Laith's 6th Birthday Party

We were invited to Danny's best friend's birthday party over the weekend. Laith turned 6 and we celebrated with pizza and cake at his house. Danny and Austin were wearing their superheros shirts and we had got Laith one too for his birthday. When Laith opened his present and saw that he got one too, he slipped into his parents bedroom really quick and put it on so he could be the same like Danny and Austin. It was so cute and they all looked like brothers. Then, we headed over to Austin's Park N Pizza for a little playtime. Danny wanted to go with Laith in their vehicle so we got the pleasure of taking Farris with us (he had asked me beforehand if he could ride with us and I told him he had to ask his mom. Things worked out perfectly.)

At Austin's Park N Pizza, the kids absolutely had a blast! We went straight to the go-kart racing and had to stand in line for an hour but it was so worth it! The kids all raced each other and had a great time. Austin crashed several times in the beginning and the guy had to ride with him the first lap (on the side of the go-kart) to show him how it's done. Then, after he jumped off, oh my gosh! Austin was like a little race car driver! He took turns so quickly and was pushing heavily on the gas. I was so surprised by my little man. Danny on the other hand took everything really slow and we all wondered if there was something wrong with his car. But when he got out, he ran over and said "I'm the winner!" and was very proud of himself. So I guess that was just the pace he wanted to drive at.

We then let them do the teacups and the bumper boats and then headed inside for games. It was the perfect night with friends. Thank you Laith, Lisa, Maen, Elizabeth, Ramzi, Noora and Farris for inviting us over to such a fun birthday party. The kids had a blast and the goodie buckets were SO adorable. Thanks for everything!

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was great and very well written. The story is narrated by a golden lab (Enzo) about his life with his master and family. His master (Denny) is a customer service rep with a BMW/Mercedes service center and a hopeful race car driver. His wife Eve and daughter Zoe are very supportive of his career and they make for a well rounded family. However, disaster is right around the corner and pushes the family to the limit at times.

It was a quick read and I found myself hooked to find out what would happen. I enjoyed that the chapters were extremely short, pushing me to read more. Great story.

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PADIAAM

Well, with all that is happening with my family, and me being an emotional eater with no energy, I've decided to hold off for the next week with my regime and change my acronym to PADIM (Pound A Day In May). I just haven't had the mind set to try to keep up with my eating, however, I have been continuing with my pushups and am now up to 20 (not in a row, 10 at a time but soon). My shoulders are looking more toned which is astonishing because I've only been doing it for a week... can you imagine in four weeks what they will look like? Cool. I will post more at the beginning of May.

I Won A Book From Goodreads!

I read a lot of books and I had joined Goodreads.com over a year ago in order to keep track of all I've read as well as get recommendations from my friends for new books. Also, I'm in two book clubs so having those groups on there has helped keep track of the books we read each month.

About three weeks ago, Goodreads was having several drawings for four different books they were going to be giving away. I WAS ONE OF THE WINNERS! Yay! I won Tess Gerritsen's Ice Cold and will be receiving it in a few days.

My friend Melissa got me and several other ladies hooked on Tess Gerritsen's books and I'm very excited to read it. We read The Apprentice for book club and even though the forensic explanation is hard to take at times, it was very interesting and kept you hooked.

I'll definitely put my name in the drawing for more books in the future. I wasn't sure if they were just getting my name and address for marketing purposes or someone would actually win something. However, since I won and know that they actually send you something, I will be participating more often.

My Cousin Gabe

My husband received a call yesterday from my step mom Carol letting us know that my cousin Gabe (age 33) had passed away. That in and of itself is bad and hard to take but the news didn't stop there. He committed suicide. Danny and I were at the dentist and when we got home, Kamal told me the news. I just couldn't believe it and for 20 minutes, was in complete shock, numb from head to toe.

Finally, I went to the computer to see if I could find out more information. When I went to his facebook wall and saw that his uncle had posted "R.I.P.", I burst out crying, realizing then that it wasn't just a bad dream, it was real and my precious cousin was gone.

I knew that I would need to let my sister know, even though I was sure that Carol had called her too. I didn't want to ruin her work day so I waited to call until about 4:30 my time (which is 3:30 her time). I called and spoke with mom first letting her know what happened and then my sister Loralei. When I talked to Loralei, she freaked out and screamed "What?" several times. We had a good cry together and she called me again later that night so we could talk about everything.

