The Cliffords

Weekly Weigh In

2012-01-25T04:22:00.000-08:00

I've been having a rough couple of weeks since I joined the gym. I could not for the life of me get the scale to move, in fact most mornings the scale was going in the wrong direction. I finally had a loss this week, so that makes me very happy. I think I've finally figured out the right calorie increase on gym days. Here's hoping that continues to work! I lost 2.1 pounds this week, bringing my total lost to 86.4 pounds.

Weekly Weigh In

2012-01-11T04:31:00.000-08:00

I lost 1.9 pounds this week, bringing my total lost to 84.3 pounds. I joined the gym this past week and went Tuesday morning for the first time, it surprisingly felt really good to be working out. My knee and foot still bother me from when I fell down the stairs with Emma back in November. I'm seeing my doctor on Friday, so I'll mention it to him, to see what he says about it.

Museum of Science

2012-01-06T04:16:00.000-08:00

On Monday we took advantage of our ButtonWood passes again and went to the Museum of Science. It was a little more crowded then usual with the holiday, but still a fun time.

Miss Grace rocking the sass before we left.

After I took Grace's picture, she then requested a photo shoot with each baby.

We left early so the kids could nap in the car before we got there. Emma looking a little tired still.

Carter just chillin'

Cole and Grace

We met Cole's sister there and promptly went to catch the live animal show.

Grace later said that the animal show was her favorite part.

Grace really seemed to love the smell exhibit and liked trying to match up the pictures with the smells.

Checking out the dinosaurs

After lunch we let the kids run around the play area for a while, they all loved it.

Emma really seemed to like looking at everything.

Cole and Grace trying out the night vision room.

The playground room is always a huge hit.

Sleepy boy.

Disney on Ice

2012-01-04T05:07:00.000-08:00

Last Friday Cole and I surprised Grace with Disney on Ice. Grace knew that we were going on a special date, but she had no idea what is was. We decided to take her to see Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Rhode Island. Cole's Mom stayed at home and babysat the twins, so that Cole and I could spend some special alone time with Miss Grace.

Walking to the show, still no idea what we were doing.

Walking into the crowded event, still no idea.

We went in and sat in our seats, and then began to explain what we were doing.

She was very excited!

After we filled her in on what was going to happen Cole went and got her some $10 cotton candy, that came with a hat, and a $10 lemonade. I just could not justify spending $28 on a light up toy that was going to break on the way home. Grace loved the hat and thankfully didn't whine about not having a light up wand.

Enjoying her cotton candy.

We were all very excited for the show to start!

And then it started!

Grace was in awe, and was captivated by the whole thing.

Grace clapping!

What's a Disney show without some fireworks!

We all had a great time! The show was great! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy were there. Plus they did scenes from the Lion King, the Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch, and Peter Pan. Grace did great and sat through the whole thing. Grace's eyes were glued to the ice. They did a great job interacting with the audience, there was lots of clapping involved!

We had a great experience and will definitely be taking Grace again!

NYE

2012-01-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

We had a pretty uneventful New Year's Eve. We ran to Target to pick up the kids some sparkling juice, which we told Grace was champagne, she loved it!

Before the babies went to bed at 6pm, we dug out some beads, hats, and noise makers, found the ball dropping from 2005 on youtube, and then we counted down, said "Happy New Year" and drank some sparkling champagne.

The kids all thought it was great. I wonder how long we have until they realize that is not really how NYE works.

I already warned Grace that this better be one of the only NYE she spends in just her undies drinking champagne.

The 3 of them sat very nicely chugging their sparkling champagne, I imagine that in 20 years they will be doing them same thing, but not so tame.

After the kids were all in bed I ate my veggie delight from Subway, and had a small glass of wine. I ended up not liking it enough to justify the calories, so I gave it to Cole instead.

While we ate dinner we watched Friends With Benefits with Justin Timberlake, it was the only movie left in Redbox, but it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. After the movie I grabbed a quick snack with some coffee.

These shortbread cookies are so good with coffee or tea and only have 130 calories for 8 cookies!

While we snacked we played some Scrabble.

I totally kicked Cole's butt!

We finished up our game right before the ball dropped. After the ball dropped I promptly went to bed, hell, I was surprised I even made it to midnight!

New Goals and Review

2012-01-03T05:07:00.000-08:00

Every year I like to set new goals for the new year and I also like to look back at my goals from last year to see what I've accomplished and what I've failed at.

Goals for 2011 Review
1- Once again, my goal, like every other year, is to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. No excuses this year, it just has to happen. This goal I actually accomplished. I had set out to lose 70 pounds, but lost 80 pounds!
2- Be a better Mom. There are things I could do better/ handle better. There's always room for improvement. Yes, and no. I feel like I did somethings better, but there is still more I could have done
3- Keep a better organized house. Things kind of went down hill when I got pregnant with the twins and had to take it easy. Cole tried really hard to keep up with the house but between working and taking care of me and Grace the everyday stuff just kind of took a back seat. I have gotten the downstairs put of the house back in order now, but I really need to reorganize bedrooms, clothes, and the basement. This one I did. I made a house cleaning schedule that list what is to be cleaned each day.

I figured we should set some goals for the kids to try to reach this year as well. Their goals are more goals for us to try to help them achieve.

Goals for Grace
1- Become potty trained! Grace is a rock star and accomplished this goal in the first month of 2011
2- Learn her ABC's and counting Grace counts and does her version of the ABC's, they aren't perfect, but she does a great job trying.
3- Start Preschool Yes and she loves it!
Goals for Emma & Carter
1- Try to loose their adjusted age by 1. I'd love for them to be caught up, or close to caught up, age wise by 1 to other kids their age. This includes things like rolling, crawling, walking, and talking.We will try our hardest to work through delays. Obviously we will not be upset if they are still delayed at 1, I just want to make sure that Cole and I do our part to do all we can. I am very happy to say that Carter and Emma are right on track and no longer need their adjusted age!

