Weightloss: Clarification and Question of Week - Breakfast

As I am going through this process and seeing everyone's feedback and comments, I want to say Thank you for the kind words and support. I am overwhelmed!

CLARIFICATION - HCG

I have been told that I was not clear on my opinion on something. So I am going to be straight out - and remember it is my opinion. HCG. I do not like HCG in regards to weight loss. I think it is a crock. I think HCG is dangerous and not the best route to go. My statement in my earlier blog about HCG is that what I do like HCG is that it was one of the medicines that I used in the infertility study to help me get pregnant. If you are using HCG to get pregnant, I applaud you! It is great for that!

There are so many other ways to loose weight that are much healthier. If you are looking for a quick easy way to loose weight with out work or a magic pill - then I am sorry to tell you - You are NOT going to find it. Put it this way, if it were as easy as popping something, wouldn't we all be perfectly skinny?!

NOW onto the important stuff! :-)

QUESTIONS

Question this week is "What Do you eat for Breakfast?"

First, let me share one of the many cool tools that are on the web that are very helpful in research when it comes to calorie diets. Or any diet that you need to know your nutritional values. I love Calorie King!

They have books, apps and all sorts of tools. The one I use the most is the Food Search function on their website - which is FREE! Here you can get the information on any food, including at most restaurants and for most brands. Best part is that you can choose and adjust the serving size so you don't have to try and calculate it all out.

When it comes to food, we all have some things that are non negotiable. You know, those things that you WILL NOT give up. Mine is my morning cup and sometimes cups of coffee. No hope and no chance. The key is to NOT give them up but to find healthier ways to enjoy them and or make them work. What I did for coffee in the beginning was cut back on it, one cup a day. I already drank it with Splenda, so there was no adjustments there. Now, the problem was that I liked it LIGHT. I looked and found that Sugar Free Creamers had the least amount of calories than the others. Found one flavored kind that I liked and could tolerate drinking the coffee a little darker than normal. Then I was good to go.

1 Cup of Coffee - 8 oz is 2 Cal

2 tsp of Coffee Mate Sugar Free Vanilla Creamer - 10 Cal

1 Splenda - 4 Cal

Total Calories - 16 calories for cup of Coffee

Food itself - varied on what I wanted. My target for Calorie allotment was to try to stay within 300 calories for breakfast. (remember, I worked with 1000 cal a day)

Some mornings I had Light and Fit yogurt by Dannon. As it has the best flavor and the least Calories. 80 Calories in a container. If I had this, I would also add fresh fruit to round it out. 1/4 c of blueberries has 21 calories. 1/4 c of sliced strawberries has 13 calories.

Other mornings I would make a breakfast burrito. I would grill chicken, onions, tomatoes, sometimes mushrooms or other veggies. Most veggies for a 1/4 c is about 20-40 calories at MOST. I would scramble egg whites and put it in Lavish Bread. My favorite is by Joseph's Lavash Bread and can be found at Walmart and most Supermarkets. I like their pita pockets also.

3 egg equivalent of egg beater egg whites - 75 calories

onions 1/4 c chopped and sauteed - 17 calories

1 serving (4oz) boneless skinless chicken breast - grilled - 100 calories

2 tablespoons of salsa - 18 calories

1/2 of Joseph's Lavish Bread - 50 calories

Total calories - 260 calories for Chicken Burrito Wrap

As a side note - for a butter, I use the "I Can Not Believe It's Not Butter" in the spray bottle. It has 0 Calories. I use it on foods and to cook. As an FYI, it has less than the same kind in the tub.

 I like Oatmeal, my favorite being Raisin Spice Quaker Oatmeal which has 150 calories per packet. Only issue with eating something like this early on in the diet is that you will not feel very full. Which brings me to brings me to one very important point.

To be successful on this diet, or any for that matter, is to do your research and find foods that you will like, that you will eat and that will fill you.

