5QF

1. What's your favorite childhood snack that you still eat as an adult?
~  No idea, I didn't really snack much.  So I'm not totally sure how to answer this.  One thing I absolutely loved as a kid was peanut butter on apple slices!

2.  What food will you not eat the low fat version of?
~  Haha, there's definitely more than one!!  I'm  more into practicing self control of the good foods vs constantly going low fat.

3.  What's your favorite way to cool off during the summer?
~  Peach iced tea and a cold apartment!

4.  What's your favorite summer read?
~  Anything?  I don't have a specific book I read just during the summer.  I'll read anything that looks good.

5.  What are you doing to stay cool during this awful heat?
~  Awful heat??  Oh man, this is a mild summer, haha.  I grew up with 110-120 degree temperature.  To stay cool, I stay hydrated, stick to the shade, and eat lots of fresh fruit!

The questions for 5QF can be found at: http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

Day 3, Complete

Day 1: Kitchen
Day 2: Laundry
Day 3: Bathrooms and all of the above. 
I think I did pretty okay.  Did toilets, front bathroom sink, litter box and swept front bathroom.  I picked all the clothes and towels up in the back bathroom.  Got a hold on laundry, did bedding, cooked meals, and washed all the dishes from today.  I would say I'm fairly content with today's progress.  This was all on top of helping out with my friend's 5 kids downstairs.  She was admitted to the hospital early this morning and had her gallbladder removed this afternoon.  It's 1130 at night and I'm finally getting a chance to rest a little more.  Not sure what I have set as my goal for tomorrow.  Maybe the dining room so we can eat at the table as a family again. 
Growing up, we only ate at the dining room table once, maybe twice a year.  Aside from that, it was the hub or store all for random items and junk.  I seem to have carried on this trait from my childhood.  So as an adult, I have always enjoyed sitting down and actually eating a meal with my little family. 
To some this may seem like some boring post about a housewife actually seeing to her housewife duties.  To me it is something more.  I'm attempting to hold myself accountable and keep track of the progress I make.  I've been pretty happy lately as well.  Maybe my sense of accomplishment, or lack thereof, really does affect my mood!

In Touch With Reality?

I think so...
Reality has sunk in, mostly.  I've been injured since May 24th.  I saw the orthopedic surgeon this week and he's almost 100% positive it is a torn meniscus.  To what degree, we are still unsure.  I will most likely have an MRI done this week.  My next appointment with the doc is on the 28th. 
I left his office fighting back tears.  There is so much I'd like to do and so much I'm still trying to do.  I have 2 great tennis rackets and now have the ambition and the funds to join a local tennis club.  That will now have to be put on hold.  I wanna do awesome things with my babies this summer, and those plans will have to be temporarily put on hold as well. 
The self pity party started back up again Thursday night at the Toby Keith concert and continued into last night.  No more!  I have decided there is no time better than ever other than now to carry on my weight loss journey.  After all, I started this voyage without clearance to do much physical activity due to my asthma.  After talking to 2 really awesome friends, I've decided to stick with weight watchers through to recovery.  One friend made a very valid point tonight that my recovery will be MUCH easier if I maintain my healthy diet.  So that is just what I'm going to do.  I will still try to be as active as my knee and doctor allow, but I will not break myself worse than I already may be. 
Also, I have about 2 1/2 weeks before my 6 year old returns home from grandma's house.  She brings such joy to my life and I can't wait to have her back.  Needless to say, my housewife skills have been less than stellar over the past few months.  So, I would like to use these 2 1/2 weeks of just having one child to my absolute benefit. 
For the last 2 days in a row, I've picked one larger daily task.  The first day was the kitchen.  I got all the dishes done and decluttered most of the counters, it was definitely an improvement.  When my knee said it was time to quit, I did, and still felt a sense of accomplishment.  Today, my task was to get all caught up on laundry and de-clutter some of the random clothes strung about in my bedroom.  I was folding clothes from about 10/11 am until about 9:30 tonight.  I even made a wonderful steak and potato dinner for the husband, put away all dishes from dinner, and helped out with our 3 year old as best as I could.  Tomorrow I hope to tackle the bathrooms. 
I have clutter everywhere.  I'm ashamed of it and not proud.  I'm a pretty mild hoarder, but also have ADD, so things often get set somewhere and totally forgotten about.  Once I finally find the courage to work on my "organized chaos" I feel overwhelmed and quick to give up.  Not now!  I need this apartment in perfect shape for my Nanner bug to come home.  Also, if I'm going to be on the mend from surgery for 2 weeks to a month, it needs to be in pristine condition then too.  I believe my mother wants to come out to help and the husband may be able to get some time off.  Needless to say, I will be on the mend and unable to do everything on my own.  And it is going to KILL me!  Lastly, we are going to add a new member to our family here in about 5 or so weeks.  No, I'm not pregnant.  We are getting a kitten.  I don't want kitty to feel overwhelmed in his new environment either, nor do I want him hiding or pottying in any random pile he can find. 
So!  With that being said, this is my hoarder confession.  I'd post pictures to show progress, but at the time I'm just not willing to comply (haha).  I might.  But here I am stating my intentions for all to see.  In the past, I have made goals with horrible or nonexistent follow through, and I'm hoping to change. 

