Even a little more less of me

Well, I am photoshop challenged. I had originally wanted to post a picture of me at the end of my last cycle next to this one so you could see the progress. Thanks to God and a lot of hard work, I am now down another 18 pounds for a grand total of 34 since beginning back in April. I am now in yet another smaller size and am determined to get into the next smaller pair of jeans in my pile. When we get back from our family trip, I am going to be packing up my "too big" jeans and saying goodbye to them. I'd really love to have a bonfire, but I think I'll just take the tax deduction and send them over to Goodwill.

All Mixed Up

I don't know how I have gotten so off base with what day it is this week. Last night, I was at work and I thought "Shoot! I forgot to set up the DVR for Top Chef" (which in the grand scheme of things isn't such a big deal considering it's repeated approximately 42 times during the week). So, I came home and figured I could watch the west coast feed only to turn on Bravo and find a different show on. Oh, yeah - it's only Tuesday.

So today I am in a panic because I haven't begun packing anything for our trip back home and here it is Thursday already. Yep, I'm just speeding this week ahead too fast.

Perhaps my brain will finally get it in gear, but somehow, I have a feeling I'll be thinking tomorrow is Friday.

Tasty Tuesday - Strawberry Banana Sorbet

Welcome to Tasty Tuesday hosted by Angie.

On my plan, I am fairly limited in what "sweet" stuff I can have. Usually, I have to resort to a serving of sugar free jello. Otherwise, fruit has to suffice for my "dessert". Anyhow, I was flipping through the latest issue of Woman's Day Magazine and I found this tasty treat which really is technically just fruit in a different form, but when you want a healthy alternative to ice cream, this does the trick.

STRAWBERRY BANANA SORBET

2 medium bananas
1 cup sliced strawberries
2 T water
1 T freshly squeezed lemon juice

Slice bananas into 1" chuncks. Place in a pan lined with wax paper along with strawberries and freeze 1.5 - 2 hours. Combine frozen fruit, water and lemon juice in a food processor/blender and blend until smooth. Serve right away or freeze up to 2 weeks. Makes approximately 2 cups.

***Note: I used a blender but it would definitely work better with a food processor. If using a blender, maybe only freeze the fruit for a lesser amount of time. I also poured the sorbet into individual Ziploc take-a-long containers for the perfect individual serving.

He survived skateboard camp . . .

. . . but the skooter did him in!

Ian had a 3-day skateboard camp this past week. I was really nervous about it, but I figured I would rather him learn from someone that knows what they are doing. It took place at the skateboarding park here in town. There was a park nearby so Kyra and I spent some time there after we finished running our errands. Once I got over the cringing every time he crashed (and believe me, there were quite a few of those), I was fine. He actually does pretty well for not having skateboarded a whole lot.

Anyhow, the whole point of this missive is that yesterday we went out on our evening walk. Ian likes to ride his skooter around the block and have us time him. Anyhow, it got to be a long time and he didn't come back around so Rich headed one diretion and I continued in the other when I heard it - I knew it was him from around the block. He had a nasty spill and had skinned up his knee pretty badly. By the time I got around with Kyra, the neighbor across the street had already sat him down and put ice and a bandage on it.

It just figures that he can go up and down quarter pipes with nary a scratch, but a bump in the sidewalk will do him in!

Finishing up Round 2

For those of you who may have been following my weight loss progress, I am now in the "maintenance phase" of my second round of Lean for Life. I am actually glad to be on the maintenance portion because the last week I have hit a plateau which I know I will break (in fact, I had as of this morning). I'm going to do one extra week of maintenance this time around because we will be visiting family after the initial 2 weeks of maintenance and since the first week of this plan is usually the most crucial to get started on a good foot, I don't want to do it while I'm away. So far, since beginning the plan back in April, I have lost just over 30 pounds and am down about 3 sizes. Thanks for letting me share!

