Why does being a parent have to be so stressful?! I swear, my kids must totally hate each other, like 99% of the time! And it's mostly Skyler and Dalton. She seems to not be able to stand him, and he seems to enjoy annoying the heck out of her. So, either I try to ignore it and it drives me totally insane with their constant bickering, or I interfere, and then I get even more annoyed, because it's always "his fault/her fault" and I usually feel like a horrible mom for fussing at them. Seriously, just get along for a change!!! lol
Side note: Dalton is adopted. He's been a part of our family since he was 2 months old, and we adopted him at 2.5 yrs old. I sometimes wonder if this is why she is so mean to him. I've never hidden the fact from any of them, as I don't feel it's right to spring it on a child when they are older that they are adopted, and them have feelings that their whole life has been a lie. But sometimes it feels like she hates the fact that I have adopted him. Then again, she has her moments with Ashley as well, but it is never as bad as with Dalton. Deep down I know she loves him, but she truly drives me insane with the almost constant arguing/fighting with him.
"Parenting is the most rewarding thing in the whole world, but it also the one thing that will drive you into an insane asylum or an early grave!!!" - quote by ME
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Constant Foot Pain Sucks!!!
I've been having a lot of foot pain, especially my left foot, and I have no answers as to what the cause it. The majority of the pain is from standing all day on a hard floor at work, and me being overweight. But the pain in my left foot is different, and I had it before I started working. Back at the beginning of June, I went on a 2.5 mile walk, and the next day my foot was killing me. It happened once before that, but it went away after awhile on it's own. This time is worse, and it's almost a continues pain. It feels really stiff and hurts after I've been sitting for awhile, or when I first wake up in the mornings. There is a pinching pain across the top, and on the sides near my arch.
The doctors have done xrays, but that isn't showing anything. There is no swelling or bruising either. My doctor is sending me to the hospital to have a bone scan (I think that is what he called it) done, to see if there are any microscopic fractures or even if it's just arthritis. I'm personally not convinced it's something in my bones, but maybe with the nerves, or something else. I'm really hoping I'll get answers though, because I'm tired of this constant pain.
The doctors have done xrays, but that isn't showing anything. There is no swelling or bruising either. My doctor is sending me to the hospital to have a bone scan (I think that is what he called it) done, to see if there are any microscopic fractures or even if it's just arthritis. I'm personally not convinced it's something in my bones, but maybe with the nerves, or something else. I'm really hoping I'll get answers though, because I'm tired of this constant pain.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Update to Homemade Deodorant
Just wanted to let everyone know that even my hubby is trying the homemade deodorant. I won't say he's completely sold on it, but he doesn't seem to mind using it. I never asked him to try it; he did it on his own, and then asked me to put some in his regular deodorant container so he can put it on easier. YAY!!!! lol Oh, I'm still completely sold on it, and don't plan to go back to store bought deodorant at all.
Please feel free to share the recipe with others, so maybe we can get more people trying something that is good for them, and the environment (less ingredients washing down our drains and into our water supply).
Please feel free to share the recipe with others, so maybe we can get more people trying something that is good for them, and the environment (less ingredients washing down our drains and into our water supply).
Friday, August 3, 2012
Homemade Deodorant
I got a request to give the recipe for my homemade deodorant, so here it is.
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup cornstarch
5 tablespoons coconut oil
favorite essential oils (optional)
The blog that I got this from, said with her trial and error, she realized that the baking soda may be a bit much for some people, as she got rashes and actually had raw armpits, so I decreased the baking soda and upped the cornstarch (1/8 cup less baking soda, 1/8 cup more cornstarch). It makes it a bit "gooey" like wet cornstarch can be, but it works well. She also stated that it's best not to use it right after shaving your armpits also. lol I didn't use any essential oils, because I actually love the smell of coconut oil. Some people store it in their fridge if the temperatures are higher, as coconut oil will turn back into a liquid state, but I keep mine in the bathroom, in a ziploc plastic bowl... it just gets a bit moist at times. Just dip your finger(s) into it and rub some into your armpits. I opted to not use the essential oils, as I like the smell of coconut oil anyway, and I'm never funky from using it.
So, say goodbye to store bought deodorants that contain aluminum (which HAS been linked to cancer), and say hello to all natural!! lol Also, aluminum products are designed to block you from sweating, but sweating is your body's way of eliminating toxins. I feel a bit moist with the homemade deodorant, but I actually feel moist with ANY deodorant I've ever used, so it's not like it's worse for me now. The coconut oil actually works against the bacteria that grow in your armpits after they get wet, and that's why you don't get funky. I love this stuff and don't plan to go back to the store bought stuff again. In the long run, this is much cheaper and way fewer "I can't pronounce them" ingredients going under my arms, and in my lymph nodes into my body!!!
