My Kitchen Facelift - 9-25-09

The next two pictures show my old counter-tops.

I stripped down the 12 year old "fruit themed" wallpaper and painted the walls "Green Tea Leaf" - Olympic Brand from Lowes.
I got new granite countertops - design is called Santa Cecilia Dark. (Installed by Millwork Supply)
I also put up new curtains in the "breakfast area". The valance is not new. I made this valance for Kelly when she lived in her old house. This matches the valance in my dining room. When I told Kelly I wish I could find some more of that fabric to make a new valance for my kitchen, she gave me hers. Thanks, Kelly! I bought those gold colored panels at Lowe's.
This new kitchen sink is a freebie that was included as a bonus with the countertop installation from Millwork Supply.
Here are a few more pictures. My sister-in-law (Julie Anne) gave me her old kitchen table when I told her I was looking for a round table to replace my old square table. Thanks, Julie!

A Hiking We Will Go...

On Friday, September 18, 2009 Chase and I went hiking with his Cub Scout Webelos II Den at Rails to Trails in Elkmont, AL. We hiked for three miles into the woods while he learned to identify different kinds of plants and trees. Also during the hike, Mr. Tim Richter (his den leader) helped the scouts memorize the 12 points of the Boy Scout Law. By the end of the hike, most of them could recite it with ease thanks to him. It had rained most of that day. But, God blessed us with beautiful weather for the afternoon hiking adventure. Chase and I both slept really good that night after that long hike. Sandra Britnell was kind enough to donate some of her pictures to me so I could make the following slideshow. Thank you, Sandra. To view each slide in the slideshow, you will have to click the brown arrow button.

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Kimberly's Weeky Weigh-in Results (Sept. 21, 2009)

I lost 3.2 pounds last week for a new total of 34.6 pounds lost over the past 16 weeks. I received an incentive award at my WW meeting this morning for being on the WW Momentum Plan for 16 weeks. The award is a charm that looks like clapping hands and it has the #16 on the front. It goes on the WW key chain that I received when I lost the first 10% of my starting weight. See the picture below. I have 16.4 more pounds to go before I reach my goal and earn the next charm for my key chain.

Cure for a stinky sink

Okay, I am embarrassed to admit it. But, there was a horrible odor coming from my kitchen sink. Nothing I poured down the drain would get rid of that stinky sink. So I looked on the internet and found something to try and it worked. I no longer have a stinky sink.

Cure for a stinky sink drain:
Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of warm water (to make the baking soda coat the drain). You may have to stir it up a bit to make that mixture go down the drain. Then pour 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain. This will cause some fizzing. About 10 minutes later, let hot water run down the drain for about five minutes. (Seem like a waste of water - but it really helps get rid of the smell).

Hunter's First Field Trip - Sept. 9, 2009

Hunter goes to pre-school at Little Tots. This slideshow contains pictures from his first field trip. He and his classmates met at the VBCC to see Elmo's Green Thumb (a Sesame Street Live Production). He and I both had a great time. Enjoy the slideshow!

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Hunter and Brock 9-8-09

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Kelly and Brock went with Hunter and me to Jasper on 9-8-09 to help me pick out the granite slab for my new kitchen countertops. After picking out the granite, we stopped at Chick-fil-a to eat lunch. Then, Hunter and Brock had fun in their playland while Kelly and I visited a little while. We had a good day. On the way back to Athens from Jasper, we stopped in Cullman at the cememtary and put some new fall flowers on Neanie and Papa's headstone. Look at the entry below to see those pictures.

New Fall Flowers on Neanie and Papa's Headstone 9-8-09

Kelly and I took some new fall flowers to the cemetary in Cullman for Neanie and Papa's Memorial Headstone. I found them at J&G in Athens. I think they look beautiful. They show up great from the road and I am sure they would be proud of them, too. I sure do miss them!

