This, That and The Other

Since I'm on a blogging roll, I might as well keep going, right?

The last nine days, I did the Isagenix Cleanse. The last time I did the 9 day cleanse was when Levi was a few months old and I wanted to lose the last of the baby weight.

Same reason this time. Remember how I hoped that last ten pounds would come off magically once I was done nursing? Turns out it didn't happen. At least, not fast enough for me. I lost 5 pounds in 9 days. Not bad. I hope I can keep it off. I'm only 10 pounds away from my goal. Okay...15 total, but let's be realistic, shall we? I don't know if I'll ever see that number again. So let's just say '10'. It sounds a lot more doable that way. I'm pretty happy I made it all the way through. I had a couple of friends that did it with me and it made it a lot more bearable. We cheered each other on. And we made it! It's a hard cleanse, but it's amazing how good you feel when you're done. And you can EAT 5 of the 9 days so it ain't bad.

Okay. I'm not gonna lie. It's bad. But it could be a lot worse.

In other news, I joined the gym. I've been working out at home on my elliptical or running outside, but I really miss the gym. Before we moved here, I was going 4 times a week to the local 'Gold's'. But once we moved here, driving 25 minutes in the diesel truck to Gold's gym didn't seem quite worth it anymore so we bought the elliptical. I've missed the gym ever since though I've been grateful to be able to work out at home. Now I can do both. It's a Lady Fitness and it's not even a half a mile from my house. I decided the only way I could justify my membership and the cost of it (which isn't too shabby) is to quit something else. Weight Watchers. I know what you're thinking! But I had to choose and I've been plateaued for a LONG TIME at WW. And I know how to work out at the gym. I've done it before. And I KNOW how to do WW. And the gym is half the price. So... there's my decision for you ALL to know.

Moving on....

There's something TOTALLY WRONG with my toe, or 'toes'. I can't figure it out.

See this picture? See how I have my finger in between my second and third toes? That's because I can't figure out which toe is giving me the problem.

Oh, and just so you know... I'm WELL AWARE of my grown out pedicure grossness, okay? I don't need anyone telling me how disgusting my feet are and how in need they are of another pedicure. I get it.

I thought I might have hammer toe. But then I read what it was and realized that I don't have it. It does sound sort of cool though. I wanted to say to people, "Hey, guess what? I have hammer toe. Sick, huh?"

Too bad I can't say that.

So I felt all skinny today at church since I just finished the dreaded 'cleanse' and instead of walking around all confidently, I was limping. Not attractive. Not attractive at all. It sort of feels like my toe needs to pop. But it won't. I kept taking off my sandals at church and tried bending it on the carpet. Then I begged John to pop them once we got home. He won't admit it, but he's not a 'feet' person. He didn't look too thrilled to be touching my sick feet. Thanks for trying, hon. Thanks for trying.

So, what is it? What's wrong with my stupid toes? And no, I didn't hurt it on anything. I just woke up with it.

The End.

Time Off

I've sort of been stretched to the MAX lately. I've been gone every day this week and it won't quit.

And I'm not complaining.

I swear. I'd never complain about a church calling. Nope. Not me. I need those blessings. NEED them! And planning the Richey Family Reunion? It's totally not stressing me out. I promise. And painting my entire living room with rounded cornered walls tomorrow? Nope. I'm cool as a cucumber. Getting Levi's reading done, attending his field trip and having Faith hang on my leg and say "Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn" all day long doesn't bother me. Oh, and the fact that my weight has plateaued to the MAX even though I want to lose 10 more pounds before next Thursday at Blogapalooza? I'm totally okay with that! Getting in my hour in a half A DAY workouts and having it feel totally worthless once I hop on the scale feels amazing. It's really the workout that counts. It's my stress-reliever. I don't need a number to make me feel validated and good about myself. Nope. The shower gift I have to get before Saturday and my Grandma's 90th birthday party that I can't bring children to are also things that I look forward to and I find it easy to fit them into my schedule. And the other family party on Sunday? And all the food? I love my family (this is true) !! Who needs a break from family togetherness on the weekends? Not ME, I assure you.

In light of all these utterly fantastic things, I will not resume blogging OR commenting until some time next week. If you catch me doing otherwise, please yell at me. Thank-You!

Battle Of The Bulge

I've been watching "The Biggest Loser". I was going to make this post all about the winner and how much I like/dislike them. But because I haven't actually seen the finale that aired tonight, I won't. So.... puhlease do me a favor and DO NOT tell me who won in a comment. I'll find out tomorrow when I'm awake enough to watch it.

