Young Creations

Put One Foot In Front of the Other

2012-01-17T20:35:00.000-08:00

That is exactly what I am doing. Physical therapy has been great. Of course I am so sore. But it is good. My PT is going to work on my foot as well so hopefully when it comes time to do some hard core stuff I will be ready. That is exciting.

I made an appointment with my internist for tomorrow. I am going to see about some anxiety meds. I think it will help.

S T R U G G L I N G.... like big time.

2012-01-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

I am really struggling..... like big time. Not just with the challenge, but with life. I can't remember being this blue since college. I am not sure if part of it is from the surgery, it was neuro-surgery. I have a follow up appointment with my internist on Wednesday. Yesterday I started to have panic attacks. I could not breathe. If you are reading this and have ever had this, please let me know. It is super scary. I have been crying a lot. I hope this phase ends soon. It is hard.

I started physical therapy on Wednesday. I really like the therapists and his staff. Movement and action are going to help. I can also start riding the stationary bike for up to 30 minutes a day. That will help. I swear, I can't get my energy back. Nothing seems positive.

Adam and I leave for Las Vegas tomorrow for his first gymnastics meet this season. It makes me even more anxious. Like, ugh. Earlier today I seriously wasn't sure how I was going to get myself together to get there. But I packed, did some laundry and got stuff together. I am going to really try to make the most of it. My time with Adam at home with me is so limited at this point, I need to enjoy. I cried even more today because Adam texted me and told me that he can tell that I am sad and that makes him sad. I do not want to burden him. Ugh. Please, please, please make this feeling go away.

I Don't Know What the Problem Is????

2012-01-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

I know what is good for me, I just don't seem to be doing it. I am stuck in frozen-ness. I hope it moves along quickly, because I need to get moving. Not a good day, not a good night. The good news is that tomorrow is a new day.

A New Years Non New Years Resolution

2012-01-02T22:52:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011!!!

I have been following Christie's blog for several years. http://www.keirajoy07.blogspot.com/

I was involved in helping bring Keira home. I participated in her idea of No Spend September. And now....I am on board again. My weight loss story is a long one. I have seriously lost over 200 pounds in my life. I am not a naturally thin person. But I have been thin many times in my life. Sad to say this is not one of those times. I weight 180 pounds now, the heaviest I have ever been.

The first time I lost a significant amount of weight was my senior year in college. I was going through my first and hopefully only period of serious depression. Looking back on it, I think I just was nervous about graduating and not being in a relationship. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life and I had always dreamed of getting married an having kids. That was what I really wanted to do. I had spent a few years living in a sorority house (Delta Delta Delta) at the University of Southern California. The college pounds had crept on and I didn't like it. I joined Diet Center. I was so obsessed with it. When I decide to do something, I do it ALL the way. I and all black or white. Extreme. The diet was very extreme, about 900 calories a day. I would get up every single morning at 5 am and drive about 25 minutes to get weighed in. I lost about 45 pounds in a few short months. I was a size 2. Not a realistic weight for me. Upon graduating from college, I went on a cruise in the Mexican Riviera with my mom and my grandmother. I met the man of my dreams on the ship. He was a young disc jockey working for Sitmar Cruises at the time. It was really love at first sight. The cruise that I was on was his last cruise. He was living in LA as did I. We became inseparable as we started a new life together. We were engaged in 2 years and married in 1989, After we got off the cruise, I was happy. I started to eat more like a normal person and I gained most of the weight back. I joined Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem. I would lose and gain and lose and gain. Always a yo yo.

When we got engaged, I was about a size 8. I think that is where I should be, a size 8. In 1992, I had our first child Amanda. I gained 60 pounds with that pregnancy. Post delivery, I joined Weight Watchers for the first time. I lost most of the weight from my pregnancy. I would say I got down to a size 10. Then came my second pregnancy. I tried to control myself this time and managed to only gain 25 pounds. Post delivery, I joined WW again. I lost a ton of weight. I was back down to a size 2 again. I was obsessed, you know black and white. When Adam was 2, my marriage was falling apart and my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. I started to lose my will and desire and gained all the weight back, and then some. Back up to a size 12. I can't really remember the next couple of years. I got divorced and my father died, with my in my house alone. I went through a period of time when I suffered PTSD. It was a tough time. I was heavy. Out of control. I decided to take my life back and get healthy. I started out to do a cleanse. I decided to only eat raw fruits and vegetables. You know I have mentioned that I am extreme. I do not do things lightly. I lost about 50 pounds and I was back down to a size 2. I was an exercise freak. 2-3 hours a day. But as the yo you queen, I couldn't keep it off. This time, it was injuries that side lined me. I have this thing about me that if I can't do it all, then I can't do it at all. It is bad. I got plantar faceitis in my foot. Then my neck and arms started to hurt. I knew that I had 2 herniated disks in my neck for a long time. But my extreme exercise had made it much worse. I had to stop working out. I also started a new job. A job where I sit behind a desk alllllll day every day. I didn't make time to exercise or to eat healthy. I gained it all back and now I am a size 12 again.