Example, notice a trend with most fruits and vegetables listed above? They are LOW IN CALORIES!! When people ask what I did to loose the weight and I tell them, their first comment is "well you must of starved!" Well, no, I didn't! I ate a LOT of vegetables and a lot of fruits. Which are very healthy for you and low in calories. However, as a caution - always check them out first, as not all are low in calories. Example is Potatoes, a medium baked with nothing on it is 161 calories. Cup of Mashed Potatoes is 237 calories when prepared with milk and butter. That is half the meal.

What I love about this diet is that I can eat what ever I want. All I have to do is keep it with in the days allowed calories. So if I want that chocolate cake with frosting (1/8 of slice on an average brand is 235 calories) then I could have it. However, I would really recommend sticking to the healthy habits in the beginning until you get used to it and staying away from the cake. But the point is, if you are craving it - go for it. Just count it! When you are working with such little amount of calories, you have to make each one count!

I hope that this answers the question about breakfast and gives you some ideas.

Some others are....

egg white omelets (use Swiss cheese - less calories)

Whole Grain Strawberry Pancakes

If you come across some good recipes, please share in comments!

XOXO and Love,

Kerry

Weightloss - How Did I "Let" it Happen? What Motivated Me? and First Visit to DR

Okay, here it goes, the beginning of all of the embarrassing details. All of the truths that I tried hard to hide from those who had not seen me in a long time.

BEING HEAVY

It is ironic. For those that knew me growing up - I was never a big girl. Average sized and "shapely" in the "good" way, in the way you want to be. I can remember telling a friend that I would rather die than weigh 150lbs.. I made her promise me that if I ever got that heavy, to just KILL me! How awful it must be to get that large.

Speed up to age 24. Planning a wedding and Husband-to-be received a job offer from the Walmart Home Office. In middle of it all, we pick up and move to North West Arkansas from South Shore Massachusetts. Away from all of our Friends and our Families. On top of it all, I am now unemployed and need to find a job. This is May, 2000. We found a house, bought it and moved into it in a week. LITERALLY! I found a job the same week with in the Walmart Home Office. Then, I continued to plan my wedding, which was to be back home, in Plymouth, MA - where I was not. Can you say stressed?!

What I found with all of these changes was comfort where I never looked for it before - FOOD. As we got settled (took a year!) and made friends we found that we would entertain and that would involve FOOD! See the pattern? Then, one thing led to the next and I weighed 220lbs.. You think that was my heaviest and wake up call. NOPE!

After a few years of trying to get pregnant and not being able to, I found out I had Poly cystic Syndrome. With this, it complicates many things - pregnancy to weight loss. I had visited with an Fertility Endocrinologist in Tulsa, OK to see what we could do and if I would ever be able to get pregnant. Finally, I asked if there were any studies I could participate in - as IVF was too expensive and I tried everything else, he said yes. BUT I had to loose at least 20 lbs first to be able to qualify. He put me on a 1200 calorie diet. It was TORTURE! But I did it! Long story short - I have Liam and Seamus now. And before you ask how I feel about HCG.....guess what I helped test for the study??!! So, HCG is AWESOME!! I am blessed with two amazing little boys because of HCG!

After my pregnancies, my weight went down, then up, and up, and up and up. I finally topped out at 285lbs when I visited the Doctor in February of 2011. YES!! 285lbs.! Now, I have NEVER told ANYONE that number until today!

By the way - this is NOT what motivated me to loose the weight!

MOTIVATION

Many people asked me what motivated me. It is an embarrassing moment.

One thing that happens when you go from being thin to not so much is - you are aware that you are no longer thin - but you are not REALLY aware how bad it has gotten. What I mean is, even though I knew I was no longer the small size 8 or what have you - I did not see myself as this big woman. Only time I did was in photos. So, I just avoided them! If I had to be in them, I sat in a certain way to ensure it was not all that obvious of HOW big I had gotten. I was not unhealthy. I could "run", play and skate with my kids. I didn't like doing much of it and it was my excuse not to. Never did it click that I probably would if I lost some weight.

