I've Never Been So Excited About A Keyring

I've reached some major weight loss milestones.

First, I am down a size in pants and shirts. My old jeans are pretty much falling off. I have been adjusting my belt 4 notches from where I used to be.

Second, I am over half-way to my weight loss goal.

Third, I have lost 18 pounds in 9 weeks - that is a 2-pound-per-week average.

Fourth, two people who I haven't seen in months have taken one look at me and said, "Wow - you've lost a lot of weight!" That makes me happy, because it's hard to see the difference on myself since it is gradual.

Fourth, I have lost over 10% of my original weight. With the 10% loss, Weight Watchers gives out a keyring.

I'm so damn proud of that stupid thing. :)

Happy Birthday to My Son

Today, Ethan turns 3.

Where has the year gone?

Into mud puddles, and belly laughs,
into super snacks, and Buzz Lightyear,
into squeezy hugs, and climbing monkey bars,
into being a great friend, and loving preschool,
into a new favorite color (pink), and spaceships.

I can't wait to see where the next year will go.

Birthday breakfast to Ethan's specs: Rice Krispies with 3 big strawberries (stems cut off, Mom!)
The "Birthday Boy" hat
Ethan's lunch request: Sunshine PBJ with carrots and crackers (the dip in the middle is yogurt)

"I'm THREE!"

Nine is Fine

Nine years ago today, I woke up after a very restful night of sleep.

I walked out of my room to the "today's the day!" sign my Mom had made for me.

I danced in the living room with my Dad.

I got my hair done with my Mom, bridesmaids and nieces.

I arrived at the church in my Dad's button down shirt and a pair of shorts.

I got fully dressed in the priests' vestibule.

My friend Amy put a penny in my shoe for good luck.

I watched the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk to the front of a beautiful church with our loved ones there.

I watched Mark walk down the aisle between his parents, waiting for me with a small smile on his face and tears in his eyes.

I listened to the music change.

I took my parents' arms and walked slowly down that same aisle.

My heart was leaping and I could only focus on the man waiting for me.

My Dad stepped on my dress. :)

After what seemed like forever, I finally recited my promises to Mark.

After what seemed like forever again, I finally kissed my husband and walked back down that aisle.

It was simply amazing.

Happy Anniversary to the man who still looks at me with that small tearful smile, and still makes my heart leap.

Happy Mothers Day to all you Moms!

Garage Sale Philosophies

Garage Sale Mantras

Mark: Put a "25 cents" sticker on it. It'll sell! [a.k.a. EVERYTHING must go!]

Trista: If the sale is neatly organized, everyone will buy more. [We got at least 15 comments about how this was the most organized garage sale people had been to.]

Abby: If it's an item of girls clothes or shoes, and I have ever worn it in my life, it's still mine and you can't have it!

Ethan: Wow.... look at all these toys!!

The end of the Garage Sale

Day two of garage sale. Final day.

First customer wanders in at 9:15.

Big items sold: 2 highchairs, my mom's comforter set, countertop dishwasher.

Little items sold: A TON more clothes (how in the heck are half the clothes still there???), housewares.

Day two total: $282

Grand total: $897 (including $100 owed to my mom and my neighbor)

Who would have ever thought we could make $800 at a garage sale???

Man, am I tired

Day one of the garage sale.

People started showing up at 7:30 (the sale didn't officially start until 9:00).

Big items sold: 3 exersaucers, the swing, the crib, 2 strollers.

Little items sold: A TON of clothes, lots of toys.

Day One Total: $615.

Holy cow.

Busy busy busy

I've been incredibly busy lately. One of my priorities is a garage sale I'll be having this weekend.

This is the official "we are done having babies" sale. We gave ourselves a deadline of Ethan's birthday (in 2 weeks) to have a match or adoption placement. Since it doesn't look like that will happen, we are cleaning out our house of all of the stuff that goes with babies and toddlers!

Included is 40 boxes of girl/boy clothes up to size 3T, a crib, swing, exersaucer, stroller, infant car seat, bottles and sippy cups, tons of toys, etc. It's all going to leave my house one way or another! ;) I'll let you know how I do!