Update

Just wanted to do an update blog entry- I have been so busy lately that I can't even think! This semester at school is kicking my butt! So much that I actually temporarily deactivated my Facebook account! It took everything in me to do it, but if you are like me and obsessed with your FB friends because you have no time for a real life, LOL, then it can be quite the distraction. I just need to focus on school right now. I will be back- I promise! So, for all of you who are texting and e-mailing me to see if something is wrong and why I deleted my page- that's what happened :) Nothing is wrong- just trying to un-complicate my life for the time being. That's all. Which also means that I won't be on here as much either- I periodically will do posts, but will not be as dedicated as I have been. Sad, sad. :( I know you are all crying right now. Just kidding!

Speaking of studying... bless his little heart, he fell asleep studying his little flash cards the other night. Like mommy- like son. Let's hope those skills stick with him. :) And for our family and friends who don't get to see Judson on a regular basis, check out the video of him last night saying his ABC's and 123's! Please notice the pacifier that is in his mouth (he calls them Mac-Mac's) and how my husband keeps telling him to take it out of his mouth, LOL We told him when he turns 2 (in March) he has to trade all his Mac's in on a prize. We'll see about that.

How was your Valentine's Day? Mine was good. Remember last year's Valentine post? Well, we were moving into my parents and this year we were moving out! So exciting! The husband and I went to dinner and saw the movie, "No Strings Attached" which was really cute! I enjoyed it. Our day was also filled with some of my favorite things- cupcakes, giving my niece Hartleigh, and Judson's best friend Sadie, V-day bags full of goodies, having 2 wonderful valentines, and getting flowers delivered to me at work :) Wal-mart had a lot of cute stuff this year- I especially loved the polka-dot puppies and the chocolates shaped like cupcakes or doughnuts. Of course, we just gave Judson a balloon and he had the time of his life! It popped last night and he was devestated. So funny! Anyway, hope you had a great day and felt as loved as I did. Judson gave me lots of sugars and that has the power to make anything better!

Hope you have a great rest of the week and now I am going to go write my very long paper that is due tomorrow night, LOL. Nothing like last minute.

Love, E

Five Question Friday!

Ya ya ya! It's Friday! and we're moving home this weekend, so I am of course tickled to death! :)
Not to mention it's Valentine's weekend, so hopefully I will be going on a date at some point ;)
Until then... here's FQF! Link up here to play along.

1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home MakeOver or TLC's What not to Wear?

Ummmm…. Extreme Home MakeOver in a heart beat! I would love to see what professionals could do with our tiny humble abode.

2. Do you have any tattoos?
Yes, I do. Just one. It’s a tiny little sparrow. I have always wanted one, but am horrified of needles. The first year we were married, my husband I randomly decided to get one on a Tuesday night, LOL
So we both got sparrow because they represent soul mates. His a more masculine version, but mine is very dainty (I think) and in a place that it can be easily hidden.

(yes... I am a big baby, lol)

3. Do you tell your kids about things you did growing up?
Right now he’s only almost 2, so I really can’t tell him things yet and him quite get the concept, but one day I do plan to tell all! Well, almost all.

4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up?
All depends where I am and what’s going on! LOL I usually slow down though.

5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips?
Umm… both! I always have to equal things out. If I have one bite of chocolate, it must be evened out with a salty potato chip. I know, I’m ridiculous, but it just bothers me!
If I had to pick one though- I guess it would be chips!

Have a blessed weekend!

Love, E

Weight Watchers Wed.

Good morning sunshine! Except for there is no sunshine here... it's cold and dreary outside. Hopefully it will warm up soon and my afternoon runs will be enjoyable again. I can't wait until spring time! How have you been doing on Weight Watchers or your healthy eating plan of choice? I did not lose any this week, but I know that's how it usually goes. One week ya lose and the next week you are at a stand-still. If you just keep doing what you are supposed to, that weight will eventually come off. It's got to go somewhere, huh?

Oh, I've been meaning to tell you that my Mom gave me a cup... lol, I know, I know.. it's just a cup! But this cup is adorable and I find myself filling it up with ice water every single morning before I leave the house. I fill it up at least 3 more times through out the day. It's 24 oz. so it helps get all the water I need for the day and saves me a ton of money on bottled water. You should try it- maybe it's cuteness will motivate you as well! Click here to see all the cups.

I have been craving a good lasagna lately. I LOVE homemade lasagna, but we all know how fattening that can be. So, I was excited to see the front cover of Weight Watchers new recipe book, "Just 5". Low and behold it was LASAGNA! This is not a very good picture, but I wanted you too see what it looks like because I will be cooking this baby soon! Let you know how it turns out, or if you cook it first, let me know what you think.

Beef and Ricotta Lasagna

Prep 20 min.
Cook/Bake 55 min.
Serves 8
WW Points- 10 points p. serving

Ingredients
1 ½ lbs. ground lean beef (7% or less)
4 c no-salt added marinara sauce
1 (8-ounce) box no-boil lasagna noodles (12 noodles)
2 ½ c fat-free ricotta cheese
1 ¼ c grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F; spray 9 x 13- inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Spray large nonstick skillet with spray and set over medium-high heat. Add beef, ¼ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. black pepper; cook, breaking up beef with wooden spoon, until beef is browned and all liquid is evaporated, about 10 minutes. Tilt skillet to drain off any fat that may be left in pan.
3. Spread 1 c marinara sauce over bottom of baking dish. Cover with 4 lasagna noodles, overlapping them slightly as needed. Cover with half of beef, dot with 1 ¼ cups ricotta, and spread another 1 cup marinara sauce on top. Repeat process until all ingredients are used leaving 1 c marinara sauce on very top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
4. Spray sheet of foil with nonstick spray; cover dish with foil and bake lasagna 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake until cheese on top browns slightly and noodles are very tender, about 15 minutes longer. Cool 15 min. and cut into 8 squares.

Love, E

Our Family

I just wanted to share these pictures with you! I love them- but what I don't like is my hair! LOL These were taken the week after Christmas and my hair was a mess. Please note it has been thinned out and colored since :)
None the less, I wanted to show how talented these photographers are- they did a really good job and were super nice! You should visit their site, Admoni Photography. Thanks Keegan and Robbie!

Love, E

Weight Watchers Wed.

Good morning! I'm so excited- I lost another 2.8 lbs this week which leaves me with 31 lbs. lost so far!
These days I'm always on the go- running around like a crazy person, so breakfast has to be quick! I usually grab something running out the door and eat it on the way to work or right after I get there. Here are some ideas if you are busy like me:

Carnation Breakfast Essentials- Rich Milk Chocolate= 3 WW points!

Special K Breakfast Bars- Blueberry is my favorite! = 2 WW points!

Special K Original Cereal 0.81 oz. individual boxes = 2 WW points!

And WW Smart One Meals has all sorts of new breakfast meals available! Here are a couple that I'm excited to try! They would even be good for lunch, I think.

So how is everyone else doing with their progress? Have you found any new things to eat? Link up below and let's connect! :)

Love, E