Vacay 2009

Last week I went with my family to Florida and we had an absolute blast! Everyone was able to go this year, except for Jeff and he had to stay and work and go to class. We are really hoping that he can make next year because we had such a great time. The trip down there was a complete mess which included forgetting our condo key and getting pulled over TWICE! We eventually made to Panama City Beach and were ready for the fun to begin. Most of our time was spent at the beach and one day we decided to just hang by the pool. I was happy to get some sun and a little relaxtion. Now I'm ready for a Parker break! I love her to death but we spent way too much quality time together, :). A few nights we were able to walk around and look at all of the shops which was nice and the weather was absolutely perfect to do that.

One of the things I love about Florida are the Daiquiri stands and if you have been to Florida or at least where we stay, they are EVERYWHERE! You can order them and take them with you down the road. Amy and I made frequent trips and my poison for this trip was the Pina Colada. Delicious! Why can't we have those in Arkansas??

Tuesday night, everyone loaded up and we went to a karaoke/oyster bar called Shuckums. We ate dinner and afterwards decided to drink a little and partake in some singing. Amy and I made it up there twice to sing Ironic by Alanis Morisette and I Love Rock and Roll. During the first song Amy was a little timid and I was drowing her out but by the second she was liquored up and belting the tunes out. We didn't get any pictures but it was a blast. They did a lot of line dancing so we did the cupid shuffle, electric slide, cha cha slide and my new favorite the soulja boy dance. My 12 year old sister had to teach me this one but it was all SO much fun. Everyone had a great time.

Here are just a few pictures of our little trip.

Weeks 2 and 3 update

I'm still going strong on my diet, even though, my trip to Florida set me back just a little. By the end of week 2, I had lost 7 lbs and a few inches. I couldn't have been happier. I was still running at least once a day and sometimes I would run twice. Still trying to lay off the cokes and sweet tea but still having my cup of coffee in the morning. This past Saturday, I left with my family to go to Florida and I was really nervous about keeping up my exercise and eating regime but I will have to say I did quite well. I was only able to actually run one day and I ran a little over a mile but the rest of the time was beach volleyball, dancing at the karaoke bar and walking to and from and all over the beach so I am pretty sure I got my exercise in. I did pretty well about not drinking cokes and only eating when I thought I needed to. Week four is about to begin and I am hoping I can get myself back on track since I am at home and returning to my normal schedule. Continue wishing me luck!

Week 1

I'm giving an update on my weight loss journey. It has been one week since I have started and as of this morning, I have lost 5 lbs!! I have been working out once and sometimes twice a day. I have been doing elliptical, running a mile on the treadmill, swimming laps in the pool, abs and arm work. I am definitely seeing my age after these workouts. I'm pooped!! I'm seeing improvements and Jeff has seen a few improvements as well. Five more days until Parker and I leave for Florida, so the true test will be how I continue with my progress while I'm in Florida surrounded by GOOD FOOD!!

You may be wondering why I just now posted my initial post about weight loss and the reason is I didn't want to fail in the first week and have this post out there! I will be out of town next Sunday so my next update will be when I return Friday July 24th. Keep wishing me luck!

Weight Loss Journey

I have decided to start taking some steps to lose some unwanted pregnancy and life weight. To go along with that, I have also decided to document it through my blog. I will give an update once a week on my progress and have a picture to also document my progress.

It is something that I have been needing/wanting to do but just haven't taken the necessary steps to do so. We now live in a place that has a workout facility and now there is absolutely no reason why I can't walk the twenty steps to get on the elliptical machine! I will also be making some better eating and drinking choices as well. I have had a bad habit of drinking a coke or sweet tea EVERYDAY! Those days will be long gone for me and in their place will be water, lots and lots of water. I do have a vice of having a cup of coffee in the morning and sometimes in the evening so that will also be cut down to one small cup in the morning and more water throughout the day. I'm not a big snacker or junk food eater so cutting that out won't be an issue. As for meals, I hardly EVER eat breakfast, usually eat a not so great lunch but try to make it up with dinner by having a lean meat and veggies, well at least most of the time.


I need all kinds of encouragement and prayers because this is going to be a rough road ahead of me! Let me know if anyone would like to join in on the weight loss journey/challenge!

PS I made the choice not to list my starting out weight just because I might cry if I have to see it. :)

The 4th in DeQueen

We decided to head down to DeQueen this weekend and spend the fourth with my parents. It seemed pretty weird since we were the only ones there this time. Usually Brian and Amy are there and Mat and Marjle, but Marjle was off traveling with my aunt across the country. Friday night we went to watch fireworks and Parker really loved them. She kept telling her mimi, "again, again". She really loved the end when they all went off at once. After the last one, she said, "let's go bye bye". I am guessing she had enough.



Saturday we slept in until about 8:30, which is quite late for us, had breakfast and got ready to go and swim for a bit before mimi and papaw had to cook for the big fourth party. Parker, of course, had a blast swimming and had to show everyone her tricks.


Later that night, we headed out to the Ayer's house for a cookout and some entertainment and by entertainment, I mainly mean my dad and a slip in slide. The food was delicious and I want all of the recipes as well as some great entertainment. A volleyball game and middle aged men flying down a slip in slide. Enjoy!

Yes, that is Randy McLelland

Sweet and Cute

Here are just a few pictures of Parker being silly and sweet.

Are you serious?

I love having a little girl but man, they can be quite dramatic at times and over the silliest things. I was able to get a picture of a major drama face over me taking pictures of her!

And now daddy's ugly face...

Yummy ice cream

I had decided to buy one of the small things of Ben and Jerry's ice cream and was also feeling brave so I let Parker have one all to herself. She seemed to really enjoy it and the evidence was all over her face.

Try not to pay attention to the other person in the picture. :)