tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47229565603783313922024-03-13T10:06:54.857-04:00Bless Our SolesAlisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-4068009019616883422010-05-19T11:40:00.000-04:002010-05-19T11:40:52.643-04:00Making time for our little ones...while their still little!<span style="color: black;">My husband and I returned from our wonderful vacation Sunday evening! We enjoyed spending every moment together for an entire week! No phone, Internet, appointments, work, cleaning, or cooking. And no kids...but I will have to say that I really missed them! We didn't talk to them all week and that was tough, but it was probably a good idea. I probably would have cried to hear their sweet voices! </span><br />
<br />
Being away from the children for a week made me think about all the times that I was too busy to do this or that. Being in grad school, working a full-time job, baking cakes on the side, cooking, cleaning, and everything else has really been my focus for a while now. The other night, Madison was begging me to play a game with her. I told her I would when I finished cleaning the kitchen. Then, something else came up and I never did. It's like that a lot and I have to change that before it's too late!<br />
<br />
I received an e-mail today that included the poem below. I think many busy moms can relate to this.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">My hands were busy through the day.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I didn't have much time to play </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">The little games you asked me to, </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I didn't have much time for you. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I'd wash your clothes. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I'd sew and cook, </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">But when you'd bring your picture book </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">And asked me please to share your fun, </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I'd say, "A little later son." </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I'd tuck you in all safe at night </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">And hear your prayers, turn out the light, </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Then tiptoe softly to the door... </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I wish I'd stayed a minute more. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">For life is short, the years rush past. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">A little boy grows up so fast. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">No longer is he at your side, </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">His precious secrets to confide. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">The picture books are put away, </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">There are no longer games to play. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">No good-night kisses, no prayers to hear, </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">That all belongs to yesteryear. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">My hands once busy now are still </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">The days are long and hard to fill. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I wish I could go back and do </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">The little things you asked me to. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Author Unknown </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-16587937785124121402010-04-30T22:13:00.001-04:002010-04-30T22:15:16.560-04:00Awesome day!!! I love the IRS today!This morning my husband called as I was pulling up at school with some fabulous news....We FINALLY got our Federal tax refund!! We've been trying to figure out how we are going to make it through the next month and weren't really expecting the check until at least the end of May. We have been back and forth with the IRS because they needed more documentation on our daycare expenses. We sent it to them by fax but they couldn't even tell us if they received it or not! Maybe my little note on the bottom of the fax helped...I politely asked them to process as soon as possible! We were truly blessed to receive it today!! I also got paid today and earned a little cake money too!<br />
<br />
The bad thing is...I found out they are going to dock my pay the week that we are going on vacation. They are docking me $100 per day! That's going to be painful, but we'll figure it out! <br />
<br />
I also don't get paid during the summer and have already decided to have a yard sale every Saturday. I have enough junk to sell and earn a pretty good living for the summer...and best of all...it's tax free money! The kids are looking forward to helping! They are already packing up clothes and toys to sell!<br />
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By the way, I submitted my last assignment in my hospitality management class today! My final for my Economics class is Monday and I'll be DONE!!!!!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-72768329527275002282010-04-29T09:45:00.000-04:002010-04-29T09:45:46.510-04:00Ten more days...<strong>In ten more days...</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>It will be Mother's Day</strong></span>...such a special day to me since it's the one day of the year that I can totally reflect on being a mom...the best job I've ever had. I can also reflect on how special my mom is to me.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>It will be my 30th day of my workout plan</strong></span><span style="color: black;">...today I'm on day 20 and I've lost about 3 pounds. I feel a little better, but I don't see a difference yet. I'm looking forward to the 30 day mark, then the 60, then 90...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>I will be getting on a cruise ship for the first time in my life</strong></span><span style="color: black;">...I am nervous and excited! I'm also frustrated because we couldn't really afford this. Our car payment is on hold right now until I get paid. We won't have very much money in the bank when we go and that makes me extremely nervous! Not even sure how we'll pay for the gas to get us to Florida!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong>I'll be out of school</strong></span><span style="color: black;">...My spring semester of grad school will be over and I'll be so relieved! This semester has been one of the toughest so far! No more classes until August!</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Ten more days will be here before I know it!</strong>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-52994684789935495402010-04-12T11:38:00.000-04:002010-04-12T11:38:08.353-04:00Time to drag out those summer clothes...OH MY!We had to pack up all our summer clothes and put them in the attic last fall. Not normally something I do, but since hubby and I got married, and we have 5 people packed into a 3 bedroom house, we have no choice! <br />
