Something New and Super Cute to look at . . .

These are my cute nieces, Lauren and Ali Murdock. My sister-in-law, Jen is going to make my girls these cute hats. Cool, huh!

Yes, I'm Losing It!

Have you ever been so excited about something and people just look at you like you've lost it. Well I have . . . LOST IT! That is, I've lost 8 pounds since a week ago, Monday. There was no suffering involved; no cravings unfulfilled.

I have tried my fair share of diets, some have worked better than others; namely Weight Watchers and Body for Life. Unfortunately, my emotional eating just brings me right back to my usual, unhappy, jolly circumstance.

It is so depressing and frustrating to think about starting anew. My midwife has told me, as well as so many other resources, that our calorie intake is 80% of the problem; 20% is exercise. The exercise part is fathomable but going from 3500/4000 calories a day, down to 1200 calories is UNREALISTIC! IMPOSSIBLE! TORTURE! Food is emotional for me, comforting, enjoyable, a livelihood. It is literally who I am - food, you are what you eat.

I have not been much of a drug taker; I've always been nervous about putting manmade chemicals in my mouth to solve even the basic problem. I wait until my headache is so bad I can't function before I think of taking a tylenol or excedrin. I heard about the pills that speed up your metabolism and help suppress your hunger; but in fear, I would never try them. Six months ago, in desperation, I decided to try some. On the third day, I finally related my shaky, heart racing, nervousness to the stupid pills. AND I still craved all the sugar and bake goods my mind could imagine (ate them, too). Of course a pill isn't going to do the work for us.

Can any of you relate?

So, for those of you still reading this, I'm hoping that you're wondering "What's up with the 8 lbs. lost? What did Carrie do? " Basically, I've dropped my daily calorie intake to 1200 calories a day. That's what it takes to lose weight. But that's not the key, not the important part. The key is that I was able to do it happily, no cravings, no suffering, no loss of enjoyment and PERFECTLY SAFE.

1 hour, prior to each meal, I took a pill called FORM, a temporary pre-meal gastric bulking agent. WHAT? Definition: a pill that goes right to my stomach and absorbs the 6 oz glass of water that I drank with it, enlarging up to 1,000 times its weight, leaving me feeling partially filled before I ever begin eating.

Is it safe? YES! Have you ever eaten a Frosty from Wendy's or a Jello Pudding? gelatin, pectin, soups, sauces or salad dressings? Then you have consumed this polyacrylic acid hydrogel. Many polymers are used as filler in pharmaceuticals. It is non-invasive and biologically inert. It DOES NOT absorb nutrients, vitamins, medications or other beneficial compounds that our bodies need! It is just there.

All my cravings are gone! I always want something sweet when I'm finished with my 3 servings of a meal. Now I eat one serving and have no desire for sugar to complete me. I went to Costco Monday and no interest in those samples they hand out. My stomach is telling my brain that it is full and so my brain isn't telling me to EAT! EAT! EAT!

So, now I want to invite you, the one that actually read this entire entry, to my skinny party. Come and see what this is really all about. Whether you struggle like I do or just want to keep those few extra pounds off. Or maybe there's someone you care about that would really benefit from this way of living. You are welcome to bring anyone with you. You won't be sorry.

I'm a so excited. I am in control. Food does not run my life! No more. Never again. I am going to be thin and healthy and happy and enjoy all those things that I've been missing for so long.

Research sites: My O3 World and Forever Green and 2beskinny

My Skinny Party details

Give a "Love Out" to Andrea!

That's suppose to be like a "shout out" but I'm thinking that would give her a worse headache so I tweaked the name a little.

An Andrea update can be found at carepages.com . It's a hospital web page where patient families can put what info they want to share and you can sign in and read it and leave a message.

You have to register the first time - really simple; sign in with your email address and a password. Then type Andrea Gardner in the search box.

We love you, Andrea! Get well; the sooner the better, of course.

Hey, all you bloggers - feel free to pass this on :)

Can't Decide Which Candidate to Vote for? Try this method . . .

