Friday, Nick turned 14. Really hard to believe he was born 14 years ago. He's such a great kid. He's a hard worker just like his Dad. We ate in town, unlike last year, when we went to Lincoln and ate at Outback (his choice). He just wanted to build a bigger, better chicken coop. So Saturday he and Dan worked on it. It's about done and he is so happy. KJ and Tony went to the football scrimmage then KJ spent the night at her friends house. Me, well I spend all my free time marking stuff for the garage sale (Sept. 16-17th).

Sat. afternoon I took KJ and Tony to Beatrice to get compression shorts for cross country (their 1st meet is this Saturday, the 3rd, here in town). I was happy that KJ found some shirts that are light weight and modest to wear for practice and PE. (Wishing they had a shirt in my size that thing was so soft). That night Dan and I went to the fitness center and I did another 100% workout. Thought I was gonna die from the heat in there. It was 80º in there.

Sunday Dan and the boys went with several from church for Chinese...I DON'T DO CHINESE, I hate Chinese food so KJ and I went to Sonic. I got a hamburger (I didn't eat the top bun) and I brought it home and added my banana peppers and red onions to it. Delicious!!!! I still surprise my family by adding peppers and onions to my food. The other day I got a Subway grilled chicken Sandwich (I have them scoop out the dough of the bread, saves lots of calories) and they were grossed out when I had them add banana peppers, tomato, red onions and spinach greens. Now I'll be the first to confess that BEFORE I started this journey I would've NEVER had that on my sandwich. I LOVE them now. ☺

I didn't get a Sunday nap but Dan and I did go work out again. I usually don't work out on Sunday but we had the time, so we did and I'm glad we did. The kids stayed home and worked on homework and later walked the dog.

Well, my brother Jim and brother-in-law Roger will be here Wednesday for dove season and hoping my sister will come over for Labor Day. We can't go anywhere for the long weekend because all 3 kids have their first cross country meet here Saturday. ☺

Have a Son-filled week.

Happy 31st Anniversary

2011-08-22T10:57:00.010-05:00

Mr. and Mrs. 31 years He's my tall, dark and handsome

The flowers, balloon and crosses I got for losing 100 pounds

KJ bowling. She improved after guy there showed her how to release the ball

Nick getting used to the shoes and slick floor

Tony, acting like his thumb is stuck or just enjoying the Smoke Free bowling alley

KJ, 12 yrs. old, 1st day of Jr. High, 7th grade 5ft.

Nick, almost 14, Freshman- 5'2"

Tony, 15 yrs.old- 10th grade. I'll call it 6 ft.

♥♥♥Happy 31st Anniversary♥♥♥

to my tall, dark and handsome. God has blessed me with a wonderful christian husband, whose a wonderful father to our 3 amazing kids and my best friend. I can't imagine life without you Dan and Lord willing, we'll have at least 31 more years together (we'll only be in our 80's). ☺

I got an early anniversary gift last Tuesday...a new dishwasher. My old one died after over 10 years of faithful service. The 5 of us drove down to Manhattan as soon as the kids got out of cross country practice. We decided to eat at the Olive Garden (1st time for Dan and the boys) they had the special "Endless Pasta Bowls" I stuck to salad (I love the onions and peppers they put in it) and 2 breadsticks (I saved up calories for supper). Then we looked at dishwashers and made my decision in like 10 minutes (we also looked at shower tile etc. our bathroom needs remodeled ASAP).

Dan and the kids bowled 2 lanes at the SMOKE FREE bowling alley. Can't stress enough how nice it is to be able to go to a bowling alley and not get a headache from the cigerette smoke. I didn't bowl because last week I fell and hurt both hands. My right wrist has a sore spot (and big bump) so I've been wearing a brace on it. I'm now worried I might have broken it so I will give it a few more days. My left thumb has been giving me fits, too. I can't bend it and it is swollen, so maybe I'll have that x-rayed, too. Hopefully, I won't end up like KJ (2 yrs ago) and Tony (last Oct.) and have to get a cast. Not fun and it gets in the way of trying to price all this garage sale stuff and the sale is creeping up on me. YIKES...need to get busy.

This is what's going on as I type this blog. This is near my brother Raymond's house, they are safe but I'm praying they get this guy soon.

