Happy 2013! It's a new year, with a lot of new things already. Working, being mommy,two energetic monsters - one of which who goes to preschool three days a week. The other getting lots of teeth at once. New laptop (Thanks Hubby!) so there's a learning curve for the new machine (the keys are bigger, so I'm having a heck of a time typing!). Crafty projects and so much to do. Hoping to keep this blog running - since I certainly haven't done a good job at it so far. New Year's Resolutions?? (Have to post them everywhere to keep myself accountable) - Be a better wife and mommy. Lose the last 13 lbs of flab and get in shape. Get and STAY organized. Sounds simple? Maybe, but a lot of times "SIMPLE" things turn out to be a lot more difficult than they should be.

2012 and Beyond!

So, it's officially 2012, and well, it has been for over 3 months now... I'd say it's high time I stick to this blog thing, get my booty in gear and keep it updated!!
Today, my little man is 5 months old! 5 months - whoa, where did the time go?? My 'baby' girl will be THREE in 2.5 months - time truly has flown and is going by just too fast!
With that being said, here is my attempt to keep things up to date!!

Last Blog of 2010

Can't believe how fast 2010 flew by... So many changes and so much going on. First birthday, first steps, bumps, bruises, and so many other things. Hoping that the new year brings us good health, happiness and only minor bumps in the road!

Knit, Knit.... Start over....

So, I've known I'm some what of a perfectionist for a long long LONG time now. I have proof now that I seriously must have some OCD issues. I've started a knitting project that I think may be doable, but it's a far stretch from being easy for me. In the past 3 days I've started and restarted this project at least 2 times each day. Last night I decided that was it, it was the last time I was restarting, boo boos and mistakes, oh well, i'd live with them. HA! This morning I started looking at it and ripped it out again. UGH! http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer09/PATTelenka.php
January is almost to its end. Bring on February... I'm excited to see what February will bring. I know it will bring me another year older, but I can handle that... I can pretend I'm not turning 28, right? ;) Delaney is still teething, and it's a horrible thing. I feel so bad for her, well, except for when she bites me! Darn monster has SHARP teeth!!! Last night was the first night in quite a while that she slept through the night. I, however did not. I was so worried because she WASN'T waking up that I had to keep checking on her!! She slept from 9:30pm until 12am (cried a bit and went back to sleep) and then slept until 11:30am.... when I woke her up. I got up and checked her 5 times between 5am and 11am. At least she got a good night's sleep.
January also brought me to bringing my sewing machine home, getting it set up and sewing at home. I'm excited to have it here.... only problem is I have SO many projects I want to do and fabric is starting to pile up. We seriously need a house so I can have a sewing room!!

Happy New Year! The 2010 Edition

I guess last year's resolution to blog more, kinda went out the window. But now that Delaney is here I have more reason to keep things updated. We had an awesome Thanksgiving, a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year's (Laney stayed up WAY too late, she didn't get to sleep until after 11:30pm!). We got to spend Christmas Eve, Christmas and the day after with Miss Bethany. Boy do the girls LOVE to play with each other! It's amazing to see Bethany so excited each time she visits and her amazement with all of her baby sister's new skills.
Dave and I got to see my WSU Cougs play basketball in person. We watched both the men's and women's teams. It was fun to see the guys I watch on TV live and in person... Boy they are MUCH bigger in real life. The TV just doesn't do them justice. We watched the games here at the Toyota Center, and I took along my knitting for half-time and between games. This one's for Erin, because while at the games and knitting I learned that knitting IS in fact exercise!! See, I ended up dropping my yarn, and it rolled under the seat below mine. Those seats are WAY too close together. I spent a good portion of the second game TRYING to get the yarn back.... I ended up having to sit down on the floor (eww) and ever so carefully pull the yarn and then I was able to stab it with the knitting needle and get it back. I was all stretched and contorted in order to achieve this feat! It was indeed a workout. There you have it Miss Erin!! By the way, both the Men's and Women's teams kicked some b-ball butt and WON! WOooo HOooo!!
Miss Delaney Ray is now 7 months old... Where oh where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that I was big and fat and swollen up pregnant, thinking she'd NEVER get here. She's getting her second tooth... Teething totally bites! Every day brings us new adventures and accomplishments. We're still working on crawling, so far she's able to scoot, roll, and crawl BACKWARDS. She sits up so well and says Mommom mom and mama... No Dada yet (I think Dave's bummed by this). But I feel super special. She has such a personality too! Laney definitely is my little ray of sunshine and keeps me laughing. I've been trying my hand at making videos and posting them on youtube.
I've been working again semi-part time. Whenever weather allows and I have a sitter for Laney. Mostly she stays with my WONDERFUL baby sister, who is the BEST sister in the world. I love my sisser very very much! Laney loves her Auntie too!! I've also been knitting lots and going to MOPS. Having lots of fun. Ok, that's about it for now. Time to fold the never ending laundry.