Which one would taste better on your toast?

Source: Serious Eats

EDWARD Fans, did you hear?!?

Did you hear? Someone got ahold of Stephenie's transcript of Midnight Sun, Edward's version of Twilight, and copied it for others to read; Stephenie is so upset! To counter the terrible deed she has posted her entire draft of his version so anyone can read it. Click here to see. It is a rough draft through the point of when he shows himself to her in the sunlight.

My friend that told me has read it and says the rough draft is way better than the completed and edited Breaking Dawn. Well, of course, it is! It is the missing piece to Twilight - the better of all the series.

Read it and let me know what you think!

Tired of Looking at Breaking Dawn?

So I'm in another "no blogging" mode. My dear friend, Becky, informed me that she's tired of looking at Breaking Dawn. So here's a quick post to move the old one down a bit and to let you all know that I am alive. I'm sure I will be doing a catch up as soon as we get our internet back up at our house. I'm having to run over to my mom's to check things and it is so not convenient (even though my mom lives next door).

I have never been so involved in learning about a presidential election before. This one has become so interesting. So while you're waiting for future info enjoy a little bit of

Sarah Palin

I am excited about the idea of her. Right now I feel that she is the most honest candidate out there, but I'm still researching for myself. Let me know what you think -(please remember that this blog is a rated PG)

check out other blog comments on Palin: Cory's, Becky's

P.S. If you need a good shock/laugh check out Picky Palate's current post. OH MYLANTA!

Breaking Dawn

Okay, Twilight Fans, tell me what you think!

Did you like the last book? Tell all in the comment section

Don't click on the comments unless you've read the book - or if you don't care to know what happens

I do want to say to those of you who have been discouraged by her last two books, you should give this one a try - she made up for them in the last section of this book. I'm happy.

Boy, do I feel it!

Unfortunately/fortunately, my baby is a lot older than the one in the picture.

Countdown until school starts: 12 days, 21 hours, 30 minutes, 26 seconds

Thanks Jeneal - I borrowed the picture as well!

Country Fair Days

South Weber Country Fair Days Parade

Live it over again, and again

Familiar faces and traditions

Youth Anything Goes

JHS Future Cheerleaders

Our favorite band

I hope my children have as fond of memories of Country Fair Days as I do from when I was a kid!

Onomatopoeia

Jeni's comment about chocolate cake on my last post made me think of this word. It's definition is "a word or a grouping of words that imitates the sound it is describing (like click, pow, zoom)."

Anyways, I think it is a really fun word to say and possibly my favorite if I had to choose one word in the catagory of FUN TO SAY.

My question to you is what is your favorite word or words to say AND what do you think is the most POWERFUL word in the English Language?

Wordless Weekend

Happy 24th of July Crabfest!

Tiff and I were talking Thursday morning about how neither of us had plans for the holiday and Tiffany quickly organized us a little party. Add the Auger Family and Viola - good food and good fun.

Thank you Chris and Tiffany for some East Coast Hospitality right here in good ol' South Weber!

And to make it even better Tiff made Coconut Shrimp that was amazing. You didn't even know there was coconut on them.
And thank you Ralph for Homemade Rootbeer. Boy, that brought back some memories!

The kids were totally entertained by the village of cats that live at the Jones'.

P.S. I'm craving some crab right now.

Congrats Mayor Petersen!

I'm a little slow on the take because of my catch up phase but I want to congratulate my brother for being appointed the new mayor of South Weber City. He is so excited and loving every minute of it so far - they put him right to work. He will be a good mayor, the kind that wants to serve the citizens, plus he has deep roots for this growing little town.

Catching Up - Blogfest

Okay - I am almost caught up with the summer and my blogging!! We've been so busy enjoying the holiday that I haven't had time to record it. The next 7 posts are me, catching up (with a little side step on Jane Austin).