We have had several young family members pass away in the last eight years. My cousin Jeff was 21 when he was killed in a car accident in 2002. My cousin Kris was 28 when he had an allergic reaction to pepper spray and passed away in 2007 and now Gabe at age 33, in 2010. Also, we lost my grandmother (who was like a second mom to me) at age 75 due to a blood clot that reached her lung in 2007, one month prior to Kris' passing. It's almost too much to bear... four family members passing in eight years and that's not counting the numerous friends. I just pray that God will grant us strength and endurance to get through these very hard times and peace for the months to come.

Now about my cousin Gabe. He was a really funny guy and a loving and doting father to his six year old daughter Zoe and his new baby boy Lincoln who was born February 18, 2010. He shocked us when he grew to be so tall. I have many warm memories of our childhood together when we would visit my Granny and Papa in Oklahoma. One memory is going with our dads (Mike and Uncle Jonny) to the pond in order to get frogs for frog legs, bringing them back for Granny to cook and playing on the patio. He had a wonderful sense of humor and many, many friends. I love you Gabe and pray you are now at peace. You will be forever missed.


Photo 1: My cousin Gabe with his girlfriend Marissa.
Photo 2: From right to left: Marissa (his girlfriend), Gabe, Zoe (his daughter), Uncle Jonny (his dad), Aunt Sherry (his mom), Angie (his sister) and Matthew (his brother-in-law).


Photo 3: All the cousins on my Dad's side except for me and Kris. We had to leave early and didn't attend Kris' graveside service.
Photo 4: My uncles Keith and Jonny and their families and my sister, her sons Dante and Diego and my mom.

Day 17 of 56 - PADIAAM

Took a break for a day because of some family news that really hit me hard. I can't even remember really what I ate because I was in such shock but I know it couldn't have been all that nutritious. I remember eating quite a bit of banana pudding and vanilla wafers which couldn't have been good for me but a great comfort food. I will try to do better tomorrow.

However, I am still doing the pushups and I'm thinking about doing them in the morning as well. I seem to be getting stronger doing them and will increase to sets of 12 in the next day or so.

Day 16 of 56 - PADIAAM

Not much to report, I am not losing anything but I am feeling better and have more energy. I'm going to work on my arms a little more by doing pushups (not sure how long I can keep that up but my goal for now is 10 pushups a night).

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great book! I enjoyed reading it but was not convinced that it was 5 stars worthy until the very end. It is a story about a dinner party at the home of the Vice President of a country in South America with some very distinguished guests present from several different countries. The party gets invaded by terrorists and the book is basically going through what happens after they are kidnapped.

It was an easy read and the author's description of things was great, however, I had a hard time sitting down to read it at times until about two thirds of the way through. That's when it got exciting for me and I started feeling more compassionate about the terrorists.

The last chapter is what changed my point of view about the book. Very well done.

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Day 15 of 56 - PADIAAM

Took the weekend off and now I'm back on schedule. I ended up gaining a pound so I have to work extra hard this week. I wish that once you lost a pound, it wasn't allowed to come back on. That would make dieting super simple and you would never get discouraged. But since that isn't a possibility, I'll just have to keep on keeping on.

I walked with my friend Melissa today and we had a great walk. I'll probably be a little sore tomorrow but that's okay. It's a step in the right direction.

Day 13 and 14 of 56 - PADIAAM

No Comment! :-)

Day 12 of 56 - PADIAAM

Now at 6.5 lbs down. It's coming off slowly but surely. I can't really tell just by looking at me in the mirror but I can feel it when I put on my clothes. They are feeling a little bit looser. That makes me happy. I have a pair of jeans that I want to fit into for my first goal and I should be there shortly.

Day 11 of 56 - PADIAAM

Okay, day 11 and 6 lbs down... not where I want to be but at least I'm going down and not gaining. I have about 4 pounds to reach my goal for Monday and I highly doubt I'll be able to make it but I'm not going to get discouraged. At least I have almost made it and that should count for something. I'm going to try and fit a workout of some kind into my schedule and that should help. This weight I've lost has been just on diet alone.

Morgan's 4th Birthday Playdate

On Wednesday, we went to Jessica, Morgan and Connor's house for Morgan's 4th birthday playdate. As soon as we arrived, the kids helped themselves to playing in the playroom and after a few snacks, we all went outside to play on the swing set, play with bubbles and paint. All the kids had a really good time and it was neat to see them playing so well together.