Hunter at Walker's Party - 09-05-09

Hunter had a blast at Walker Brand's birthday party. It was held at Jump Zone in Huntsville. There is one huge room with tons of inflatables set up. After they jumped and played on the slides for about an hour, they headed upstairs to help Walker eat his Giant birthday cookie and watch him open gifts. Hunter has not stopped talking about it since. He kept telling Walker and his parents over and over again, "I like Walker's birthday party!" Thanks, Walker for inviting Hunter. We hope you had as much fun as Hunter did! Enjoy the slideshow of the festivities!

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Weekly Weigh-in Report 9-7-09

Our WW meeting was cancelled today in observance of Labor Day. However, according to my scales at home, I lost .6 pounds last week for a new total of 31.4 pounds lost over the past 14 weeks. I've got 19.6 more pounds to go!

Battle with my sister's Cream Cheese Danish

Okay, I know the title to today's entry is silly. But, that is how I felt yesterday when I went to Kelly's Premiere Jewelry Party yesterday. She made a scrumpious-looking cream cheese danish. I even helped her prepare it in between some of her other chores while she was trying to get ready for the other ladies to arrive. I mixed up the great smelling ingredients in the bowl and made the glaze. I even drizzled the glaze on the top of the danish when it was fresh out of the oven. It smelled so good!

I had a great time at her party. But, I was distracted at times by this nagging question, "How much damage could eating a piece of that cream cheese danish do to my new healthy eating lifestyle?" I know that sounds so silly. I also know that I have extra weekly WW points that I can use on things like that, too. I also knew that since today is Labor Day, my WW meeting was cancelled and I don't have to weigh in.

But, I finally decided not to eat a piece of that cream cheese danish. I know that it probably would not have hurt anything at all to eat it. I know that I would not blow up to another size overnight by eating it. However, I know my reaction to eating something so yummy - I would want to keep eating it over and over again. Because with sweets, I know I am like an alcoholic is to his drink. One taste and I am hooked and need more. I am not the type that only one little bite can satisfy.

At first, I felt a little deprived by not eating it. But, I was also proud of myself for not "giving in". Not because I thought eating it was a bad thing. It is okay to eat things like that once in a while. But, because I took control knowing how my mind and body would react to that "one little piece." Some people can eat "that one piece" and it will satisfy them and they won't even look at something sweet again for a long time. That is not the case with me.

I have twenty more pounds to lose to reach my goal and I know I will be faced with more of these silly battles in my mind over food. Right now, I feel good about myself and feel like I can win my battles over food. I'll just keep taking one day at a time...

Weight Watchers Points Formula for Foods

Here is something I found on the internet today that shows the WW formula for assigning point values to foods.

A points score is given to a variety of foods based upon the portion size, the calories that portion contains, the amount of fiber and the amount of fat contained in every serving. Generally, foods which are high in fat will have a high points score and high fiber foods will have a low points score. The daily allowance for dieters is then dependent upon things like body weight and amount of weight loss he or she wishes to achieve.

The points formula is as follows:

p = (c/50) + f/12 - (min {r,4}/5)

Where: p = Points | c = Calories | f = Fat Grams | r = Dietary fiber Grams

(Please note: in the term (min{r, 4}) no more than 4 grams of fiber are used in the calculation. For example, if the actual dietary figure is under 4 then this figure is used, however, where the figure is greater than 4 then 4 is used.)

Weekly Weigh-in results - August 31, 2009

I lost 1.8 pounds last week for a total of 30.8 pounds lost over the past 13 weeks. I have 20.2 more pounds to go to reach my goal. I earned another little 5 lb. star sticker for my star catcher book marker today, too. Wooh! Hoo! I know it sounds silly to get so excited about a sticker.

Great job, Chase!

Over the first three weeks of school, Chase has maintained an A average, has only recieved one check mark on his behavior chart (which was my fault because I forgot to sign his planner) and he made a score of 100 on his first Math Test. Great job, Chase! Click on the smilebox below to see a little prize from Mom and Dad for having such a fantastic first three weeks of school! We love you!

