I WON!

I entered a contest last weekend at the opening of a new Osh Hardware store in town. Danielle Hirsch, who is the co-host of the HGTV show Color Splash, was a guest there at their grand opening. I missed meeting her but entered the drawing for a room make-over worth approx $10,000. I got a call at work on Friday from her and I immediately recognized her voice. I couldn't believe it!! I won!!!!

This is sponsored by the store, Sherwin Williams paint, and Danielle. It is not associated with the TV show. They don't do remodeling, so they wont do the bathroom. I still don't have a lot of info yet but the rules state that most of the money is for consult, design, and labor. Only $3,ooo is for products, but WOW, I'm so excited. It must be completed by the end of Feb so it will be soon.
Just don't know which room we're going to do yet.

I couldn't figure out how to copy a picture to show you of Danielle but she does have a website
www.daniellehirsch.com/

Saturday, Yippee!

I went thru my closet all morning eliminating all the clothes that don't fit anymore. It was hard some of the time. I have some pretty clothes, but they've gotta go. It is SO nice to wear fitted clothes! Then I did the usual, laundry, cleaning, etc. Scott worked on the shed. It was warm and really muggy for here. I love the sun though. We had some really heavy rain on Monday, almost 5 inches! The street outside our office flooded over completely, up to the bottom of car doors. Somewhere in town a lady drove into a creek thinking it was a flooded road. She got towed out and was ok.
Tonight we went to the ward Harvest Party which was a chili cook-off and square dancing. We had a great turnout with 20 chilies. I made low-fat chicken chili. I have never cooked with poblano, and jalapeno chilies. It actually came out more mild than I expected. Of course Scott said it wasn't really chili, but that's ok. I liked it and so did some other people. They had someone making balloon animals for the kids, a doughnut bobbing contest for the kids and they had a square dancing group come teach us to dance. That was really fun. Scott said it was ok. He did it and seemed to like it, but I loved it. It was just plain fun. One of the best ward parties I've ever been to.
I have joined the ward choir, even though I hate standing up front. Linda Pederson is our new director and she is great. She really teaches it to us. I actually look forward to going to practice. Scott has been going for some time now already.
We got our reservations for Disneyland. We are going the week after Thanksgiving, driving straight there from St. George, Utah. We have a city pass that includes a 3-day park hopper pass for Disneyland and California Adventure parks, 1 day at Universal Studios, and 1 day at Seaworld and either the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park (we haven't decided what we're doing in SD yet. I really wanted to go to Universal. I'm really excited. Can't wait!

This and That

I've been concentrating on practicing my watercolor painting techniques. Not very good at it! I'm still working on my diet. I haven't made it to the gym 5 days a week for awhile. Seems like I keep missing a day or two. But I've gotten lots of compliments.
Scott is trying to finish the trim on the shed. He painted the door the other day.
We are planning our trip to Disneyland the week after Thanksgiving. We are going to drive straight there from St. George. We are going to stay in one of the Disney Hotels and go for 3 days. We even have reservations for dinner at the Blue Bayou, the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. We have both always wanted to do that. We are getting whats called a City Pass that includes admission to Universal Studios, Sea World, and San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park. So the 4th day we will drive to San Diego for the day. Friday we will check out of our hotel and drive up to Universal Studios and then spend the night there and drive home on Saturday.
Can't wait. We both love Disneyland. We are especially looking forward to seeing all the Christmas decorations and lighting. That is why we are going in December. It should be a fairly quiet week there too.

Kim is home from the hospital finally. She is still having pain in her legs, but she isn't swollen and she's getting around better. She seems in better spirits.

Congrats to Jared and Jen who bought a house! It's really wonderful inside and out. So happy for them!

Glen & Lucille visit

Scott's parent's arrived Wed afternoon to visit for a week. They like to read and it's a nice time for them to relax cuz Dad still works at upholstering mostly full time and of course Mom spends her time cleaning, cooking, and taking care of Dad. She's always busy. So, this is nice for them. They were last here 6 years ago. Last time they were here we spent some time in Old Sacramento with Ronna (who was pregnant at the time), and Kim. I'll have to check the pictures. I can't remember who else was there that day. This time they asked for a stay at home and visit with family time. So Ronna, Gina, and Kalven came Saturday at noon and stayed til about 6. We had a nice time. Kalven is a busy kid and got a bit bored but he did ok. He is always smiling. We haven't seen them since last Thanksgiving.
Scott and his parents went to San Francisco Friday to visit Kim, who is STILL in the hospital. Scott said she is a little improved, that her knees were feeling a little better. He also felt her coloring was the best in months. I only wish they could figure out what it is.
We will have Scott, Polly, and the girls here this afternoon after church.
Good to have family around.