<br />
So, my hubby got them down last weekend and I opened my bin and was excited to see some clothes that I forgot I had! I pulled out a pair of shorts and tried them on....UH OH! They won't even zip! These are the same shorts that I wore on our honeymoon. And that was only 8 months ago! I knew I gained weight, but never in a million years thought I gained that much. I did manage to find one pair of shorts that fit...and they were given to me and were too big last year.<br />
<br />
Now, I KNOW I have to get back in shape. I need to lose the 15 pounds that I have put on over the winter! I wanna look like I did 2 years ago...before I started grad school! I want my body back so I can get my confidence back! I know I can do it!!!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-18419021726959139082010-04-12T11:07:00.011-04:002010-05-21T12:48:06.323-04:00My Workout and Meal Journal I'm dedicating this post to keeping track of my workouts and meals! I've been on-again, off-again with working out and eating healthy and it's time I stay on it! I started being serious about this on April 10, 2010 and I hope that this will be a lifetime commitment. My goal is to work out 6 days a week until I get back into shape and 5 days a week after that to maintain. Here we go…<br />
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<br />
<strong>Saturday, April 10, 2010</strong> <span style="color: magenta;"><strong>DAY 1:</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong>W/O:</strong> <strong>3 miles on the treadmill</strong> (mostly running) using Couch-to-5k plan. Time: 45 minutes. The longest running interval was 5 minutes in the plan, but I ended up running 11 minutes straight when I reached the last running interval. Then I walked until I reached 3 miles. This is actually my 4th week doing the Couch-to-5k plan, but I haven't been doing it 3 days a week like I was supposed to. I'm doing a little better than I thought I would!<br />
<br />
<strong>Bfast:</strong> Protein Meal Bar<br />
<strong>Lunch:</strong> Turkey on Rye Bread<br />
<strong>Snack:</strong> Strawberry frozen sorbet <br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong> Baked Chicken Breast marinated in Italian Dressing w/ green beans<br />
<strong>Drinks:</strong> WATER, lots of it!<br />
<br />
I probably didn't eat enough today, but I wasn't hungry at all. Probably because I ate so much last week!<br />
<br />
<strong>Sunday, April 11, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 2:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>W/O:</strong> <strong>P90 Sculpt ¾</strong> using 8 pound weights. It was easy to push play, but I was completely exhausted after doing the lunge/squat reps. But at the end, I did 25 pushups and 25 squats and felt great!<br />
<br />
<strong>Bfast:</strong> Protein Meal Bar<br />
<strong>Snack:</strong> Grapefruit<br />
<strong>Lunch:</strong> Leftover baked chicken breast w/ green beans<br />
<strong>Snack:</strong> South Beach Diet bar<br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong> Hamburger Helper & kernel corn (not the best meal, but I had to settle for what we had on hand).<br />
<strong>Drinks:</strong> All water except 2 glasses of decaf sweet tea<br />
<br />
<strong>Monday, April 12, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 3:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O: </strong>I had a lot going on today, but I finally got my workout in at 9 p.m. I did the <strong>5k program</strong> - week 4. Time: 30 minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>Protein Meal Bar<br />
<strong>Lunch:</strong> Leftover Hamburger Helper & kernel corn (mainly corn)<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>Grapefruit<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>Chicken and Noodles, green beans<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>All water except on glass of tea<br />
<br />
<strong>Tuesday, April 13, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 4:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>W/O: </strong><span style="color: red;"><strong>GREAT DAY! </strong></span><span style="color: black;">I was so sore from my past few workouts that I could barely walk to day! And it really didn't help that I had to sit at a desk all day. </span><span style="color: black;">I still did <strong>Power 90 Sculpt 3/4</strong> when I got home. Today is our busiest day of the week with the children's activities, but luckily we had some leftovers so I didn't have to cook! We went to boy scouts and found out we were going walking. Too bad I was wearing my Sperry's and not my walking shoes, but we <strong>walked about 2 miles</strong>. Feeling much better and the soreness is gradually decreasing!</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>Pack of Toasties crackers<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>Leftover Noodles and Chicken with green beans<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>Rice Krispie Treat....I needed something healthier but this was given to me by a student!<br />
<strong>Dinner (early): </strong>Leftover Noodles and Chicken with green beans (This is getting old now! It was good, though).<br />
<strong>Snack:</strong> Strawberry fruit sorbet and one spoonful of chocolate ice cream...the kids were eating it and it looked so good! I savored that little spoonful!!<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>2 glasses of tea, rest water<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I'm going to the grocery store! I am out of healthy foods and I'm having to go to the vending machine at work to get breakfast! Bad and costly!<br />
<br />
