Medifast.

One of my chapters I need to close out this year is my weight loss journey.  I recently stopped nursing C and knew it was time.  It was time to make a change.  I needed to do this for me, my boys, and my husband!  I decided I needed to lose 55 pounds.  I started researching different weight loss programs: Jenny Craig, Nurtisystem, Weight Watchers, and Herbalife.  I've done Weight Watchers before.  I loved it!  I enjoyed going to the meetings and preparing the fifteen thousand packages of snacks. Okay I'm exaggerating a bit, but it really did feel like fifteen thousand.  I was successful a few years ago before I had three kids.  I knew I couldn't do it again.  I don't have a lot of time as it is and I'm working on time management.  Herbalife I did about 2 years ago.  It was okay.  Shakes were okay.  But I got a stomach bug while on herbalife and was sick a lot.  Can't stomach it now, so that was out of the question too.  I was researching the other 2 programs when I came across Medifast.  I was hooked.  I asked around and decided this was the best way for me at this point in my life. 

I joined and started a few days later.  First week was an emotional roller coaster, but I made it through and lost 6 pounds.  Second week was horrible!  It was Easter and I cheated.  I gave in mostly.  I only lost .5, but I tried to stay positive.  I didn't gain.  Third week I stuck to it and lost 4.5 pounds!  I started exercising and feeling great!  I even mowed the grass!!!  Who is this new person!

I'm on week five and lost almost 15 pounds.  My actual weight lost is 13.5 pounds as of last Sunday.  I wonder what tomorrow's weight will be.  Have I lost any additional weight?  Inches?  I think my total is like 3 1/4 inches so far.  My clothes are feeling completely different.  I'm even in a new bracket of poundage (is poundage a word?).  :)  I'm almost to a lower size.  I can't wait to continue my lost weight journey and get back to the old me (or new me with 3 kids!).  If I can do this, anyone can.

Craziness.

Even though I haven't posted in over a week, it doesn't mean I haven't been thinking of the blog world!  It has just been crazy!  Okay, here is what's been going on:
Movie Reviews -
"Dinner for Schmucks" Not really sure what to say.  In fact, words can not describe this movie.  Best part is noticing Jeff Dunham in the movie! 
"One for the Money" My mom, BFF, SIL, MIL, and SIL's MIL (got all that?? BFF = Best Friend, SIL = Sister in law, MIL = Mother in law, & SIL's MIL = Sister in law's mother in law!  he he!!) all went.  We have all read the Janet Evanovich series and LOVED them!  Well actually, BFF and I listened to them.  I was disappointed, but liked it.  Some of the cast just didn't seem right.  By the end of the movie, I was okay with the staff.  My favorite?  Lula. The boxer dude was exactly what I pictured - scary!  I was most looking forward to Morelli and Ranger (prior to knowing who plays them).  I'm still not 100%, but they might grow on me.  So far, the book was much better!!!
Dinners -
Have I mentioned I {heart} pinterest???  I've We've made two meals found on pinterest.  How do they look??

Crunchwrap Supreme!

Oh my goodness!!  Crunchwrap Supreme made in my house?!?  I didn't have to go into town!  Woo hoo!!! 

French Dip Crescents

I fell in love with french dip sandwiches from Quiznos.  I never imagined they could be made at home!  It was so easy that Jason even made it!  We have NO leftovers from either meal.


The crunchwrap supreme's were so simple - I couldn't believe it.  I thought, this is not possible.  It is not going to turn out.  I browned 1lb of ground beef and added a taco season packet.  I warmed the tortilla's in the microwave for a minute.  Spread about a tablespoon of sour cream on the warmed tortilla and top with some ground beef and cheese in the center.  I used velveeta cheese (as opposed to shredded cheese or nacho cheese).  I would have loved to try nacho cheese, but I can never figure out where to find it in the store!!  Place a layer of tortilla chips, then lettuce and tomatoes.  Wrap it up and put on a skillet (face down).  Brown it up!  It was amazing. 

Hubby loved it!!

Colton was NOT very happy; he wanted some!

The french dip crescents were just as amazing!!  I can't tell ya if we did anything different, because Jason made it!!!  The au jus sauce was a packet mix.  AMAZING! 

 I love Andrew's purple thumb from school! 

Poor Tyler couldn't get the thumb part right and used his index finger instead!  I love these little guys!

New Beginnings:

We decided it was time to put our boys in a new school.  It all started a while ago when we started discussing preschool for our oldest.  I didn't know what to do - both Jason and I work full-time.  Did I really want to go to two drop offs in the AM??  I dreaded the decision.  I really don't like change; I like a schedule and knowing what's going to happen next.  But I knew I had to do something, so we've been looking and asking for MONTHS!!!  Finally, we found a school who offered us everything - one drop off, school programs, reasonable pricing (through a reimbursement program), and close.  The boys met the teachers and we loved everyone.  I wasn't sure if we would be able to get them all in at once (ages 4, 2, and 6 months), then we got the phone call.  ALL OF THEM CAN GO!!!  Woo hoo!  So, we arranged it all, and they started this week.  Monday and Tuesday only for a few hours, but today - ALL DAY!  I'm nervous.  I've already called a few times and of course, they are great!  Can't wait to get back into a routine!! 

Many Chapters...

I’ve realized my life has many chapters open all at once.  Some may never close – like motherhood; some may close and then open back up sporadically throughout my life – like my weightloss journey.  Then of course, there are the chapters that are extremely short – like old boyfriends.  Geez, Jason and I have been married for 6 years.  That is a chapter I intend never to close. 

The reason for this blog is to keep track of all those open chapters.  I don’t necessarily want to work on ending the chapters; rather, make sense of them.  I like the idea of writing the crazy stories of ATC (Andrew, Tyler, and Colton) as well as documenting or holding myself responsible for certain things.  2012 is going to be my year.  It is going to be the year I “started” this blog, the year my house becomes all organized, the year I successfully lose weight, and finish all those projects!   (And boy do I have a lot of open projects!!)  Wish me luck on my upcoming adventures!!!