SO, the day it all CLICKED!! I was at Silver Dollar City with my family. Which if you are a friend on Facebook, you know we go there often. Liam and Seamus have both come to the age and height where they can ride the kids roller coaster. But both need an adult to accompany them on the ride. Sean was going with Seamus and Liam had asked me to go on with him. Happy to do so, until I sat down on the ride with him. The operator pushed the bar down to lock us in and it would NOT CLOSE. I tried to sit at a different angle. I tried to suck in my tummy. I tried everything I could think of and think of fast to avoid further embarrassment. Nothing worked. I could NOT go on the ride with my child. My little boy wanted him Mommy to ride on the roller coaster with him and I could not do it - because I was too large. I could not fit into it and keep us safe.

This was August of 2010. I went through some back and forth personal thoughts and fights. What did I want to do? What was I prepared to do? What was I willing to do?

DOCTORS VISIT

In all of the years of visiting Doctors, I have never had one tell me that I should consider loosing weight. Only time it came up was for the Infertility Study. So, when I had an appointment with my Doctor that February 201 - I brought it up. I told him "I want to do something about this!", as I gestured to myself.

My Doctor's instant reply was that I needed to go on a 1,000 calorie diet. I looked him like he was NUTS! and then told him I thought he was. I told him I did 1,200 and it was hard and he wanted me to cut out an additional 200 calories!

This is when he replied " Think of your lifestyle, an average woman who runs 45 minutes on a treadmill burns 350 calories. How long are you running on a treadmill?"

Well, of course I am not. Which means - why do I need to intake so many calories? I don't. My body doesn't need them to sit at the computer to run spreadsheets and do analysis. And if I am honest with myself, I don't really run after the boys that much anymore - so the calories are not needed for that either. I live a very sedative lifestyle. In other words - I sit on my BOOTIE a lot!

So, that is where it began. He told me that I had to start the diet and come back in one month. At the next appointment he would want to see how I did and what he could do to help me. But first, I needed to prove that I was willing to do the work. Willing to show I could do the work.

1000 Calories. WOW! What could I eat for 1000 calories and still feel like I ate? Not feel like I starved?

ADVICE

If you are wanting to diet - 1000 calories is extreme. Most don't recommend going under 1,200 calories. Also, if you exercise, you need to account in your calories. Remember that calories gives your body the energy it needs to move and function.

ALWAYS check with your Doctor before going on a diet. Especially any extreme ones! Please note one constant thing. I worked with my Primary Care Dr through this whole experience.

ME - THEN

Here is a reminder of the BEFORE if you missed it!

or one that literally makes me cry as I wonder how I did not know I got this way. Why it took me so long to do anything about it?
 I received a wonderful award from Walmart - being recognized from my hard work. This is what I looked like.

XOXO and Love,

Kerry

Children with ADHD and Tomorrow's Weight Loss

Monday's are always crazy! Is there ever a time that they are not? I know, always consider that as a blessing that I have so much to do that I can complain. :-D

Family Update

Another update on the Family, for those that are not aware. I will be doing these only for the next few days to bring you up to date to where everyone is....

Today is Liam...

With the start of Kindergarten for Liam, many concerns that we had were confirmed.

Liam has always been one of those 90 to nothing type of children. Outgoing, center of it all, very "spirited" and not very shy. Which, I must admit - I LOVE!

Then, with Kindergarten, we realized that his not wanting to play with just one toy and wanting to go and have fun was not the best thing for a structured classroom. As school went on, and after many many days of Liam being on "red" for talking during class, not listening and other things as such, Sean and I had decided to have him tested for ADHD.  We had come to realize that what we knew was possible, was true, Liam had ADHD.

Having mychild tested for ADHD is one of the toughest things that I have gone through. Mostly because I had to also evaluate my child and had to admit to myself that my child was difficult at times. Now, when I say difficult - know that there is a MAJOR difference between children with ADHD and children with behavior issues. Liam could not focus long enough to get his work done. He knew what he needed to do and how to do it, but could not do it.