<strong>Wednesday, April 14, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 5:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O: </strong>Well, it's midnight here and I've been going nonstop all day long. In fact, I'm working on some homework assignements now. I also had a cake to bake today. Unfortunately, I didn't get to work out. I plan to do both sculpt 3/4 and some cardio tomorrow to make up for missing today. Of course, I did walk that extra 2 miles last night, so thank goodness for that! </span><br />
<br />
<strong>Bfast:</strong> Pack of Toasties crackers (vending machine again)<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>Turkey and swiss sub with mustard (school cafeteria food, but not bad!)<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>Strawberry gummy fruit snacks (supposedly made with 100% juice)<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>Super late dinner, so I ate a granola bar when I got home from grocery shopping.<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>Catfish Nuggets (Yep, fried) My hubby caught them last night and cooked them tonight. I didn't eat any french fries and ate about 4 nuggets. I'm still a little hungry but I was trying to be good and not eat many since they were fried.<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>2 glass of tea and rest water<br />
<br />
<strong>Thursday, April 15, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 6:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">W/O: Power 90 Sculpt 3/4!! </span><span style="color: red;">Feeling great!</span></strong><span style="color: black;"><strong> </strong>I did my workout before I picked up the kids today. It's getting easier for me! My friend, Joy, asked if I wanted to go walking, and as BAD as I wanted to go, I couldn't because I had a ton of homework to do and It's 1 a.m. now and I'm still not finished! </span><br />
<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>Yogurt<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>Ham and cheese sub<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>Granola bar<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>Catfish nuggets, mac & cheese, and corn (No more fried foods after today...but I only ate about 4)<br />
<strong>Snack:</strong> Strawberry fruit frozen sorbet (I normally don't snack after dinner, but I've been eating dinner early and staying up really late studying)<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>5 bottles of water, 2 glasses of tea<br />
<br />
By the way, I'm sitting here staring at a cake plate full of cupcakes...and I haven't eaten a single one. I didn't even lick the icing when I baked them last night!<br />
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<strong>Friday April 16, 2010</strong> <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 7:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O: </strong>Today was my <strong>REST DAY</strong>. I thought about making up the other day I missed, but I really didn't get a chance. We are giving my brother-in-law and his fiance a lawn and garden shower tomorrow so I have a lot of cakes to bake. I also had 2 other cake orders. I baked a total of 5 cakes tonight!</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>Yogurt (regular, 5 g protein)<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>Salad with turkey and ranch (from school cafeteria and pretty good)<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>granola bar<br />
<strong>Snack:</strong> 4 slices deli ham (low fat)<br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong> 2 hot dogs<br />
<strong>Drinks:</strong> Water and a glass of koolaid<br />
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<strong>Saturday April 17, 2010</strong> <span style="color: magenta;"><strong>DAY 8:</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O:</strong> No workout today! I got up at 7:30 this morning and decorated cakes, then decided to bake another one, which I did. It was a really busy day. I finished the cakes around 12:30, then had to take the kids to a b-day party. Then I had to do stuff for the shower, which was tonight. Got home...and I'm exhausted! Hoping to double up tomorrow!</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>Yogurt (5g protein)<br />
<strong>Lunch:</strong> Salad with low fat deli ham with italian dressing<br />
<strong>Snack:</strong> 1/4 of a granola bar...just too busy to finish eating the whole thing<br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong> Grilled chicken breast (2), green beans, potato, ceasar salad, and some cake (not as much as I'd normally eat, but I had to try out my cakes!)<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>All water!<br />
<br />
<strong>Sunday, April 18, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 9:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O: </strong>Day 9 and I missed it again. Today was another busy day. Our house was a complete mess, and although I hate cleaning on Sundays, I had to! I also had to buy groceries, cook dinner, and do homework. I'll work out tomorrow FOR SURE!</span><br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>2 Pancakes and 1/2 piece of bacon (breakfast with the family :))<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>3 crackers with Reduced Fat peanut butter<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>Ribs, au gratin potatoes, baked beans (Isn't that about as fattening as you can get? Doesn't help when husband is NOT on a diet...notice I didn't eat lunch to make up for it)<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>Water and a couple of glasses of tea<br />
<br />
<strong>Monday, April 19, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 10:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O:</strong> <strong>5k run...</strong>5 min walk, 5 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run, then 5 min walk. I would have ran another 5 min, but I started getting terrible heartburn while running. I guess it was heartburn...it eased off after a while.</span><br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>5g protein yogurt<br />
<strong>Lunch:</strong> a small amount of au gratin potatoes and ribs<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>granola bar<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>salad with low fat deli ham and about 1/8 cup cheese.<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>just water!<br />
<br />
