Eye Candy

Continuing with my knack for giving you TMI, I just have to tell you about a new website I found. It's my new favorite. You should check it out. Well, if your married, you should check it out. If your not married, don't. Really don't. But if you are, have at it! It's

www.yandy.com

I love lingerie. And like most married women, over the years I have accumulated a small collection. You know, pieces I've bought for special occasions like Valentine's Day, anniversaries and romantic weekend getaways. But I've always been somewhat picky in my choice of such intimate apparel. It's not that I don't absolutely love those hot little numbers that make you blush and cover your little boys eyes when you walk past Victoria's Secret in the mall or that you drool over and wish you would look as hot in as those Frederick's of Hollywood models. It's just that, well ....g -strings, bustiers, corsets, and fishnet thigh highs with black lace garter belts just aren't made for women over a certain weight. And until lately, I've been over that "certain weight." But look out now! I'm not the same size I was anymore and I'm ready to spice up my collection! And my hunky husband is in for the time of his life! I've had so much fun these past few days perusing this website and deciding what to buy. It's almost like I'm preparing for my honeymoon all over again! I can't wait until my package arrives!
Oh, just one more thing....the prices are amazing! They have standard and plus sizes. For now I still fall into the plus size category. You know most plus size clothing is typically way more expensive than skinny girl sizes. But not at this website. The plus sizes are reasonably priced too. I picked out 6 pieces and got away with spending less than $100! If you spend over $70, shipping is free. Amazing, right? So check it out! And give your honey a late Valentine's Day present that he will never ever forget! Go ahead, you know you want to!

Sneakin Out

You should see me right now. I'm walking around the house in this cute little t shirt type nightgown with my brand new Nike Shox Zipsister sneakers on. So sexy, I know. Don't you wish you could be a fly on the wall in my house right now? I'm super excited to have these new sneakers. For the past 8 years, the only sneakers that I have owned are the cheap $10 no name's you can find at Wal Mart. It's not that I couldn't ever afford a nice pair of sneakers, but to me, spending $50 - $60 or even more on a pair of sneakers was a waste of money. I would much rather have had a couple new outfits (bought on clearance of course) or some scrapbook supplies or a dinner out with my husband. It just wasn't my priority to get a nice pair of sneakers since quite frankly, I didn't wear them much. I haven't been much of an active person in the way of working out before. But all of that has changed now.

I've been exercising on a regular basis for several months now. And I've been doing so in my old raggedy pair of Wal Mart sneakers. I haven't minded. I have never complained. But my husband, being the shoe loving man that he is was bothered by my choice of shoes to exercise in. He made me promise that I would get a really good pair of name brand sneakers .

I don't think he trusted that I would actually do it, so he took me himself this past weekend to get a pair. We went to the Nike outlet. I think the only time I've ever been in that store was to buy him something several years ago for Christmas. It's just not my kinda store. I really wasn't too excited about how much I would have to pay for a pair of shoes there. But he promised me that I would be able to find a reasonably priced pair on sale. He was right. Yes you heard me. MY HUSBAND WAS RIGHT! Oh my, he's never gonna let me live that down! He was right and I was wrong. I'm not sure I've ever uttered those words in our 10 years of marriage, but there's a first (and last) time for everything, right? I found a super cute, luxuriously comfortable pair for $39.99. And I'm wearing them around the house right now to break them in before I go exercise tomorrow.

.....this is my most recent pair of sneakers with a crack in the bottom......

I actually like the new ones so much I'm thinking about buying a pink pair too. Look out, honey! You may have just created a sneaker snob! No more cheapo's for me! I'm lookin' mighty fine in my Nike's tonight!

I'll Take Mine Black Please....