When we sat with his Doctor to go over the results and decide where we were going to go from "here". Liam was explaining to her what a day at school was like. How he could not concentrate. How he was always in trouble for talking and not being able to sit still in class. You could tell how much this upset him. The Dr. turned to him and said "how about if I told you that this was not your fault and I could help you be on green every day, would you like that?" I can still remember the expression on his face, tears came to my eyes as he got very excited and confused at the same time. She proceeded to explain to my 5 year old how she could help him be a better student and what was happening was not his fault. He was so excited and ready to be a better student. I just sat, watched and cried at his renewed hope, and for the first time in a long time - his excitement to learn.

We are now two months in since this appointment. The decision was made, very strongly against my want, to put Liam on medication. We have tried one type and I did not like the side effects. He was irritable, moody, and depressed. He did excellent at school, but not worth it at the cost of the side effects. This month he is on a different type. This type has been much much better. School has been wonderful and he has been more himself. He talks a mile a minute. He is fun to be around most of the time. I say most of the time, because he is still a 5 year old boy! HA!!!

I love my kids and for those who know, I have PCOS and struggled with infertility. I prayed and worked with Doctors to have my babies. I don't take decisions that I make on their behalf lightly. The decision of putting Liam on meds was not taken lightly and I did a lot of crying and praying. I keep a journal on him and how he does everyday. This helps me report back to the Doctors and helps them make a decision on which way we need to go.

I am still learning so much about ADHD and what I need to do to help my son be successful in school and in life. Which to me is very important. I want him to be the best he can be and wants to be. Don't we all?

If you know more about ADHD or have a child with ADHD and I would love to talk!

Liam

Weightloss - Tomorrow's Entry

TOMORROW - yes, the DAY you have been waiting for! So....TOMORROW is day 1 of sharing my road to weight loss. I am going to share the following with you.....

1. My first visit with my Doctor.

2. What FINALLY motivated me.

and if you have a question that you want answered, don't forget to get it to me as soon as possible. I will answer one a week in my blog!

Now, I will say - a lot of this is going to be hard and embarrassing for me to share. But in order to help you - I am going to lay MOST of it out there for you.

I will add this disclaimer. THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE. This is what I went through. This is how I felt and what I did. ALWAYS check with your Doctor before going through a weight loss program. They feel the need to monitor (yes, that is meant tongue and cheek - you will understand later).

Until tomorrow!

XOXO and Love,

Kerry

My Mom.....and this weekends FUN!

To bring those of you who are not aware up to date something that has also changed in our lives....

This past January my Mother became really sick. Turned out that her kidney's partially failed - or to correctly state, her kidneys are only operating at 5% of what they should. This was in middle of my job switch. She had to be hospitalized as they tried to see why, what and how. It is now March and we still don't know the answers to these questions. But our lives have definitely changed. My Mother's especially.
During this time, my parents had decided to give me Power of Attorney for Medical, this allowing me to be present and discuss care with them and the Doctors in regards to medical treatment and care. I never understood what a responsibility this was.
In the short, I am now assisting by bringing my Mother to dialysis three times a week and back. I have learned so much about kidney's and their function. Also meeting some amazing people going through the same challenges along the way. What is heart touching is how you can decide to take on your challenge - with a smile and positive attitude or not.
Just to let you know - most people who have kidney failure got it because of damage from diabetes. Growing up with a Grandmother who had diabetes, I knew how bad it could be....but NEVER knew it could be like this. The majority of the patients I have met attributed their renal failure to diabetes. Also, did you know, the one thing that you need to live - WATER - can kill you as a renal patient?! They have to monitor how much fluid they take in, because their bodies don't release it like ours. So amazing to me!
If you don't believe that things happen for a reason and God always has a plan, you should really look again! If I had the other job during all of this, I would not have been able to assist my parents the way I have been able to. I am very thankful to the people that I now work with. I am also fully aware now that God had a bigger plan than I thought when I accepted the position.


I have a wonderful friend Chasity whose handsome young man Liam turned 7 this weekend! She is one of the most amazing women I have ever met! She put together a great Harry Potter Themed Party that the kids loved! She decorated the house with printables and banners galore. She had a wonderful food spread that matched the theme of the movie that included things like chocolate frogs! Here is a picture of some jelly beans with the "interesting" flavors that were shown in the movie also. No, I have not tried them....I am just not daring enough!