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Cub Scouts at the Huntsville Stars Game - August 21, 2009

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The cub scouts and their families from ABS Pack 25 enjoyed a funfilled evening at the Huntsville Stars Baseball Game on August 21, 2009. We enjoyed the game, but we also enjoyed each other's company and snacking on some typical baseball game snacks. We got to run out on the field while "Who Let the Dog's Out" played loudly over the speakers. We got our picture made with Homer (the mascot). After the ballgame, we saw an awsome fireworks show. It only lasted about 10 minutes, but it was the best way to end a great evening with all of our scout friends and family from Pack 25. Many thanks goes out to David Fortenberry (our Cubmaster) for organizing this fun activity! To view the slideshow above, just click on "play". Enjoy the slideshow!

Poor Chase - August 28, 2009

I had to take Chase to the doctor yesterday. He has been complaining with a sharp pain in his lower back the past couple of days. He went to Mrs. Ella (school nurse) yesterday and she suggested he be examined by his doctor for a possible crack in his tail bone. Fortunately, ...he has no fracture. He just has a badly bruised tail bone that he thinks was caused by a fall in PE or when he fell off the ladder going up to his bed. Dr. Hull said that he needs to rest flat on his back or on his belly when he is not at school for about a week. He is not happy about not being able to be up and about doing as he pleases. But, he does like Momma bringing things to him while laying in bed. ha! ha! He can take Advil or Motrin for the pain to get him through school. He will not be allowed to take PE until September 3rd.

Try this "Make-over" - August 28, 2009

If you are on a weight loss journey and need a little inspiration to keep going, you can visit this website: www.weightmirror.com. You can upload a current photo of you, then enter your current weight, height, and how many pounds you want to lose. It will "make-over" your photo image and create an image of a "skinnier you". Then you can print the "before and after" photos and keep with you for inspiration to keep trying to reach your goal. I tried this and the results really inspired me to keep going. I have 21 more pounds to lose and now that I have seen a picture of how I will look when I reach my goal, I am not going to give up.

Chase is now a 5th grade reading buddy at school

One of the jobs of a 5th grader at ABS is to be a Reading Buddy to a student in Kindergarten. Miss Atherton emailed this picture to me today of Chase reading to his little buddy from KG named Cody. Chase has plenty of experience reading to his little brother. So, hopefully, Cody will enjoy spending some reading time with Chase this year.

Kimberly's Weekly Weigh-in Results 8-24-09

We met our new Weight Watcher's Leader today. She was great! Her name is Paula Newquist. She gave us some great pointers for staying on track with our new healthy lifestyles we are all trying to achieve. I lost 2.2 pounds last week for a total of 29 pounds lost over the past 12 weeks. One more pound to earn another 5lb star for my star catcher bookmarker. I have 22 more pounds to go to reach my goal. Slowly but surely, I am committed to getting there!

My Poor Baby - August 20, 2009

During supper tonight, Hunter fell out of his chair at the kitchen table. On his way down, his face hit the window sill behind the table. He cried and cried, but I could not tell where he was hurt at that moment. Throughout the night, the bruise started appearing on his face. It goes from his little cheek all the way back to his ear. It has gotten bluer and even more purple since this picture. He is pitiful! My poor baby. Now he has to go to Pre-school in the morning looking like he has been in a fight.

Thursdays with Maddie - August 20, 2009

We are very excited that Maddie (my niece) will be spending Thursday afternoons with us. Since her mom went back to work, Maddie is going home with various relatives and friends during the week after school. We are lucky to get her on Thursdays. As you can see in the photo, Hunter has already put her to work reading books to him. If Mrs. Raley is giving them extra points for reading this year, I am sure she will rack up a lot of reading points at my house with Hunter this year. She is such a joy and I am so glad to have a girl around the house!

Weekly Weigh-in at Weight Watchers - August 17, 2009

I only lost .4 lbs. last week for a new total of 26.8 lbs lost over the past 11 weeks. Even though it was not much of a loss last week, at least it was still a loss. My WW leader told me that I am reaching a point where the weight loss journey will get a little slower, but every little loss is great news to me. As long as it is not a gain. I am going to keep doing what I am doing. The only thing I have added to my diet and exercise routine is some strength training to try to begin toning up. I am going to keep tracking my food in my WW food journal and also try to drink more water. I'm not going to give up. I have 23.2 more pounds to go!