Little Known Facts About Me

Here's a fun little game of tag given to me by my friend Lisa(and if you look at her blog, you will probably see some very OLD pictures of me from our days at Manchester)

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No, my dad just liked the name
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last Saturday
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING yes
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? roast beef
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? two
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I think so
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT? who, me? NEVER!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? given the chance, yes.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Golden Grahams
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no (I'm not a very good example to Ian, am I?)
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? not really
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Butter Pecan
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? eyes
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? my voice
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my mom
18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? lime green cros
19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? a kiwi
20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Ian playing Sonic the Hedgehog
21. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? teal
22. FAVORITE SMELLS? cake batter
23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Rich
24. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes
25. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? football
26. HAIR COLOR? dishwater brown
27. EYE COLOR? blue
28. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes
29. FAVORITE FOOD? hamburger
30. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings
31. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Cars
32. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? magenta
33. SUMMER OR WINTER? neither - fall
34. HUGS OR KISSES? kisses
35. FAVORITE DESSERT? banana cake with buttercream frosting
36. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? We shall see who's reading =)
37. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND not sure
38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING: Ordinary Mom, Extrodinary God
39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I use a laser mouse, no mousepad required
40. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? Top Chef
41. FAVORITE SOUND? my kids laughing
42. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
43. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Krakow, Poland
44. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can inhale jello
45. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Hammond, IN
46. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? All

I now tag Angie, Stephanie, Arlyn and Susan.

I've been remiss in my blogging

Sheesh! Has it really been than long since I updated my blog? Last week really threw us for a loop, but things are getting back to "normal" and I'll be able to resume my regular blogging activity.

Tasty Tuesday - Red Lobster Biscuits

Welcome to Tasty Tuesday hosted by Angie.

Since Rich is in the flavor industry, he could probably tell you all of the flavors that make up the irresistable Red Lobster Biscuit. These have changed over time but here is a recipe that takes you back to the "good old days" when there actually WAS cheese in those biscuits!

RED LOBSTER BISCUITS

2 cups Bisquick
2/3 c milk
1 cup grated cheddar
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 T dried parsley

Beat Bisquick, milk, and cheddar. Drop by heaping tabelspoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bak 10 minutes at 450. Mix butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over tops of hot biscuits.

A sad day

Last week I posted about Ian's classmate Matthew and his battle with brain cancer. Unfortunately, Matthew lost his battle late last night and passed peacefully in his sleep. Even being secure in my faith and knowing that he is with the Lord now, I still struggle with why he has been taken. I pray for his whole family that they may find peace during what is a time when no words can adequately capture their grief.

Rest in peace, brave little scout.

Tasty Tuesday - Italian Chicken Breasts

Welcome to Tasty Tuesday hosted by Angie.

Italian Chicken Breasts

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 envelope good seasons Italian dressing mix
1/2 c parmasan cheese

In a shallow bowl, combine dressing mix and parmasan cheese. Rinse chicken breasts under water and coat with cheese mixture. Place breasts on a greased baking dish (or PC stoneware - no greasing required if well-seasoned). Sprinkle remaining mixture evenly over tops of chicken breasts. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until juices run clear.

This is a favorite in our family and it is fairly low-carb too!

Menu Plan Monday

Wow! Is it really Monday again? I have a couple of "returning" items this week because we had one dinner out (unplanned) last week and then a certain 20-month old took my cookbook and hid it. So, here's the plan for the week:

Monday: Sirloin steak patties (market day)
Tuesday: Italian fish fillets (halibut or tilapia - whatever is in the freezer)
Wednesday: Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Thursday: Chicken w/scallion Lime Sauce
Friday: Citrus scallops
Saturday: Bacon Bit Burgers with Smothered Onions
Sunday: Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken

Kind of makes me wonder

Today I went in finally to get a haircut and summer highlights. I really hate finding a new hairdresser, but I have been going to the same guy now since December and I decided it was time to trust him with something more than a cut and my hair really needed a highlight to blend in the grey hairs that seem to be creeping their way in (albeit slowly thankfully).

Anyhow, Michael is really awesome at what he does, but today his hair was a very odd shade of orange. It was like he had tried to go for red highlights and something went terribly amiss. However, he is not the only stylist I have had to have what I would call "bad hair." Maybe it is because they spend too much time trying new "techniques" on each other, but you would think they would want to be a walking "advertisement" for their services.

Oh well, at least my hair turned out well. I dare say it is probably one of the best highlight jobs I have ever gotten.

Another Contest - Free Netflix!

Another week, another contest from Five Minutes for Mom. This time, 5 lucky winners will receive a six-month subscription to Netflix. Have fun and good luck!

Slow Cooker Thursday - Hobo Meatball Stew

HOBO MEATBALL STEW

My picky 8 year old eats this (including the veggies)!