I will need to get permission before posting additional pictures!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Love and XOXO,

Kerry

A YEAR Since!

A full year has past and back then I had made the promise to do a better at blogging.

Of course, I didn't do a good job at that. Life - specifically work - got in the way. Here is to another good to honest try!

 So we have made several changes!!

First - I have a new job! I am now working for a Toy company and at the moment it is a whole lot less stressful. Love love love it! I have a wonderful friend to thank for that it. This should help me keep my promise!

Then of course - if you scroll down and look at old pictures of me and look at the newer profile picture of me - you may notice something a little different!! Some maybe a LOT different? Like say....150lbs different?! Yup - finally decided to get healthy! I will go into more of that in some of my blog posts, covering tips on how I did it and what I am doing to keep it off!

Here is a picture of m celebrating New Years at the beginning of 2011. (Yes, I blurred out my friends face - just for privacy);

Here is a picture of me taken in December at my niece's birthday party!

I am so happy and it was much easier than I thought it would be. I can't wait to share the journey with you!

Then there are the boys! With Liam having started Kindergarten, Seamus just turned 4 and running crazy!

Till then -

XOXO and Love,

Kerryanne

SLACKER!

I have been so busy that I have SLACKED on my blog! I feel awful. Between work picking up and being crazy - to the boys being home from school for the summer to life in general and trying to enjoy it!

Noticed it was February since I updated last - so I am going to update real quick through pics! :-)

March - We were invited to some Birthday Parties.

Can you find Seamus and Mommy?

How about Liam?

Here is Liam and his Elleanna! He loves her so!



University of Arkansas Diamond HOGS!!!

We had another beautiful weekend in NW Arkansas! We took advantage of it by going to see the University of Arkansas Razorback Baseball team - during their opening weekend at Baum Stadium! This is the first time any of us have attended a game here.

It was cloudy and a bit more chilly than it was suppose to be - but that did not stop the boys from being super excited!

When we got there, Liam noticed a Lady was doing mascot face painting. He so had to have one!

He chose the Ball with the Bats and the Razorback in the middle.

Seamus went with something similar. He wanted the A for ARKANSAS in the middle instead of the mascot.

Liam got to meet Ribby! He is the Mascot for the UofA's baseball team.

Seamus loved the game. He was yelling "come on batter batter batter! Hit the ball batter batter batter". He loved cheering on the team!

They sang Take Me Out to the Ball Game.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Hugs!

Kerryanne

Seamus' Third Birthday (02/13/11)

Catching up on my blog. Between Seamus' Birthday, Valentine's Day and my Mother's Birthday - it has been a tad CRAZY!

This Blog post is for my baby boy Seamus.....

Makes Mommy sad that you are not a baby so much anymore. Although, as the saying goes, you will forever be my baby no matter what! You are hardly even a toddler anymore.

February 13th we celebrated your 3rd Birthday.

This is the first year that you had an opinion about EVERYTHING. Literally! You wanted to have your party at JumpZone. JumpZone is one of those inflatable play places where you can jump and run around all indoors! www.jumpzoneparty.com

You even had an idea of what you wanted for decorations. I tried several times to try to talk you into Toy Story. But each and every time you said "NO, I want Mario!". So Mario it was. Below is your cake. We ordered it from Rick's Bakery (www.ricksbakery.com). They couldn't put characters on it - but did a great job with the background! I found the figures at the store and added them in.

I search for some ideas for Thank You gifts for all of your friends that came to celebrate your birthday with us. Found these adorable little bottle cap necklaces with Mario in them. My friend Dandi helped and found a great deal for us! I added in Playdough, bubbles and ring pops. They were perfect!

You wear your Mario Bottle Cap Necklace every single day. You make sure that Daddy puts it on your night stand every night. Each morning you bring it down to have it put back on.

Here are some of your friends that were able to come and celebrate with you.

You are a loved and lucky little boy.

Happy Birthday!

Love and Hugs,
Kerryanne

MORE Snow!