Update on my weight loss goal

Jen noted on her blog that she wants to lose 10 lbs. by Christmas and challenged
others to do the same and put it on their blog so we can all be accountable.
I have avoided it up til my birthday because I feel it's bragging. I didn't want
anyone to feel bad. I have many friends that are overweight.
But people have been finally noticing enough to comment on how I look. I have
lost 40 lbs and 3 sizes since the end of March. Wow! I wasn't sure it was possible.
I still have a bit more to lose but I feel great about the way I look and the way I
feel. I do feel younger and it is easier to get up and down. I have more energy and I am even beginning to miss exercise when I miss a day or two at the gym, something I NEVER thought I'd say!
So, for you young un's out there, you CAN do it! Make your hubbies take the kids for a
bit so you can get out if you need to.
Good luck and thanks for your support.

Kim

Just to update you all. Kim is in the hospital again (9/8/09). She had joint pain in her knees so bad she could hardly walk. The doctors weren't very attentive considering all she has been through since last November. We visited her and she was in pretty good spirits but I know she feels discouraged by this long illness.
Well, she finally had a visit from a doctor (North Bay Hospital) after 2 days there. He feels that with the new symptoms that she may have autoimmune disease, not autoimmune hepatitis that they have been trying to treat lately. So they sent her to San Francisco for more intense testing, AGAIN. Poor thing has been poked and proded more than she can count. I haven't heard today if there are any results.
I just wanted you to all know.
PLEASE PRAY FOR HER!
She asked Scott for a second blessing 2 nights ago, so he and Chris Pederson went to the hospital to give her a Priesthood blessing.
Will try to keep you posted. She has her phone with her if you would like to call and chat.

Turning 50

Well, today is my birthday, no big deal. I don't feel any different, except that I have a cold today. Don't feel too good, oh well.
Actually the thing that made this not so bad is that I have been dieting (Jenny Craig) and going to the gym nearly every weekday since March 27. I have been gaining weight steadily for years and complaining about it, but doing nothing. In January, my goal was 50 (lbs) less by 50 (age). I even wrote a sticky note and put it on the fridge. I still didn't do anything. But I did think about it all the time. I was frustrated with myself all the time, trying to hide it with clothes. I think the thing that finally did it was my size 12 clothes were so tight I really needed to go up a size, again! Yulk. I was like my mom, my different sizes of clothes. My co-worker, Dawn, had told me how good the food is at Jenny Craig. I already had a membership at the gym but I was so sporadic about going. I would spend the whole day coming up with reasons not to go at night, like got to go shopping, get gas, do laundry, etc, etc.
I had thought about going early but I just didn't think I had the time since I have long hair and it takes so much time to wash, dry, and style it. I even considered cutting my hair, but I found when my hair was short it was more effort to style it.
I don't know but one day I just made the decision to do it. I didn't ask Scott permission to spend the money. I just needed to do something!!
So I called and made an appointment for that day after work at JC and decided I would get up and go to the gym every morning at 5. I went to JC. Their program is really great. I liked how that when you get halfway to your goal they start weaning you from their food to making your own meals. They emphasize veggies, fruit, eating a well balanced meal, and learning to limit your portions. And I do like their food too.
So I started the next day and have been at it since then. July has been the only month that I have slacked off and stagnated a little but I have lost over 33lbs!
So I didn't reach my 50 less by 50 but Wow I feel SO much better. I notice how much easier it is to get out of bed without my big stomach. I can cross my legs again, silly but great.
I went shopping this past week for pants (which I swore I wouldn't do until I reached my goal, but I couldn't find any size 8's in my shed). It was the first time in YEARS that I enjoyed shopping for clothes. That makes it all worthwhile!!!!! I am not where I want to be but I felt great. I even bought a pair of stretch 6 pants that are a bit tight but still fit. Amazing.
I feel healthier. I have fruit around all the time. I'm rarely hungry. And I am committed to not going back.
I found that it takes mostly a mental commitment to do this, more than anything.
I'm not trying to boast or make anyone feel bad. I feel much more empathetic to people overweight than I used to. I just wanted to share my success. It makes turning 5o not so bad. I only wish I could afford to get rid of some of the wrinkles.