Goals for 2012:

1- Lose another 70 pounds. I hope to continue counting calories and losing weight. I would like to add in some time at the gym, nothing crazy, just 2 days a week. I also want to increase my water intake. I want to start slow and add in 2-3 glasses of water each day. I am hoping the more I drink water, the more my body will crave it, so over time I'll be able to get in more water each day.

2- I want to read at least 25 books this year. Last March I set out to read 25 books in 2011, I came close at 21 books, but didn't hit my goal. This year I really want to reach my goal!

3- I'm issuing a challenge to myself. I want to go the whole month of January, without cheating on my diet at all. In December I had 5 cheat meals, and I just feel like that it to many, so to make sure I'm back on track, and to start the year off strong, I want to go 31 consecutive days, without a single cheat meal. I know it is impossible to go through life without ever cheating, that's why my challenge is only one month long, but I do need to prove to myself that I can do it.

I have yet to set goals for the kids yet, but I hope to set some soon. I feel like it's good for everyone to have goals to strive for.

Weekly Weigh In

2011-12-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

Well, today is the last weigh in for the year. Last January 5th I started out on a journey. I set a goal for myself to lose 70 pounds by January 1st, 2012. Today I weighed in and lost 3.7 pounds in the last week, bringing my year total to 81.8 pounds lost. I not only reached my goal I surpassed it. I'm happy with my progress, but know I still have a long way to go. I hope to continue this journey well into the new year.

I've decided to be brave and share some progress pictures, keep in mind I'm only half way to my end goal.

Christmas Day

2011-12-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

Grace woke up at 6am and was so happy to find a present in her room. She started opening presents right away.

Cole and I gave Grace this huge doll/barbie house that we had gotten used. We filled it with a bunch of older Barbie furniture we had from Cole's sister. Thankfully Santa brought Grace some updated furniture, so the house is more update!

Cole and I also bought Grace a new toy box, I had a feeling she would need one, with all the new toys she was getting.

So excited about her new jewelery box!

Opening up her new Barbie furniture

books

Alphie

more Barbies

rollerskates. Yup, Grace asked for rollerskates in December in New England. I don't think they will get much use until springtime

Lily was very happy so got a new snowman to kill.

Finally around 6:30 we decided to wake the babies, before Grace opened up all the presents.

Carter opening up Emma's new chair

and sitting in it

Carter's new chair.

Emma in Carter's chair.

Excited about a new Barbie car

Opening up the doll she's been begging for.

Grace and Emma were so excited!

Holding up the rug she made for us at school.

Carter playing with his new tools.

socks

She was so excited about socks! In fact she just had to put them on right away!

eating some yogurt melts

and trying out her new sippy cup, which so far her and Carter both HATE!

Carter was so excited about his new trucks, he's such a boy!

Emma was so sad we couldn't get her doll out fast enough.

After we finally got through all the presents we got dressed to head to the Brennans'. Just look at that toy mess!

Grace opening her presents from the Brennans'

Papa's new snuggie

waiting for lunch

We had another great Christmas. It has taken me days, but I almost have found a place for every new toy!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve after the kids woke up from their much needed naps, we got them ready to go to Cole's Mom's house. Before we left I of course had to snap a million pictures.

We took our Christmas eve traditional photo of Miss Grace. I don't know how or why this came about, but it did, so I'm sticking with it!

Grace in her true girly fashion was twirling around in her dress.

sisters

kisses from Lily

Carter was a sleepy head and we had to finally wake him, so we wouldn't be late.

Cole and I

I tried to get a picture with all 3 kids, but that was pretty impossible.

Uncle Andy and Carter

While at Nana's house we exchanged presents with one another.

Emma loved all of Grace's presents!

Auntie Cassie got Grace an Easy bake oven, which I'm super excited to use, as is Grace.

Cole's Mom got us a Keurig and I am so over the moon about it!

Grace loved unwrapping presents, in fact she pretty much unwrapped everyone's presents. She didn't care who they were for, or what was in them, but she just loved unwrapping them all!

The babies got 2 new carseats!

Carter was still sleepy, so he just took it all in while his sisters ran around like crazy.

Even though there were two seats, the twins fought over the same one, typical!

After Cole's Mom's house, we headed to his Aunt's house to eat dinner and exchange more gifts. After dinner I put the kids in matching Christmas pajamas, but of course none of them would let me get a cute picture of them all together.

After Carol's house, we came home and put out Santa's cookies, soy milk, and tea. When I asked Grace whether we should make Santa's tea, or just leave him out a tea bag to make himself, she told me that "I should wake up when Santa comes and make it for him." Nice kid, you want me to wake up to make Santa a fresh cup of tea.

After the kids were all in bed Santa came and left all their presents.

Grace's stocking with some overflow, I think we need to get some bigger stockings next year!

All the presents.

Edaville

2011-12-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

On Friday we decided to take the kids to Edaville Railroad in Carver . We had taken the kids early in the season last year and it was crowded, so I was nervous it would be crazy busy that close to Christmas, but it really wasn't!

These two goof balls love sitting in the toy bin, so they occupied themselves while I packed up the car.

We brought 2 single strollers for the babies, because we find it easier to navigate crowds that way. Grace kept insisting on pushing a stroller.

Emma and I fought over her wearing a hat for most of the night.

Emma and Carter watching Grace and Cole on the rides

Cole and Grace picking out a drum.

Having fun!

Grace flying a plane.

Gracie was very impressed with the wood carvings.

Carter, not so much.

Nor was Emma.

Grace got some hot chocolate, which was surprisingly the perfect temperature, and she didn't have to wait to drink it!

I tried to get a quick picture of all 3, this was the best I could do.

Edaville is just so pretty at night!

Grace skiing with the gingerbread man.

Miss Grace

Grace and Cole

Emma hat was a little to big, which may have been why she wouldn't keep it on!

Cole and Grace on the flying elephants.

Two goofy babies!

Emma just taking it all in.

Carter

Grace and I on the carousel

Poor Carter was so sleepy, he barely made a peep.

Emma's gloves may have been a little to big, as well!

Cole and Grace on the caterpillar.

After we did all the rides, we boarded the train, and we were able to just walk right on! Grace loved it!