No News Is Good News

Well, it's time for an update. All is well on the home front, for the most part. My check-ups at the doctors have now gone from once a month to every two weeks. I'm not exactly thrilled about this, since I've never been a fan of going to the doctor. Baby Delaney's heart beat was a strong 143, and boy oh boy is she an active kicker!

We've been slowly accumulating a lot of baby stuff. Friday the UPS man brought the crib, and today we picked out the bedding... it's really cute and has little froggies on it. We only have a few more big ticket items and we'll be set. It'll be nice to have everything ready for when she gets here.

In other exciting news, the weather has decided to warm up a little. It's been pretty nice, just have to deal with rain here and there. Friday I drove home from work with the sunroof open... it was great! I think that's about it for now...

Frigid Weather, Fighting Colds and Loads of Laundry

Well, I've kinda fallen behind in my blogging... But I've kept up with most everything else. I've been taking some pictures of our FRIGID freezing cold weather. Reading more and trying to stay on top of the household chores.

The weather has been crazy. It'll rain and pour then the sun will shine. It'll blow and blow and then hail or snow, and then the sun will shine. All the while the temperature stays WAY TOO LOW!!! I want warmer weather. I'm sick of the thermometer in my car constantly beeping at me, telling me it's 37 degrees and the warning of possible icy roads. I want temperatures a tad higher than 'freeze my butt off!' I'd settle for 60's. I just want it warmer!
It seems like the weather is keeping lots of people sick. This week I've been trying to fight off a cold. I feel down right slimy! I just want to sleep, but can't. I have a bit of a cough and a tingle in my throat and oh! the sneezing! Not to worry, I'm doing my best to take it easy, drinking lots of hot lemon and honey and resting. If all else fails, I'll have the doctor check me out at my monthly scheduled appointment (Monday morning).
Tuesday night I was invited to play Bunco with my Grandma and her friends at Curves. I've only played bunco one other time and it's fun, so I was excited. I didn't win, neither did Grandma, but we had fun. I met a lot of crazy ladies and it was an all around good time.
Other than that I've just been attempting to keep up with all the laundry that seems to be needing to be done. Oh, and last Saturday was my busiest day yet. We went and watched "The Watchmen" (my gosh! what a long movie!) It was an ok movie, not bad. BUT! It was over two and a half hours! Do you know how difficult it is for a pregnant woman to sit that long without a potty break?! I did it though, barely! Haha. After the movie, Dave and I met up with my parents and Angie and Kenny at the TRAC in Pasco for the Rough Stock Extreme Bull Riding competition. That was fun, other than the fact that everyone kept walking back and forth infront of me, making me stand up practically every five minutes. I was irritated to say the least. But we managed to have fun. It was just super hard staying awake that long. I was SOOO tired! (I'm yawning as I typed that!)
That's about it for now... hopefully I'll do better at this blogging thing.

So Happy!!