Marshall County Authorities are continuing to look for Kyle D. Joekel age 27 of Nebraska. At approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was informed that Joekel had just left a bar in Barneston, Nebraska and may be headed toward Summerfield, Kansas. The report said that Joekel made statements about killing police officers and should be considered armed and dangerous. The report also informed local law enforcement that Joekel has ties to a terrorist organization.
At 8:20 in the evening Marysville police observed a red pickup containing the suspect enter Marysville from the north at a high rate of speed. The Marysville Police started a pursuit which travelled south on 12th Street and then went north on 12th Street towards Oketo. Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputies joined the pursuit and followed the suspect vehicle into Oketo where it wrecked. The pickup hit two parked vehicles and pushing a vehicle into a house. The home was occupied at the time of the collision, both occupants left the house unharmed.
Officers immediately apprehended a passenger in the pickup. Joekel, the driver, fled on foot. At approximately 9:20 p.m. Sheriff Dan Hargrave notified local media that an evacuation of Oketo residents was taking place. Media were asked to inform residents of Oketo that Officers and Emergency Personnel would come to their home and escort them to a central location. At approximately Midnight Sheriff Hargrave informed KNDY that they believed the city of Oketo was secure and the citizens were safe. Officers from Marshall County, Marysville, Blue Rapids, Waterville, Gage County Nebraska, and the Kansas Highway Patrol have been involved in the manhunt. Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft are also assisting in the search.
The suspect at large is Kyle D. Joekel, 28 of Beatrice. Joekel is wanted for questioning in pending cases in Nebraska and Kansas. The suspect arrested was David Schwartz, 43, of Beatrice. Schwartz is pending charges in Marshall County, Kansas and Nebraska.
Any information concerning the whereabouts of this individual please contact Gage County Crime Stoppers at 402-228-4343. This individual is considered a person of concern and is not to be approached. Kansas holds a felony warrant for him. He is a white male, 5’10”, 135 lbs with blue eyes and short blond/reddish hair, last seen wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans.

Well, the kids started back to school the 18th. The boys won't admit it but I think they're glad...maybe not. I know it sure is nice not to have to drive to the elementary school anymore. The traffic around it was horrible. KJ, 12½, is in Jr. High now, 7th grade. She seemed a bit nervous the first 2 days but is fine now. In the picture above she is wearing her BLT t-shirt. B=Building L=Leaders T=Today. Last year they selected 8 6th graders to the BLT group, from answers they gave them. The teachers will call on them to help "Lead" in many activities. For example, next year they will be tour guides to next years 7th graders. They help teachers, principles, etc. with what needs done.

Nick, who turns 14 on the 26th, is a Freshman. Tony, 15½, is a sophomore. All 3 kids seem to like cross country, so far. They even ran over the weekend. Their first meet is here Sat. Sept. 3rd. Never been to one so I don't know what to expect. We all continue to go to the fitness center, I workout and they play raquetball. It's to HOT to walk right now although we do still walk the dog LATE at night when it's cooler.

I made it to my -100 pound goal yesterday so now I'm working on losing 30 more. I spent most the day crying though. I had so many "comments" and "congrats" on my Facebook, I could barely keep up with them and the news of the "suspect". I heard the back doobell and Mom was there, she gave me 2 red roses and a cross with "With GOD all things are possible" on it, a perfect verse for what I accomplished. She also gave me a box of boneless, skinless chicken breast from Schwan's (the one diet item I splurge on). I cried (tears of Joy). About, 10 minutes later, I heard a knock at the front door (I checked to make sure it wasn't the "Suspect") and the owner of the local flower shop greeted me with a helium balloon that has "100 Celebrate" on it, and a small gift, wrapped so pretty. It was a cross also but this one had my favorite verse "As for me and my house..." on it. It was from my cousin, Patty, her husband and girls. I started crying again. She went back to her car and got a huge bouguet of flowers. BEAUTIFUL. They were from my sister Judy, Roger and family. Then the flood gates opened. It meant so much that they got this stuff for me, for losing weight I wish I had never gained. I put the 2 crosses in my living room and everytime I see them it will remind me of my Journey ans stay on track. THANKS Mom & Dad, Judy, Patty and families. You all are so special to me.