A quick family picture

sleepy Carter

and at 6pm Carter was out!

After the train ride, we let Grace ride the carousel one last time, poor Carter fell asleep again, this time on a horse.

The kids all had a blast! Cole and I have discussed going back next year, but all 3 kids will cost to get in, so as much as we like it I just don't know if we can justify $90 just to get in. I'm hoping we'll be able to find a good coupon some where and take them all next year.

Christmas cookies

2011-12-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

Grace and I cooked some more Christmas cookies today. Grace really wanted to make Santa some of the break and bake cookies, and I was not going to argue with the easiness of it! The only problem is that Grace wanted to make both the reindeer ones and Christmas tree ones. That means we made 48 cookies for Santa! That is not going to help Santa's diet, so I convinced her we should bring half the cookies to Grandma and Papa's house. I think Miss Lily will be helping Santa eat his cookies this year!

Grace insisted on taking her shirt off to bake, I promise she did not get this from me. I always bake with clothes on!

Santa's cookies! Grace told me that "we also need to leave out some soy milk for Santa, but that Santa doesn't like soy milk, but he'll dip his cookies in it, and that he also needs a cup of tea." She also informed me that Mrs. Claus comes with him to help and that the reindeer do not need food because they eat mac n cheese and soup before they leave the North Pole. The things they come up with!

I also tried to make some of the melted snowmen cookies. They didn't come out quite as cute as the original, but cute enough for me!

Aquarium

2011-12-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took the kids to the New England aquarium, where we met up with a few friends.

Grace enjoyed watching the seals outside.

Emma on the other hand just screamed any time we went near them. She hated them so much I had to turn the stroller around, because even seeing them out of the corner of her eye made her cry.

Grace asked me to take her picture with the penguin statue.

Then yelled at me when I took two pictures, "I only said to take one picture!"

Watch them feed the seals.

Emma screaming because we were back at the seals! Poor Carter was trying so hard to see them, but Emma wanted no part!

The new ray and shark touch tank, which I thought was very cool.

Grace was to scared to touch them.

Waving to the peguins

Grace went up to the top of the tank with the other Moms and kids, but since it's not stroller accessible I stayed behind with the babies. I love how big their eyes would get when a large fish would swim by.

Happy girl because there are no seals around!

Carter just lounging.

A huge turtle!

On a normal day the aquarium is just to expensive for us to take the family, but we were able to get passes from our local library, so it only cost us $20 to go! I highly recommend checking your library before going!

Weekly Weigh In

2011-12-21T03:20:00.000-08:00

I had an okay week, I lost 1.0 pounds, which now brings my total to 78.1 pounds lost. I really would like to be down by 80 pounds by the new year. I think as long as I don't cheat over the next few weeks I should get there.

Christmas Festivities

2011-12-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

Well, it certainly would not be a weekend in December if we didn't pack in as many Christmas activities as possible!

On Friday night I put the kids in their Christmas pajamas and we went next door for our annual Christmas cookies with the Brennans.

Emma just watching.

Grace making cookies with Auntie and Uncle Josh.

Carter played us some beautiful Christmas music on the piano, okay, maybe it was only beautiful to me!

Hard at work decorating cookies.

I think Gracie probably did more eating of the frosting then actually decorating with it, but anyways.

Then on Saturday I braved the stores to finish up my shopping, before heading home for the night to finish all my wrapping, we took the kids to see this house in Lakeville.

After spending maybe 2 hours of wrapping I was very happy to say I was done with it all!

Sunday morning we headed over to Grandma and Papa's house early to see their Christmas decorations and have breakfast.

The kids hanging out at Grandma & Papa's

After Grandma and Papa's we went home so the kids could all nap, then we went next door again to make some gingerbread houses, which we did for the first time last year.

Grace's house, which she did all by herself!

My house.

Some of the other houses

Grace stole my camera and snapped a few shots.

Elf Sightings

2011-12-20T04:52:00.000-08:00

There has been some more Elfcapades in our house:

Jack hanging out in my cod pitcher

Jack fishing

Jack brought some Mac n Cheese from the North Pole.

Jack hiding in Grace's reward jar this morning.

Christmas Baking

2011-12-19T17:10:00.000-08:00

I started some of my Christmas baking this morning. Today I managed to make 3 batches of Oreo Truffles. I made an original batch in dark chocolate, a golden vanilla Oreo in milk chocolate, and a mint Oreo in white chocolate batch.

Then I made those oh so yummy, yet easy pretzel kisses. I made 2 batches using regular kisses and 1 batch using the hugs.

Then I made some rolo pretzels. I made 1 batch using white pretzels, and another batch using regular pretzels.

I found these cute little Christmas jars in the Target dollar bins and they were perfect for the rolos and kisses.

Boxes filled with truffles.

I had Cole bring me in one of the large party tables this morning to give me more work space.

I made some snowman pops, they didn't come out as cute as the original, but they'll do.

Then I whipped up 2 batches of santa hat pretzels.

Then I made some reindeer feed and 2 batches of saltine toffee.

Did I mention that I did all this while home alone with all 3 kids, needless to say I'm exhausted and my house is a disaster! At least, I got a start on some of my baking!

Christmas Fun

2011-12-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

We had a fun packed weekend! On Friday we had Grace's Holiday show, then on Saturday we had our friends Claire and Pete over with their adorable twin girls! After they left we decided to track down some dinner and do a quick BJ's run. When we are in the car at night we have a game we play with Grace and we all yell out when we see Christmas lights. If the house is on your side you say "mine side" if it's on someone else's side you say "your side." Grace loves this! We passed a few houses with lights on the way home, when Grace proclaimed that she wanted to see more lights. Cole and I knew exactly where to take her. There is a place just down the street from us that has lots of lights, is free, and usually has free hot chocolate and popcorn on the weekends. It's called the Festival of Lights.

We decided to let Grace go walk through it once before heading home. She loved it!

Then on Sunday we drove down to Hyannis to the Cape Codder to attend the M.A. C.O.P.S Christmas party.

Grace ready to go.