So happy the weatherman was WRONG! He said we were supposed to have snow yesterday and today, and ta-da!!! No snow yet! YEA!!! The only downside is that it's FREEZING outside.
I swear I'm getting bigger by the day. I've really started to notice the difficulties of getting up and down. I know, I know, it's not going to get any better.... just going to keep getting harder. I'll manage I'm sure.
Getting really excited for next week. Not excited about the getting older bit... But being 27 isn't much different from being 26. The exciting part is our mini-vacation to Portland. I get to visit Miss Erin and Miss Alexis while Dave is in classes for his Union. I'll be sure to post an update with pictures after we get home. Yea!
Nothing much else is going on. Just work work work and trying to keep things in order here at home. Spent much of the weekend organizing, cleaning and doing laundry (YUCK!). Household chores are never-ending. Well, time for my television program then off to bed.

Is It Nap Time Yet?

Well, I made it through a week of work. Man am I tired. I didn't realize how tired running around work all day was. I do feel accomplished though... I've been able to get a lot of stuff done, and that makes me feel good. In the 4 days I was at work, I almost completely cleared my over-flowing desk of work orders. The down-side to that was coming back to work today (Tuesday, since I'm taking Mondays off) and there being several more work orders stacked for me to get done. This morning was tough, I knew I needed to get out of bed and go to work (hey! it's good exercise, it's a paycheck, and it gets me out of the house) but that doesn't mean I wanted to. I was so comfy cozy in bed, that's where I wanted to stay. Who wants to go outside in 20 something degree weather, start a cold car, and actually go to work?! Not me... BUT, I did, and I got a lot done. Getting a lot done is awesome, it's the after math that kinda sucks. I feel like I could sleep for a week and still be tired. Anyway, enough of my complaining. YAWN, time to get cozy and ready for bed.

Back In The Saddle Again!

I'm officially back in action. It's hard to admit it, but I did miss work and Bob... Even missed Marty (but only just a little). It was strange being back, but I had a good day. I ended up getting a lot done, not as much as I would've like, but oh well. I'm not to over do it, not to be stressed and not to worry. So I will do my best to keep a stress-free positive attitude. I've been warned that if I don't take it easy and keep from being stressed that I won't be working. To this I just roll my eyes and say oh well.
I didn't work a full 8 hours, only worked 6, but hey, that was 6 busy hours after being cooped up and stuck at home for over 4 months. I'm tired and beat, but it's not as bad as I thought. I even managed to make dinner when I got home. Woo-hooo! Tomorrow I'll try making it in a little sooner than I did today, but if I don't, I don't. I get there when I get there. It'll be a good way to build back my stamina. Who knows, I may even be ready to go work out again soon. I know, I know, nothing too strenuous. It's just good to be doing something again. :)

Hurray!

Well, today was a great day. Other than waiting FOREVER at the doctor's office, a lot got accomplished. The ultrasound went great, the baby is healthy and doing fine. The doctor made my day when after much discussion and pleading (complaining and whining too) he removed my IV line!! YEA!! So, I'm no longer stuck, tied down to the blasted IV machine!!! Granted the removal was uncomfortable, and my arm hurts, I'm still very much a happy camper. Oh, and last but not least about the doctor's visit... It's a girl :)

As far as my goals for 2009 go, I'm doing pretty good. Got rid of the IV, going into work tomorrow, baby's healthy, I'm blogging, and over the last week I've been working on my knitting project (a baby blanket). I just have to keep it up.

Happy 2009!

Here's to everyone having a bigger, brighter and happier 2009! I've decided that I'm doing away with making New Year's Resolutions... Instead I'm going to have things (goals, thoughts, inklings and inspirations, whatever) that I'm going to do more of. Not a change of who I am or what I do, but minor improvements. But we'll see what happens. My goals for this new year are as follows:

1) Get rid of the darn-blasted IV machine!

2) Keep in touch more (blog, email, snail-mail, phone calls)

3) Start and FINISH a big knitting project. (I WILL figure out that blanket!)

