A Whole Month?!?!

I can't believe I've let an entire month slip away without blogging. 

Here it goes.

Jereld had his elk hunt at the end of September and got a very nice bull!  My freezer is STOCKED with meat.  Good thing I like elk meat! Very lean, and (I think) it makes excellent hamburgers actually.  Check out his elk (after he had skinned it.)  The skull and antlers is currently being bleached to go on our living room wall.  It should look pretty cool when it's finished!

This picture is of Jereld, his brother (Ammon), and his dad loading his dad's bull in the trailer.  They all got drawn, and they all got bulls.

While Daddy (Jereld), was hunting, Beau and I went to my mom's house.  We had lots of fun.  Beau loves Grandma and Grandpa Payne and had tons of fun.  I canned peaches with my mom.  Let's just say that I didn't want to see any more peaches for a VERY LONG TIME!  The peaches are delicious though!

While there, I took Beau's 8 month pictures.  Look at how cute he is!  I might be biased though. 

Update on my progress:  I have gotten down to a size 4 jeans (American Eagle Favorite Boyfriend jeans...of course).  I weigh less than I ever weighed in high school.  In fact, I probably haven't weighed what I weigh now since 6th grade or Jr. High.

The good news is that I'm done with my weight loss journey. 

The bad news is that, for me, maintaining is harder than losing.  I tend to rationalize more.  But, I'm still hanging in there!   

My favorite eats (post #2)

Ok.  I realized that I wasn't very specific about dinners.  So, here goes a few ideas.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (with homemade wheat noodles--I wish Jereld let me add more wheat flour...hint, hint).

Tostadas--I buy regular corn tortillas, but then I bake them at 400 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes or until they are crisp.  NO OIL involved.  Then,  I top with No Fat refried beans (usually Rosarita brand). A little cheese. Lettuce. Tomato.
-------The yummiest thing to add though is potato.  You may think I've gone crazy, but if you peel and dice some potatoes.  You lightly spray a non-stick frying pan with cooking spray and then cook them over medium heat until tender with a little garlic salt.  After they are tender.  Sprinkle with the green can of El Pato.  Just a little...wouldn't want them to be too spicy.  They are MOST EXCELLENT added to the tostada toppings.


Pizza---I know you think I'm crazy again, but if you just eat 1 piece (but don't make it if you don't have will power)...you're not going to break the diet.  This is homemade pizza of course. Here's a link to the pizza I make. http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/06/cooking-class-pizza-101/


I LOVE alfredo sauce, but it's TERRIBLE for you! This one's a little better and a nice treat sometimes. http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/08/guiltless-alfredo-sauce/

Crash Hot Potatoes: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/06/crash-hot-potatoes/  Make sure you don't do too much olive oil.  I love when I marinate some lean cuts of meat (beef or pork or even chicken) and Jereld grills them...and then we eat it with this.

Chili Beans:  I change my recipe every time.  There's no real set recipe for us, but I'll tell you what I did last time.  1 C. Pinto Beans. 1/4 C. Pearl Barley (from the bins at Sprouts). 1 tsp. minced garlic. 2 diced potatoes (yep! I added potato because I'm using up what I have). 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder. 1 lb. Ground Beef (make sure it's SUPER LEAN). 1 Tbsp. Taco Seasoning. Salt & Pepper to taste.
           --Sort and rinse your beans (wouldn't want to eat a rock).  Add beans, barley, and garlic to crockpot.  Turn crockpot to high for 2 hours.  Return and add potatoes.  Leave for a couple more hours.  Return and add chili powder.  Leave for a couple more hours or until all ingredients are tender.  Brown ground beef.  Once browned, sprinkle with taco seasoning.  Add ground beef to crockpot and turn to low for an hour or more.  Season with more salt and pepper if necessary. ENJOY!   


SUBWAY...ok...I don't make this for dinner, but when I want to eat out it's my go-to.  I usually get the Black Forest Ham and Turkey on Honey Wheat. I always get the Honey Mustard too.

PANDA EXPRESS--Broccoli Beef.  Check out the nutrition info online.  It's not too bad for eating out!

My favorite eats (at the moment)

To start: I would like to mention that I am doing this because I have been asked by a couple people what I eat to lose weight...and I've been too lazy to do a post like this. Also, I am doing much better at handling milk since Beau was born.  The Dr. thinks that it most likely has to do with the fact that having a baby can change your body (chuckle...really?!?!?!? could that be why I'm dieting in the first place? lol)



Low Fat Cheese Crisp:

Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss (I purchase at Costco..it's cheaper) + Low Fat Cheese (I use a soy cheese called Veggie Slices from Sprouts but you can find them at Fry's too) + Flat out Multi-Grain wrap (also purchased at costco)--Microwave for 35 seconds.  Eat with your choice of salsa



Sprouts has a yummy granola called Hemp Plus Granola...super yummy with Silk original Pure Almond Milk...if your state doesn't have Sprouts I'm sorry :(



I also love Trader Joe's High Fiber Fruit & Nut Multigrain Medley also eaten with Almond Milk (which I buy at Costco).  If you're state doesn't have Trader Joe's...I'm sorry :(




I'm a peanut butter fan....this stuff saves me all the time! Better'n Peanut Butter can be purchased at Sprouts or Whole Foods.  There's also a chocolate and low sodium version.  I have only tried this one, but the chocolate is sitting on my shelf waiting for my first jar to be gone. 