Then, it was time for cupcakes. We all went in and the kids sat around the table waiting for the cupcakes. Austin had a little accident with his chair and bumped his chin on the table. By doing that, he bit his lip and it started bleeding. But within minutes, he was fine and back at the table. We all sang "Happy Birthday" to Morgan and she blew out her imaginary candle. They all started eating and it was so cute to see all their cake-filled faces.

When they were done with their cupcakes, they went back to playing and having fun. I went to get Danny and Austin ready to go and I found Danny with Morgan and Lauren in the closet with a flashlight. Both Austin and Danny gave me a hard time leaving because they were having so much fun. Thanks Morgan, Jessica and Connor for having us over for the awesome playdate. Happy Birthday Morgan!

Day 10 of 56 - PADIAAM

Same old, same old. I knew I'd hit a plateau, I just didn't think it would be this soon. Granted, the past few days I went 100-200 calories over my 1200 limit so that might be a factor but still. I'm going to make sure that I stop at 1000 calories by 6pm, just in case there is more snacking taking place afterwards. My eating is 90 percent my problem.

I have to share what I had for lunch today. It was so good.

Lunch and Dessert Topped Crackers and Cheese

• 8 Multigrain Club Crackers
• 1 oz. Brie Cheese (divide a circle of Brie into 8 pieces and use 1 piece).
• Pepper Jack cheese (4 flat cracker size pieces)
• Jar of Red and Yellow fire roasted peppers.
• Strawberry Preserves

4 crackers are for lunch, 4 crackers are for dessert. Cut the pepper jack cheese and put it on 4 crackers and cut the brie cheese and put it on 4 crackers. To the pepper jack crackers, add small strips of yellow and/or red fire roasted bell peppers. To the brie crackers, add a small dollop of strawberry preserves (total should be under a tablespoon). Enjoy!

Day 9 of 56 - PADIAAM

Day 9 and 6 lbs down. I have a little bit of work to do but the good news is my eating is under control.

Doctor's Visit

Today after school, we went to see our pediatrician for a well visit for both boys. For some reason, the boys always get wound up when we go in there and can't sit still. They had everything checked as well as hearing and vision tests. They passed with flying colors, are perfectly healthy and growing so fast. Even our pediatrician, Dr. Dawn Brooke, commented on how she was still expecting to see baby boys when she walked in and they were tall, big boys.

Austin had to get his 4 year shots and I explained to him that it was only going to hurt for a second and then he would be fine. Kamal and I were holding his hands as the male nurse took care of his legs and the shots. Danny was hugging the other female nurse so tightly with his head buried (he REALLY hates shots). Austin didn't even cry for the first shot, he just kind of looked confused but on the second shot, he started crying. But when it was all done, he quit crying and handled it really well. He's my tough baby.

Danny had to get an iron test and they sent us to the lab for a finger stick. HE TOTALLY FREAKED OUT!!! He would not let go of the doorway! His dad picked him up to take him into the room and still, he was grabbing onto the doorway and wouldn't let go, screaming, kicking and crying the whole time. Finally, when they got him into the chair, he still wouldn't settle down and so we all had to console him and let him know that it would only be a second. When they started with the alcohol rub, he freaked out again and I had to get his attention to calm him down and let him know that it was only the alcohol rub. From there, he handled it pretty well and after the stick, he looked so relieved like, that's it? Good thing they don't have any more shots until age 11. (By the way, when Austin gets his finger pricked, he doesn't even cry.) Poor Danny and Austin.

Day 8 of 56 - PADIAAM

Okay, I'm back on track. So far, 5.5lbs lost on day 8 but hopefully I can make up a little ground this week. I need to lose 5.5 lbs before next Monday to hit my goal and I believe that I can do it, I just need to continue watching my food intake. Yay! I'm already feeling TONS better in the way my clothes feel and my energy levels are higher. And that's just 5.5 lbs! Can you imagine the way I'll feel in a month? I'm really excited.

Nightlight: A Parody of Twilight by Harvard Lampoon

Nightlight: A Parody of Twilight by Harvard Lampoon


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Really funny... a total parody! If you haven't read the whole Twilight saga, you would probably miss a few of the jokes. It is basically making fun of the saga but I couldn't help but laugh in a lot of parts.

The story is about Belle meeting Edwart. From there, it is hilarious. Enough said.