5 Question Friday

1.  Would you grow your hair out to donate it?
~ I actually used to do that in high school.  Probably not any more considering it takes a decade for my hair to even grow past my shoulders.  Maybe someday again.

2.  What song makes you think of summer?
~ You know, I've never really thought about it.  I would say "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock.

3.  Are you a flip flop or sandals kind of person?
~ Well, I am from California.. Definitely flip flops.

4.  Favorite summer treat?
~ Call me crazy here, watermelon.  I'm not overly huge on snow cones or much of anything like that.  But I can definitely eat watermelon and cherries all day long in the summer.

5.  Do you do something special for the father of your children?
~ To be honest, not really.  I don't care too much for Mother's Day, and he doesn't care much for Father's Day.  The kids on the other hand, they love to tell him "happy Father's Day" and get little things for him.  Frankly, I think it should be up to the kids to do the little things for the parents on those days.

The questions for 5QF can be found at: http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

5 Question Friday!

1. Did you do anything special for your kids on the last day of school? Or did you parents do anything special for you?
~ Shannon's last day of school was also her Kindergarten graduation.  She got to go play at her grandparents and got a special lunch.  I would like to do something every year though.  I think it would be fun.  I also used to get certain price amounts for whether I got A's or B's. 

2. What's your favorite summer tradition with your children?
~ I don't have one.  I need to start one! 

3. What was your favorite thing to do during the summer as a kid?
~ Sleep in!  No joke.  Got to stay up late and sleep in, it was glorious. 

4. How old were you when you were married? Were you a Bridezilla?
~ I got married at 18.  Nope, I wasn't.. One must have a wedding or be a bride in order to be a Bridezilla.

5. What is your favorite girl name? (I'm needing suggestions.)
~ I love Shannon and Erin.  I had 2 girls and used my 2 favorite girl names. 




The blog where the questions can be found: http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

Miss Shannon

As I said in an earlier post or two, we had Shannon tested for ADHD/ADD towards the end of 2011.  The results came back as definitely ADHD Hyperactive, but strong possibility of Inattentive/Hyperactive ADHD with ODD.  We tried to change a few things, but I was still noticing different, very strong behaviors in her.  So about a month and a half ago, I filled out a questionnaire to have her tested for Asperger Syndrome.  Well, I got the test results back today, and I'm still just as confused as I was a few months ago.  It wasn't as clear and detailed as the one we had done for ADHD.  My questionnaire showed it is "likely" that she has Asperger Syndrom.  The teacher's questionnaire showed it's "unlikely" that she has it.  So to me, that is still a 50/50 chance.  My next step will be to try and set up an appointment at the Child Development Clinic at the University of Utah. 
I'm determined to try to do my best for this child.  I refuse to just jump straight to medication.  I would much rather see a professional who can help with tools for everyday life and intervention. 
This parenting thing is tough.  Toughest thing I have ever done in my life, but also the most rewarding.  I am not trying to put a label on my child, I'm just trying to do what's best and do right for my bright, special, amazing 6 year old. 