And no, I’m not referring to my coffee. I don’t even drink the stuff. Not tea either. What I’m referring to is what some people might think is a stereotype. I never even imagined that posting a picture of my husband and myself together on my Facebook profile would draw so much attention. Apparently some of my “friends” didn’t know what my husband looks like. Let me say this…I am married to the most wonderful, caring, generous (in more ways than one), kind, gentle, protective, loving husband there is. He is my soul mate. He is the man that God created just for me. When God knit the two of us together separately in our mother’s wombs, He knew what He was doing. He was creating two individuals who were perfect for each other. He was creating a power couple in the Kingdom of God. He was writing the most romantic and beautiful love story ever written. When we met, we knew we were perfect for each other. We talked about getting married on our first date. To me, my husband is the most handsome man on earth. When I look at him, I am constantly thanking God for giving me such a gift as my husband. He stirs up emotions in me that no one else can. The sight of him… his muscles, his hands, his face…his entire body is downright magical to me. How God could create such a perfect compliment to me in every way is beyond my comprehension. Suffice it to say, we were made for each other! But while we saw what God had intended for us to see in each other, there were those who didn’t quite agree with our union. And there are still those who think we should not be married, nor have children together. And sadly, some of those individuals are family. If you take notice, in describing my husband above, never once did I mention his skin color. It has nothing to do with why I love him so much. Yes I am married to an incredible man, and he just happens to be black. I’ve heard way too many stereotypical comments lately that, quite frankly make me angry. You know the ones I’m talking about. Big bald black man + plus sized white girl = A BIG FAT STEREOTYPE! My husband happens to be big and bald and I just happen to be a plus sized white girl. Total coincidence. Another stereotype…yes I’m gonna say it….big feet = you know what. Stop looking at my husbands feet and making crude references! I don’t appreciate it! There’s more, but I’m gonna stop there. Oh, and don’t get me started on the stereotypes about bi racial children. Enough is enough. Can’t we just accept one another as human beings? Skin color makes no difference. I love what my husband’s great aunt Flora (who’s in her 80’s) said to me the very first time we met over 10 years ago. She said “Honey, it don’t make no difference what your skin color is. We all bleed the same color blood!” I couldn’t have said it better myself. And you know what else? More importantly than our blood is the blood that Jesus shed for ALL OF US! When He died on the cross for our sins, He did not make any specific requirements for who would be made free by the shedding of His blood. Whosoever will accept Him. That’s who. I can’t help but sing this song to myself every time I hear someone making some kind of racial reference or joke……

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
All are precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!