Every time I watch that show, I get majorly inspired. Especially with Ali. She's been amazing and has lost 99 pounds! 99!!! So here's my question: If people on that show can lose more than 100 pounds, why can't I lose a measly ten???!!!!!!! I like to blame it on the baby. And the nursing. I keep telling myself that the rest will come off when I wean Faith. But... will it? What if it doesn't and I actually (gasp) gain??!

And why can't I lose this:

A.K.A. this:

Even though the weight has slowly come off in other places, the belly bulge is still looming. I need a miracle. A secret miracle that someone knows out there and is willing to share with me. Cuz my own routine just ain't cuttin' it no moe!

Perhaps I should get rid of the 'Saturday Splurge'? Please say no.

I just don't think I can bring myself to do it. The splurge is my only saving grace keeping me in this whole 'weight loss' thing.

I need a vice. Give me a vice.

Great. Now that quote about vice by Alexander Pope that my Dad always recited to me is running through my head. Thanks a lot, Dad.

Drumroll Please...

I got my pre-pregnancy jeans on this morning. It was an AMAZING moment! So amazing, in fact, that I'm going to ignore the fact that there was incredible spillage over the top thereby creating BAD, UNFLATTERING MUFFIN TOP! But hey... I got them ON!!! I zipped them up and fastened the button. That's all that matters in my book.

And NO, that is not a picture of me in my jeans, but I sure do wish it was.

Some Ramblings...

As I sit here at this computer with only the glow from it to light up this dark room, the baby is asleep in her swing. The dishes are waiting for me. We had cold cereal for dinner tonight. I was an extra special chef. I'm sure John is very, very appreciative. I got cute today. I got dressed up (for me anyway) and went to lunch with my in-laws and I had a great time. I got out of the house. I got the baby cute too. I did my hair (hey, it takes a special occasion sometimes) and I left. I got the most divine salmon salad EVER. I had fun. I did. But... nobody said anything about my weight loss. Okay. I realize that it's stupid that I need someone to say something to me. I do. I get it. But... just the same it sure is nice to be noticed now and then. I'm funny about compliments though. I don't take them well when I actually get them, but just the same I sure do appreciate them. I like it when a compliment feels really sincere and not just like someone is saying it just for the sake of making you feel good. As for my weight, I'm looking more and more like my normal self. I can finally feel my ribcage again. I can feel my collarbone. I could feel it before, but not this well. This is going to sound weird, but when I lift up my shirt to nurse it sure is a lot easier than it used to be. So... I know "those" are smaller too. Which is sad, but oh so good when it comes to getting your shirts to fit better. Anyway... I'm just sayin'.

On to my next rambling...

Levi has been on one lately. I know I had a recent entry about my space and how he's so in it all the time. Well... it really is at an all time high. He asks the following questions several times a day, "What can I do?" "What can you do for me?" "What can I have?" " What snacks do we have?" "Will you play a game with me?" "Will you snuggle with me?" "Now what?" "What comes after this?" "And then what's after that?" "How many minutes until..." "What's for dinner?" "I DON'T WANT THAT FOR DINNER!!!!" "Will you give me somethin'?" "Will you sit on my bed and talk to me?" "Can I go outside?" "Can I go to the bathroom? (I'm not kidding!!)"

Levi rummages through drawers. He opens the pantry A LOT. He walks in front of me and then comes to a fast halt so that I trip over him A LOT. He's very particular about his clothes. He cannot, I repeat cannot get enough of long sleeves. He's basking in the fact that he can wear them every day now. He insists that I WATCH him get dressed every morning and that I dry every nook and cranny of his body after a bath so that there is not one drop of moisture ANYWHERE! He thinks that if I comb his hair completely forward he will look just like Harry Potter. He's a very, very, very loud SINGER. He is a good one though and I'm convinced it will turn into a musical gift but for now... it's loud (but still very cute and funny sometimes). He's a very, very, very, very, very finicky eater. He is very defiant to try new things. He's overly sensitive.

Now onto his great qualities:

He's overly sensitive. He's very understanding if I have a bad day and when I need some time alone. Now, I know I've also complained about him not giving me time alone, but he does seem to try. He loves to be with me and is very loving. He says over and over again throughout the day how much he loves me. He loves to play the "favorite" game with me. For example: What's your favorite color? What's your favorite food? What's your favorite thing to do? etc. He loves being a big brother and simply adores Faith. He sings Faith the sweetest songs. He gives great prayers and blessings on the food and sometimes will sneak a blessing for me in there and then looks up at me when he's done so that I can compliment him. He loves his Daddy. He simply cannot get enough of him when he comes home. He's a good helper and makes his bed every single day without ever being asked. He loves it when his room is clean. He feels badly when someone is sick or afflicted in any way. He's good about me leaving now and then to go on a date and is always good for his babysitters. He's good for his teachers and sweet to his friends. He doesn't fight. He's honest. He never lies to me. He gives the best hugs EVER. He's very creative and has a very vivid imagination. Sometimes I hear him talking to himself and telling stories and he's just so imaginative. He's gorgeous. Everyone says so, so I know it's true. He's so irresistible that it makes all his little nuisances throughout the day bearable and lovable.