Hunter's 1st Day of Pre-School - August 14, 2009

Hunter had a great day at Pre-School today at Little Tots. He loves his teacher, Lisa Davis. Mrs. Lisa said he did very good today. He even kept his glasses on all morning. I was so glad he did that. I was nervous about him losing them. He was so excited to see Walker Brand and Austin Clark in his class. He was also glad to see Ragan Hamm. She is not in his class, but he got to play with her on the playground today. He misses them from Market Street Church of Christ where Kasey used to preach. He was also glad to see Walker's mom, Mrs. Beth. She used to be his Bible class teacher at Market Street and he has been missing her, too.

He told me they learned about the letter "A" and about circles today. He had to take an apple to school today to represent the letter "A". He also got to tell about some things he did this summer and show the others his "Summertime Project" that Mrs. Lisa hung upon the wall. It was a sunshine with pictures of him on it. He was very proud of it.

The only tears that were shed today were Mommy's. I was not sad when I left him there this morning. But, I started crying on the way home because I was so proud of him. This is another milestone for him. I think he is going to have a great year!

Enjoy the following slideshow of his first day!

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Chase is liking 5th Grade so far... August 12, 2009

Chase really likes his new teacher and he has enjoyed getting to see Cody and Austin again. He has not complained about going to bed early and getting up early at all this week. This is a first for him. I think he is going to have a great year.

Hunter is getting nervous about Pre-school

Hunter has really been excited about the idea of pre-school. He can't wait to see some of his friends from Market Street. He talks about getting to play with Walker and Ragan all the time. However, today for some reason, he asked me, "Who is going to be at the pre-school if I have a problem?" I told him that if he has a problem, he can go to his teacher. If she can't help him, she will call me and I will be there really fast. I asked him what kind of problem was he worried about. He said, "What if something itchy gets on me while I am playing on the playground?" I now realized he was worried about what he would do if a bug gets on him and who is going to get it off. He is terrified of any kind of bug - even butterflies. Every time we go to the park or play in the backyard, as soon as he hears something buzz pass him, he is ready to go inside. He is so funny! Hopefully, no one will see him have a breakdown if something flies by. Hee! Hee!

Results at Weight Watchers Today

After dropping Chase off to school this morning, Hunter and I went to my weekly weight watchers meeting.

We learned some important lessons about overcoming cravings today. Today I learned four ways to avoid or to react better to cravings:
1. Distract Yourself for at least 10 or 15 minutes with some other activity or thoughts and see if the craving goes away. Also, try drinking a glass of water.
2. If that does not work - choose a healthier version of the craving. (For example: if you are craving a sweet brownie, eat one of the WW chocolate snack cakes that are only worth one point.)
3. Put yourself in a controlled environment where you can only have a controlled portion of your craving. Example: If you want ice cream, don't go to the store and buy a half gallon of ice cream. You may go home and eat too much of it. Go thru a drive-thru and get just a small cup of ice cream that is already portioned out for you.
4. Analyze your craving to see what might have triggered it. Ask yourself: When was the last time I ate, have I deprived myself of this item for a long time, or is it something emotional?

I thought this advice was too good not to share!

I lost 1.8 pounds last week for a new total of 26.4 pounds lost in 10 weeks. I earned a 25lb weight for my 10% keychain, a 25lb magnet, an another 5lb star for my starcatcher bookmark. I posted a picture below of my little rewards. They are not much, but they mean a lot to me. I have 23.6 more pounds to go.

First Day of School for Chase (Sorry no photos)

Well, I guess Chase thinks he is too big for "first day of school photos". He did not want me to take pictures today. He really did not want me to walk inside the school with him this morning. But, he could not carry all of the 5th grade school supplies by himself. I told him that Hunter and I would stay for chapel this morning if he wanted us to. He said, "You don't have to." I could tell he'd rather be on his own today. I am proud of him for wanting some independence. But, I am also sad that the time has come when having Mom around is not so cool. He hasn't actually said that because he would never want to hurt my feelings. But, I can just tell.