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup cornstarch
5 tablespoons coconut oil
favorite essential oils (optional)
The blog that I got this from, said with her trial and error, she realized that the baking soda may be a bit much for some people, as she got rashes and actually had raw armpits, so I decreased the baking soda and upped the cornstarch (1/8 cup less baking soda, 1/8 cup more cornstarch). It makes it a bit "gooey" like wet cornstarch can be, but it works well. She also stated that it's best not to use it right after shaving your armpits also. lol I didn't use any essential oils, because I actually love the smell of coconut oil. Some people store it in their fridge if the temperatures are higher, as coconut oil will turn back into a liquid state, but I keep mine in the bathroom, in a ziploc plastic bowl... it just gets a bit moist at times. Just dip your finger(s) into it and rub some into your armpits. I opted to not use the essential oils, as I like the smell of coconut oil anyway, and I'm never funky from using it.
So, say goodbye to store bought deodorants that contain aluminum (which HAS been linked to cancer), and say hello to all natural!! lol Also, aluminum products are designed to block you from sweating, but sweating is your body's way of eliminating toxins. I feel a bit moist with the homemade deodorant, but I actually feel moist with ANY deodorant I've ever used, so it's not like it's worse for me now. The coconut oil actually works against the bacteria that grow in your armpits after they get wet, and that's why you don't get funky. I love this stuff and don't plan to go back to the store bought stuff again. In the long run, this is much cheaper and way fewer "I can't pronounce them" ingredients going under my arms, and in my lymph nodes into my body!!!
Monday, July 30, 2012
It's been awhile!!
I guess it's been awhile since I've posted anything. My life is way too boring!! lol This may be a long post to catch you all up...
Anyway, I've started working nights recently, and I love it and hate it!! I love the feeling of knowing I'm helping my hubby to provide for our family. I love knowing that we'll be able to pay off lines of credit, and eventually be able to double up on our mortgage payments (eventually, school shopping will come first though. lol). I do kind of enjoy the "adult" time I get when I'm at work. Now, the I hate it parts... I hate being away from my family in the evenings! We decided that I'd work evenings so that hubby would be home by then, and we wouldn't have to put R in daycare at any point. I'm use to our evenings together though, so I really miss that down time at night. I'm a cashier at a grocery store, so I HATE being on my feet for 5-6 hours (8 on weekends). I have bad feet, and my left foot is killing me lately. I mean, killing me to the point that I've seen the doctor and he's referred me to an orthopedic surgeon to see what is going on with my feet. I sometimes hate dealing with customers and/or my co-workers. They aren't all bad, and even the bad ones are sometimes okay, but some days, I just don't want to deal with any of them!! lol
We also had R evaluated last month for speech therapy. It was decided that he has about a 20% delay for his age (he should be saying more words and putting words together to form 2 word sentences, but he's not) and so we are going forward with speech therapy. He had his first session today, and I think it went well. It's mostly the therapist trying to find ways to help us encourage R to talk, and to teach him ways to communicate with us without him getting frustrated, or always grunting to us when he wants things. I know some people feel he'll talk when he's ready, but honestly, there is no harm in having an outside person come in to talk to him and get him to open up more. She will hopefully be the encouragement he needs to really take off with his talking. Maybe soon I'll be posting that he won't shut up!! lol
I've also started becoming what some people call "crunchy." I started making our laundry soap about 4 or so months ago, and I love it. I've only had to make 2 batches so far, and we still have some left, and still have ALL the supplies left to make another batch soon. All this for maybe $7, so yeah, its very worth it!! lol This weekend, I mixed up my first batch of homemade deodorant. I don't like the idea that I'm constantly putting chemicals and metals under my arms, which can lead to cancer and other issues, so I'm trying alternatives. I must say, I love how it feels and how it works. I went to work Sunday with it, and although I sweated a little during work (I still think I sweated less than normal), I never smelled anything but the coconut oil I used to make it. I think it's something I'll stick with. It doesn't cost much, seems to work great, and who doesn't love the smell of coconuts?! lol I'm thinking I'll try going without shampoo next so I can get my scalp re-calibrated and maybe it'll stop producing so much oil!!