This and That

First off let me say a Happy (albeit late) Anniversary to my sweet hubby, John. We celebrated our 7th anniversary yesterday. Happy Anniversary, babe! Thanks for all you do!!

On another note, I've had a lot of people want to know how Weight Watchers is going. Well, I'll tell you. It's going great even if a bit slow. I love having control over food and feeling empowered when I do well and I have been working out 6 days a week like a madwoman. I LOVE to work out ... when I'm done. It's always a bit of a pain to get your stuff together, put your shoes on and feel like doing it, but it's always worth it when it's over. I feel so invigorated and ready for the day. I'm sure some of you are also wondering how much weight I've lost. 10.4 pounds to be exact as of Saturday morning. I only have about 10 more to go to get to where I was when I got pregnant and about 20 more to go to be where I want to be. It sounds like a lot, but I'm determined to hang in there and get it off. I'm really motivated right now because I want to wear my jeans. I don't want to buy fat jeans. I want to wear my own and look cute in them and not have the muffin top hangover. I realize that I may have to give in and get myself a pair of fat ones. The weather is changing and although I was able to button some of mine up, let's just say that it wasn't pretty and it caused severe depression. A piece of advice: If you're going to attempt your first time trying on a pair of your jeans after having a baby, don't attempt it right before you leave to celebrate your anniversary. Doing so will most definitely make you feel extremely ugly and frustrated and you might even snap at your husband (Sorry, John). Okay, so that's the latest with Weight Watchers. I'll keep ya'll posted as long as it doesn't make me in a bad mood.

I finished Harry Potter several weeks ago but never updated my blog. So, there ya have it for anyone who was wondering. It was fabulous and I was sad it was over for the Harry Potter books. I'll miss them.

Lastly, Levi is a totally hoot! He has been cracking John and I up to no end lately. For instance, Levi LOVES longsleeve shirts. I kept thinking that he would grow out of wanting to wear them all the time, but he hasn't. He begs me almost daily to let him wear a longsleeve shirt. I'm sure some of you would just go ahead and let your kid wear the shirt he wants to wear, but I am a freak. I like Levi to wear things according to season and it's just been too dang hot still for a longsleeve shirt. I recently went to Park City and bought Levi some longsleeve school shirts for when it gets cold. He also got some great hand-me-downs which include some longsleeve shirts from my sister-in-law. Now he REALLY wants to wear a longsleeve shirt. This morning, I put a longsleeve shirt on Faith. Levi was FURIOUS that she got to wear one and he didn't. He asked why and so I had to think of an answer really quick so I said, "because her hands are cold. See? Feel them." I didn't think the he'd actually have cold hands too. He obviously felt entitled to wear one since his hands were also cold like Faith's. So, to make a long story even longer, I gave in. I let him wear a longsleeve shirt. You'd think it was the best day of his life. He was jumping up and down and put one on and said he had to look at himself in the mirror. After admiring himself for quite sometime in the mirror he came to me and said, "I just looked at myself in the mirror and I look sooo fabulous mom!"

Levi has also taken to singing a lot of songs lately. He LOVES to sing (he's VERY LOUD!!!). He's been singing Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" lately. He gets way into it and says that Carrie Underwood is his best girl. He's also been singing Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You". He's a ham, that kid!

Here's a picture of Levi for your enjoyment:

Levi pretending like he's Nacho Libre

Weight Watchers, here I come!!

So I've decided to join weight watchers. Today was my first day. Not bad, actually. After having a baby, I'm always in a hurry to get the weight off. Even though I know it takes time and I know I should be patient and yada yada yada... it sucks. I just hate feeling fat!!! I also hate the thought of having to buy "fat clothes". I bought a few staples so I had something other to wear than maternity clothes and I'm determined to get in my original size jeans and tops by the time fall season gets here. It's funny because when I look at other people who have had babies, I'm totally forgiving of their weight. I mean, they just had a baby. When it's me though it's just so hard not to let it bother me. I'm pacing myself though and feel like weight watchers is a smart way to go about it since I'm breastfeeding and all. I'm so appreciative of the weight this time around though. I've been waiting so long for this little baby to join us. I would have been 400 pounds if it meant getting her here.