Tim and I have set a goal to do more physical activities as a family. Maybe the rest of us can benefit from Tim's abilities and endurance. We began our new venture by taking the fam on a hike up waterfall canyon. OH MY WORD! You'd think we asked the kids to hike the sahara, straight up, with no water! It was hot (2:00 pm) I will give them that, but the attitudes were rough from the beginning. We only made it to the first bridge and then we took the long way back and stopped by the pool with the natural spring. Elle was the best sport and she made it all on her own; no one carried her. As for the other two . . .We definitely need to get this family in shape.

Summer Week 7 - Emi's Spa Birthday Party

Thanks to the many who helped, we were able to pull this "high maintenance" party off: Jan, Mary, Kandace, Taylor & Keni! According to our cute, little guests, it was worth it.

Facials with photo shoot, pedicures, made homemade lipgloss and bracelets, finished off with eye kandy and smoothies. When waiting their turn, the girls would sip waters and look through preteen magazines. The girls were so much fun!

Which Jane Austin Girl are You?

Take the Quiz here!

Summer Week 6 - Emi's Birthday

Second round of swimming lessons begin and so does the monotomy: a tiresome lack of variety. But at the end of the week it's Emi's 9th birthday!

As tradition goes, she woke up to a decked out room and hidden surprises. Looks like she found some of them.

We went to see Wall-e and out to dinner to celebrate - Her party is next week due to the need of planning time.

Sunday we got together with the family and had a yummy, gooey treat I found listed on one of my favorite foody blogs Picky Palate. Peanut Butter Caramel Popcorn Brownies

Emi's cousin Ali had her birthday this last week too.

Summer Week 5 - Paris

. . . Idaho, that is. And what a great place to celebrate the 4th! Did you know that they can shoot what we call "illegals" in Utah? The whole sky was scattered with twinkling lights and loud cracks and bangs - a Carrie Heaven.

Matt and Sheri brought their family down from Oregon and we all met up in Paris at the vacation home John and Sydney bought with her sister Jeanne and Mickey. I think they've owned it for at least 17 years now. Tim and Johnny were the only ones married at the time.

The holiday began with a running race, a short 9 miles. Tim decided to run it - his only race of the year.



It was a really, great time. Good food, good friends/family, plenty to do, and time to just visit.

The Magic age of 12

I can't believe that my oldest is 12 years old. He is now in Young Mens and was ordained with the Aaronic priesthood! We loved that so many people were here to support him and his giant step into pre-adulthood. Eli is very respectful and will serve his Heavenly Father and Savior well. We have to wait 2 weeks until he gets to pass the sacrament. I am really looking forward to that, as much as everything. This week he will get to participate with the YM/YW in baptisms for the dead. With all these new activitie, he is really taking the "plunge".

Summer Week 4 - Surprise Room Makeover

This week was filled with swim lessons as well, but we were minus one special kid. Eli and Tim went to Scout camp at and while they were gone it was Eli's 12th birthday. Well, I got a BIG idea. Let's redo his bedroom for his birthday and surprise him when he gets home.

Knowing I was going to do this, the morning he was leaving, I took a picture of him in his room. I wonder what he's thinking.

Before:
So, Tim's sister, Jen, helped me a ton; we cleaned out his room and began painting. My niece, Ashley, came over for a day and helped paint too. Our air conditioner was broken, it got a little hot, but the paint dried pretty quick. When Tim came back (early) we ran to IKEA and spent several hours trying to decide on furnishings.

Here's the results:

Unfortunately Eli's troop decided to come back a day early. The good news is he called me and let me know 4 hours before his arrival. We all kicked it in gear. John hung lights and Tim, shelves, Sydney, Ashley and the girls were all there waiting, when he arrived.

I still have a few little things to finish and the time pressure has been lifted so who knows when they will get done. We tried to find a place for everything so that Eli can work on better organization and cleaning habits than his mother. So far, he's doing pretty good.

A Happy Ending to Week 3 - DINNER PARTY!

Our first dinner party was graciously hosted by Daren and D'dree Grange. Our theme of the evening was "Puerto Rico" - Ole.