I was emotional all day yesterday. I was showered with so much PRAISE and Love and the day just kept getting better. After Dan and I went to the Fitness Center, Mom called and asked to take us all out for our Anniversary so as soon as the kids got home from cross country so we met my parents at Pizza Hut. After that, the 5 of us went to Wal-Mart (it is a rare day when Dan goes to Wally World).☺KJ and I were looking at greeting cards and Tony came over and was all excited (think kid in a candy store) and said to follow him and I did. I found Dan and Nick in the computer aisle. Long story short Dan, bought me a computer. My old computer was so slow I said my Snail Mail (Post Office mail) gets to people faster than my e-mails do. LOL Not anymore, this thing is FAST! I ♥ it and I ♥ my man. He said I deserved this and he's so proud of me for losing the 100 pounds. My kids are proud of me, too. They tell me often.

Well, I better get busy...til next time...

Have a Son-filled week.

100 POUNDS in 51 WEEKS

2011-08-20T16:29:00.012-05:00

Before and After pictures -100 pounds

Kicking 100 pounds to the curb...I don't want them back either.

100 POUNDS in 51 Weeks

Name: Janet Hooyer

Age: 51

Height: 5'5"

Total Pounds Lost: 100

Total Time: 51 Weeks

Number of Gains: ZERO

When Janet started her Journey on August 30 of last year, she expected to have gains, struggles, and a lack of motivation along the way. However, she was also determined to take responsibility and put an end to her overweight lifestyle. (Read about it here: http://motherof3jh.blogspot.com/2010/08/janets-journey.html )

As a teenager, Janet was so thin that the doctors had worried about her being underweight and it wasn't until after her marriage in 1980 that she started to put on the weight. She said, "I think the one thing that I feel made me get so big was not being able to have children. That is what started my bad eating habits. Dan and I were both the first in our families to get married and all three of my siblings had kids before me and most of Dan's side did too. It was very hard on me every time someone announced they were expecting. It didn't help that I worked in a resturant either. I have only myself to blame for my size and I had to take responsibilty for myself as well."

After her 50th birthday and 30th wedding anniversary, Janet knew that it was time to get serious about her weight. No more excuses. She prepared a list of healthy guidelines to follow (see below) and once her three kids were back in school, she committed to going to the local fitness center and working HARDER at working out.

1) Start the day off with prayer and end it with prayer and pray many times during the day

2) Consume 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day

3) No more chocolate or soda pop

4) Do not snack, dine, munch, or even nibble a thing after 7 PM

5) Exercise daily, whether it be outdoors or indoors

6) Keep a food diary

7) Be as determined to lose weight as someone with cancer fighting for a cure

8) Take it ONE day and ONE pound at a time

Less than one year later, Janet reached her "destination" of losing 100 pounds! "Although I thought I'd have gains along the way, I think I am more surprised by the fact that I've gone 51 weeks without having ONE GAIN than I am at losing 100 pounds. I can't say that I have had any negative thoughts either and I never felt like I was being deprived. I've kept a positive outlook and I've told myself it's not a diet - it's a lifestyle change. If I could stress one thing that helped besides PRAYER it would be the support of my "CHEERLEADERS". It was the push and praise I needed to get me where I am now."

To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping. - Chinese Proverb

*Due to the Federal Trade Commission ban on diet ads using the words "results not typical", this special article offers an alternative truth: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

The above article was written and prepared for me by my niece, Ashley. She asked if she could do this for me to announce that I made it to my goal of losing 100 pounds. I'd give her a hug and high 5 but she lives in Brazil with her husband. Thanks Ashley for all your support these past 51 weeks!!

God is good all the time... I thank the good Lord for helping me on this Journey. It really hasn't sunk in yet and although I am so thankful for 100 pounds GONE, I really don't have a way to "celebrate" making it to 100. I won't go FEAST at a buffet but I will take this time to once again THANK my CHEERLEADERS! They have been there for me since day one and here it is 51 weeks later and they helped me cross the finish line. I am so BLESSED. I know for a fact I would NOT be writing of my success today if I didn't have your support and I truly mean that.

Do you know how encouraging it was to see all your comments each week on FACEBOOK? Every comment and every "LIKE" I have treasured. I have filed away every comment and have read them many times. I especially want to Thank these special people who "Commented" or "LIKED" my Facebook status'.

Ashley, Brenda H, Brenda C., Carlyn, Darlene, Dave, Deanna, Dede, Debbie, Don, Donna O., Donna R., Douglas, Emilie, Gregg, Hannah, Heather, Holly, Jane, Joyce, Jim, Jolene, Judy, Julie, KJ, Kari, Kristen, Lea, Lenece, Levi, Lois, Maria, Martha, Mary, Michele, Mom, Natasha, Nick, Patty, Raymond, Rene, Sarah, Tami, Tony and Tracy.