Falling Off The Wagon

It’s confession time. I’ve been a very, very bad girl. For the past 2 weeks, I have “fallen off the wagon” so to speak. And it’s kind of ironic the timing of it all. If you remember, I was extremely excited about getting the fill on my band just 2 weeks ago. I was experiencing a plateau in my weight loss and I was hoping that the fill would give me the boost I needed to jump start the progress again. I’ve had anything but the desired results I was hoping for. I don’t blame it on anything medically and I don’t think it has anything to do with the fill, but more likely it’s got something to do with a certain “visitor” I’ve had lately. The timing stinks. OK, so I’m gonna get really personal here and if it’s too much for you, then stop reading. But it’s my blog and I’ll talk about what I want to. (insert sarcasm here) I have a condition called Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS. Among the many undesirable side effects of this is irregular menstrual cycles. Since I was 11 years old, I can’t remember a time when I knew for sure when I would have a period, except for one brief time stretch when I took birth control pills. I just never know. Over the years, I’ve also experienced infertility, elevated blood sugar levels, weight gain, and a few other things that are just too uncomfortable for me to mention. During the process of leading up to the lap band surgery, one thing that my doctor and I discussed is that with weight loss, some of the symptoms of PCOS will go away. This is a good thing. Really it is. But I’m just not used to having a regular cycle yet and now that my body is reacting well to the weight loss, guess what? It’s like clock work now. And of course, as fate would have it, the same week I received the fill was the week before my “visitor” came. I don’t know how other women’s bodies are, but for me, the week before is horrible. I am moody, irritable, cranky and I want to eat everything in sight! And it lasts right on through until the end. And this month was no different. I think it’s also had something to do with being snowed in the house for several days at a time too. But during these last 2 weeks, I have learned the art of “eating around my band. “ And that’s not good at all. I’ll explain myself. Because of the band, and more recently because of the fill, I can only eat small amounts of food at a time. And I am supposed to limit myself to 3 meals per day of about 1/3 to ½ cup of food each meal. No snacking in between. And I’m not supposed to be hungry between meals either. But, if you’ve known me for any length of time, you’ve most likely heard me say that I had stomach surgery, not brain surgery, and while my stomach may be full, my brain still tells me to eat sometimes. That’s what happens when you’re an emotional eater. So, I’ve been eating my 3 meals per day and feeling full off of them, but occasionally in one or two hours, I’ve been eating again. Snacking. On foods that are bad for me to eat. Foods that I’m supposed to stay away from. And while I haven’t gained any weight back, I haven’t lost anything either. And I’m afraid that I’ve done damage. I don’t know this for sure, but I fear that I have. What if I’ve stretched my stomach during these last 2 weeks? I know it can happen, but I don’t know how long it can take for it to happen. And I’m afraid to ask my doctor. I’m afraid of a reprimand. A lecture. So instead, I called the office and asked for something I told myself I wouldn’t need. A coach. Last month when I went to my first support group meeting, I remember the leader of the group mentioning that there are people available who have been through the weight loss surgery process and have been successful who would love to be a support to anyone who needs it. I shrugged it off then. But I need someone like that now. So I called and asked for the name and contact information for someone today. They are working on matching me up with someone and will call me with the information soon. I can’t wait to talk to whomever it is they set me up with. I need to know if this is normal. Well, I’m sure it is. But I need to talk with someone who’s messed up and still managed to pick themselves up and start over again. I really need this. I’m disappointed in myself. I guess I just thought in my messed up little mind that this wouldn’t happen to me. That I was strong enough where others weren’t. Not so. But at least I’m willing to admit that I’ve messed up and am willing to do the work necessary to get back on track. That should count for something, right? Well I think so.
So, for anyone else out there who’s messed up too, whatever the struggle is….I just want to tell you that it’s not too late for you either. It’s never too late. You can pick yourself back up and get back on track too. Let’s do it together. We can make it!

Retail Therapy

I’ve been dealing with some unwanted stress these last few days. Actually, I don’t know why I said it like that, as far as I’m concerned ALL stress is unwanted. I guess what I really meant was that it was completely unexpected criticism that has had me stressed out lately. And from a completely shocking source. Anyhow, what I’m getting at is that I have a very loving and protective husband who is extremely wise. He knows exactly what will help me when I’m stressed out. The last two days during the boys nap time, he sent me out of the house for some “retail therapy.” And I have to tell you, it worked. I’m feeling a lot less stressed now that I’ll be sporting some new clothes. And I hit the jackpot too! This time of year is amazing for finding sales. I’m a bargain shopper to begin with, but I must say that I even surprised myself with my incredible finds. Altogether, I spent $86 and I got a boatload of clothes…2 pair of jeans, 1 pair of khakis, 2 jackets, 3 sleeveless tops, 1 short sleeve dressy shirt, 2 long sleeve tops, a sheer duster and a pair of earrings. And most of the items were from my favorite store - Lane Bryant. Yesterday I went to the Goodwill and cleaned up! It’s amazing what you can find if you take the time to search through the racks and racks of clothes. I found really nice name brand clothes (lots of Lane Bryant) there. Then I found some things at good old Wal Mart. I spent $66 yesterday. And today I used my $15 off of a $15 purchase at Lane Bryant and got the 3 sleeveless tops for $20! Woo hoo!!! I wish I could show you pictures of what I got, but silly me...I left my bags of clothes in the boys room and I just got the little one to sleep, so I am NOT going in there right now and possibly wake him up. The boy is a bear if he gets woken up. Maybe tomorrow, though.
Now all I need is some underwear and bras and I should be good to go for a little while! And I really really need underwear too! I know it’s TMI, but they are falling off of me! I’m finding myself constantly tugging at them to keep them up! My husband just looks at me and shakes his head. I know what he’s thinking though….thongs! OK, maybe 1 new pair of those, but I need some normal every day underwear too! And I'm just not ready to brave Victoria's Secret yet either. But I'm not going for the plain white granny underwear that's been my underwear of choice for the past several years. I need some cute stripes and plaids and polka dot underwear. Maybe a pair of boy shorts. I think that's what they're called. Oh and some lacy ones too! Ooh, I'm gonna have so much fun picking them out! I can hardly wait! I know, I know. It's the little things that excite me. It doesn't take much. I guess you know what I'll be doing tomorrow at nap time, don't ya? Guess I better go make some space in my underwear drawer right now. This is gonna be soooo much fun! Until tomorrow....