4) Read more

5) Exercise... well right now this means get to a point to where I CAN exercise!

6) Have a happy, healthy, perfect baby (Baby's arrival is tentatively scheduled for 06/02/09)

That's it. That's all. I'm sure I'll add to that list as I think of things.

Now, since I'm a terrible, forgetful blogger it's time for an update. Since I quit blogging I have slacked off in my Group Power classes... not all to being lazy, but due to medical complications. No worries, I'm just pregnant and having a hard time. But other than the IV I'm all but fine now. I'm 19 weeks along and going for the BIG ultrasound next monday. We're hoping that the baby cooperates so that we know who's going to be arriving in June. So far, most people think it's a girl, but we shall see. Either way, girl or boy, I just want a happy and healthy baby.

I'm super excited today. Dave's Eagles beat the Giants, so he's on cloud 9. Since today is a good day, I felt up to climbing the hill to the mail box, and suprise!!! Miss Erin sent me a box! I finally have my Erin-made socks! (Which I have been wearing since I ripped the package open.) The package also had all kinds of goodies to help take care of my pregnant lady feet, or so I'm told. Thank you, thank you, thank you Miss Erin! I love my box!

Anyway, time to post this and show off my new socks. Will do my best to keep up with my goals (especially blogging more). I should fix my goal list to say that I'm going to encourage Erin to blog more often too... since she made me a blogger :)

The NEW Group Power

Tuesday's Group Power, wow, what a workout. I still think I'm dying. Ok not really, but I can definitely feel my muscles in my legs... OW! We had all new music and new routines... and they are, in my opinion, a lot more of a workout. Maybe I was just too used to the other way. Oh well, I'm hoping I'll be able to kick butt on Thursday night and that my legs won't be so sore on Friday. We'll just have to wait and see on that.
This week, I've been working on getting things ready for the boat races. BBQ time, and hopefully get some sun on my legs! That is my goal for this weekend. Just watch, I'll be a lobster Monday morning. I've been running around the grass, moving sprinklers, I swear it's an endless job. Has anyone ever heard of underground sprinklers?! Someone needs to clue my landlords in on that invention. But, looking on the positive side, it gives me something to do, and keeps me moving. Anyhoo, time to go shut the sprinklers off.

Yea!!

Yea!! Group Power was back to normal today! Liz was back, and man, I got a workout! I don't know why, but my workout today seemed to take more out of me (and I still feel good though) than either of last week's workout's with Daya. I guess that just means Liz can't be gone anymore. :) Thursday will be our last day with our same workouts and music tracks. I'm excited to see what new music we'll have next week. Hopefully it's all good music. I also hope that the workout isn't too hard (i'm sure it'll take a while to get used to).
In other news... the scale is frustrating me a little. Not in a bad way I guess though. I'm maintaining my weight, but I'm definitely seeing the results on my body. I have a lot more definition in my arms, calves and thighs, my abs are even looking better (woo hoo!). I guess I need to be thankful for those things... I just wish the number on the scale would go down, just an itty bitty little bit.
Time for me to get back to folding laundry. Gosh I hate folding laundry. :) Until Thursday.

Ouch!