Grace and Cole

For some reason the kids were hamming it up, so I just snapped away!

The party was great the kids got a ridiculousness amount of gifts and the food was delicious! Everyone did a great job putting together this party.

Emma with her new baby

Bagpipers

Emma stole Carter's policeman bear.

Jacob was there as well!

As was Jackson!

Grace eating the yummy food! They even had a separate buffet for the kids, such a great idea!

Emma hanging with Papa.

Carter

The Honor Guard marching Santa in.

Surprisingly neither baby cried at Santa.

Emma and Cole

Before we left Grace wanted to show me the fancy seat she found.

Yay for another fun weekend!

Holiday Show

2011-12-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

Friday night Grace had her Holiday Show at school. To say she was excited was an understatement, the kid was practically bouncing off the walls. In fact, instead of napping, she spent the whole 2 hours in her room singing Christmas songs!

She was so excited to wear her "reindeer dress with jingle bells." I didn't try it on her ahead of time, and just figured that since it was a 4T it should be fine, man, that was one short dress! But once I got it on her, there was no way I was battling her to get it off. I pick my battles in this house and I'm saving all my "Your dress is way to damn short to wear out of this house" for when she's 14. I fear we'll be having lots of those!

Grace being the nut she is, was playing her jingle bells on her dress.

The kids had to be there at 6, but the show didn't start until 630, so we dropped G off and went and grabbed seats. It was the babies' bedtime, so they were super grumps, but Jackson was doing a great job entertaining them, while we waited.

The show was a mixture of the M/W/F older class and Grace's Tu/Th class.

Grace sitting among all the boys, uh oh.

I don't think Grace sang a single word of any of the songs!

Santa showed up!

Santa was a little over the top with his "ho hos" which I think scared some of the kids, hell, I know it frightened me!

Grace happily sat n Santa's lap though.

After they each got their gift from Santa, they went back to the class room and had desserts.

I brought these brownies that have been all over Pinterest, seriously so easy!

Jacob

After the show we had 3 very tired kids, who cried almost the whole way home, so other then that it was a great night!

Elf Pictures

2011-12-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

Yup, more pictures of Jack!

Jack getting a check-up with Dr. Barbie.

Snowball fight with Buzz

Just sitting on a shelf

Hiding in a new cup for Gracie.

Jack enjoying some elf donuts.

Jack colored our milk green and left some green Oreos!

Jack showering this morning.

Weekend Pictures

2011-12-09T05:24:00.000-08:00

Well, now that another weekend is upon us, I guess I should probably update the blog with last weekend's pictures. Last Saturday we took the kids on an Elf on a Shelf hayride. It was great! The Old Company Store in Wareham does this hayride every year. It was our first year doing it, and we had a blast.

We got there just as a hayride pulled up, so we didn't have to wait at all. The tractor pulls you through the cranberry bogs.

On the way to the cranberry bogs, they read you the story of Elf on a Shelf.

Then you have to look for all the elves hiding in the bogs.

When you see an elf you shout "ELF!"

Grace had such a blast looking for elves.

After the ride they had hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies back at the store. The kids also got a bell necklace to wear and they got to pick out a Christmas tattoo. Grace really loved this event. We will definitely be going back next year. As a side note, the Old Company Store is great! If you are ever looking for something to do when bored, just go walk around the store! It's filled with all sorts of fun things. Grace is especially fond of their candy section!

On Sunday, we had a Christmas party to go to, so I tried to whip together this Santa bread, I found on Pinterest. It didn't turn out quite, like the picture, but close enough for me.

Just a few pictures of the kids in some festive clothes!

We are gearing up for another fun filled weekend, starting with Grace's Holiday show tonight!

Weekly Weigh In

2011-12-09T05:11:00.000-08:00

I didn't have a great week, I had a few weak moments, but I managed to lose 1.3 pounds. That now brings my total to 76.7 pounds lost. My goal is to make it from now until after Christmas without having another cheat meal. It will be hard, but I need to push myself more. I find that I've been giving into my cravings, more then I'd like to admit.

What Decade Is it?

2011-12-05T19:07:00.000-08:00

I am so behind it times, this is how I listen to music, while I cook and clean in the kitchen:

Yup, with a Dora radio! How cool am I?! My iPod died a few months ago, which is right around the same time I stopped running, coincidence? I think not! We don't have wifi here so I can't even bring my laptop out into the kitchen. So whenever I talk about cooking picture me rocking out with my Dora radio!

Elfcapades

2011-12-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

Some rest elfcapades:

Jack brought Grace some popcorn.

Jack sleeping in the candy canes.

Jack playing checkers with Minnie.

Jack left the cap off the toothpaste! Naughty little elf

Jack baked Grace some cookies last night!

Weekly Weigh In

2011-11-30T04:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I survived Thanksgiving! I knew it was going to be hard to resist stuffing my face, when, well, isn't that what Thanksgiving is for?! But I made it. I lost 1.8 pounds this week bringing my total to 75.4 pounds. I'm only 4.6 pounds way from hitting a reward weight loss.

A while ago when I was struggling I decided that having incentives might help me reach my goal. So I said that when I lost 50 pounds I could get a pedicure, and when I hit 65 pounds I could get a haircut. I've been setting rewards for every 15 pounds, so when I hit 80 pounds lost I can reward myself (although I still haven't gotten that pedicure yet!) the only problem is I haven't decided on a reward for 80 pounds yet. I have already decided that my 95 pound reward will be a massage! Anyone have any ideas on a reward?

Quincy Parade

2011-11-29T05:48:00.000-08:00

Sunday we took the kids to the Christmas parade in Quincy.

Grace sitting in her chair, waiting.

We brought 2 single strollers, instead of our double, it's just so much easier to navigate through crowds with 2 singles.

We had to wait a while for the parade to start, so we ate the lunches we had packed.

Typical Carter, just lounging eating his sandwich.

Lounging with Cole's hat.

Grace convinced us to buy her a reindeer on a leash.

Jacob

The babies started to get fussy in their stroller, so Cole put Carter in the back pack carrier and I put Emma in the front carrier and they were content for the parade.