Jared and Jen off to Virginia

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We got a surprise when Jared told us that he had been asked by B&W in Virginia for his resume. The lab in Idaho had him do a lot of traveling. He has been to Belgium, Tennessee I think, and Virginia too, working on this project. He has been overseeing the project and in Virginia they are more on the manufacturing side of things. So he has accepted a new position there which will add to his resume and allow him to get a more hands on use of his mechanical engineering degree. The company gave them a great moving package. They packed and moved them, shipped their cars, and will help to sell their home and house them until they buy a home in Virginia. They have a year to complete that.
So they planned a trip to CA in between jobs. They were only here for 3 days but that was great. Zach is so smiley! He is so quick to lite up his face. What a cutie! And RJ, ever my hugger and sweetie. And Savannah, the beauty! Wow, her 3 year old pics are amazing. She has the most beautiful natural curls in her hair. She is so cute and loves to smile too. She jabbers away sometimes in an unknown language, such a ham. They are all so different and so special. Oh, how I will miss them!!!!!! Virginia is a lot further. We wont see them 2 or 3 times a year like we have been.
I offered to have Jen's family come over Sunday so we could share time together (yes, I was being selfish!!!). It was so nice. I was sad that Kim forgot about it and went to San Jose to be with her mom, but Josh did come! He went to a concert in Concord Sat night and got a room. So he came up Sunday after church and spent the afternoon with us. (Luz went home to Argentina for a semester of college). It was so good to see him.
Jen's parents, brothers, and grandparents came too. It was a bunch but really it was enjoyable. Geniel and I get along really well.
Later after they were gone we played a game of Farkel with Jared, Jen and RJ. Savannah had crashed.
I had to work Monday but Jared and Jen spent time with her grandparents and packed up. They sadly said goodbye Monday evening and drove to Sacramento. They had to be there all day Tuesday so their truck could get picked up for the move. Then Wed. they flew to Virginia. I got a call that night from RJ and Savannah. RJ was so excited that he starts kindergarten soon. They had to be there for orientation the next day. They arrived late, lost 3 hours, had 2 wired kids after being cooped up in planes all day, and had to be up early the next day. I talked to Jen and she wasn't sure how that was going to happen. The kids were jumping all over and jabbering in the background.
Well, we wish them all the best. Pray that they'll be able to sell their home for a decent price in this terrible economy. We will miss them but are SO grateful for family, love, and the internet with Skype, the free camera phone online! The blogs help too to keep us feeling a part of their lives.
We love you!!

Carmel-vacation from my vacation

A couple weeks after my trip to Idaho Scott and I had a rare Friday off together. We decided a week before to go to Carmel. We went one other time and didn't have a good experience so I was determined this would be better. I spent several evenings trying to find a place to stay on the internet. Carmel and Monterey are not cheap! Wednesday night I was getting a bit concerned. I finally decided to bite the bullet and spend a bit more. I found a quaint inn in Carmel. We got it for a deal but it was still expensive but Wow, it was nice.
While I was working on the internet Scott had Tim Shelton and some other friends come over and finally install our new armoir/TV cabinet in the room. We spent hours putting all the electronic equipment back together. It is so beautiful. I love it.
We drove to Carmel Friday morning and found our room to be just wonderful. It was actually 2 rooms, a bedroom with a huge kingsize bed with a fluffy white down comforter. The bedding was exquisite. There was a stone fireplace in each room. The other room had a daybed with lots of pillows. I prefer a couch for watching TV but the daybed was pretty comfy. The huge bathroom had gaudy tile but a jetted tub. What a nice place. They have a patio with tables and umbrellas so you can enjoy their nice continental breakfast outside. They also have small finger foods and wine in the afternoon.
It was a short 2 blocks to the main tourist area of Carmel. Carmel is so quaint. I just love it. We missed breakfast on Sat. so we asked where to go. They steered us the best place! I had cheese blintzes, which are like crepes with ricotta cheese inside and a raspberry glaze on top. I even had hot chocolate. It was chilly and we sat outside under the heaters. Since I've been dieting since March, this was really rich food for me. I enjoyed, or rather savored, every bite, but I suffered a bit later. My stomach hurt for awhile. We wandered around town and Scott even indulged me by looking in shops that I like. They had 2 shops filled with french decorating ideas, that I just love. Our plan was to see the sunset on the beach and we did walk all the way down to the beach despite the fog. It was cold and foggy so we didn't stay long. The beach is not Scott's favorite thing.
We had planned on a certain place to eat dinner but they were full for the evening, apparently you need to make reservations ahead. Well, we were happily disappointed because the place we ended up at was absolutely wonderful. The waiter was standing outside the door trying to get people to come in. He was French and so friendly. We found out later that he is a college grad trying to make it as an artist, sculptor I think. The fish was wow! And the salad was unusual greens with melted goat cheese. Even Scott loved it. Two outstanding meals in one day!
We went back to our room and enjoyed watching TV. I think we brought the DVDs "24" and finished the season.
Sunday we went to church at a Seaside ward which was one of the most friendly wards we have ever attended. The Sunday School lesson was great. Learned something new. It was so nice
to have time away from home and relax. We had a great time!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox photobook