I sure hope I didn't forget anyone. Well, Dan doesn't have FACEBOOK but he sure did encourage me along the way. Just know that you are all very special to me. As you know I still want to lose 30 more pounds, so if I could ask a BIG favor...stick around and cheer me on. PLEASE!!! Thank You in advance. (The keyboard is blurry and tears are rolling down my cheeks, let me grab a tissue).

Today's post is about hitting my goal. I feel so blessed to have you all in my life and also that 100 pounds is gone and I hope and pray it doesn't find it's way back. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. You should be able to leave it in the comment box. I will try to blog again tomorrow...maybe!!!

Have a son-filled week.

Week 50 results

2011-08-15T09:03:00.004-05:00

Well, it's Monday...again and with Monday comes my weight report. I had hoped to lose 2 pounds so I could get to minus 100 pounds but I didn't. I did LOSE ONE POUND (-99 total) though and still NO GAINS. Lord Willing NEXT week I will be able to say 100 pounds, ONE HUNDRED POUNDS, 100 pounds. ☺

You'd think, that as much as I workout, I'd be past the 100 pound mark. I'll be honest, I hate exercising (I hate sweating even more)and push myself the whole time and still only lose one pound a week. It makes it hard to go to the fitness center (and walk the dog) everyday with that kind of results, especially when I see on TV (Extreme Makeover Weight loss edition) how people lose 100 pounds in 3 or 4 MONTHS!!! YIKES!!! Oh well, I am thankful for the progress I have made and I will continue to take it one pound and one day at a time. I really am thankful for the success I've had so far and I will keep on keeping on because I still have an extra 30 pounds or so to go after the 100, so I have to keep positive.

Enough about me...here's what we've done this past week. Last Monday, KJ and I had a mother-daughter day in Lincoln. We SHOPPED 12 HOURS!!! It was a blast. She wanted it to be just her and I, NO BROTHERS ALLOWED!!! She needed to get school supplies and found some "cool" stuff for her locker, too. She's a 7th grader now. The boys had enrollment and since it was raining, Dan was able to take them to that and spend some father-son time together. (They like to play Frisbee Golf on the Wii, together).☺

Tuesday, I woke up and decided to tackle the kids' bedrooms. Big mistake. I started in KJ's bedroom and she decided to rearrange it. She wanted to move her ladybug collection to the cubby whole closet. We (mostly I ☺) got it organized and then I went into Nick's room to help him go through his closet and dresser, to give me clothes that he couldn't wear anymore, to put on the garage sale next month. Well, then for some reason I looked under Nick's bed and found all kinds of "stuff". (Who knew that "under the bed" made such a great trash can). Now, I don't blame Nick for all that was under there because that is where they used to play PS2 with friends but WOW, seriously... Then, I started "cleaning" like a mad woman. I ended up cleaning under Tony's bed (even worse) and checked under KJ's (should've known hers would be clean). I ended up cleaning all 3 kids' bedrooms and bathroom and I had a HUGE pile of "stuff" for the garage sale. Nick helped off and on for 3 hours.☺ I actually had fun going through it all but I only wished I'd put garage sale price tags on it all before I put it all in boxes. (the stack is about 8 ft.wide and 5 foot tall). Oh well, I'll get it all done before the sale next month...I hope.

Tuesday night I went with KJ to her 7th grade enrollment. Got there at 7:00 and listened to the Principal talk 45 minutes then paid for her books. Then they all got to go try to open their lockers. It took KJ awhile to figure out that right left right combination (How many of you still have dreams about NOT being able to remember your combination or what class you're suppose to be at? I've been out of school for 33 years (ouch) and I still have those dreams). Then they got to take a tour of the school and find their classes, we finally left at 9:00. KJ confessed that she is nervous.

Wednesday, about 2 a.m. I woke up with a horrible back ache. I would compare the pain to labor pains. I considered going to the ER but decided to try the heating pad...it helped or at least it let me fall back asleep til 9 a.m. I had planned to work on the downstairs but my back had other plans. I was a sloth most of Wed. I did go work out with the family after Bible study though. Nick showed me a few "machines" that would help my back and it did help some. The next morning I was able to clean/de-clutter the main floor; 4 more boxes of "stuff". I hope NO ONE drops in unannounced because with all the boxes and stacks of stuff it looks like a HOARDER lives here, seriously.