The parade starting.

Just taking it all in

Emma is apparently going to be the next Queen, because that girl loves to wave! She waved to every single person for the whole parade. Such a dainty little princess wave too.

Grace with her clapper.

Carter loved playing with Cole's hat.

Grace wanted a hug from almost every character in the parade. She did get one from Donald Duck.

Santa

Winter Skate

2011-11-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

We tried to take advantage of the nice weather and Cole's time off, so we crammed lots of stuff into this past weekend. On Saturday we took the kids to Patriot Plac e so Grace could skate at the rink there for her first time.

Cole lacing up Grace's skate for what I'm sure will be the first time of many!

Thankfully Cole knows how to skate, because I have no clue how.

Carter trying to steal Emma's binkie.

Grace loved it!

Grace fell down a lot, but it didn't seem to bother her, she just kept smiling.

"Look no hands!"

Starting to get comfortable with Cole not helping her.

The only way we could get Grace off the ice was to tempt her with ice cream!

La Salette

2011-11-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

Friday morning I got up at 4am to brave the crowd at Walmart. I didn't stand outside in the cold, but I managed to get everything I wanted and I was home by 6am. I took a little nap, then since it was unusually warm in November we took the kids to the playground behind the Maquan school in Hanson.

Grace was excited to be able to ride her bike! Maquan has a great paved area behind the school where there are no cars so it's great for learning how to ride a bike.

It's November in MA and Grace is only wearing a sweatshirt because it was so warm, this is so unheard of, but I'm loving it!

After riding her bike for a few minutes she was ready to play on the playground!

Emma was cracking up at Grace on the swing.

"Uh-oh!" is Carter's favorite word right now. He yells it, then throws something on the ground, it's very cute, but not a fun game!

After the playground we drove to La Salette to walk around and see all the lights. We were expecting it to be crazy busy because it just opened and it was a holiday weekend, but it wasn't that bad. We didn't hit any traffic getting there and managed to score a great parking spot. Don't get me wrong it was crowded, but no where near as crowded as I expected it to be!

It worked out that it was such a warm night out, that way I didn't have to fight with the kids to keep their hats and gloves on!

On our way we stopped to get hot chocolate and coffee to drink while we walked around. Jack must have known where we were going because Friday morning he brought Grace her own travel mug to use!

She looked like such a big girl walking around drinking her hot chocolate.

Clopper the donkey.

Grace asked me to take her picture with Santa.

The lights around the pond are always my favorite.

After we walked around all the lights we let Grace go on the carousel they have there. She loved it!

Grace rocking her Polish roots.

Weekly Weighin

2011-11-26T04:24:00.000-08:00

I lost 1.5 pounds this week bringing my total to 73.6 pounds lost. I'm hoping to get through the next few days without gaining it back!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving yesterday! We went to my sister's for lunch, Cole's Mom's for dinner, and Cole's Aunt's house for dessert. The kids were all great considering they went without their naps. It was so nice to spend time with our families.

To prepare for Thanksgiving I made these super easy acorns

These low fat pumpkin pies

and some chicken rollatini from SkinnyTaste.

I tried to snap a few pictures of the kids before we left for the day.

Grace insisted on wearing the turkey hat she made at school.

Grace and Emma

Definitely up to no good!

Grace and Carter

Hugs

Some brother/sister love.

All 3 kids

Grace and Jacob coloring

Things we are all thankful for this year.

Elf Sightings

2011-11-19T06:05:00.000-08:00

Some elf sightings lately:

Jack pretending to be a super hero, wearing a cape and mask, I threw together at the last minute.

We keep telling Grace that Jack peeks in at her in school. While I was waiting in the pick up line at school I saw him looking in the window, so I offered to give him a ride home. Grace was pretty excited to see him in the car after school. Of course she was even happier that he brought her a special treat.

Just hanging out in our little village.

Climbing some candy canes

Jack brought 34 wrapped Christmas books the other day. Every night before bed Grace gets to pick one book to unwrap and read.

Grace had a good day so Jack brought her some stamps.

Carter Walks

2011-11-18T07:06:00.000-08:00

Enchanted Village

2011-11-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

We went to the Enchanted Village last night. This is our 3rd year going (2009, 2010) and we go every year the Thursday before Thanksgiving and we never have to wait in line, in fact we usually have the place to ourselves, it's great.

Grace seeing Auntie Cassie

The babies just taking it all in.

Grace was excited, even though she doesn't look it. I think she just wanted to get started.

Walking back to the Enchanted Village

Once we got in it was impossible to get a good picture of Grace, she was in awe and just kept running from one display to the next.

Trying to catch the falling snow!

Look at that smile!

running

The babies weren't sure what to think of it all.

santa

Trying to catch more snow

"What is this wet stuff!"

Grace was seeing if she was tall enough for the 4D Polar Express, she was!

Cole being the awesome guy he is, he stayed with the babies while the rest of us went on the 20 minute long ride. I was such a nervous wreck, but Grace loved it! After the Polar Express, Cole's Mom took Grace to the Lite show, while Cole and I put the babies in their pajamas and got some coffee.

We love going to the Enchanted village, it's free to get in, and so much fun. The ride and lite show cost extra but are very reasonable at $6 and $5 a piece. We definitely will be keeping with our tradition and go back next year. A word of wisdom though is to avoid it on the weekends or to close to Christmas, you could end up waiting hours just to get in!

He's back!

2011-11-18T05:12:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned before,we have absolutely no respect for the turkey in this house, so this past weekend we decked our halls!

Grace was so happy to have her own tree in her room.

our tree is gated and only half decorated this year because a certain set of twins love to try to steal ornaments.

And because he saw our lights from the North Pole Jack is back!

This year he came with some instant snow, a Rudolph nose, a huge candy cane, and some pop rocks. "He" also covered our kitchen with snow flakes!

Grace started running to him, once she caught a glimpse. In case you forgot they had quite the sad parting last year.

Jack is quite the mischievous elf and covered our tree with Gracie's undies the other night.