What do I use this for?  I spread a little on a banana as a yummy treat.  Or, I also make PB&Js using flat out wraps and a little bit of jam.  YUM!


The next gem on my list is Mini Babybel Light.  If you like string cheese, these are a go! I don't buy them for anyone but me, because string cheese is still cheaper, but if you buy them at Costco, the price is a little better.


Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies definitely make my list of things I have on hand. I don't eat these every day, but when I need a treat, they don't disappoint.  They aren't as yummy as homemade brownies, or Little Debbies, but they won't bust your diet either.


Skinny Cow ice cream.  Every type I've tried has been delicious.  I think my favorite so far is their drumstick type cone with caramel. Doesn't sound like diet food I know.


Last, but certainly not least is:


 

skinnytaste.com LOVE LOVE LOVE that site.  I have gotten so many recipe ideas, and she already has the nutrition info calculated for you! Who could ask for more?

Mothers: Lock your Cabinets!

That's right! Our son is about to be into everything!

Video Proof:

Lately

On August 20th, Jereld's co-worker (Ron) and his wife (Lisa) went through the temple for the first time.  They are converts to the Church, and Jereld and I had the opportunity to be there with them for their special day! Then, on August 27th we had the opportunity to watch them be sealed and also have their children sealed to them for time & all eternity.  I have to admit that I cried a few tears of joy for them.  It was extremely special.  You could feel the Spirit testify that what they were doing was so important.  As a mother, I cannot imagine what it would be like to go through eternity without your children.  Kudos to Ron & Lisa for taking their family to the temple.

 

I was there (I promise), but I was taking the picture.  This is a picture of some of the people who attended the sealing.

Next--

You may not see this finished for years to come, but I thought I'd give you a little sneak peak.  The fabric on the tree may be changing (due to JoAnn's Fabrics not having any more of the fabric I need--and I only have 3 of those done).  Also, please ignore that my bear block doesn't have a head in this picture.  I promise that I promptly corrected the situation.  He has a head now...just no picture of his head yet.

And--

Who could leave out our little ham?  He isn't crawling yet, but within the next little while I expect that he will start (I included a picture below of him holding himself up in a crawling-type position).  He scoots around and turns around and rolls.  He also flirts with all the ladies in Relief Society...even the married ones {gasp}!  He loves sticking his tongue out.  He figured out how to stick it out while we were in Las Vegas for our 2nd wedding anniversary.  He has virtually no hair on the back of his head thanks to all the rolling and rubbing he does, but PLENTY of hair on top (it's a bit long and needs a cut right now).  He got his first 2 teeth on the bottom around the first part of August and is biting everything!  In fact, he bit his friend Dallin's head.  He loves to try to clap.  He can't quite connect his hands yet, but loves trying!  He's a pretty good baby (as long as he's not teething) and LOVES attention from anyone (even complete strangers that look a little weird to his mommy).  Beau also sprays (spits--whatever you want to call it) his baby food EVERYWHERE when he wants to let you know that something is gross or that he's done eating whatever you are giving him.  He is just like his daddy--SWEET TOOTH DELUXE! He loves taking drinks of water from Mommy or Daddy's cup and will whine until he gets one (not just once either....over and over and over).  

Happy 7 months (yesterday) Beau!   



Nothing Too Fancy!

When preparing to write this post, I had the thought, "Well, I should probably title this 'Nothing Too Fancy!' because I was almost ready for bed and I just had Jereld snap a couple quick pictures."  Then, the other half of my brain sad, "Ha! You're wearing your wedding dress! How can you title it that?" 

Sometimes I laugh at myself.  Sorry if you don't think it's all that funny. 

But...without further delay:

Here are my stats:

51 pounds GONE since I started trying to lose weight

68 pounds GONE since returning home from the hospital with Beau

1 baby on my lap trying to type this blog post for me (ok...this has nothing to do w/ weight loss, but it's a trial in and of itself alright?!)

AND...as shown above,
FITTING INTO MY WEDDING DRESS!

My Cookbook Mission!

I'm on a mission guys! I'm attempting to create my DREAM cookbook! You can follow my progress on the blog I've set up for that very purpose! GIVE ME SUGGESTIONS! PLEASE! I'm dying to hear what you love!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO MY COOKING BLOG

So much better than bottles...right?

Beau just begs and begs until we give him a drink of whatever we're drinking.  He's also very fond of playing with sippy cups.  He knows how to drink from them, but he mostly just chews (or should I say gums) them to death.

No Roof Jumping Required!

Ok Ok...I'm posting pictures Alicia!