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I'm so bad about updating my blog. I'm going to try to do better, even if it's only a journal entry with no pics.
I need to do June, with my wonderful trip to Idaho. I flew to Boise, ID on June 20th and spent 5 days with Jeremy, Lisa, Makale (3), and Abigail, my new little granddaughter. Makale and I played with playdough and I watched him draw endless circles on the easel. Those 2 activities seemed to be his favorites at the time. Abigail loves to smile. She was adorable. Jeremy and I had a good talk on the way to his house from the airport. It was so nice to spend some time with him. Lisa is a sweet hostess, especially with all the company she had been having. Thanks!
I took Makale to the park. They have a large park with a big pond and nice playground. He had a good time and I enjoyed being outside.
Jeremy and Lisa took Abigail and flew to N. Carolina for a conference for Jeremy's work on Thurs. They were gone until Monday, so I loaded up the car, (much thanks to Lisa for packing items for Makale), with Makale and Pearl, their dog, and my computer slash DVD player for Makale in the back seat. I think the drive from Boise to Idaho Falls is about 4 1/2 hours. It took us about 6 1/2 hours. My computer kept freezing up almost exactly every 40 minutes. I had to find an offramp and pull over. Several times I had to restart the computer, which a 5 minute ordeal. So I lost almost 10 minutes every time. But Makale was an Angel! He was SO good in his carseat and the dog, What dog? Pearl never made a peep in her crate! I was totally amazed.
I stopped in American Falls, I think, for lunch and asked for directions to the nearest park so Makale could play and I could walk the dog. Well 2 different times I was given directions to the park on the river but after 40 minutes of driving around, totally frustrated, we continued down the road. I found a truckstop which had a large dirt parking lot and weeds so I was able to let Pearl and Makale out. It was a LONG drive! And when I got just a couple miles outside of Idaho Falls they were laying gravel on the road and had it down to one lane. You had to drive on the new gravel for several miles at about 20-30 miles an hour. So tedious, and so close to home. Oh, how I wished I knew how to get there on sidestreets.
Well, we did finally arrive to spend 4 days with Jared and Jen and their family. Zachery, their new baby, was so cute. He slept a bit but I did get to spend time with him too. Jared and Jen had recently acquired a large trampoline (Jeremy and Lisa got a small one too!). They kids had a great time playing together on the tramp. Makale loves to be outside. RJ and Savannah have a stage in RJ's bedroom, although Savannah doesn't need a stage to ham it up. She sings and dances. Oh how I wish I could understand what she's singing. She's so serious. What an actress. RJ loves the stage too.
I love spending time the the grandchildren. Oh how sweet, innocent, and precious they are.
It was a busy fun trip.
On Monday I packed up the car and off we went back to Boise. This time went a bit faster, thankfully. I rigged a way to get the computer up front when it froze up so I could get the movie going again. Aren't movies a wonderful way to keep kids busy in the car!
I got to spend a little more time with Abigail before I left for home on Tuesday.
Phew! Love them dearly, but 10 days was exhausting!