Then one night he brought Grace some super healthy cereal from the North Pole, but he couldn't resist it and started eating it.

Grace is so in love with Jack and runs around every morning looking for Jack. I on the other hand love the power that Jack holds "Gracie Jack is watching you. He'll tell Santa if you don't start sharing your toys!"

Weekly Weigh in

2011-11-16T04:06:00.000-08:00

I lost 2.3 pounds this week bringing my total lost to 72.1 pounds! That means I hit my year goal a few months early! I'm now shooting to get closer to losing 100 pounds by January, I don't think I'll hit it by then, but I'd like to come close. I'm still shocked that I set a goal last January and actually followed through with it and reached it, I've never done that before!

No respect

2011-11-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

what can I say, I have no respect for the turkey! We took the kids Tuesday to Bass Pro to have their picture taken with Santa. This is Gracie's 3rd year going to Bass Pro (2009, 2010). I dressed the kids up in some seasonal clothes so took advantage of it and snapped a few pictures. Poor Carter's hair is growing in straight up.

Grace was so excited to see Santa again!

We wrote a letter to Santa and brought it with us to put in his mailbox.

Since we went so early in the year there was no line!

Miss Emma flipped out, so we ended up having to do a family picture.

Santa over the years

After seeing Santa we went to check out all the other stuff as Bass Pro.

The babies were unimpressed

Grace mailing her letter!

Veterans Day

2011-11-12T05:11:00.000-08:00

Today to honor and show respect to the Veterans we went to the Veterans Day parade in Rockland.

Carter and Emma bundled up

Grace loved wearing her new hat, gloves, and scarf...she's such a girl!

Huddled in the back of the car to keep warm.

Grace and Grandma

Just taking it all in.

The parade.

Thank you to all of our military men and women for your sacrifice!

Big Girl

2011-11-11T17:21:00.000-08:00

We did it, we finally took Grace to get her ears pierced! She's been asking for a while now, and I had always said she could get them done once she asked for it.

Grace picking out her earrings!

Emma and Carter watching.

Getting the markings done.

The piercing!

She was so brave and only cried for a few seconds after.

Showing off her pretty earrings!

Enjoying some ice cream to celebrate!

After playing at the arcade for a little while we let Grace pick out some earrings for when she can change them out. Since it will be Christmas time Grace picked out some Christmas tree earrings (and some animal earrings, and cupcake earrings, but I couldn't say no, she was just too excited!)

Grace did cry a little tonight when I cleaned them, but she recovered quickly when given her vampire teeth!

First Haircut

2011-11-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

We finally took Grace for her first haircut! What can I say, her hair grows really slow! She did such a great job!

Before the cut

After the cut

She's such a big girl! Now she keeps asking about getting her ears pierced! I finally caved and told her I'd take her this weekend!

Christmas Festival

2011-11-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we took the kids to the Christmas Festival in Boston. In was super crowded but we had a good time anyways. The gingerbread houses were a big hit!

We were at one of the last booths and Grace saw this head piece. She went nuts over it! She tried it on and started screaming in true girl fashion about how beautiful her Rapunzel hair was. Well, for $5 Cole and I decided to let her get it. Oh my, she kept just spinning and twirling her Rapunzel hair, it was so stinkin' cute!

Christmas Place

2011-11-10T07:24:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we happened to be in the area so we decided to stop in to see the Christmas Place in Abington. We go every year and this year Grace LOVED it!

Grace was so excited about all the Christmas things that she was literally running screaming from one display to the next.

The babies just kind of took it all in.

Santa happened to be there as well, so we let Grace stand in line to sit on his lap. She was so thrilled to talk to Santa. We didn't take her picture with Santa, well, because it's kind of pricey and Bass Pro has Santa pictures for free. Well, Grace was so upset that we didn't take her picture with Santa. In fact she was so upset that we did end up going earlier then usual and have her picture taken with Santa this past Tuesday. (which I'm sure I'll blog about later.)

Weekly Weigh In

2011-11-10T03:40:00.000-08:00

I've been a little under the weather this week with some bronchitis, but I did still manage to lose 1.4 pounds. That now brings my total lost to 69.8 pounds, meaning I'm only 0.2 pounds away from my original goal. I looked up my past weights this morning and the last time I was even close to this weight was in May of 2005! This is the lowest I've weighed in over 6 years!

Weekly Weigh In

2011-11-03T04:09:00.000-07:00

I lost 2.3 pounds this week, bringing my total now to 68.4 pounds lost. That means I only need to lose 1.6 pounds to reach my first goal. Now that I'm close to that goal, I'm hoping to lose more like 90-100 pounds by January.

I was feeling down about my weight loss the other day and knew the scale was saying I was losing, but I felt like it wasn't that noticeable. So I decided to dig up some picture of me from December to compare them to now, I feel like it's kind of noticeable in my face.

Look how big my babies have gotten since then :(

Weekly Weigh in

2011-10-27T03:43:00.000-07:00

I had another good weigh in this week! I lost 2.6 pounds, now bringing my total lost to 66.1 pounds. That means I'm only 3.9 pounds away from my original goal, and man does that feel good! I'm hoping to get closer to 90 pounds lost by January, instead of 70, but I'll take it one goal at a time.

Snow White and her Gnomes

2011-10-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a Halloween party to go to, which was really fun by the way, so we got a little preview of the kids in their costumes!

Snow white

My drunken gnome!

My two little gnomes!

The beard kills me, to bad, he won't keep it on!

Now that is one grumpy gnome!

Peek Week

2011-10-23T05:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was peek week again at dance. Grace was a little more shy and reserved with all the people watching, but she still participated!

Doesn't Carter look thrilled!

Carter looking oh so bored.

Grace sitting on her circle.

Stretches.

butterfly.

The babies were surprisingly well behaved and just sat and watched the whole time.

More stretches.

CHEESE!

Star jump!

Reaching for the stars.

kicks

Bunny hops

Scarf dance

Carter was coping the scarf dance, he took his sock off and was holding it above his head like the girls, so cute!