What a snow day it was today! I have not seen this much snow - well since I lived in Massachusetts! We got a record breaking 23 inches of snowfall in one day. It broke a record from 81 years ago. Unfortunately, we get to break another record - coldest temps! -6 tonight, and no - that is with out the windchill factor.

Here is a pic of Sean and Liam cleaning off Sean's truck. Yes, I park in the garage.

Seamus wanted so much to be outside with them. But he is still not feeling good, so he was not allowed outside to play. Notice the amount of snow up against the window!!!

There was so much snow - it was up to the bottom of the swings.

At the end of the day, we were blessed with this BEAUTIFUL and amazing sunset!

Keep warm tonight!

Hugs!

Kerryanne

Superbowl Sunday and Winter Weather Week

What a week for weather. I have a couple of pictures of the boys playing in the snow - but nothing available at the moment. We ended up with a TON by Arkansas standards. About 7 inches one day - another 3 the next. Two more systems should be coming through. Mommy has had enough, being stuck in the house really is not that fun. Boys love it of course. Sledding, building snowmen and making snow ice cream!

Today is Superbowl Sunday. Not a fan of either team - so for the first time in years, I am watching for the commercials. What were your favorite? Can't wait until half time too! Love the Black Eye Peas. Should be good!
Sean is missing the kick off. Seamus is sick again. I just want nothing more for my little boy to start feeling better. We are on week 3 now. He started to run a temperature last night. Woke up with one this morning. Then started getting sick. His lips, finger and toe pads turned blue. So Daddy and him went over to the ER to be sure that he is okay. Of course, the color has returned - took pictures to show them before it changed so they could see. Now they are just waiting on the DR to see them. Sean says it is pretty busy over there today. Here is to hoping everything is OK!

Zoo Day

We decided to take advantage of yesterday's almost 80 degree day by heading out to Tulsa and going to the Tulsa Zoo. Along with thousands of others, I have never seen it so busy there!

This zoo is about 2 hours away from where we live. Sean and I feel that it worth the drive - and have been coming here before we even had kids to enjoy it with. We are also Members of this Zoo.

Here are the boys on a wagon - of course a perfect photo op and advertisement!

Most of the animals were out to play - it was a great day to be at the zoo! Over by the turtles, there is this....

Liam loves Meerkats!

Seamus was brushing the goat. Who, I think was hungry.... he was trying to eat the brush! Of course, Seamus found it HYSTERICAL!

We had a great day, It was a great "spring" day and took full advantage. Hard to believe we were sledding the weekend before and will be on Tuesday.

Hugs,

Kerryanne

Fun Friday with Friends

With all that is going on, I decided that we were due for a much needed play date and day at the park. Especially since the weather today in NWA was a balmy almost 70 degrees.

We joined the Lattanzio Family at the new Horsebarn Trail and Park. If you live locally and have not been here yet, you need to check it out. It is absolutely beautiful - although right by the road and has a creek going through it (just warning you!). Today was very busy there - it was hard to find a parking spot! But do you blame all of us Mommies wanting to get out of the house and run the kids out?!

Of course, the boys and friends did not want to play on the several "jungle gyms" or swings - they wanted to toss rocks into the creek. Which Mary Anne and I were very happy to oblige! I tried to teach Liam how to skip rocks - but the bank was too high and the water to shallow. Can't wait until nicer weather that involves trips to the Lake to show him how to really do it!

Here are the kids throwing rocks!

Seamus was proud of the big sparkly (can't tell it sparkles in pic) rock he found.

We took a short walk along the trail. It is actually a nice walk. I was kind of surprised, especially since the location is between a bunch of major streets (ok, so major for NWA). They loved running ahead.


and of course.....more rocks!

Love these kids. Hugging them tighter this week.

Hugs,

Kerryanne

Arkansas Children's Hospital Children's Center

I got the call this morning from Arkansas Children's Hospital, to bring Seamus in for the testing. We were out the door on the way to the Children's Center in Lowell.