So it's Thursday, and Dave and I went to our normal Group Power class, and Daya was our sub-instructor. I miss Liz!! Big time! Not only did I push myself to get all the reps done on all the "new" tracks that Daya does, but I even bumped up my weights on the warm-up and both leg tracks. Woo hoo... I made it... until the Dips. She had to make me do the dips. Ok, so honestly, today I made it through all but 1, that's right, O-N-E of the dips. It was right in the middle, and I needed just a minute... but I made it.
As far as yesterday, yes I knew my bum would be sore from Group Ride. I knew this BEFORE I did the class, but, I was sorely unconscious as to how bad it'd hurt. I am sooooo sore! Not only that, I had some troubles with getting started in today's class.... I really needed that warm-up.
Guess what?! I'm gonna hurt tomorrow too! Oh well, I can grin and bare it. I'm just glad that Liz will be back with us on Tuesday. That's definitely something to look forward too. :)
Group Kick.... well, I haven't made it there yet. All of the available classes are during the time I'm at work. That is, unless I want to rush home from work on Tuesdays and Thursdays and go back to back Group Kick and Group Power (I don't think so!). My only other Group Kick option is to go on Saturday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30. Now, I'm all for Saturday mornings, and 10:30 is a great time.... BUT, and this is a big BUT, the Saturday instructor for Group Kick is Kelly.... Erin, you remember Kelly? The whole "air guitar" with the weight bar?! Yeah, that Kelly. I don't know if I can handle that. Good news is though, if she's busy teaching Group Kick, that means she can't be teaching the 9-10am Group Power (the instructors rotate for saturdays). Anyway, that's the update, we'll see how it goes and how adventurous I may or may not get.

Playing Catch-Up

Sunset, 4th of July BBQ

Ok, so I'm a bad blogger. Maybe not bad, but just super busy and a little bit lazy in what little free time I've had over the last week.... To back track so that I can catch up on all the news.

Tuesday, July 1st, Dave and I went to Group Power. I had a great workout and felt great with my new weights. I've finally gotten to where my weight increases and my body aren't warring with each other. Now, don't get me wrong, it in no way is an easy workout. I just am going home feeling amazing. I know that I'm getting a great workout, and in the mornings my muscles are a tad bit tender but I have full range of motion and am not achy. After a quick change and dropping Dave at home, I went to Mom and Dad's to help get a room ready for Grandma Hazel's visit from New Mexico. I moved a bunch of furniture and cleaned the bathroom. Man, I was sweating almost as much as when I'm finished with Group Power! Talk about a double workout!

Wednesday night I went to Grandma's house to sew Erin's orange striped pajamas while Dave was at Men's Tennis. Since I dropped him off at the Court Club, after I finished sewing, I went to watch him finish out his doubles match. Since I did clean-up at Mom's on Tuesday, Wednesday meant clean-up at home....

Thursday night (07/03) is usually Group Power night, but with preparations for our BBQ bash on the 4th, and Grandma Hazel's arrival, and shopping, and cleaning.... We didn't make it to Group Power. Not to worry, I still got plenty of workout done... Watering the lawn, taking out trash, cleaning the kitchen, living room, and moving patio furniture. Plus grocery shopping, and visiting with Grandma. Busy, busy, busy...

Friday (07/04) Happy 4th of July! Dave and I spent Friday finishing up the cleaning and getting everything set up for the BBQ. We went to luch with Dave's dad, and went shopping for last minute necessities, you know, new flip-flops, bug spray and a hamburger patty shaper... Man that thing is slick! I made over 20 hamburger patties in no time flat!! I also bought a new pair of jeans... a smaller size than normal, and I feel great in them! (I also think I look pretty great in them too.)

Now onto this week...

Tuesday (07/08) was a new breed of torture. That's right, you read it... TORTURE! I tell ya, it was brutal! Liz, the regular instructor for Group Power is on vacation, she'll be gone on Thursday too... Daya filled in for Liz, and with it she brought on the pain!! Oh My Gosh!! We did all new tracks and with that all new routines. They kicked my butt big time!! I was fine on my weights for the legs and warm-up, but it was as if I had way too much weight for my arms and shoulders. I actually had to stop in the middle of the biceps track to take off some of the weight. I am feelin' it alllll over today. How can I be sure that Daya wanted to kill me??? She had us doing dips. That's right, DIPS! I HATE DIPS! (With a passion I might add) I don't feel anything like I did the first two times with Erin at Group Power, but I tell you what, I definitely am aware of all the muscles in my body. Ouch!