Art work

2011-10-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

Since Grace has started preschool she is always bringing home so much artwork. I have started hanging it up in the kitchen, but my cabinets are starting to get crowded. I figured I'd take some pictures of them and then take them down to make room for some new art work. I thought since I was taking picture of it all, I might as well share it here!

And her family portrait:

Yup, Mommy, Daddy, Grace,.....Kate?, and Carter. Say what? Grace calls Emma, Emma Kate, well because her full name is Emily Katherine, which has turned into Emma Kate as a nickname. Cole and I rarely call Em, Emma Kate, unless she is up to no good, but Grace on the other hand only refers to her as Emma Kate. Apparently Grace must have confused her teacher when telling her Emma's name. I love it, it makes me laugh every time I look at it!

candy apple

Weekly Weigh in

2011-10-19T05:28:00.000-07:00

Yay! I had a good weigh in this morning! I lost 3.5 pounds this week, now bringing my total lost to 63.5 pounds. That means I'm only 6.5 pounds away from from 1st goal! I haven't really been working out much lately, but I have started to cut back on my carbs. I'm not to the point of counting carbs or trying to get to ketosis, just trying to cut back on them, because for me eating more carbs, even if they are health, tend to cause me to hold onto my weight.

I made this low carb pizza crust the other night using cauliflower and it was so yummy! It was kind of a pain ricing all the cauliflower, but that's because I have a tiny little food processor so I had to do it in a million small batches. I riced one whole head of cauliflower and got enough to make 2 pizza crusts out of. I ended up using half the cauliflower and froze the other half, so next time I decide to make it half the work is already done!

Speaking of dinner this is my usual view while I make dinner:

Yup, both babies are usually screaming at me from the gate demanding I cook faster!

Meanwhile this one is usually in the kitchen with me making food for me in her kitchen, which sounds really sweet, except she nearly trips me every 2 minutes.

"Oh, hi there!"

I do try to do as much prep work for dinner through out the day. I will usually take advantage of the moments when all the kids are quite and happy playing together and try to chop all the veggies, or rice all the cauliflower, etc. That just means I spend 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there and then only 20 minutes cooking, as apposed to spending 40 minutes all at one time. Well because if I tried to leave my kids unattended for 40 straight minutes and they were hungry they would cause a riot in the living room.

As a side note I made Chicken Sofrito last night and it was a huge hit! Then last night for my snack I had some cilantro hummus, which is so amazing, you have to try it, with 1/4 of a raw red pepper, which is only 40 calories! Then I sliced up a tomato, sprinkled 2 tablespoons reduced fat parm. cheese on it and put it under the broiler for 3 minutes. I also sprinkled some basil, salt and pepper, on them. OMG! These were so yummy and guilt free!

Zoo Time

2011-10-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

We decided to take advantage of our zoo pass this past weekend, so we took all the kids to Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford. The zoo was all decorated for Halloween which made Grace very excited!

We had called Cole's Mom on the way to invite her, she happen to be available so she met us there! We were all hungry so we ate lunch before going to see the animals.

It looks like Tigger is punching Grace in the face!

Checking out the cows.

Emma was not so sure about those cows.

They had a cute little mini corn maze there. Grace was not impressed!

After seeing all the animals we took a ride on the carousel there. The carousel is really cool and has all sorts of different zoo animals on it. We told Grace she could pick any animal she wanted to ride on. Yup, she picked the basic carousel horse that you could find on any carousel!

After the zoo we took the kids over to the park right there.

We all had a great time. The kids were so tired they all napped in the car on the way home!

Silly Girl

2011-10-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

Auntie and Uncle Josh bought Carter this awesome race track for his birthday. It is a huge hit in our house! Carter loves to throw random toys in the middle to watch them spin. Emma likes to do this:

Emma thinks this is the greatest seat ever. Emma also likes to try to stand on it when it's spinning, she's quite the little dare devil!

Sunday Funday

2011-10-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning the kids were cranky, we are in the process of dropping the babies' morning naps, and they are taking a while to adjust, so we decided to change things up. I had Cole go outside and get the pool, wash and dry it, then bring it into the living and we filled it will ball pit balls. The kids loved it!

After nap time, yeah, we got the kids dressed in their Patriots gear, then went to the playground.

Emma loves to point at everything these days!

After the playground we came home and ate some yummy Pumpkin Chili and then I made a diet pumpkin cake for dessert. It was really simple, I just mixed a box of spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin, and a couple tablespoons of water, that's it. When it was done I made a simple cinnamon glaze with confectioner sugar, almond milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. It turned out so good and was only 220 calories for 1/12th of the cake!

Weekly Weigh in

2011-10-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

I lost 1.5 pounds this week, bringing my total now to 60 pounds! That means I'm only 10 pounds away from my first goal. Don't get me wrong I still have a long way to go, but I'll get there!

Pumpkin Picking

2011-10-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

We decided on Monday after Cole got home from work that we would take the kids pumpkin picking. We didn't get to go last year because we had 2 teeny tiny pumpkin babies. I dressed the kids alike, well, because I love it! They will hate me for sure when they get older for it, but I still love it!

I sadly thought that since they were dressed so cute I would get a nice picture! I should know better then now to even try, seeing as I had just attempted this on my birthday, but I tried any ways. Well, this is how it went:

Yup, it ended with all 3 kids crying!

After I tortured them with pictures, we then loaded up the car and headed to Ward's Berry Farm in Sharon. When we got there all the kids were sleeping so Cole ran in to get us some lunch from their food counter there. After we ate we all got out and waited for the tractor to take us out to the pumpkin patch.

Cole wore Carter, while I wore Emma, so that we'd have free hands for Grace and pumpkins.

It was so hot out, so we were all super sweaty, which is not usually how pumpkin picking goes!

On the tractor.

Emma and Carter weren't so sure about the tractor ride.

Grace picked the pumpkin she wanted and then just wanted to go back to play at the playground.

Another sad attempt at a family picture. At least we have a part of everyone in it, Carter's profile, Emma's head, and Grace's arm.