Well, that's enough for now. Maybe I'll have something more to say to you all soon. But if not, hopefully this post was enough to last you until I post again :)
Anyway, I've started working nights recently, and I love it and hate it!! I love the feeling of knowing I'm helping my hubby to provide for our family. I love knowing that we'll be able to pay off lines of credit, and eventually be able to double up on our mortgage payments (eventually, school shopping will come first though. lol). I do kind of enjoy the "adult" time I get when I'm at work. Now, the I hate it parts... I hate being away from my family in the evenings! We decided that I'd work evenings so that hubby would be home by then, and we wouldn't have to put R in daycare at any point. I'm use to our evenings together though, so I really miss that down time at night. I'm a cashier at a grocery store, so I HATE being on my feet for 5-6 hours (8 on weekends). I have bad feet, and my left foot is killing me lately. I mean, killing me to the point that I've seen the doctor and he's referred me to an orthopedic surgeon to see what is going on with my feet. I sometimes hate dealing with customers and/or my co-workers. They aren't all bad, and even the bad ones are sometimes okay, but some days, I just don't want to deal with any of them!! lol
We also had R evaluated last month for speech therapy. It was decided that he has about a 20% delay for his age (he should be saying more words and putting words together to form 2 word sentences, but he's not) and so we are going forward with speech therapy. He had his first session today, and I think it went well. It's mostly the therapist trying to find ways to help us encourage R to talk, and to teach him ways to communicate with us without him getting frustrated, or always grunting to us when he wants things. I know some people feel he'll talk when he's ready, but honestly, there is no harm in having an outside person come in to talk to him and get him to open up more. She will hopefully be the encouragement he needs to really take off with his talking. Maybe soon I'll be posting that he won't shut up!! lol
I've also started becoming what some people call "crunchy." I started making our laundry soap about 4 or so months ago, and I love it. I've only had to make 2 batches so far, and we still have some left, and still have ALL the supplies left to make another batch soon. All this for maybe $7, so yeah, its very worth it!! lol This weekend, I mixed up my first batch of homemade deodorant. I don't like the idea that I'm constantly putting chemicals and metals under my arms, which can lead to cancer and other issues, so I'm trying alternatives. I must say, I love how it feels and how it works. I went to work Sunday with it, and although I sweated a little during work (I still think I sweated less than normal), I never smelled anything but the coconut oil I used to make it. I think it's something I'll stick with. It doesn't cost much, seems to work great, and who doesn't love the smell of coconuts?! lol I'm thinking I'll try going without shampoo next so I can get my scalp re-calibrated and maybe it'll stop producing so much oil!!
Well, that's enough for now. Maybe I'll have something more to say to you all soon. But if not, hopefully this post was enough to last you until I post again :)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
My Weight Loss/Healthy Living Goals
Since I just posted about mine and hubby's 10% challenge, I thought I should post about my overall goals for myself.
Currently, I am 210 lbs (my high was 214), and I'd like to ultimately be down to around 135 lbs. So, I need to lose 75 lbs to reach that goal. I've set my goal date to around the end of October, 2013. That is letting myself go slowly and lose about 1 lb a week, although I know some weeks will be more and some will be less.
I am currently tracking my calories and exercise (using www.myfitnesspal.com) and I've been doing good with that. I need to continue trying to plan my meals and work with the calories I have to eat each day. I've figured out my BMR and I go with that number, not what my fitness pal has given me, as their numbers are a bit low. I need to make smarter choices with my foods and get more variety in my diet.
I'd like to get on track with exercise and begin working out for at least 30 mins 3-5 days a week, and work up to 45+ mins, 5+ days a week. Currently, I'm starting with mostly cardio, such as walking or riding my stationary bike, but I'd like to incorporate strength training into that also.
I'd like to begin jogging/running eventually, and hubby and I would like to do a 5k, maybe before the end of 2012. That is our small goal. We'd like to work up from there and do a 10k or maybe a marathon!! lol But, we'll start slow for now. I could easily walk a 5k now, but I'd like to be able to jog/run it. That is a bit of a challenge for me right now, as I can barely run without getting tired, but that is my goal.
My main goal, I just want to be HEALTHY!!!!!!
Currently, I am 210 lbs (my high was 214), and I'd like to ultimately be down to around 135 lbs. So, I need to lose 75 lbs to reach that goal. I've set my goal date to around the end of October, 2013. That is letting myself go slowly and lose about 1 lb a week, although I know some weeks will be more and some will be less.
I am currently tracking my calories and exercise (using www.myfitnesspal.com) and I've been doing good with that. I need to continue trying to plan my meals and work with the calories I have to eat each day. I've figured out my BMR and I go with that number, not what my fitness pal has given me, as their numbers are a bit low. I need to make smarter choices with my foods and get more variety in my diet.
