You Gotta Try This!

I found something yesterday so yummy (and me being the generous person that I am) I decided to share it with you guys.

While browsing the protein bar aisle at the supermarket I stumbled upon the Luna Protein bars. Now mind you, I have had the Luna bars before and they are divine! Unfortunatly I dont get them often becuse their protein content isn't high enough for me. Today though I found this:

I just have to say that this was yummy and soooo worth the .98 that I paid for it! It has 12 grams of protein and compared to the Atkins bars that I tried...there is no comparison! It was chocolatey, crunchy, chewy, and peanut buttery all together. I will be getting these again!


I also wanted to share a drink that I couldn't wouldn't want to live without. I just love the Diet V8 Splash fruit juices. There are just 2 kinds that I have tried and one or the other is in my fridge at all times. There is a Tropical Blend and Berry Blend. Typically I like more tropical flavors, but this time the berry is my favorite.

Even though this is diet, I like to half mine with water just because I find it too sweet. It makes a good juice replacement and I drink it daily.

Try this stuff if you get a chance! Stay tuned next week for a 4 month post-op posting with photos. You can see the 15 hairs left on my head. Anyone have a wig I can borrow? Maybe I can get one on clearnce from the halloween section!


Quote of the day: "The greatest destroter of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between." ~Mother Teresa

Listening to: Take a Chance on Me by ABBA

I Want Candy!

Halloween is just around the corner. This brings back some really fond memories for this fat girl. I loved candy when I was younger (still do but I have better taste in the KIND of candy I eat).


When I was a teenager I would eat it in bed and hide the wrappers behind my headboard. I did this because I knew I wasnt supposed to have it. It was like crack.



I used to go trick or treating with my older brother. We are five years apart and we went trick-or-treating together. We would gets lots of candy and then mom would check it over to make sure there were no needles or razor blades or poison and then we got to trade and eat what we wanted. I remember being very selective of my candy and would just HATE it when I got candy that I didnt like!



Indian Brave (Randy) and Buckwheat (Fredda).

 Remember those things called "Bit-O-Honey"? Hated them! Remember those candies in orange or black wax paper that would pull out your fillings? Hated them too! Also hated the butterscotch or peppermint rounds. Licorice? Nasty! I wanted the good stuff. The chocolate, the candy bars, and the Smarties, oh yes!
What about you? Do you have certain candies that you secretly pull out of your childs bag and eat? Do you remember a candy that you didn't like? Tell me about it! Leave me a comment!

Quote for the day:  There are two types of people in this world, those who love chocolate and communists.

Listening to:  The Time Warp~ Rocky Horror Picture Show

What goes in...

"What Goes In..." is my post of what I consume in a normal post-op day. I haven't posted one in awhile so I thought today would be appropriate. I am about 3 1/2 months post-op and am not restricted from any foods. (That, however, does NOT mean that I can eat just anything.)

Breakfast today started with protein-infused wheat french toast.

It's simple and fast to make and it is DELISH! I ate one slice and was stuffed!

Typically I don't eat bread beacuse there's too many carbs, low nutritional value, and it fills me up fast. To make my version of french toast I make the batter with an egg, a splash of milk, cinnamon and 1/8 cup of vanilla flavored protein powder. I also use sugar-free syrup and splenda sprinkled on top.

Lunch was easy. I made a tortilla pizza.

This was philly cheese steak inspired. Roast beef, provalone cheese, and peppers and onions. It was yummy!


Dinner was eaten out at Sagebrush. I had the kid's beef tips (medium rare) and a few bites of salad.

Of course I had 2 protein shakes and my vitamins and lots of water and Crystal Light. Oh yeh and a sugar free Russell Stover's piece of candy! :O)

Quote of the day: "Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." ~Mother Teresa

Listening to: Home by Michael Buble

Frankenstien, a mummy and a pumpkin walk into a bar...

I have been busy as a little bee working to make the kiddos goodies for Halloween. I am making something for their teachers too.

These little boxes will be filled with candy and goodies. I can't STAND IT when people say "I wish I had time to do that." They literally take less than a minute apiece to cut, fold, score and tape.  I FIND time to do this. I do not sit around all day on my tail gluing and cutting paper. I do this after the kids are in bed at night, or if I am lucky during Nicolas' nap time. Otherwise I am doing my wife-and-mommy duties that consist of load after load of stinky laundry, cooking (somewhat) balanced, healthy meals, and at times I do clean my house (believe it or not). My take on it is this.... anything made by hand (in my house) is made from the heart. I also do it beacuse it is important to me. They are only little once. Sorry, I am off of my soapbox now.

I also made these cute little coffins. (these take about 5 minutes to cut and fold)

Last but not least, I had to make a hand-stamped card for the teachers as well. I made something simple and each took card took less than 15 minutes to make.  Here they are:

Creepy, huh? I love it! So what are the little goblins in your life gonna be this year for Halloween? Share it with me here in a comment!