I am looking forward to Cub Scouting this year. He has finished earning all 20 of his Webelos Activity Pins. But, he has to work on his Arrow of Light and he is still working on earning the 50 miler award for hiking. He will also work on earning the Loving Servant award that teaches him how to be a good servant to God, his country, and to others. Hopefully, by the Spring of this school year, he will bridge over into Boy Scouts. Although, he may not always put them into practice, he has learned so many skills from Cub Scouting that hopefully will help him in life to be a good person as well as some important safety and survival skills.

I am looking forward to his campouts and especially for the trip to the USS Alabama Battleship in Mobile again. The scouts will spend the night on the battleship, while the mommies that go can relax in a hotel nearby.

I hope Chase has a good year in school and I pray that God will help him overcome any obstacles that he may face. He suffers from severe inattentive ADD which causes him to lag behind the other students at times while doing "in class" activities. But, he is very smart and usually overcomes these obstacles the best way that he can. Luckily, we have had a few really good teachers that understand his weaknesses and allow him to finish "classwork" at home sometimes. He has been able to keep his grades up this way and he learns even more by us spending some "one on one" time at home on the things that he struggles with when he is in a class full of other students and faced with many distractions. He still has an overall "A" GPA since KG.

But, I worry because he knows how much harder he has to work to keep up with everyone else that he gets too stressed at times. Not everyone has a mother's patience when dealing with ADD. So, I just say a prayer everyday for him to deal with things and just do his best.

Hunter begins pre-school on Friday, August 14th. I will probably cry a little bit that day. But, I will also be very proud of him.

More Healthy Recipes

Here are some more healthy recipes I would like to share. I do not have the WW points values totalled for all of these recipes. But they are yummy. Enjoy!
Healthy Recipes

Weight Loss Photo Journal (Made it halfway to my goal!)

The following two pictures were taken on June 1, 2009 at my first Weight Watcher's Meeting. I weighed 166 pounds. With the help of my team leader, I set a goal to lose 50 pounds toward reaching a weight in my height's healthy weight range. I am barely 5 feet tall.


As of August 5, 2009, I have made it halfway to my goal. (See pictures below...)I have lost 25 pounds and have gone from a size XL to a Medium. I have gone from a size 14/16 to a size 10. I am feeling so much better physically and mentally. I have 25 more pounds to go to be in the Weight Watchers healthy weight range for my height. I hope I can keep this up!

Weight Watcher Recipes provided by Tona Haggermaker

The following link will take you to a file which contains many yummy weight watchers recipes. Tona Haggermaker sent this file to me and I would like to share it with you. Enjoy!
Ww_recipes Volume 1

Another Update on Crutcher - August 4, 2009

Crutcher may be transferred to Limestone Health Facility on Hobbs Street either today or Wednesday to begin physical therapy. He will remain there for 20 days. Please continue to pray for him and his family as he heals from his surgery.

Weigh-in Results on August 3, 2009

I lost another 1.6 pounds last week for a new total of 24.6 pounds lost over the past nine weeks. I have 25.4 more pounds to go to reach my goal.

Three New Recipes from Weight Watchers - August 4, 2009

Chicken Spaghetti
POINTS® Value: 5 per serving
Servings: 8

Ingredients
1 cup(s) chopped celery
1 can 98% Fat Free cream of mushroom soup
1 can 98% Fat Free tomato soup
8 oz uncooked whole-wheat spaghetti
1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 medium green pepper chopped
1 small onion chopped
16 oz cooked chicken fillet shredded
1 cup Kraft 2% Milk Reduced Fat Natural Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions:
Cook 8 oz. pack of whole wheat spachetti noodles according to package directions. Set aside.
In a large container mix celery, onion, green pepper, mushrroms, chicken broth, tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken together.
Add the mixture above to the noodles and stir all ingredients together. Pour this in a 9x13 pyrex dish that's been sprayed with nonstick spray.
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes. Sprinkle shredded mozzerella cheese on top and then bake for 5 more minutes.
Makes 8 (1cup) servings.
Exchanges: 2 meats, 1 fat, 2 starches

Dorito Casserole
POINTS® Value: 6 per serving
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound 2% Velveeta Cheese
2 TBSP chili powder
1 can 98% Fat Free cream of chicken soup
1 can Ro-tel
6 ounces Baked Doritos

Instructions:
Brown ground beef. Add seasoning, soup, and ro-tel.
Crush dorito chips and put half of them in a 9X13 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Add half of the meat and half of the cheese.
Repeat another layer of the remaining chips, meat, and cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.