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Day 7 of 56 - PADIAAM

I am really bummed today because I gained a pound! I don't know what I did wrong because yesterday, I ate under 1200 calories and last night, I did jumping jacks, leg kicks and pushups. I'm not going to sweat it. I am trying to stay consistent with my eating habits and that has been going well. Today, I did really well on my eating again, staying under 1200 calories. Hopefully, when the kids go back to school (they have been off for three days), I can start my walking regime again in picking Danny up from school. That seemed to help a lot. Wish me luck!

Happy 4th Birthday Claire!

We were invited to attend the 4th birthday party for our friend Claire in full Tinkerbelle style. I wore my Tinkerbelle shirt, of course and the boys were dressed as pirates. It was really fun and so relaxing. They had snacks on the table and free play outside or inside and I actually got to sit down and chat. The kids all looked so cute and Claire was the belle of the ball.

Austin has really bad allergies right now and I wanted to help him by giving him some allergy medicine about two hours before the party. That turned out to be a big mistake because within 20 minutes, he was knocked out cold. I let him sleep until 3pm (the party started at 3pm) and then when I woke him up, he just didn't feel good at all and was very clinging. When we got to the party, he only wanted to sit in my lap for the first 30 minutes or so because he just didn't feel like himself. But after a while, he got to going and had so much fun playing some of the games they had available.

Then, it was time for the cake - cupcakes. Claire was so cute and had already marked which one was hers by putting her fingerprint in the icing. The kids all sat around the table, sang happy birthday and had their cupcakes. After they were done, it was back to playtime as the adults got to sit down and chat. A very nice, relaxing birthday party that we enjoyed so much. Thanks Claire, Amanda, Rob and Samantha for inviting us to such a fun party. Happy Birthday Claire!

Day 6 of 56 - PADIAAM

Day 6 and no pounds lost today. I'm a little upset but not going to let it get me down. I ate right and did a little activity but not enough I guess. I'll just have to work out today really well so that I can make it up. I have already reached my goal for this week - I am making a goal of 5 pounds a week instead of 7 so that I don't get discouraged. Since I already hit my goal yesterday, I set next Monday's goal at 6 pounds. So we'll see if I can make it.

Day 5 of 56 - PADIAAM

Day 5 and 5 pounds down. I'm doing really well at documenting what I have been eating and I think this is why it is working so well so far. There are a lot of foods that you wouldn't think have as many calories as they do and we eat a lot of. For instance, I wanted to have some Robins eggs from the kids' Easter candy as a snack. I checked the calorie count before I ate them and was shocked! Did you know that for 4 measly little robin eggs that it is 90 calories? I ate 6-7 little eggs and it was 130 calories. In my mind, I had a hard time justifying that. I could eat 4 crackers and cheese for the same calories and be fuller. So I guess it comes down to smarter choices in eating for me.

I am feeling better because I am having at least one salad a day, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. I am measuring cereal, dinner, etc. but so far, it hasn't felt like a hassle. The two areas I am really lacking is the water consumption and exercise. I get my daily coffee in and maybe a glass or two of water but I need my 64 oz. a day. Also, I am walking to and from school to pick up Danny but I'd like to do more (and also get back to my regular workouts). I think I'll work on that this week.

Day 4 of 56 - PADIAAM

Day 4 and 4 pounds down... I feel really good and I really want to keep this up. I know that eventually I'm going to plateau but I want to be optimistic to push through that. I am really watching my portions but I am still able to eat the same thing as the family, just smaller which is helping immensely. I don't at all feel deprived, yet, as I am treating myself to an occasional Starburst jellybean (which are SO GOOD, by the way) so I have enough sugar without going overboard. And surprisingly, I have been able to stop at 2 at a time.

If you're doing it with, cheers to us!

Bluebonnet Pictures

Yesterday, I saw several bluebonnet patches along the road and wanted to take the kids' pictures, just in case I don't have time to find another field full of bluebonnets. The kids and I came home, got Daddy and were going to walk to a patch we saw close to road when we came across this patch right where we usually go walking in our subdivision, practically in our backyard. It's not huge but it was a decent size to get a few nice photos. I love the way they came out even though Austin was giving us trouble in the end about smiling. Of course, I wasn't prepared to have a photo taken of myself but Danny begged me to let him take a picture of me and Austin together, so how could I refuse? It actually doesn't look that bad so I'm going to post it too.