And then Grace told me she was done with pictures. I can't really blame her, it was 85 degrees out and we all had on pants and close toe shoes on because pumpkin picking gets messy!

I just love Emma's little curls!

After we picked our pumpkins, we took the tractor back to the store, and paid for the pumpkins. I took the kids back to the car to get the stroller, while Cole went and got us all cold drinks at the store.

After a cold drink we all went over to play at the playground there.

This slide scares the hell out of me! Thankful Grace only went down it once, I think it scared the hell out of her as well!

They have tractor tires for the kids to climb on, which Grace really liked.

They also have this 4 person see-saw type thing.

Grace really liked climbing the huge hay stack they have.

After the hay, we went to see all the animals.

By the time we left it was almost dinner time so we drove to Red Robin at Patriot's Place, which was only 5 minutes away! Poor Emma was so tired that she fell asleep on me while we were walking in to the restaurant, and slept through the whole thing!

Dr. Seuss Birthday

2011-10-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had the twins' 1st birthday party. I was worried about the weather in October so we decided to have it at Camp Kiwanee, turns out Sunday was a beautiful day, so we could've just had it here, oh well.

I was supposed to be able to get in 2 hours before the party to decorate, so I planned on doing lots of decorating, and it was just going to be me, since Cole would stay with the kids. Well I got to the camp and there was another function taking place. I had Cole call to find out what was going on. The staff was extremely nice and assured me the other function would be over soon. They did also help me unload my car, but by the end I only had an hour to set up all the decorations and food, so a lot of decorations didn't get put out.

I'm a theme hoar, so when I pick a theme, I try to carry it all the way through! I made Poodles with noodles pasta salad, and cheese trees, cat in the hat oreos...

Green eggs and ham

I was planning on making cute thing 1/thing 2 cupcakes with blue cotton candy on top, but when I opened up the cotton candy it was not blue. It worked out though, because I did not have time, nor would the cotton candy have held up in the hot weather.

I also made some hop on popcorn, 1 fish 2 fish only red fish jello

Green eggs and ham pretzels (pretzels chocolate and green M&Ms), yertle caramel turtles (pretzels with rolos and pecans!), and Brown Bar-ba-loots truffula fruits

I had gathered all of our Dr. Seuss books and placed them all around the hall.

I had ran to Job Lot the day before the party to grab some crackers, while I was there I found a Dr. Seuss birthday puzzle and just had to have it for the party.

I found some Dr. Seuss theme print outs online and had them on each table. (Print out 1, 2, and 3)

I managed to find a Cat in the Hat shirt for Grace at Target on clearance over the summer!

Carter looks repulsed my Emma's tutu!

The babies eating some pizza

Miss Emma Kate

Our sad attempt at a family picture

The kids playing with the puzzle

The party was right in the middle of the twins' nap, so we had to find ways to keep them contained and happy!

Opening presents! Emma's head is just a little smaller then Carter's!

Cake time!

They both devoured their cupcakes!

First Birthday

2011-10-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

We had quite the busy birthday week! Mine was Wednesday and then Emma and Carter's were the next day.

Cole took the day off, so we could spend the day with the babies. We dropped Grace off at school and then the babies took a nap in the car while I ran to Target. Once awake we took the babies to the playground.

At first there was only 1 baby swing available so they shared. It's crazy that they are still able to both fit it one swing!

The other kid left so they were able to each have a swing.

They both loved the swings!

After the playground we grabbed a quick lunch, then went to pick Grace up at school. After we picked up Grace all the kids napped while we drove to Kidz Wurld in Attelboro, expect a full review sometime soon. (We actually took Grace there last year on her 2nd birthday.)

Emma walking.

They love chasing each other!

After playing for a long time we went home and gave the babies some cake, it was actually my left over soda cake, but they don't need to know that. (Don't worry they got the real thing at their birthday party!)

Emma is such a little booger and kept trying to touch me with her dirty hands.

After cake it was bath time and then bed. I still can't believe we have 2 one year olds now!

27!

2011-10-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I turned 27, how did that happen? I feel like just yesterday I was 16. I dressed the kids in matching Halloween shirts and tried to get some cute pictures of them all together, yeah this is what happened instead...

Got one baby in the frame

And let the bottle battle start

Notice the 2nd bottle next to Emma, nope both babies want the same bottle.

Stop the fighting and give each baby a bottle.

Emma throws her bottle and steals Carter's.

And another fight breaks out!

Now, let's try all 3!

Emma's done, okay, so maybe just 2 kids.

Grace got Emma to come back.

but Carter is now done.

Okay, I'll settle for 1 picture where 2 kids are smiling.

Cole tried to get the kids to take a picture with me, since, you know it was my birthday. Grace was willing to take 1 picture.

Emma was not happy and Carter was not even willing to try (cue temper tantrum).

Maybe next year on my birthday the kids will be more willing to take pictures, maybe!

After the picture craziness we all went to DSW to try to find me a new pair of boots, I had no luck. Then we all went to the Charlie Horse for my free birthday dinner.

While we waited for dinner Grace sang to me

Emma & Carter's 1st year slide show

2011-10-06T04:26:00.000-07:00

Weekly Weigh-in

2011-10-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Well I got a great birthday present this am! I lost 3 pounds this week, bringing my total lost since January to 58.5! Which means I now weigh 78.5 pounds less then I did last year today, granted I was still pregnant with the twins, but still!

I decided that all I wanted as a birthday present from Cole and the kids was to get a new pair of jeans, well because I don't currently have a single pair, yup, still rocking capris! Cole agreed to this present, but I have been terrified to go jean shopping, well because that's always the worst! Finding jeans that fight is always a huge problem and I usually end up having to go up a size or two to accommodate my huge hip/thighs. I was worried that shopping would bum be out, after being excited about my recent loss, but I sucked it up and did it.

To my surprise it actually went well the jeans I bought yesterday are, get this, 4 sizes smaller, yes 4 freakin' sizes smaller then the ones I was wearing in January! Don't get me wrong most people would be horrified to be wearing the size I am, but I was thrilled. I hope to not stay in this size for long though.