Squash Dressing
POINTS® Value: 1 per serving
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, mashed, drained yellow squash
1/2 cup corn meal
1 1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 1/4 tsp sage
garlic salt to taste
1 tsp onion flakes
1/3 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup fat free chicken broth

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together. Spray an 8X8 inch pan with cooking spray. Pour dressing mixture in pan. Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Update on Crutcher - August 2, 2009

Crutcher was admitted back into the hospital on Thursday evening. Dr. Johnson said the bypass surgery did not work and Crutcher had no bloodflow to his foot again. Unfortunately, there was nothing else Dr. Johnson could try to get bloodflow circulating to the foot. On Friday evening, Dr. Johnson performed surgery to remove Crutcher's foot and part of the leg about six inches above the ankle area.

Crutcher is doing pretty good considering what he has been through. He is still very uncomfortable and is suffering from "phantom pains". Dr. Johnson said it would take the brain and body a while to adjust to the foot not being there and he would still feel pain ("phantom pain") in the foot and ankle area as if it were still there.

He will be in the hospital a few days before being released to a rehab facility for about 20 days. The family is trying to get him in Limestone Health Facility during that time for physical therapy. When his leg heals, he will be fitted for a prosthesis. Hunter and Chase think Grand-daddy is going to get a bionic foot. They think it is going to be pretty cool. At least this way, they are not traumatized by the fact that Grand-daddy had to lose his foot.

Please continue to pray for "Grand-daddy" and the rest of the family.

Weekly Weigh-in Results at Weight Watchers - July 27, 2009

I lost another 2.2 pounds last week for a new total of 23 pounds lost over the past 8 weeks. Only 2 more pounds to go to get another charm for my Weight Watchers key chain I earned a few weeks ago. Also, when I get to a loss of 25 pounds, I will be half-way to my goal. Yeah! I can, I can, I know I can! I can, I can, I know I can. I will!

Crutcher came home from the Hospital - July 27, 2009

Thanks to all of you for your prayers on Crutcher's behalf. We brought him home from the hospital on Monday, July 27, 2009. He will be staying with me and Kasey for a little while. He cannot be left alone because he still cannot walk on his own. My brother-in-law, Kim Harbin, is going to try to get someone to come to my house to do physical therapy with him to help him start walking again. He did not lose his foot, but he is still in a lot of pain. His foot is still black right now. But, he is getting circulation in the foot now, so hopefully it will return to normal.

Hunter got lost! - July 26, 2009

We went out to eat at Logan's tonight after church. As the server led us to our table, Hunter trailed behind Daddy. Chase and I were seated. Then Kasey moved over to let Hunter sit in the booth with him. Hunter was nowhere to be found.

How could he disappear that fast? We looked all over the restaurant for him. The manager went outside with Kasey and scanned the parking lot. The workers helped me look in the restrooms, kitchen area, freezer, under tables, etc. This went on for about five minutes, but seemed like an eternity. The manager made an announcement over the speaker asking for others to help in locating Hunter.

Finally, he was found sitting at a booth all by himself eating peanuts! He evidently went one isle over past the isle our server led us down and found a table for himself and began enjoying the peanuts from the can sitting on the table. He had no idea we were in such a panic. He was just enjoying his peanuts. When we asked him why he did not follow us and the server to our own table, he said, "I just saw those peanuts and I wanted some." Ugh! Kasey and I both were almost too sick to our stomach to even eat after that! We were so afraid someone just snatched him up and took off with him. I have never been so scared in my life. From now on, I will probably have a death grip on his little hand every time we go somewhere!