<strong>Tuesday, April 20, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 11:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>W/O: </strong>No w/o...busy day...had to run errands, take kids to activities, cook, bake a cake, do homework...<br />
<strong>Bfast:</strong> yogurt<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>ham & mustard sandwich<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>granola bar<br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong> tacos with beans, ground beef, lettuce, sour cream, and a little cheese. I ended up eating 3.<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>water and 2 cups of koolaid<br />
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<strong>Wed, April 21, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 12</span>:</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>W/O:</strong>Today was Chase's b-day. Finished his cake and cupcakes after work, got his b-day surprise ready, then we went out to eat and had family over for cake and ice cream...no workout.<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>yogurt<br />
<strong>Lunch:</strong> 1 soft taco, just lettuce and ground beef<br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong> I skipped snacks because I wanted to enjoy pizza tonight. This pizza is healthier than most greasy ones and it was delicious! Ate 4 pieces of pizza and salad. Then had a small slice of chocolate cake and ice cream afterwards! Can't pass it up when it's someone's birthday!<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>all water today!<br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Thurs, April 22, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 13:</span></strong> <br />
<br />
<strong>W/O:</strong> <strong><span style="color: black;">POWER 90 SCULPT 3/4!!</span></strong><br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>Yogurt<br />
<strong>Lunch:</strong>6 slices of deli turkey, 1 slice cheese (I'm having trouble passing up cheese)<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>spaghetti with ground beef and 2 slices of cheese bread...(see what I mean...help!)<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>all water!!<br />
<br />
<strong>Fri, April 23, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 14:</span></strong> <br />
<br />
<strong>W/O:</strong> <strong>Ran/Walk (Week 5 of 5k program)</strong> Ran 9 min straight today.<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>yogurt (this is becoming a habit....a good one though!)<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>leftover spaghetti<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>Fat Free crackers with Reduced Fat Peanut Butter<br />
<strong>Another snack (late dinner, early lunch today): </strong>1 reduced fat cheese stick<br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong> 1 turkey and cheese wrap, 1 cup broccoli/beef stir fry (eaten about an hour apart)<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Sat, April 24, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 15:</span></strong> <br />
<br />
<strong>W/O: </strong>No w/o...too much work for school...exams coming up.....<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>yogurt<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>turkey wrap<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>FF crackers with RF Peanut butter<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>Grilled Chicken with brown rice and green beans (trying to cook a little healthier)<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>water and tea<br />
<br />
<strong>Sun, April 25, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 16:</span></strong> <br />
<br />
<strong>W/O: </strong>none...still doing school work...project due today!<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>FF cracker and RF Peanut Butter<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>Leftover grilled chicken (1/2 breast), brown rice, green beans<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>some junk....can't remember exactly what, but I ate a little ice cream, more peanut butter crackers, a marshmallow egg...working on my project was really stressing me out and I turned to eating :(<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>Quick dinner since I was studying - 2 hot dogs (no cheese!!)<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>koolaid, tea, water...too much sugar....<br />
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<strong>Mon, April 26, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 17:</span></strong> <br />
<br />
<strong>W/O: </strong>none again<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>yogurt<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>1/2 chicken breast<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>FF jello (and 3 oreos when I got home from work)<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>country style steak, rice, corn, and a biscuit (not. healthy. at. all.)<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>water and a couple glasses of tea<br />
<br />
<strong>Tues April 27, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 18:</span></strong> <br />
<strong>W/O: Power 90 CORE CARDIO! </strong>Tough workout!<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>yogurt<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>leftover country style steak and rice<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>1 RF cheese stick<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>potatoes stroganaff and green beans<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>water<br />
<br />
<strong>Wed, April 28, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 19:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>W/O: Power 90 SCULPT 5/6 (MASTERS' SERIES) </strong>Certain parts are tougher than 3/4, but the intensity level doesn't seem to be as high as 3/4. But still a good workout!<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>yogurt<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>potatoes stroganaff and green beans<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>2 cheese sticks (about an hour or two apart)<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>1 homeade sloppy joe made with ground beef, mac & cheese<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>water and a glass of tea<br />
<br />