Red, White, and Blue

Today is Memorial Day.  I don't have much going on, since I'm sitting here quite immobile.  This has given me an opportunity to think about what this day means to me. 
I'm thankful to have been able to serve in the US Air Force.  Even if it was for just 2 years, I still said the oath and wore the uniform.  I met a lot of incredible people along the way.  I'm quite fortunate to still be in contact with most of those people today.  Almost everyone has been able to remain out of harms way.  I only know of 2 who haven't been so lucky.  There are a few others I knew who died, but only 2 who died over in Afghanistan. 
SGT A.J. Creighton and PO1 Chad Regelin are in my thoughts today.  I knew Creighton through mutual friends while stationed at the Presidio of Monterey and Goodfellow AFB.  Chad's death struck me a bit harder. 
My high school boyfriend was friends with Chad and his older brother, Ryan.  I first met Chad and his family during the 4th of July celebration at the Redding Convention Center.  Travis and I fell out of contact for a couple of years, but began dating again in 2002.  During the time that we dated, or the times we remained good friends, I saw Chad and his family frequently.  His mother is one of the sweetest people I have ever met.  Always so nice and friendly.  Through Facebook, I have been able to remain in communication with her and she would always talk about Chad's journeys and accomplishments.  In 2011, Chad was named the USO Sailor of the Year.  This was huge for their family.  Since Chad was deployed, his parents accepted the award on his behalf. 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around his death.  You know it can happen to any service member at any time while deployed.  I just never expected it to happen to anyone I knew, especially Chad or A.J.  It just breaks my heart to see what Chad's mother goes through everyday.  I especially want to thank the families of these service members on days like this.  Chad's family remain in my thoughts and prayers everyday.  
I don't necessarily feel like saying "Happy Memorial Day," so with that I say, enjoy your Memorial Day everyone.  But please, don't forget the reason we have this holiday and others like it.  While you are BBQing or celebrating however you see fit, please think of those who gave their lives for our country.  

5 Question Friday!!

1. Do you make your kids finish all the food on their plates?
- No. If they don't like it, they get a piece of bread with peanut butter.  They don't have to finish everything on their plates.  They usually do if they like what I make.

2. Do you give an allowance?
- They are almost 3 and 6, still pretty young for allowances.  Although I have thought about paying $1/week for good behavior and keeping her room clean.
3. Do you actually park your car in the garage?
- Apartment complex, I park under the carport.
4. What is one food you will NEVER cook?
- Mushrooms.  Won't eat them and certainly don't want to smell them.
5. Do you have anything exciting planned for the summer?
- First day of summer vacation, we are driving to California.  Planned: Family reunion/wedding, Giants game, amusement park (Six Flags Discovery Kingdom), and a trip to the Northern California coast.
The questions for 5QF can be found at: http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

2 day streak

I haven't posted in forever it seems.  And this certainly isn't the first time I've fallen off the "blogging wagon."  I know I've been busy, but not busy enough.  Some pretty cool events have taken place (ie weight loss, husband's Army graduation, our trek to Missouri and back), so I'm not sure why I haven't written.  Last post was from my phone, today I'm on the laptop and they have REALLY changed Blogger around.  I do like the new setup, it will just take some time to get used to it. 
I do know I definitely became discouraged when it seemed like no one was reading the blog.  Yes, call me a big baby.  Now there are page views, I see people really were reading my blog. 
Maybe I'll start thinking of more interesting stuff to write about.  I still have a problem blogging the everyday things.  I feel like it isn't exciting enough.  Or once in a while I can capture a real thought provoking moment for myself. 
I used to write everyday when I was in high school, and not just because I had to either.  I did it because I genuinely loved to write.  I still do, it just doesn't seem to come to me like it used to. 
So, here is day 2 of blogging, let's see how this current streak will pan out.  Gotta log out and run off to Weight Watchers anyway!

Calgon, take me away!

Yes, please, take me away to the Pacific Northwest. It's been so long since I've been back there. I miss the weather, the people, and the culture. I fell in love with the area at a young age Someday I hope to take my own girls back to visit the area.
One of my favorite things about the area is the totems. I loved the carvings in the totems, and the huge Thunderbirds.
Someday I will go back, I'd rather go sooner than later.