Fun at Bridgestreet - 07-18-09

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Kelly and I took the boys to Bridgestreet for a little fun at the fountain park on Saturday, July 18, 2009. They had a great time! Enjoy the slideshow!

Prayer Request for Crutcher Harbin - July 20, 2009

Please keep Kasey's father, Crutcher Harbin, in your prayers. He is in ICU at Huntsville Hospital. He has blood clots in his leg and has no circulation in his foot. They are going to try to do bypass surgery to get some blood flowing to his foot. If the surgery does not work, he could lose his foot.

Also keep Kasey's mom in your prayers. She is trying to run their store, Harbin Grocery, the best she can by herself. Her nephew, Jacob McElyea, has been a great help to her and Kasey has been working at the store to help out when he leaves McClary Tire in the evening. They are hoping they can find someone to eventually buy the store if you know of anyone that might be interested. It is located next to the Reid Elementary School building on Brownsferry Rd.

Weekly Weigh-in Results - July 20, 2009

I went to my weekly Weight Watchers meeting this morning. I lost 3.8 pounds last week. Over the past seven weeks I have lost 20.8 pounds! I have to lose about 30 more to be at my healthy weight goal. I earned another 5 lbs star for my weight watchers star catcher bookmark today. If I can just keep this up!

This week's updates - July 16, 2009

Today is my stepmother's 50th Birthday! Happy Birthday Chris! I am looking forward to spending some family time with you guys tomorrow.

I have been taking it easy this week. As of Tuesday, July 14, 2009, my days of being fruitfull and multiplying are officially over. Before my surgery, everyone told me that this kind of surgery would be very easy to get over and recover from. THEY LIED!

Just kidding! I guess things could be worse, but I am such a wimp! I have to admit that the day of the surgery was very easy in the beginning. My surgery took place around 7am and I did not need anything for pain until about 4pm that afternoon. Yesterday was a very hard day for me, though. I felt very sick to my stomach all day yesterday and almost passed out once. Kasey was at work. But, Chase took very good care of me and Hunter that day.

I am feeling much better today. I am still very sore and moving around slowly. So far today, I am avoiding any pain medicine. I am pretty sure that is what made me so sick yesterday. I want to thank everyone that has been checking in on me and sending me messages of encouragement.

I earned the 10% Weight Watchers Key Chain on July 13, 2009

This is my 10% weight loss key chain reward from Weight Watchers. I was told after 16weeks I will get a little charm of "clapping hands", a little washer that represents 25 pounds lost when I reach that goal, a star when I reach my healthy weight loss goal, and a key charm when I meet the requirements for Lifetime. I am looking forward to earning those things. As of July 13, 2009, I have lost 17 pounds in all. I have 33 more pounds to go!

Tilley Family Get-together (July 12, 2009)

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On July 12, 2009, we went to church that morning at Chances Cross Roads Church of Christ in Cullman, AL. This is the church our grandparents worshipped with faithfully for many years. Afterwards, we went to the cemetary for a little "visit" with Neanie and Papa. For lunch, we enjoyed some great food and great times at a "Tilley Family Get-together". (My grandmother's side of the family). There were seven Tilley girls, but only four remain: Aunt Fran, Aunt Billie Sue, Aunt Barbara, and Aunt Onna Vee. We really miss Aunt Icie, Aunt Chiquieta, and Mama Neanie. Getting together with the Tilley family brought back so many good memories. We had a great day!

Kelly and Kimberly's Landscaping Skills - Hee! Hee!

Kelly and I spent last week doing a little yardwork at our parent's house. We planted some new flowers and built a retaining wall using castle wall blocks. We are not professionals. But, I thought we did a pretty good job. Enjoy the pictures below:

Fourth of July - 2009

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We spent a quiet day together since most of our family was either working or involved with other things that day. We had a picnic at the park and tried to catch a few fish. Later that evening, we parked in the parking lot of McClary Tire to watch the fireworks show from the Athens High School Stadium. Some of our friends met us there. We enjoyed the show with The Helums, The Lewters, and Kathryn and Leanne's parents. We had a great day! Enjoy the pictures!