Let the fiesta begin. D'dree got us each an apron and we all settled in the kitchen for some food preparation. We had an appetizer of deep fried plantanos (sp), and our main course consisted of a mango chicken and authenic rice and beans. For dessert we had Tres Leches, of course. It was all fantastic. Our hosts finished the evening off with a pinata filled with the perfect prizes. When we realized the items were a little more valuable than penny candy the gathering got a little heated.


There are a few people missing from these photos and I will be in charge of the camera next time to ensure that they are very much represented at our Harvest Dinner Party.

Summer Week 3 - Swimming Lessons, etc

This was the beginning of swim lessons; now she does this stuff all by herself, at the deep end!!

I feel like summer is ruled by swimming lessons but I don't want to give them up. And we have the best swim teachers, ever, but they are in Fruit Heights.

Eli goes to swim team at Layton Surf n Swim - 7am - 9am

Elle's swim lesson is at 10:30 am

Emi's swim lesson is at 1:30 pm

Gas is taking every dime (thank goodness for grocerysmarts - my little plug)

And drive/wait time is taking up all my blogging time.

But the results have been FANTASTIC! Both Emi and Elle moved up in their classes. Elle can really swim! She moved up 2 classes. Yippee!

We also caught up with dentist appointments, 12 year old checkups for scout camp, hair appts., yearly female visit, and the Stake Primary Party "Around the World". We ended with our first dinner party! Up next. . .

Summer Week 2 - Las Vegas

Another "Use or Lose" Timeshare. We tried to pick somewhere we could drive to (basically afford) but would be warm enough to swim. If there's a pool, our kids are in heaven. We haven't been Las Vegas fans in the past but we are singing a new tune after this visit. Tim's parents, John and Sydney, came with us. We had a great time and there was plenty of "family friendly" things to do (we have a huge list of things to do for our next visit). The best part was where we stayed, the Tahiti Village, right on the strip but south of the airport. It was close enough to everything but away from the crazies and night life. The pool was perfect. Different levels for all ages/sizes, it had a beach and lifeguards. I could actually read my book while laying out. We began the first half of each day, poolside.


We were all sad to be coming home. 6 days wasn't long enough.

Summer Week 1 - Park City

We stayed at our Marriott Timeshare in Park City for the first week of June, use it or lose it kind of deal. Tim went to work from there every day. It was very relaxing. A little cold to swim but the kids didn't seem to mind. We ate at the Bandit, on old main, one night. The western bbq food was fantastic and they gave you plenty. We highly recommend the french dip, the most tender, flavorful, meat ever, on a bun. The onion rings were perfect, not over done with too much batter but crispy and cooked just right. The girls LOVED the ribs (as you can tell by Emi's photo) and the dessert was humongous, enough for the whole family. My mom stayed with us for a few nights and then Landen joined us. It's been a several years since Tim and I had been up there. We use to go for drives and look at the architecture for hours. We always thought we'd move there (we were young and big dreamers). It was nice to be back.

My First Tag Thingy

I'm a little embarrassed to post this. It's my first time to set up a "TAG". I actually think no one will see it because I haven't posted for so long, you may have all given up on this here blog.

This is a fun tag that is running rampant throughout my bloggy blog world. I want to hear from ALL Y'ALL...even if you have never commented before!

Here are the rules.
1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! If we're only blogging friends, write about a post that is most memorable. If you don't have a blog and don't know how to sign in, please comment as anonymous.
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll be sure to write one about you... either on your blog, in my comment box, or I will email you back!
3. If the memory happens to involve my husband, please include him!
4. If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all ☺Okay, let's see what you've got!

I LOL when I saw this!

Eli and I were watching Jolene Sjoblom's tapes of the SWKNews that they air at the elementary school each Monday. She adds some extras every once in a while. We watched this one over and over again. It is really funny. Does it remind you of anyone?

Here's another one she used, loved it:

Tres Clever!

Look Who's Graduating!!!

from 6th grade that is.

Why it was only yesterday . . .

They were so sweet and innocent . . .

Congratulations Class of 2014! You are on your way.

This is a little more difficult for me than that field trip Experience.