<strong>Thurs</strong><strong>, April 29, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 20:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>W/O: Turbo Jam Cardio Party</strong> <strong>& Ab workout (from Fitness Magazine online) </strong>I haven't done TJ in a while and since the kids were in bed before I could workout, I didn't want to wake them up by getting on the treadmill. I forgot how much I enjoyed this!<br />
<strong>Bfast:</strong> yogurt<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>potatoes stroganaff and green beans (I am having to eat leftovers...money's tight right now!)<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>1 cheese stick<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>about 1/2 cup of sloppy joe (without bread), about 1/2 cup corn<br />
<strong>Drinks: Water!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Friday, April 30, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 21:</span></strong><br />
<strong>W/O: </strong>None...it's 10 p.m. and I'm exhausted! Will workout tomorrow!<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>FF crackers & a RF cheese stick<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>Turkey breast & mustard sandwich<br />
<strong>Snack:</strong> 1 cheese stick. Then, after grocery shopping, I ate 3 pringles chips and 2 chocolate chip cookies.<br />
<strong>Dinner: </strong>Grilled porkchop, parmesan pasta, baked beans<br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>water and a couple glasses of tea<br />
<br />
<strong>Sat, May 1, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 22:</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O: Power 90 Sculpt 3/4</strong> Good workout!</span><br />
<strong>Meals: </strong>I started off eating healthy. We went to the Pelican's game with the scouts and camped out at night. On the way, we went to Ryan's and I ate salad, baked chicken, veggies and apple cobbler and ice cream. After I ate the dessert, I regretted it! I also had a small cup of popcorn and a lemonade at about 1 a.m. The rest of the day I did drink water.<br />
<br />
<strong>Sun, May 2, 2010<span style="color: magenta;"> DAY 23:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"></span></strong> <strong>W/O: </strong>None today. I cooked for our mothers today since we'll be out of town on Mother's Day.<br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>Sausage biscuit and OJ. (Provided at the camp)<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>Salad, Baked ziti, and a slice of garlic bread. Dessert: a small piece of Strawberry Pizza.<br />
I think that's all I ate. I didn't eat supper at all. (I also used lean meat for the ziti)<br />
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<strong>Mon, May 3, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 24:</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O: </strong>I didn't work out. But, I did take my FINAL EXAM for the semester after work! Had to drive an hour away to take it, so I was a little late getting home! So glad it's over!</span><br />
<strong>Bfast: </strong>yogurt (back to my yogurt fix)<br />
<strong>Snack:</strong> RF cheese stick<br />
<strong>Lunch: </strong>Baked Ziti<br />
<strong>Snack:</strong> Fresh strawberries<br />
<strong>Snack: </strong>A small piece of strawberry pizza and some chips. I ate that while cramming in the last bit of studying for my exam!<br />
<strong>Dinner:</strong> 2 hot dogs with just ketchup<br />
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<strong>Tues, May 4, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 25:</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><strong><span style="color: black;">W/O:</span> </strong></span><span style="color: black;">None again...Madison was sick...took her to the ER. Then stayed up until about 2 am. Helping the kids with homework and cleaning.</span><br />
<strong>Foods: </strong>Not bad at all. <br />
<strong>Drinks: </strong>Water all day.<br />
<br />
<strong>Wed, May 5, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 26:</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O: </strong>None again! Still trying to get the house half-way clean since we leave Saturday morning!</span><br />
<strong>Foods:</strong> Not bad again. Still doing my yogurt thing every morning. Not snacking and still passing up on the ice cream.<br />
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<strong>Thurs, May 6, 2010 <span style="color: magenta;">DAY 27:</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O: </strong>None again...still cleaning...trying to get all our laundry done. And Madison has to sing at the Depot tonight.</span><br />
<strong>Foods: </strong>Yogurt, FF crackers, pasta with tomato, ground beef, corn, and 2 plain hot dogs for supper.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Friday, May 7, 2010 </span><span style="color: magenta;">DAY 28:</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>W/O: </strong>Run/Walk on treadmill for 30 minutes. Tomorrow morning we're heading to Florida! Then setting sail on the Carnival Legend Sunday morning!</span><br />
<strong>Foods: </strong>Healthy - trying to lose another pound before cruising!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Taking a break from this until I return from our 7 day cruise!!!!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">Update (Friday, May 21, 2010): I worked out twice while on the cruise, and that was Sunday and Monday! We were really busy the rest of the week, but I did make sure I took the stairs as much as possible! My legs were feeling it! I'm back, but trying to get back into the swing of things...still unpacking and doing laundry every chance I get...I'll be updating this post again soon!</span></strong>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-13376772045817510912010-04-01T10:58:00.000-04:002010-04-01T10:58:19.039-04:00Just one of my professional options....I've been giving my career some thought lately. I'm about half-way through with my Master's Degree and I feel like I need to be making some plans. I love my job now, but I need to start thinking about what I’m going to do afterwards. The bottom line is…I need to make a decent amount of money so that I can pay off my education loans. Getting my Master’s was a good decision, but it’s been a costly one. I’m getting sick of not being able to buy things for my family. I’m sick of living paycheck-to-paycheck and education loan-to-education loan (And my husband is, too). And I’ve been thinking that I miss doing what I originally went to school for…Accounting. I still do some tax returns for some of my family and friends. I haven’t done any bookkeeping in about two years now and I do miss it. Yep I miss it. And auditing. I realize how much I really enjoyed auditing. Going through hundreds of cancelled checks and invoices was something I dreaded, and I wasn’t really too fond of writing up the audit report either. But, it was so rewarding when everything tied together and the final audit report was presented. <br />