Quote of the day: "Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble." ~Shakespeare's (Macbeth)

Listening to: Red, Red Wine by UB40

Can you say "Streptococcal Pharyngitis"?

Alas, I have returned to my blogger abode. Miss me much?

Both children have been infected with above mentioned bacteria and have kept me busy. Nicolas was diagnosed Friday and Nathan today. We are swimming in pink-bubblegum-smelling-amoxicillan. I was unable to blog because the kids had me bound and gagged and tied to a chair otherwise occupied.

I have a new picture that I want to share. My heart and soul....walking around outside of my body. I love these boys with my very being. I promise I'll talk about something else pertaining to my wls soon. For now, I'm just enjoying not being bound, gagged and tied up the moment.  :O)

Quote of the day: "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” ~Elizabeth Stone

Listening to: Babe by Styx

My heart

This is Nathan. He is my heart. He is one of the best kids EVER! He is tender-hearted, loving, bashful, hard-headed, and he always makes me proud.

He has made me proud yet again. For several reasons, we pulled him from one school and put him in another one this year. He has made friends and impressed his teacher. It is nice to hear that someone else sees the same potential in your child that you see. He made Honor Roll (all A's) this six weeks. He made honor roll all last year. I believe he will again this year.

He wants to be a cardiologist. He has said that he wants to be a doctor since he was 5. I believe that he will make it.

Quote of the day: Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.

Listening to: No Rain by Blind Melon

Soccer star

My little one is playing soccer this year. He really has no idea of how to play. This is somewhat disappointing to my husband who lives and breathes soccer.



His first game the ball got kicked directly to him. We knew he was going for a goal. He runs up to the ball, stops and prepares himself.....and then JUMPS OVER it. Never once kicked it. Then he proceeds to grin at everyone (because, of course) they are all laughing hysterically at him.

Second game, he takes a ball to the face. Ouch! Look at his hand. He at least got an Oreo. Was I a bad mommy for taking this picture instead of holding him? No! I was across the field and was walking very fast towards him so that I could console my little baby. Can you also see that the husband is smiling? He wants to tell him to "take it like a man" and "big boys don't cry". I was pissed. Nobody messes with my baby! I took my baby from his arms and kissed him and made it better. I also wanted to eat his Oreo. But I didn't.




Third game, he is walking around on the field, looking at the sky. Coach comes over and takes his little hand to guide him back to the game. My child begins pointing at the sky refusing to move and Coach starts to shake his head. Apparently there was a plane flying overhead and he tried explaining that to Coach. Coach didn't think that plane was as important as playing soccer.

Thankfully (for my husbands sake) Nico is beginning to get into the game a little more. Usually it involves him running after whichever child has the ball. Not trying to take it from him. Just chasing a kid like you would if you were playing tag. Cute, huh?

I love attending his games. Kids his age are so fun to watch. Of course he is the only one I see.

Quote of the day: "Each child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him."

Listening to: I'm on Fire by Bruce Springsteen

Welcome Baby!

I have several good friends that are expecting soon. These are some baby cards that I plan on giving them. I like to make hand-made cards. I also sell hand-made cards. Let me know if you are interested!

Obviously this is for those having a little girl!

And these are for those that have little boys.

I hope that you enjoyed my cards. I promise I will talk about something just as random in my next post!

Quote of the day: "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift, and that is why it's called the present." ~Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda

Listening to: Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland

The sky is falling!

No, not really. I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Ten Ten Ten day at Ten Ten.  :O) Don't you just LOVE nonsense?

Seriously, thank you to those who have begun to follow me on my journey, and those who encourage me every step of the way. I am still taking baby steps and I may stumble and fall, but it is great to know that I have friends who will laugh at me and then help my big butt up!

Oh yeah, I hope I'm not grossing anyone out with my "before" photos that I posted. If I do gross you out....get over it! You haven't seen anything yet! Love to you all!

Quote of the day: "Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~Christopher Robin to Pooh

Stuck in my head: Your Body Is a Wonderland by John Mayer

Quickie Sweet and Sour Chicken

Do you have your veggies roasted yet? No? Well, you'd better get busy cause you're gonna want to try this!

Fredda's Sweet & Sour Chicken

Pineapple tidbits in water (1/4 cup)

3 oz precooked chicken

1/4 cup reduced sugar ketchup

1/2 roasted veggies

Open the pineapple and  drain the fruit (reserve the juice).

Mix the ketchup and approx 2 tbsp of pineapple juice until blended. Add your pineapple and veggies to the mixture and heat in the microwave until nice and hot.

For my chicken, I used Aldi's precooked grilled chicken pieces. Nuke them in the microwave for 2 minutes.

I cut my chicken into bite size pieces then mixed it with the sauce and veggies. This is the final product.

You could eat this with white rice but I don't eat many carbs so I had it as is. It was really good. Try it sometime. I fixed it when I had the urge for some chinese food but didnt want the grease and carb temptation that come with it.

Quote of the day:  "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you'll land among the stars." ~Les Brown

Listening to: Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers

I'm roasting in here!