Message In A Bottle

What can you do with 3 empty sparkling grape juice bottles left over from New Years Eve? Lots, I tell ya! Start off by soaking the bottle in warm water to remove the label...

Next, stamp an image on old brown paper and color the image in using your kids coloring pencil stash....

Modge Podge bits and pieces of paper, flowers, buttons, ribbon, and rope on.......

Turn upside down in a coffee cup to dry....LOL.......

Wait 3 days for the Mod Podge to dry because you caked on way too much, and VOILA......

The cutest little craft project you ever did see......

Oh yeah, and add a pink jewel. Can't forget that.......

embellish with a tag and beads......

Don't forget Cupid cause it's almost Valentine's Day......

LOVE it!

Now, what do you do with a LOVE sign that you got for a gift but it doesn't fit in with the decor of your home?

Spend an hour taking it apart, regretting every second of it while saying to yourself "Why did I ever think this was a good idea?"

Calm yourself with some hot chocolate and get to painting, girl! Gather some paper, stamps, ribbon, and of course Mod Podge! And put it all back together again (easier said than done).....

But it is cute, isn't it?

My man and I....we're 2 of a kind....

And that my friends is how I spent my week! How about you?

I'm A Sick-O

I should have known. Last night right in the middle of the mall, my one year old threw up all over me. Up my sleeves, down the front of my shirt, on my jeans, even on my boots. I thought it was just because he was jumping around in the play area and then stuffed his mouth full with a peanut butter cracker. But alas, I was wrong. I caught his virus. I woke up in the middle of the night moaning and groaning in pain. Don't ya hate that feeling when you know your sick, but you try your very best not to throw up? And then when you finally do, you feel better for a little while until the vicious cycle starts all over again. Yuck! I hate this! I even had to go to Wal Mart feeling like this. It was my normal grocery day so it had to be done. We were out of everything. And I almost lost it right in the middle of Wal Mart. Thankfully I made it home without embarrassing myself totally. I had to call my doctor because I was warned before my surgery that vomiting can be dangerous for me. The band could slip and cause a hernia and then I would need lots of tests and possible surgery to correct the problem. Rather than giving me a prescription for the vomiting right away, they advised me to....get this.....go on full liquids for 2 days! Are you kidding me? Again? This is getting ridiculous already! But I do understand. At least with only liquids, there is less of a likelihood of vomiting. So, here I go again! While I was at Wal Mart, without thinking I bought my old standby for when I'm not feeling well - Ginger Ale. It's my favorite thing to sip on when I'm sick. But I forgot that I'm not supposed to have anything carbonated. It could cause bloating and possibly stretch the stomach out. And that's not good at all. So, I asked about it when I called the doctor. He told me that I could still have it if I really needed to. I just have to let it sit out for awhile to let all of the fizz go away before I drink it. Fair enough. So that's what I did. It's the only thing I've had all day. I haven't even taken my multi vitamin. I'm afraid to. I'm such a baby when I'm sick. If even the slightest thing makes me gag, I'm done. If the gagging starts, vomiting is sure to follow. I've always had a weak stomach. Even as a child, my older sisters (Missy, you know you did it too! ) would tease me by pretending to pick their noses or some silly stuff like that just to see me gag. I couldn't take it. And I still can't. My poor husband, who works nights, got no sleep today because he was taking care of me and the boys. He was on dirty diaper duty all day long! Even the smell of a dirty diaper sent me reeling today! Hopefully this will pass and I'll be back to "normal" in no time. One good thing, though. Maybe my not-so-friendly scales will finally budge again! Here's hoping!