<br />
For those non-Accountants out there, I’m sorry if I lost you somewhere in the last paragraph! So sorry! But anyway, I found this really good post about <a href="http://www.tlmarketing.net/88/tips-for-starting-your-own-home-based-bookkeeping-and-accounting-business/">Starting an Accounting Business</a> that was actually dated back to 2007, but it still applies today. And when I read it, I felt like it was talking to me! <br />
<br />
I’ve been talking about doing this to my husband lately and he’s all for it 100%. Maybe this is what I’m going to do. Just Maybe.<br />
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For now, I better get back to my studying so I’ll pass my Economics exam tonight. <strong>Wish me luck!</strong>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-10698796997307056962010-03-31T19:48:00.000-04:002010-03-31T19:48:04.901-04:00My Good Deed for TodayToday I did something that made me feel pretty good…well almost! I always feel good when I help people. It makes me feel like I made a difference. But on this particular day, I wanted to stick my foot in my mouth while I was doing a good deed.<br />
<br />
See, there is a man in our town that walks daily and is almost totally blind. He walks with a cane and depends on others to stop and help him cross the street. I have helped him many times during some of my walks or runs, but today, after watching him stand there with his cane pointed outward for about 5 minutes while traffic just passed inconsiderately, I crossed the road and pulled over. I got out of the car to help him cross the street. This was an easy task that only took about 2 minutes of my time. <br />
<br />
Now, I really wasn’t thinking, but what I said to this man was really NOT what I SHOULD have said! So, I approached him and said “Hey Mr. Robert. Let me help you across the street. It’s such a PRETTY day out here.” OH NO…I just said PRETTY. Not exactly what I should have said to a man that can’t see. So, in an attempt to rescue myself since he wasn’t responding, I said “It’s so nice and warm.” Then Mr. Robert replied, “Yes, it’s been so nice out here lately.” Whew! Note to self: NICE is the word to use when speaking to Mr. Robert about the weather. Not PRETTY. <br />
<br />
Even though I did want to stick my foot in my big mouth, I still felt good about what I did. I helped Mr. Robert today, but he helped me as well!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;">So, have you done a good deed lately?</span>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-72960439015062195192010-03-22T12:48:00.000-04:002010-03-22T12:48:55.378-04:00A great family weekendThis past weekend was dedicated to my family and friends. I finished all my baking and cleaning Friday night, so most of the house was clean when we woke up Saturday morning…well almost…the kids beat Mom and Dad up and the destruction had already began! It’s ok…..It’s family time so I’m not stressing, right!<br />
<br />
So, Saturday, I went running while hubby worked on our garden. The kids went with their Grandma to a Farm Festival. Then, I went to a bridal shower for one of my best friends, Crystal.<br />
<br />
Hubby and I haven’t been on a date in months…so Saturday night, we went to Myrtle Beach, SC and after riding around for almost an hour, we finally decided to eat at a place called <a href="http://www.angelosteakandpasta.com/index.html">Angelo’s</a>. It’s an Italian restaurant and they have really good steaks! The service was also great! <br />
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Sunday was our day to spend with the children! After church, we went Chuck E. Cheese!! The kids had a great time and used their 100 tokens in about 5 minutes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6eb3MLwBOI/AAAAAAAAAAs/NQSNnNcRwLU/s1600-h/P1580283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6eb3MLwBOI/AAAAAAAAAAs/NQSNnNcRwLU/s400/P1580283.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6ecaYt8NgI/AAAAAAAAAA0/dSEUMdy-N8k/s1600-h/P1580282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6ecaYt8NgI/AAAAAAAAAA0/dSEUMdy-N8k/s400/P1580282.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Then we went to Target and JcPenney to look for some clothes for the kids. We got some great deals! We picked up some spring clothes and a few cute church outfits, so now hopefully we can go to church on Sunday morning without stressing over what they are going to wear! Oh, we bought church shoes, too! YAY!!<br />
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We did see these two geese chilling outside in the mall parking lot. We acted like we’ve never seen one before! (Those are geese, right?)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6edA3gzbCI/AAAAAAAAAA8/c09UJJ_uqms/s1600-h/P1580289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6edA3gzbCI/AAAAAAAAAA8/c09UJJ_uqms/s400/P1580289.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Well, the house is already destroyed, the laundry is piled high, I didn't buy groceries, I didn't do homework, the kids went to bed late last night and they were tired this morning, BUT we spent good quality time together yesterday and that's ALL that matters!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-74378167648703018682010-03-19T10:58:00.000-04:002010-03-19T10:58:46.107-04:00Movie Review: The Time Traveler's Wife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6OQaSXSASI/AAAAAAAAAAk/Ho4bhaeo9rA/s1600-h/the+time+traveler%27s+wife+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6OQaSXSASI/AAAAAAAAAAk/Ho4bhaeo9rA/s320/the+time+traveler%27s+wife+2010.jpg" vt="true" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This movie is one of the best I’ve seen in a while. It was emotional from beginning to end, especially at the end! The Time Traveler, played by Eric Bana, travelled through time and visited his wife during several occasions, beginning when she was just six years of age. This movie was a bit confusing at first as he goes from one time period to another. I really started understanding the events of the movie when he met his wife, who was then a 20-year-old art student. He was 28 years old at the time. She immediately remembered him from his visits.