It's so tempting to not post pictures until I am 100% satisfied with my weight, but I don't know if that will ever happen.  I will say that I am looking much better than I was, and I've come a long way.  I'm not done though.

Here's a before shot.  Remember this?????

The pictures below are of me this evening.  I didn't do any special hair/makeup/photo session just for you guys, so take me as I am! Jereld told me I needed a fan to blow my hair for the pictures! What a funny guy!

PS--No roof jumping was required to fit into those jeans--those jeans that I used to wear before Jereld & I got married.  Those American Eagle Boyfriend jeans that I LOVE!

There you have it! A work in progress!

Happy Belated 40--to me!

Nope...I'm not 40 years old (thank goodness...that would be quite a jump--25 to 40)!

I never officially got to celebrate losing 40 lbs since starting my weight loss journey which was my BIG GOAL. (YAY!)

I was out of town when I reached it.  When I got home, I never posted about it until now.

I'm still going...don't worry.  I'm just getting really close to my ideal weight and it's going to get TOUGH!

Wish me luck!


Some info for those interested:

I have lost 58 lbs. since coming home from the hospital with Beau. 
--The first 17 lbs. just fell off. 
--The next 41 did not just fall off.  A combination of exercise and strict diet took them off. 
--I am now wearing some of the smallest pants I own. 
--I still don't quite fit in my wedding dress--yes, I tried it (but breastfeeding has a part in that...which I'm not stopping yet.)
--I am about 7 lbs. from what I weighed when I got married (but remember that muscle weighs more than fat--and let's face it, I was a lot more muscular back then).
--Eating adequate amounts of fiber (as in the recommended amount) is one of the things I pay a lot of attention to when losingweight--just a little secret from me to you!

Goodwill toward {wo}Men!!!

One wall in my kitchen is blank...oh so blank! I have been debating what to do with it for a long time.


If I had the $$$ today, I would redo all of the cabinets in my kitchen, and that wall would be COVERED in more counter space and cabinets! But, the truth is, I don't have that kind of $. I probably won't have that kind of $ for a long time.

But, I figure that if I slowly find cheap things, I can at least decorate that space to make it more homey and less hotel-y.


So...dun dun dun...enter Goodwill {sidenote: it was 50% off day}.
{2nd sidenote: Goodwill kind of smells funny doesn't it?}


I went Saturday and purchased 5 things {okay...you caught me...6 things, but the 6th thing was a tie for Father's Day}.

I bought 3 frames (a total of $4.50).
I bought a curio shelf/cabinet thingee ma-hopper ($3.50).
And, an ugly mirror with lots of potential ($20.00).


Then, I meandered {or drove...whichever you want to imagine, but "drove" is a boring word} over to Walmart and purchased some spray paint in the colors of my choice.

I sprayed and sprayed my little heart out {okay it wasn't that hard, but I'd like you to think it was!}.

And what do you suppose came of it?
See Below:

P.S. Sorry I forgot to take a before picture of the "curio shelf/cabinet thingee ma-hopper." You'll just have to imagine an ugly wood colored cabinet.

Before:

After:

Detail on the top:

Now, to make this a chalkboard, or leave it as a mirror?  I don't know if you can even turn a mirror into a chalkboard????  Thoughts?

Before:

After:

I don't have a before of this one...remember? So here is the after:

First Haircut!

Beau got his first haircut today from Amberlee Jimenez.  Side note: She's amazing.

Beau's hair was so long on top that Jereld and I started calling it the Donald Trump Comb Over. But, we can't anymore!!! 

Before:

After: 

Much better!

Water Baby!

Jereld was finally able to take pictures of Beau and me at Beau's Baby Splash class.  Finally, I can show you a little of what we do.

Sometimes we use cups (with holes poked in the bottom) to pour water over the babies' heads from back to front.  This gets them used to having water on their faces.  We count 1-2-3-Under.  Then, we pour.

Floating on his stomach.  He liked it, but his favorite is floating on his back.

All of the babies are placed on their stomachs on this giant hippo shaped water toy. They like looking at each other and socializing.  This helps them create their community.

You can't see it, but I'm sitting on a step.  Beau is practicing feeling the wall and also standing in water.  The toy is to keep him entertained. 

Here we are at the beginning of class getting acclimated to the water.

I promise that he usually likes it.  He just happened to be crying for the picture. 

 Back float! I am only holding the back of his neck and the sides of his face by-the-way.  Babies are naturally bouyant and are naturals at back floating.

Squashstache & BeheMOTH

I took Beau to his 4 month appointment.  He weighed 15 lbs. 3 oz. He was 24 inches tall.  Close to the 50th percentile for both. He was in the 75th for head circumference (big headed? lol).

We have finally started foods other than rice cereal for Beau. The first thing we tried was applesauce...that was a no go.

Then, I decided to try squash on a different day.  I didn't expect a good reaction, but I was pleasantly surprised! He ate quite a bit (for him anyways.) 

Oh, and I found this nasty moth above my front door. That is a quarter in the pliers so you have something to reference. I call him BeheMOTH.