32 more days and it will be OUT OF HERE!!! Actually, I'll start setting it up 3 or 4 days before. Every year I say I'm NOT going to have a sale, I'll just "go to them" and every year I end up having a sale. But I do enjoy having them and meeting so many people and it's nice to have a little extra $$$ from it. I'll also be selling caramel popcorn, hot dogs and sandwiches.

Thursday, I started marking some of the "stuff" and took KJ to violin lessons. That evening all 5 of us went to the fitness center again. My back was feeling much better and Nick and I walked the dog about 9:30.

All 3 kids decided to do Cross Country this year and needed good running shoes so about noon Dan said let's all go to Lincoln. Well, talk about a QUICK trip...KJ needed back by 3:30 for a sleepover at her friend's. I didn't think we could do it but we did. I dropped Dan and the kids off at Scheel's (Note to self...next time kids need shoes, have Dad take them, record time) and I drove to Target to get a few things KJ needed for school and Nick called and said "We're done" really, seriously, 3 kids fitted for running shoes in less than 20 minutes, that's gotta be a record (and Scheel's threw in 2 free ball caps) and KJ made it home in time for the sleepover. We ate supper with my Mom and Dad and then worked out. Long day.

Saturday, I tackled the coat closet and laundry room. I don't know about you but once I get started on a project I don't like to stop...until it's done. I had so many interruptions that day; I'm still not done, I have 2 more areas to clean and de-clutter. Maybe with school starting in 3 days I can get that area done then.

I had a surprise call Saturday from a very special young lady, my niece Kristen. She recently moved to Nebraska and decided she wanted to come home for the weekend to surprise her Mom (my sister, Judy) for her birthday and Judy and Roger's anniversary. She stopped here after 7 hours on the road to stretch a bit before she tackled the last 2 and a half hours to KC. It was great to see her again and Mission Accomplished on surprising her Mom and Dad. Those of you that know my sister will know what she did when she heard the doorbell and opened the door and there stood Kristen. Yep, she started crying. She hollered to Roger to come see the birthday present she got and surprised him, too.

Well, I couldn't tell my mom and dad that Kristen stopped in to see me because she was going to surprise them on her way back to Nebraska on Monday (today). So I had to keep it quite all weekend but it was worth it when I got to see my Mom and Dad's reaction when they saw Kristen (their granddaughter).Priceless.

When we came back from Branson, August 3rd, we stopped at a Quick Trip by KC and my dad left his cane there(he broke a bone on his left foot, so he walks with a cane and walking boot on). Anyway, Nick suggested that Kristen stop and pick it up for Gpa and so he was happy to get his cane back because it belonged to a guy from church, that had made it himself. Kristen also got to see her cousin Levi today, too. Praying for her safe travels as she has to drive that 10 hours alone.

Are you following me so far??? So back to yesterday, Sunday. Worship in the morning, lunch but no Sunday nap. (insert sad face here). After evening services last night they made homemade ice cream (the old fashioned way, salt, ice and hand crank it (I didn't eat any so I have no idea if it was good) but it was a Back-2-College (school) get together. Then, Nick Dan and I walked the dog about 9:15. It was so nice and cool. I could've walked a lot longer. This past week has been so much cooler and I'm hoping it stays.

So this morning I had to get up at 6:00 to get all 3 kids off to cross country practice. It was raining (pouring) so they ran indoors. I peeled and cut up a 10 pound bag of potatoes and made Potato Soup. It's GONE. I took a small crock pot of soup to an elderly couple from church. The wife is recovering from surgery. I asked the husband what they would like for me to bring and he said she liked soup and I mentioned Potato and he said she liked my potato soup so that's what I took them today. Donna had some cake leftover from ice cream get together so they had cake, too. Then Kristen stopped in and now I am finding time to finish this blog post. Been a good Monday a busy one but it's all good.

Well, this is longer than I had expected. Lord willing next Monday's post I'll be able to announce 100 pounds. So close I can taste it...(no calories though...bad joke). THANKS AGAIN TO ALL MY CHEERLEADERS, you're AWESOME!!!

No pictures again this week, I really need to get that camera out and start taking pictures again. Maybe next week.

Have a Son-filled week.