1 pound ground beef (or turkey would probably work)
1-1/2 tsp of seasoning salt (divided)
1/2 tsp pepper (divided)
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
1 large onion, cut into chunks
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1-1/2 tsp vinegar
1/2 tsp dried basil

In a bowl, combine beef, 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper; mix well. Shape into 1" balls. In a skillet over medium heat, brown meatballs on all sides; drain. Place potatoes, carrots and onion in slow cooker; top with meatballs. Combine the ketchup, water vinegar, basil and remaining salt and pepper. Pour over meatballs. Cook on high in slow cooker 4-5 hours.

(I think the next time I make this I would double the meat mixture because there seemed to be way more veggies leftover than meat. I might also try to make it with store brand frozen meatballs)

A hard way to start the morning

When we move here, Ian got involved right away in his new cub scout den. It was in this den that he met Matthew E. Unfortunately, Matthew had just gone through a bout with brain cancer and was in remission; however, that remission was short-lived and the cancer returned with a vengeance two months ago. We just received word yesterday that Matthew is not expected to last much longer and the family is receiving hospice care. Because everyone at school knows Matthew, they let the kids know how he is doing. This morning, Ian curled up on my lap and said, "Mommy, Matthew isn't doing very well. They said there is a 90% chance that he is going to die today." It took everything I had to explain to him that this wasn't the end for Matthew and that he would soon be able to spend the rest of his days with Jesus without pain or illness. At the same time, my heart is breaking, not only for my son who is going to experience such a loss at such a young age, but mainly for Matthew and his family. I am trying to focus on what is unseen and that God is calling Matthew home, but I have been crying all morning. If you can, please say a prayer for Matthew and his family during this difficult time.

A good problem to have, I guess

So I am now in week #3 of this weight loss cycle. I got out the goal pants yesterday and I can say that while I can get them over my hips AND even buttoned and zippered, I still have about a week or two before I would consider being at "goal". That being said, I am now at a point where my current size is now a little too "big" but the next "goal" size isn't comfortable yet. Makes one kind of wish for "half" sizes.

Another "What Was I Thinking?" Moment

I recently purchased an activity table for Kyra to play with while we are spending time outside. First of all, let me say this thing is very nice and the umbrella is perfect to keep little heads shaded from the sun. Anyhow, I am not one to be very keen on sand, so instead of sand, I bought a couple of bags of pinto beans and filled the "dry" side with them. Then I put in a pitcher or two of water. Yeah, I know, that was brilliant. Kyra and her pal Mallory quickly made "bean soup" this morning while having a blast playing with her new toy. I'm just glad it wasn't anything "too" messy.

Tasty Tuesday - Crescent Chicken Bundles

Welcome to Tasty Tuesday hosted by Angie.

CRESCENT CHICKENT BUNDLES

1 package cream cheese
2 T margarine, melted
2 T minced chives (or I use Tastefully Simple Spinach & Herb Mix)
2 T milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3-4 cups cooked, cubed chicken
2 tubes crescent rolls

Beat cream cheese, margarine, chives, milk, salt and pepper together. Add cooked chicken. Unroll crescent rolls ino 8 rectangles. Press perforations together. Spoon in 1/2 c mixture and bring corners of crescent rolls together and seal. Bake 20-25 minutes at 350 until golden brown.

This recipe is super and a favorite here in our house. Also, it freezes beautifully and is a great meal to take to new moms because all you have to do is pop them in the oven.

Menu Plan Monday

Well, what do you know? I stuck to the menu plan again for the most part last week. I must admit I am no organizing junkie, but just doing these meal plans every week helps me tremendously. Here is this week's plan:

Monday: Roast Italian Chicken
Tuesday: Moo Shu Pork (I realize the recipe is for shrimp, but I have a lot of leftove tenderloin, so I am just substituting)
Wednesday: Sirloin Steaks & green beans
Thursday: Mustard glazed tilapia
Friday: Chicken with scallion lime sauce
Saturday: Oriental Sesame Chicken
Sunday: potluck

She soooo needs a nap

Kyra is beyond tired at this point. She spent two services at church today on account that I was at a meeting for Summer Serve for Children's ministry. Of course, she was only in her crib for 30 minutes when she was woken up by some sort of noise and has been crabby and fighting it ever since. It's not that I am opposed to her skipping a nap every once in a while, it's just that she is soooooo crabby right now!

Confirming our local "celebrity" status

Yes, we are on the cover of the free family news insert. If I hadn't been in the paper already twice this month, this would be cute, but I know I am really going to take some teasing on this one!