I recently had spinal/neck surgery to correct 3 herniated disks in my neck. It was a major surgery. I have been limited in the amount of exercise and mobility that I have been able to do. I know that, and yet I feel like I have used this as an excuse. In the meantime, right before the surgery, I feel down a flight of stairs and broke my ankle. It has not healed correctly and really hurts. It hurts more than my neck. As a matter of fact, my whole body hurts. I know that part of it is just being so inactive for so long. And I am miserable. I hurt all over. I am getting older and it is not good to be this sedentary. My cholesterol is high again. My doctor is worried about me. I look at pictures and it stresses me out. I am single and I don't want to be forever. But I am so insecure with the way that I look that I don't present myself to men. This crazy roller coaster has to stop. So that leads me to where I am now. A New Years Non New Years Resolution.

My goal is to control my extreme behavior. I do not need to be a size 2 again. That is not a place that I can stay. But, I do need to FEEL better both physically and emotionally. I don't want to be trapped. So, I am joining this blog friendly world for support. I am taking baby steps. If you are reading this, the one thing that you can do for me is to remind me to keep taking the baby steps. NO EXTREME BEHAVIOR. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. So for today here are my goals.

1. Start physical therapy and start getting strength.
2. 30 minutes of cardio 3 days a week. I was given a year long membership to 24 hour fitness right around the corner from my house. I will go this week and get a tour and learn about the equipment.
3. Drink water.
4. Journal
5. Eat healthy. Not extreme

ONE DAY AT A TIME. Slow and steady wins the race. I can use all the support I can get.

This was the last time I was skinny!!!

I was so healthy!!!

My sister and me last month in Mexico. I am on the left

If you are at all interested, I blogged about my last weight loss in May 2008. You can read about it if you want.

No Spend September is..... well Almost October

2011-09-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

I would like to say.....WE DID IT. We made it through September with very limited spending. I am amazed and my new level of consciousness in terms of spending. My ideas of what is necessary and what is not, what is expensive and what is a good deal have really changed this month. I have learned to do without, or wait. A new concept for me most of the time. I will say that I really value this test of wills and test of stamina. Christie, bring on the next challenge. I am in!!!

Some Much Going ON...

2011-09-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

So much has been going on. Work has been just crazy. I have been suffering with a lot of back and shoulder pain. It has made things super hard to do. But I move along anyways, well cause what are my choices.

I would give myself a C- on the spending front. While I certainly haven't been spending much, I haven't been perfect. When I am in this much pain, I do what I can to make things easier. So we haven't eaten out, I haven't gone shopping, but I have bought the bag of lettuce instead of the head of lettuce. More expensive, easier for me. It is that kind of stuff that really adds up. But I am still way more aware of my spending than I was a month ago. Christie, I have you to thank for that. So THANKS!!! This mama's checkbook thanks you too!!!

I am struggling with getting Adam to realize that studying doesn't mean that you look at it once. I hope he realizes this before it is too late. It is an important year for him, lessons are hard in life. I have taken the horse to the water......I sure hope he drinks. before dehydration sets in!!! Does anyone get that? Amanda continues to amaze me in every single way.

Love to all!!!
L

More J Lo Pics

2011-09-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Amanda is so excited. Here are some of the items that she has ordered.

Short But Sweet

2011-09-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

Amanda in her new JLo fur lined vest

We had a great weekend with Amanda. It was short but sweet. We got to hang out and relax. One of the most favorite things that we did was go to Kohls. And Ladies and Gents... WE SPENT NOTHING. My ex husband and Amanda's dad is J Lo's publicist. Jennifer Lopez just opened a new line of clothing, accessories, shoes and home items at Kohls. Mark (Amanda's Dad) told Amanda to go to Kohls and pick out anything she wanted, take pictures of the items, and he would have them shipped to her. OMG OMG. R u kidding me? As a matter of fact, when we were talking to him on Saturday, Mark was with Jennifer and she was so excited that we were at Kohls looking at her line. So as any 19 year old college student would do, Amanda picked out a new purse, some heals (which i don't know how anyone could walk in), some boots, and a bunch of clothes. I will post some pics as soon as Amanda sends them to me. It was really very exciting,

In other news, MY USC FOOTBALL TROJANS won the game on Saturday. That always makes me happy.
I am not happy that Adam is coming down with a sore throat and cold. That is so hard since he is taking AP Biology and has to be in class so early in the morning. I am hoping it comes and goes super quickly.