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The wife, played by Rachel McAdams, had to deal with the fact that her husband could disappear at any moment. He even stayed gone for two weeks during one of his travels. This was very emotional for her and she blamed him, even though he couldn’t control his time travels. They tried to conceive a child, which created even more stress for the couple. They finally welcomed a baby girl into the world after several miscarriages. She took after her father and was also a time traveler.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As confusing as this movie may sound, it’s a really good movie! I had a “Mom Moment” since my husband was at work and the kids were in bed, so I watched this alone. It’s rated PG-13. I don’t remember there being any bad language, but there was nudity since he didn’t carry his clothes with him when he time travelled. And there were sexual situations. I think thirteen is a good age to watch this…I wouldn’t let my 8-year-olds watch it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>My Review:</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">• This is a must-see, and I’d definitely watch it again!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-66240910576982209462010-03-19T10:06:00.000-04:002010-03-19T10:06:23.679-04:00Product Review: Purex 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6ODi2n1VCI/AAAAAAAAAAc/byq94A_jhwE/s1600-h/purex+3in1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6ODi2n1VCI/AAAAAAAAAAc/byq94A_jhwE/s320/purex+3in1.jpg" vt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mixed reviews all over the Internet left me wondering if these <strong>Purex 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets</strong> are actually as awesome as I thought they would be. I picked up a couple of packs recently when they were on sale at my local Walgreens. After the sale and my coupons, they ended up being about $1 each, so I figured I wasn’t losing much if they weren’t any good.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I’ve been using these to wash my towels and linens. We have some allergies in our household, so I stick to Tide Free for our clothing. These are super easy and convenient since you simply throw one or two in the washer and move them to the dryer when you move the clothes. They’d be perfect to carry along when going on a vacation. They also smell wonderful! Our towels and linens smelled and looked really clean. My daughter, who has eczema and severe allergies, has been using these towels with no allergic reactions at all.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I read many reviews about how these laundry sheets left spots on clothing. I decided to wash a load of white clothing with these to see if I noticed any spots. No spots on our white clothing. I haven’t tried them on colors, and this may be where others are seeing spots. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Would I purchase again?</strong> <span style="color: #134f5c;">YES. I’ll continue using these for whites and linens.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>What do I love about these? </strong> <span style="color: #134f5c;">The convenience and wonderful smell.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-62704943536013506752010-03-18T10:32:00.001-04:002010-03-18T10:35:11.153-04:00Satisfying day, I must say!Have you ever just felt accomplished after a really busy day? That’s how I felt yesterday.<br />
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I went to work yesterday morning, running a little behind, as always. I had a homework assignment due last night, which I was able to finish while at work since students got out early. After work, I went to <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/">Walgreens</a> to pick up a few good deals and to use my Reward Dollars. I purchased about 30 bucks worth of stuff for $2! And I still have $6 in rewards! <br />
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Then I went to the Post Office, picked up the kids from daycare, and took them to church to play on the playground before going to choir. After choir, we went out to eat at a local Mexican Restaurant for my cousin’s birthday! Then we stopped by <a href="http://www.redbox.com/">Redbox</a> to pick up a movie with my free code that I got for adding <a href="http://www.facebook.com/redbox">Redbox</a> as a friend on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/redbox">Facebook</a>!<br />
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At home, I got the kids to bed, washed 2 loads of laundry, submitted my homework assignment online, and did an upper body and ab workout while I started watching “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” I loved the movie and I cried at the end! I wish hubby wasn’t working so he could have watched it with me (but then I probably wouldn’t have accomplished as much…). While I finished watching the movie, I did research for a paper that I’m getting ready to start writing today. I didn’t make it to bed until midnight, but I still took a few minutes to read a devotion before falling asleep!<br />
<br />
Whew! Busy day filled with love, happiness, and faith! So satisfying! I didn’t even take the time to grab my camera before I left home, but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy the moments without viewing them through a camera lens!