I realized through all of the questions, I keep forgetting that we are trying to find out about more than his heart. His lips turn blue, mostly when he is not feeling well. Which we are also trying to figure out why.

When we got there, Seamus saw the waiting room aka playroom. It is brightly decorated with some wonderful paintings animals and toys.

First thing up on the list was the Echo. Which I never knew until today is basically just an Ultra Sound. They were so nice and easy going with him. They had cabinets filled with movies for the kids to watch. Helping deflect them from what is going on around them. Seamus chose Dora the Explorer to watch. It was the episode with the Pirates. He just zoned in and blocked everything else out.

They started by showing and doing the bottom of the heart from his stomach area. Then did a side view, straight on view and then from the top. It was VERY cool to watch - and maybe more so had it not been my child on the table. You could see the colors which showed his blood pumping through and the color showing if it was in or out. You could see the valves contract and all that! Almost wished I paid more attention in Biology!

Here is little man after that. It took about 45 minutes to do all of that. He was calm and quiet through the whole thing.

After the Echo we had to do some chest x-rays. In my opinion, this was the COOLEST room! You can see the animals painted in the background. They are painted as if you were seeing them through an x-ray. Bones and all!

When we were done, we went to lunch with Daddy. My boys LOVE Dickey's BBQ. Not because of the food - but because they have free ice cream!

Here is Seamus enjoying ice cream with Daddy,

Now we wait. ACH sends all of the x-rays and echo images to ACH in Little Rock, where a DR reads through them. We should receive a call next week some time with the results.

Prayers are that there is nothing or nothing major and back to life as normal.

HUGS,
Kerryanne

What a Day Wednesday

The things that we are never prepared for as a parent. We know they happen - but when we are told that something is wrong with our own - it is amazing how quickly our minds go into many different directions.

Seamus has been back and forth with a fever. He has been on antibiotics for over a week. I decided to bring him to the DR. just to be sure that there was nothing else that could be causing this. There was only one opening and with a newer Dr. - at least to the clinic. I took the appointment - haven't come accross any of the other Dr's that I have had a problem with, so I was comfortable in doing so.

Through the questions - went through history and all - and then the exam. She was very direct and to the point. Which is great - those tend to be best DR's , the ones with zero personality. After she starts telling me how Seamus appears to still have sinusitis, so she is going to extend his antibiotics. He has a heart murmur and has anyone ever told me that? His lungs look good. His ears look clear....UM WAIT A MINUTE?! You asked what about my child's HEART?!!!

One would of thought she asked me if I needed a tissue. I came and went so fast. When I told her no - she said they will set up an appointment at Arkansas Children's Hospital's branch in Lowell, AR. for a chest x-ray and eco. UM - HELLLOOOOO?! What are you telling me? Should I be worried? But for some reason, I could not reach for these words.

I am a rational person. I know not to take the word of someone as fact until there is evidence to support it. So, I know not to panic - too much - until tests are done and results are in. I know that people live with heart murmurs daily. I know some never even know it and live normal lives. But could not help stopping and thinking - really? my baby? tear tear.

First thing I did was try reaching Daddy. Yup - in meetings. Grrr. Never so aggrivated that I could not reach my husband to tell him something. Called my Mom - I need you to be the voice of reason and confirm what I know - this is not a big deal and will be ok. Yet, through the conversation, I could not help but feel slightly paniced. Called my friend Liesl, girl, if you read this...thank you! Exactly what I wanted to hear - no worries, probably nothing....wait for tests....and DO NOT GOOGLE! Of course, when I got home - pulled up WebMD. Knowing that the worse of the worse is what they will tell you. Actually it didn't. Told me how there are different levels. Most are the normal and will be okay. Depending on how bad, slight lifestyle adjustments, no worse than an asthmatic child. Then the bad - But I know we will not fall into that, so no need to mention!

Today, I did put everything into perspective. The news came out that a 4th grade boy had lost his life at recess. A soccer goal fell on him and he died from his injuries. I cried for the loss of his life. For the feelings his Family must be going through. For the heartbreak and many feelings that I can not even begin to imagine his Mother is going through. I pray for them. Thought of them and realized that a heart murmur is okay. I can deal with that. My child is still with me. My hug is not the last one. I will tell you, we cuddled a little closer and hugged a little tighter.