I try to keep fresh & roasted veggies on hand here at the house. They are very versatile. This is just a lesson on how I do it. I start with this:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then chop veggies into large pieces. Coat lightly with olive oil, salt and pepper. Line your pans with aluminum foil and spread the veggies out.

  Roast them for an hour, turning them once after 30 minutes. When the veggies are done they will look like this.

 Now you want to know what to do with your veggies, right? You can keep them for a few days in the fridge or freeze them. Throw some of these in the blender and puree really good and add it to homemade soup or stock. I use them in a quickie sweet & sour chicken recipe that I can whip together in less than 5 minutes. Stay tuned for that recipe tomorrow.

Quote of the day: After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressable is music. ~Aldous Huxley

Listening to: My Wish by Rascal Flatts

3 months

Oh the changes that 3 months can make! The weather is cooler, the leaves are beginning to change, and my boobs are drooping (more), but a good bra is like a good friend! Am I right?
Today marks my 3 month surgiversary and I have lost just over 60 lbs. My iron and Vit D is low, but I am increasing my vitamins to counter-act this. I weigh less now than when I met my husband. For your entertainment I am posting updated pics of my progress. This is before surgery and current.

Thanks for following along on my journey!

Quote of the day:  “A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."

Listening to: "Pretty good at drinking beer" by Billy Currington

Boys!

This is my baby. Any pictures of him make my heart swell with pride. I've been told that he is just like me.

I've also been told that I shouldn't let him go barefoot? Am I a bad mommy because I do? He hates wearing shoes. So do I. Yes, he is just like me. In more ways than one.

He absolutely LOVES to pick his nose. He also likes to share what he finds in there.

 Can you see the look of concentration on his face?  That is how you can tell a pro from an ameteur.

(insert sigh) I just adore my boys. I also love the fact that they are nose-pickers. It runs in the family. Anyone who knows my cousin Jonathan will agree.

Quote of the day: Well, sometimes I say something mean to my brother, but I feel really good inside. Does that mean I'm a hypocrite?" -- 7 year old girl, after a Sunday School teacher explained that a hypocrite was someone who says one thing but feels something else.

Listening to:  Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley



Married to an Alien

My husband and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary today! You ask why I am here blogging instead of making whoopie with him? Well, he decided to take a nap, that's why! We went to the Fall Festival today and walked the whole thing! He then decided that he needed a nap. I sought solace in my computer! :O) Here is a short summary of how we met.

My Alien "L" was beamed down to earth almost 15 years ago via a starship called the Rio Grande. He landed on a planet called Brooklyn, New York. After realizing that New Yorkers bodies had already been probed and invaded by other aliens he set out for a smaller planet called Asheboro.
Once on the planet Asheboro "L" met an alien  from his home planet (who I'll call "S"). "L" and "S" became good alien friends.
Now "S"  happened to know of a local species that was aware of the alien invasion on planet Asheboro and had learned to communicate with many of them. Her name was "F" (that's me). 
One day "S" convinced "F" that she needed to meet "L", that he was a good alien and no probing would be involved. Once "F" was convinced of this, she agreed to meet "L".
Unlike many of the other aliens that "F" had met, "L" was a very nice, honest alien who intended to spend many years on the planet Asheboro (that is if the government didn't find out and send "L" back home via the starship Rio Grande).
"F" and "L" soon fell in love and "F" made the necessary arrangements for "L" to stay on planet Asheboro for a long time without worrying about the government. "L" and "F" have been together since and managed to have 2 Earthly offspring (yes some probing was eventually involved).
This just goes to show that 2 people can be from totally different planets (or countries) and yet their hearts speak the same language. THE END.

Taking a chance and going on that first "blind date" was one of the best things I ever did. This man gives me more love than I ever thought I'd have in a lifetime. He has taught me to believe in myself and he's taught me how to love. Without him I don't know where or who I would be.
And without him I wouldn't have my two beautiful boys, who are enough to drive me crazy and back. I wouldn't have it any other way.




Te amo, Luis. Ahora mas que nunca. Gracias por aguantarme.

Fall Barbeque

It has been wonderfully cool the past week. Highs in the mid 70's. I guess it's safe to say that fall has finally arrived! I have been busy as a bee cooking to my hearts content as well. I got smart and took my mom's (family famous) barbecue sauce recipe and converted it to something that I can have without worrying about dumping. I thought I might share it with you.

Fredda's Barbecue Sauce

1 pint of white vinegar

1 small bottle (14oz) Heinz Reduced sugar ketchup

1 c. Splenda

1 tbsp mustard

1 tbsp hot sauce

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Mix all of the above ingredients above medium heat (use a whisk if needed) until well blended. Simmer for 15 minutes. This recipe makes approx. 2 pint jars of sauce. Cool and refrigerate until needed. This keeps for several weeks.

You gotta try this stuff..it's sooo yummy!

Quote of the day: "Our life is not measured by the breaths that we take, but the moments that take our breath away."

Listening to:  Soul Sister by Train