I'd like to get on track with exercise and begin working out for at least 30 mins 3-5 days a week, and work up to 45+ mins, 5+ days a week. Currently, I'm starting with mostly cardio, such as walking or riding my stationary bike, but I'd like to incorporate strength training into that also.
I'd like to begin jogging/running eventually, and hubby and I would like to do a 5k, maybe before the end of 2012. That is our small goal. We'd like to work up from there and do a 10k or maybe a marathon!! lol But, we'll start slow for now. I could easily walk a 5k now, but I'd like to be able to jog/run it. That is a bit of a challenge for me right now, as I can barely run without getting tired, but that is my goal.
My main goal, I just want to be HEALTHY!!!!!!
10% Challenge
Hubby has somewhat agreed to do a 10% challenge with me. The challenge is to see which one of us can lose 10% of our current weight first. For me, that will be about 21 lbs. For him, I think it's about 22 lbs. We are neck and neck for this :)
I'm very excited for this motivation and I'm hoping it'll help me. I've been back on track for almost a week now, and my Monday weigh in was down 1.4 lbs from 2 weeks prior, and that was with only 3 days of tracking my calories. I'm so ready for this!!!
I'm very excited for this motivation and I'm hoping it'll help me. I've been back on track for almost a week now, and my Monday weigh in was down 1.4 lbs from 2 weeks prior, and that was with only 3 days of tracking my calories. I'm so ready for this!!!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Happy 14th Birthday, Sky
I can't believe it, but my oldest "baby" is 14 now. Where did the time go? I swear, I just had her, like yesterday. Didn't I??? lol She is a beautiful young lady now. She has her moments where I could strangle her, but she's a teenager AND a girl! So, it's expected of her!!!
I am very proud of her. She is not only a beautiful young lady, but she's sweet (most of the time) and she does her best to excel in school. She has advanced up to 2 grades in some of her classes, so currently, she is in 8th grade, taking some 10th grade classes. Pretty impressive, in my book!
She's spent the past few summers attending a program at the University of Richmond, called MSI: Math and Science Innovations. She could just spend her summers being lazy, like most kids would do (and as I would do!), but she chooses to attend this program to advance her academics. She has also used a few of her Saturdays during the school year to participate in the same program with the University.
She's hoping to either attend the University program again this summer, or be a counselor at one of the summer camps here in Richmond. Either way, I'm sure she'll have a wonderful summer and learn some valuable lessons.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Happy Mother's Day
Today was a pretty good day for me. Hubby got up early and him and the girls went to the store to get stuff for breakfast and dinner. All while I was still asleep. When they came home, the girls cooked breakfast for me. They'd also stopped at Lowe's to get some flowers for the front yard, and so we all went outside and they did yard work, while I sat and watched. lol We went to Sweet Frog for some frozen yogurt and hubby cooked dinner for me tonight... steak, baked potato, sweet peas and sauteed bell peppers and onions. It was delicious!!!
I also got a potted flower and some perfume from my Virginia Mama, C.
I am so thankful for my wonderful hubby and kids. I am so thankful to have such awesome kids. I was blessed when I was allowed to be their mom! They get on my nerves a lot, but I wouldn't trade them for anything!! I love you all!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Getting Behind A Bit
I'm thinking 31 Days To A Better Photo was supposed to be done in 31 days, but it seems it's taking me a bit longer. lol I think I need to get back on that and see what new things I can learn about photography. Life has just been so busy lately, that I've barely pulled my camera out lately. Hopefully I'll start back up with this soon and be posting some awesome pictures with my newly found skills!!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Happy 2nd Birthday Little Man
I couldn't stop it from happening, and so my little man is now a big 2 yr old!! Where does the time go? I swear it seems like I was just finding out I was pregnant with him! The past 2 yrs have been an amazing adventure and I've loved watching him grow and learn so much. He has such a wonderful smile and laugh... he makes each day worth getting up. I can't imagine my life without him.
Happy Birthday, Rahmad!! We love you so much!!
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| Just a few hours old :) |
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| Yesterday. Such an amazing smile :) |
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
FREE pedometer
Just thought I'd share this link if anyone is interested in getting a free pedometer.
http://ads.thestudio.condenast.com/humana/index.php
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
I really wanna get back on track
Early last year, I started using My Fitness Pal (MFP) and I was logging my food daily and exercising about 4-5 days a week (usually a nice walk through my neighborhood). I lost 20 lbs and was below 200 lbs and I was so proud of myself. And then I let myself get off track!