Today, I went for something new. Yes, me, I tried something new, by myself I might add! Since it's Wednesday, Dave went to Men's Tennis at 6pm. Since I don't have the right "equipment" to be playing tennis with the boys, I went to Group Ride. I went a few minutes early and the instructor, Tina, helped me set up my bike. A few of the regulars at Group Power were there, so it was nice to see a few friendly faces. Group Ride was intense! I couldn't even make it with all the ups and downs and tension changes. My body was screaming at me after only 15 minutes!! I was dripping in sweat, and I AM SO SORE!!! I had a lot of trouble doing the hills, or standing up while riding. With my bad knee, I felt really off balance. So, while my body was screaming after 15 minutes, I continued with the class, and just kept my booty in the seat and did the tension and speed changes. Next time I attempt this class, I hope to be able to do more of the ups and downs and go the distance. Either way you look at it, I got a great workout!

Until tomorrow.... We'll see if Daya succeeds in her attempt to kill me.

POWER!!

Thursday's Group Power kicked butt! (My blogging slacked for a few days, lack of sleep will do that to ya!) Dave was gimpy, so it was just me that went. Yes, I went to Group Power by myself. I'm proud of myself for setting a plan and sticking to it. I've be going to the class for three weeks now, and I feel great! My body is finally adjusting to a regular activity schedule. I feel energetic and i'm starting to notice results. From being at not much activity to now being committed to an exercise class twice a week is such an improvement. I'm truly working on my New Year's Resolutions. Now I just have to keep it up and try and get to where I have more than just two days a week at the Court Club.

What's My Motivation Here?!

Ok, so I'm officially pooped! Dave and I walked to dinner last night. We walked round-trip about 3 miles. The 3 miles isn't what wore me out.... Group Power today did it!! We went to our regular class which meets Tuesdays and Thursday evenings from 5:40 to 6:40, with Liz. Liz is a great instructor, and over the last three classes the number of participants keeps growing. I upped my weights this week, and over did it just a little bit on the chest track. I made it through that track, but kept the weight up through the shoulders, and it was just too much for the shoulders track. I still have jello arms... I'll really be feeling it tomorrow!! Oh well, you live and learn. I figured out tonight that I even after I upped the weight for the warm-up and the leg tracks I can still go about another little bit more. Tonight I did a medium and small weight. I'll up that for Thursday.
I've really been thinking about going to one of the Group Kick classes... I just have to figure out where it'll fit into my schedule. Not sure if I'll make it to Group Kick this week, but I'll definitely try it out next week if I can.
Since I barely slept last night, darn tossing and turning, and after a very long, hot and sweaty day of working hard outside at work, then Group Power, I think I'm ready for bed. Until next time... "Squeeze!"

Getting Started

Ok, since before Erin's visit, she's been on my case about blogging... So this one's just for you Erin!
First things first... I just got home from dinner and shopping. Wooo hooo! Dave and I went to Famous Dave's BBQ. They just opened up here about two weeks ago, so it was super busy. We had to wait over an hour, but it was worth it. It was our first experience at Famous Dave's (even though I've been there once in NE with Erin). After dinner we made a mad dash through the rain and did some shopping at Walmart. Had to get a new movie (Fool's Gold) and workout accessories.
After the feast at Famous Dave's I definitely feel the need to get my butt to the gym. Almost a month ago now, Dave and I joined The Tri-City Court Club. Not long after we joined, Erin came to visit and she dragged my butt out of bed (early and on my days off from work no less) to try out Group Power, which I understand is very similar to her BodyPump class... Man we went twice during her visit, and those classes kicked my butt!! Fortunately though, Erin was just the motivation I needed to try a new class and get excited about working out. Since then, I've been dragging Dave to Group Power. We started going Tuesday and Thursday evening this last week. Both he and I are feeling the after-effects (sore muscles, but a good sore) and feeling some results. We both are feeling more energetic (thanks Erin :) ).
The plan for tomorrow is to visit the gym, and who knows what else... We shall see.