GOD BLESS this Family. May You help them through this time. May they understand your plan and be somewhat at peace. Amen.

HUGS,

Kerryanne

Taekwondo and Car Wash

At ages of 2 and 4, I am amazed how busy the boys schedules already are. Between swim classes, gym class and taekwondo! Not to mention that we haven't even started Spring Soccer and Tee Ball. This is all of the fun stuff - and the boys really enjoy it - so off we go!

Today, I dropped Liam off at the gym to meet his Dad for Taekwondo. It was his first class where he got to wear his uniform. He was so excited and looked so cute! He couldn't wait to show his Master.

I asked Seamus if he wanted to go with me to Walmart. "No Mommy, you need to go to the carwash" was his response. I took that as a hint! He enjoys the carwash so much. Which is a change from the screaming and fear he used to have. Now he just watches as the chemicals and sprayers do their jobs.

Hope that everyone had a wonderful day!

Hugs,

Kerryanne

NAP Time

My favorite part of the day with my boys is NAP TIME!

This is not just because I finally get a break - but because they look so angelic sleeping. Also because the are such little cuddle bugs. Seamus especially. You could move an inch - and while napping - he will wiggle the inch to be closer to you! I LOVE it!

School was out again today - made it a little trying - as we ALL have a bit of cabin fever. It is not fun anymore. I was very much looking forward to nap time today.

Hope all had a some what sane day!

Hugs,

Kerryanne

Working from Home

Most people think it is great to work from home. I have to admit that..... yes....at times.

I keep my little "angels" home with me on Tuesday's and Thursday's. They are in a school program the rest of the week. Meanwhile - I work full time - Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm and many times much later.

It can be difficult to entertain a 4 and 2 year old while on a work confrence call and maintain a professional atmosphere. Mostly them yelling in the background!

The good....

• I can sleep late with them on Tuesday and Thursdays!
• I can also wear pj's to work!
• Not the end of the world if I wait until later to shower
• Snuggle with laptop in front of the fireplace and television and catch up on the television shows that are not appropriate to watch with the little ones at home!

The bad...

• the end of the world if I wait too long to shower!
• multi-tasking - the kids and knowing that there is laundry to be done
• food - snack food galore - all of your favorites - since it is your home!
• lack of adult conversations....
• lack of moving around enough - since you are plopped in front of the computer working .
• and the WORST - knowing that report has to be done and if you just spend a couple more hours on it - it will make tomorrow much easier - ooops it is now midnight!!!!

However, I don't know if I would change a moment of it. Not until the boys go to school full-time. Although, I do go back and forth and think it would be nice to work in an office again.

Here is a pic of what is technically my office....

Great view of the backyard. I get to think of the 101 landscaping projects that need to be or could be done. Like nice trees on the other side of the fence to block out the view of the neighborhood behind us. Or building up the backyard and making it larger......

see what I mean!!!

Hugs,

Kerryanne

Winter Wonderland

Today was the first snow day of 2011! It did not disappoint with 2 inches up to 5 in some areas.

The boys got to make their favorite treat! Snow Ice Cream.

If you have not tried this delish treat - you must.

Easiest way to make it is

• 8 cups of fresh (clean - haha) snow
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• tsp of vanilla.

School is closed again tomorrow, so will need to pull a few tricks out of the bag to keep them entertained.

Hope that you enjoyed the snow as much as we did!

Hugs,

Kerryanne

November

November was filled with tons of activities for the kids.

Annually, Walmart holds a Toy Fair - this year was at the Square, Downtown Bentonville. This is when local Toy Vendors set up booths and show off the HOT TOYS for the Holiday Season. The coolest thing is that there are always characters that the kids get to meet. Seamus got to meet ELMO!




















Liam and his friend David got to meet Dora and Boots and Kia-Lan!

One of Liam's favorites was meeting a REAL Transformer - Bumblebee!!