I've now gained 18 of those lost 20 lbs back, and I'm very disappointed in myself. I'm tired all the time and my clothes are tight. Oh, I *could* try to blame my tiredness on the fact that I have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but I don't think that is the whole issue. I'm just lazy and I'm not doing anything to find motivation! It's like a catch 22... I need to exercise so I'll have more energy, but I don't have energy to exercise. *sigh*
But I REALLY want to get back below 200 lbs and to get even lower. I REALLY want to not be tired all the time. I REALLY want to have clothes that fit me well, without this tummy bulge. I REALLY want to have the energy to play with my kids. I REALLY want to feel attractive. I REALLY want to just be a healthier person!!
Today is "stupid parents" post day!
Sorry mom runs from attacker and leaves her 4 yr old daughter behind! Be warned, this video will most likely disgust you as much as it did me!!!
I can't even begin to describe how disgusted this makes me feel. Really? A crazy man tries to take your purse and you run off WITH your purse, WITHOUT your 4 yr old?! And to claim it was because she was trying to make the man follow her. No, you were only thinking of yourself! How can you even call yourself a mother when you would run off to protect yourself and your purse, but leave your child behind?!
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Parents strap children to hood of car and drive to liquor store.
http://wtvr.com/2012/05/08/police-parents-strap-children-to-car-hood-drive-to-liquor-store/
Seriously?! But it's ok. The kids (ages 4, 5, 6 and 7) said they wanted to because it sounded like fun. Yes, let's do all the "fun" things our kids want to do.
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Mom tans while kids wait in idling car
Yeah, I found another article to add to today's list of stupid parents in the news. A mom thought it was ok to leave her 6 yr old and 10 month old in the idling car, while she worked on her tan in the alon across the road.
http://www.fox43.com/news/wpmt-lancaster-county-woman-charged,0,1158249.story
Some people just shouldn't have kids!!!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
31 Days To A Better Photo│Shooting Fast vs Shooting Slow
I'm reading a blog by my3boybarians called 31 Days To A Better Photo and today's page (Day 3) was Shooting Fast vs Shooting Slow. Day 1 was "Welcome" and Day 2 was "Find Your Camera Manual."
Shutter speed refers to the amount of time your shutter is open to allow light to enter. It is measured in fractions of a second. Shooting fast freezes time, while shooting slow allows a longer exposure.
"Imagine you’re at the sink with a small cup. You want to fill the cup with water.
So you reach for the faucet. If you leave the water on too long, the cup will overflow and spill.
If you don’t leave it on long enough, your cup will not fill." -my3boybarians
So you reach for the faucet. If you leave the water on too long, the cup will overflow and spill.
If you don’t leave it on long enough, your cup will not fill." -my3boybarians
Today's "assignment" was to:
- Put your camera in manual mode. Lock in the same ISO and aperture – keeping them the same.
- Find a subject, take several photos, changing the speed 1 click on the dial each shot; watch what happens to your photos as you change shutter speed.
- Pay attention to how shutter speed can effect the amount of light in your photo.
- Pay attention to how shutter speed can show or freeze motion.
I decided to try this inside and outside, so I could compare the difference in different light settings. All of these images are with a Canon EOS Rebel T2i with a focal length of 18mm.
My son's Scout dog was my inside "model." lol
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| Fstop-f/5.6; ISO-400; shutter speed-1/4 sec |
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| Fstop-5.6; ISO-400; shutter speed-1/20 sec |
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| Fstop-5.6; ISO-400; shutter speed-1/1000 sec |
So, as you can see, the shutter speed makes a huge difference in how a picture turns out. Now, I'll also show you a few of the outside photos so you can see how being in a brighter area affects the shutter speed numbers.
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| Fstop-f/5.6; ISO-400; shutter speed-1/40 sec |
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| Fstop-f/5.6; ISO-400; shutter speed-1/640 sec |
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| Fstop-f/5.6; ISO-400; shutter speed-1/4000 sec |
So, you can see that the difference in shutter speeds between inside and outside vary by huge numbers. When I started on a shutter speed of 1/4 seconds like I did inside, the picture was actually completely white. I think I learned a little today with this "assignment" and I hope that maybe this has helped someone else also.
Starting my blog...
I keep talking about having a blog, but I haven't started one yet. Well, I have, but I didn't like it, so I stopped doing it. I never liked my page name, or couldn't think of anything to write about. lol Well, I'm going to try to stick with it this time. Hopefully, I'll find enough interesting things to write about to keep it up.
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