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-43162344931244035492010-03-17T10:26:00.000-04:002010-03-17T10:26:47.469-04:005k Run Anyone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6DdsfOuyYI/AAAAAAAAAAU/99M3ezxxAEc/s1600-h/Womens-ADIDAS-Boost-Boost-Black-Silver-Pink-W901365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S6DdsfOuyYI/AAAAAAAAAAU/99M3ezxxAEc/s200/Womens-ADIDAS-Boost-Boost-Black-Silver-Pink-W901365.jpg" vt="true" width="200" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Motivation is the key ingredient to getting in shape. Then you need time, space, proper workout gear, and sometimes equipment, maybe even a gym. I recently purchased these new Adidas Boost running shoes from one of my favorite online shoe stores, <a href="http://shoebacca.com/">Shoebacca.com</a>. The beautiful pre-spring weather is motivating me some. Also, the fact that I can't fit into any of my clothes from last summer is a huge motivator. I have a treadmill, several workout DVDs, and a few handheld weights. I also have a gym nearby that I love to go to, but that's another 30 bucks a month. My huge problem right now is TIME. I've been fitting workouts into my schedule when I can, but that's only been about twice a week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided that I needed something to work toward. Something to really push me. Something I'd MAKE time for. So, I've decided to participate in a 5k run, maybe even a 10k by September. I found a "Couch-to-5k" program online that I started yesterday. It's available on the <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml">Cool Running</a> website. There are tons of them out there, but I really liked this one. It only takes about 20 to 30 minutes, three days a week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started my 5k training yesterday. It started with a 5 minute warmup walk, then 1 minute of running followed by 90 seconds of walking, which is repeated until the time reaches 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, I didn't want to stop, so I walked another 12 minutes for a total of 32 minutes and 2 miles of running/walking yesterday. I felt great! I plan to repeat this on Thursday and Saturday of this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I plan to do <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/power90.do?code=BBHOME_CONTROL_P90">Power 90</a> Sculpt 3/4. I need to add some weight training when I can.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Is anyone else training for their first 5k? How are you fitting exercise into your schedule?</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-60603927678059572992010-03-12T10:50:00.000-05:002010-03-12T10:50:38.910-05:00Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S5pZ_bDkphI/AAAAAAAAAAM/LFzhOZIfSek/s1600-h/Alice-in-Wonderland-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xC8C7YonYII/S5pZ_bDkphI/AAAAAAAAAAM/LFzhOZIfSek/s320/Alice-in-Wonderland-poster.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After much anticipation, the movie that I’ve been waiting to see finally came out in theaters! This past weekend, our family took a little trip to the local movie theater to watch Alice in Wonderland! I personally feel an attachment here because I was always called “Alison Wonderland” in school. It drove me crazy to be called this! I would just say “It isn’t Alison Wonderland, it’s Alice IN Wonderland!” </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the movie, Alice has been having dreams of Wonderland since she was just a child. She’s 19 now, and is at a garden party turned into engagement party. Her boyfriend proposes and she decides she needs time to think. She spots the white rabbit and follows him to the hole. At this point, the excitement begins. Alice is in for much more than she ever dreamed of. All of the characters in Wonderland did an excellent job, as did Alice. My favorite character was the Mad Hatter, which was performed by Johnny Depp. Alice and the Mad Hatter really connected in the movie. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When Alice wakes up, she has to respond to her boyfriend’s proposal. Will she say yes or no? Watch it to find out!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Our family review:</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Mom LOVED it and can’t wait to purchase it when it comes out on DVD.</div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Dad liked it and probably won’t watch it again. But, you know how dads are.</div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">5-year-old said she was so happy that we watched it! But, she did get frightened during a few scenes and wanted to sit on Dad’s lap. Actually Mom felt frightened for Alice in a few scenes, too. I probably wouldn’t recommend this movie for anyone under 5, unless they are used to scary movies.</div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">8-year-olds loved it!</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722956560378331392.post-78477531959737351662010-03-08T13:46:00.000-05:002010-03-08T14:30:07.487-05:00First Post!<strong>Welcome to our blog!</strong> I'm Alison, the mom and the wife, and I'll be writing this blog - well, at least until I can convince my husband that blog writing isn't girly! So, I'll go ahead and answer a couple of questions to start you off with!<br /><br /><strong>Why did you create this blog?</strong><br /><br />I currently am the writer of a food blog. I find myself wanting to write about other topics, such as household things, health concerns, kid stuff, and marriage stuff. I also admit I’m addicted to using coupons and saving my family a ton of money. That’s what this blog is for. By the way, if you love food, check out my food blog, <a href="http://justlikegrandmascooking.blogspot.com/">Just like Grandma’s.</a><br /><br /><strong>Can you tell me a little more about your family?</strong><br /><br />Well, there’s my husband. He works in law enforcement and builds cabinets and lays tile on the side. If he isn’t doing that, he’s helping someone do something else. And then he comes home and eats and sleeps! Ok, he actually does find time to spend with his family!<br /><br />Then there is me. I work full time in a local school system. I’m also in grad school part-time. I’m working on my MBA, and I really don’t know what I’m going to do once I get it. I also bake cakes on the side. (You can check out some of my cakes on my food blog.) More than anything, I’d love to stay at home, take care of the kids, clean the house, bake cakes, and blog.<br /><br />Chase is the oldest child. He says he’s 9, but he actually won’t be 9 until April. He’s in Cub Scouts, Junior FFA, and the church choir.<br /><br />Madison is next. She’ll be 9 in July, only five days after my birthday! She is in the school chorus, Junior FFA, and the church choir.<br /><br />Macey is the youngest. She’s 5 and started kindergarten this year. For now, she’s only in the church choir. I think she’d be good in dance, but she says she doesn’t want to take it.<br /><br />That’s us in a nutshell. More to come!!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16629057871246194136noreply@blogger.com0