Weigh In

This week I got sick, we had rain (YAY) and I met none of my goals. However, it still landed me with a loss, so I'll take it!!!

Starting Weight: 138.8

Last Week's Weight: 136.2

This Weeks Weight: 133.8

Week 3 Weight Loss: - 2.4

Total Weight Loss: 5 Lbs.

I really do hope to get in more water and exercise this week.

Week 2 Weigh In

This week I felt like the Biggest Loser's Week 2. I was just certain that there would be no victory had and I really struggled with drinking enough water, getting my exercise in, and not binging. Fortunately, I stepped on the scale this morning and had a victory.

Starting Weight: 138.8

Last Weeks Weight: 137.4

This Weeks Weight: 136.2

This Weeks Loss: -1.2

This week I am setting some goals for myself. I want to increase my water intake to 5 glasses a day (I told you, I really struggle with drinking water) and to exercise 4 days this week. I start school this week, so I will really have to be diligent to meet these goals!

Snow Day

We took a day trip up to the snow not too long ago. And we are apparently depriving our children of seasons other than warm and ridiculously hot. Both Addie and Brody loved the snow and would've stayed all day building snowmen, throwing snowballs and eating snow. They were both big fans of that.

It's not very often that our family gets to have family days. We live around Chris' very odd work schedule, so sometimes it's just one of us with the kids. It was great to have our family all together (my sister went, too) playing and making memories.

And also, plotting against Chris to move somewhere with an actual winter!

Worry

Addison reverses several letters. Reading is also challenging for her. It causes me much grief. But I should probably share a little back story that helps explain that. I was a VERY GOOD student in school (until I stopped attending). Education came VERY easy to me. Chris was not a good student. Not even a little bit. He will tell you that he probably should have been held back. He still struggles with reading.

Back at the beginning of the school year, I asked her teacher's opinion of Addison's reversals/less than grade level reading. She said that it is probably developmental and that she would get better as the year went on and naturally correct the reversals. I was not satisfied. So I requested comprehensive testing. I wanted to make sure she didn't have dyslexia. I wanted to make sure we were one step ahead of any diagnosis that may come her way. Coincidence after having a autism diagnosis blow your world apart? I think not.

I happened to be volunteering the day that the school psychologist ran his tests. He asked me to step outside with him and immediately commented on her mad skillz. He also said that he saw where my concerns about reversals came from. She transposed cube drawings on her test. I wondered where this would lead...would she fit into some kind of label?

Results day finally came. I was very anxious to know their findings. They reviewed every test she took and her scores on each one. And then they told me she qualified for services...just not the ones I had been concerned about. Addie's test scores qualified her to be a part of the gifted program. I sat laughing with the Lord about what a crazy mom I am! I laughed at the gift He gave me in confirming that each person has their own strengths and weaknesses. I laughed at the fact that I could go home and tell my daughter that I know for a fact that she is capable of following directions with 4 steps!

Worry never allows you to see hope. I'm so grateful to know that now.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matt 6:25-26

Weigh In. Week 1

I didn't actually state that I was back on the bandwagon at the start of last week, but I am. I had maintained a 40 pound weight loss for almost 2 1/2 years. And then some poundage started creeping back in. Then my jeans couldn't fit...and well, I'm too cheap to buy a new wardrobe.

So last week, I jumped back on Weight Watchers.

My starting weight was 138.8

Yesterday I weighed in at 137.4

Yay for a good first week. My goal is to reach 130 by the end of February. Or at least really close.

Give me an R...

Ridiculous- How many times I tried to bold the first letter of each section. Is it ironic that in trying to highlight the word random, I come up with a post that looks it??
Adorable- Is there anything cuter than a baby grin with 2 little teeth popping out??
Niceness- The princess has set some kindness goals for herself (with my encouragement) and they are really paying off. She's such a sweet friend...when she doesn't forget herself.
Dance- My mom and I signed up for Zumba. If there was ever an ounce of doubt...there is not a drop of latin blood in our gene-pool. We show that off every Thursday night...
Outta here- the kids and I will be out of town for a week this month. I am very excited for some snowy weather and lots of fun family time.
Medical- between a baby who seems to have constant double ear infections, said baby getting tubes put in, a 4 year old well check and a mom who has a plethora of weird symptoms that call for blood draws and other tests, we have 3 to 4 dr appts each week that we are in town this month.

Oh My, Five!

Brody,

Today you are five. And your mama is an emotional wreck. Five is so, well...big. It leaves no baby face to squish, no traces of toddlerhood. And while you haven't been anywhere near baby for a long time, five just marks it permanently.

You my sweet, funny boy are 55 pounds of lean muscle height! You are tall and solid, and you only go at one speed - full force. Your size 2 feet are merciless when stepping on toes and you often knock me off balance when you run at me to give me a big hug.

This is your last year of preschool, and you have blossomed in your school environment. You enjoy not only your letters, but your phonograms, too. You are a big fan of the sound can, and love the sensory table.

You, son, have blown my world apart. I never knew the sweetest joy that the simple things could bring. Daddy and I TREASURE your communication. You speak so well and with so much enthusiasm. Everything is EXCITING! and FUN! and DOABLE! B, professionals weren't sure how much you'd talk, if at all. I wish your first speech therapist could see you now!

You are a never ending adventure, my boy. Your newest thing is to ask people what their name is and then introduce yourself, and whoever else is with you at the time. I just love it. You are so social! The thing I am loving the most about you is when you tell us you want to go to Africa (or Japan, or Australia). When I tell you we'd have to fly there, you ask me to take you to the airport, and when I tell you it costs alot of money, you say "Where can I get money?" B, there would be no greater pleasure for me than to take our family to Africa.

My prayer for you, Brody, is that you will always keep your adventurous heart and imaginative spirit. God has a plan for you, my boy. And it is a prosperous one. 3 years ago, I don't know if I could've stood in that promise confidently. A diagnosis of autism turned our world into a very dark place. But you, sweet one, have brought light and a thousand different colors that I never knew about before. God has used you to bring Him much glory. May that always be your heart's desire. May you always remember the first Bible verse you memorized: "The Lord is with me, He is my helper." (and reach for the sky- added by you). He has made you an overcomer. And we are just so grateful to be on the sidelines cheering.

Your Sissy, Daddy and I all love you very much. We can't wait to see what 5 brings!

Random Facts About 2009

Since I am not sure how to sum up all that has been 2009, I figured I would give you some random highlights true to Random Mom fashion.

2009 was the year that my husband was out of work for 8 months. It was also the year that I saw the Lord stretch every dollar and work miracles in our finances. Our every need was provided and lots of our wants as well. Amazing.

In 2009, my water spontaneously broke at 32 weeks. Which would also make it the year that I spent 2 hours trying to convince myself that I had just peed- a lot. Admitting that my water broke this early was just too scary to wrap my mind around.

2009 was the year that I delivered a premature baby more quickly than I ever thought my body could deliver. This same baby was born screaming and in perfect health, after being told that morning that most likely his lungs were still not mature.

2009 was the year I became a mom of a son. A blue eyed son.

In 2009, I became the mother of a preschooler. After spending years as a teacher, it was weird being on the other side. And, in case you are wondering, I am totally "that mom".

2009 brought many trials and difficulties. Possibly more than any other year. But, as Paul promises, "Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured His love into us by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Romans 5:3-5.

So, in summary, 2009 is the year that I discovered true hope.