I have a busy crazy work week. I could use a ton of support. So leave me a comment, I love to read them.
Have a great week yourselves.
L

AMANDA IS HOME!!!!!!

2011-09-16T21:47:00.001-07:00

My daughter Amanda is home from college for the weekend. I really couldn't be happier. We are watching girly shows tonight and hanging out. I have two certificates for massages tomorrow and so we will indulge. I am back on the wagon in terms of spending. I was a good girl today. I didn't even beat myself up too much for yesterdays "spending mistake". That is a huge accomplishment for me. I am so excited for a fun filled relaxing weekend with my baby girl.

I Have Fallen Off The Wagon

2011-09-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

I hate to admit it, but it happened. I didn't mean it to happen. It just did. That's what happens when I am over worked, under paid and TIRED. TO THE BONE TIRED.

Adam and I spent $20 at Pho today for lunch. I felt bad, (for a small short second). Then I ate up. It was delicious. I have remorse. I feel like a failure. But there is always tomorrow. Where I plan to get back on the bike and try again.

Still On!!

2011-09-14T22:39:00.001-07:00

Still On!
Still Not Spending!
Still SO BUSY!!
More later

A Day to Remember September 11, 2011

2011-09-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

It was 10 years ago today that I remember watching the worst terrorist acts that have ever happened to the United State of America. It was a dark time for me and my family. My dad was battling stage 4 lung cancer. My mother wasn't able to take care of him, so he was living with me. I believe this period of time may have been the darkest period of my whole life. The events of September 11 were too much for my dad to handle as he was struggling to breathe. I remember being so scared, scared to the deepest part of my soul. My dad died October 22, 2011. Just 5 weeks after the 9/11 attacks. Even after 10 years, when I go to this place in my mind, I get chills. I suffered post traumatic stress disorder from watching my father take his last breaths with me, alone in my bed. I have great memories of my dad. He was my special person. He and I were really connected, more than my other siblings. I was a true daddy's girl. We will have a big celebration this year on October 22 to celebrate my dad, Arthur Paul Greenfield.

On the spending front, it has been a tough couple of days. I spent $60 at the USC game yesterday. I had my 8 year old god daughter with me. She was here for her first ever football game. So when she asked for the $8 funnel cake, the $6 frozen lemonade etc. etc. etc I said yes. Cause what else is a spoiling dotting God Mom supposed to do? A couple more fun things about the game. My sister texted me that my little 10 year nephew Ben was at the game too. What were the odds that out of the whole LA Coliseum, that we would be in the same section, only 20 rows apart. It was so cute to go up to Ben and surprise him. He knows how much I LOVE USC football. He was so proud to have me there. And of course, WE WON. At the last seconds of the game. I really don't enjoy games that close. FIGHT ON!!!!

But, I am proud of myself in that my local super market was having a %50 meats sale today. I spend $99 on the week's necessary groceries. But included in that $99, I bought enough meat, chicken and pork to last a couple of weeks. It is all resting nicely in my freezer. I have a whole chicken in the crock pot as we speak. It will be used for meals ALL week. I am so happy as I have a crazy work week ahead of me.

Day 8 and 9 - A Little Blurry

2011-09-09T19:33:00.001-07:00

THe past two days have been super busy. I left the house yesterday at 6:40 am and got home at 9:20 pm. Work, work, work.....After work my mom needed help with her computer printer so I went to her house to help her. She ended up taking me to dinner and we got Adam something to go. It was awesome. There was a BIG power outage here in So Cal. I had power but my sister didn't. She and her family live 2 miles away and they didn't have power. They came over and made dinner at my house. It is so nice that we live so close. The school districts ended up canceling school today. The kids were thrilled. Adam left for camp this morning early. I know he is going to love it. It is one of his favorite times of the year. Last year he was 5 days out of surgery and didn't get to participate, even though he went to camp. So he is super excited this year.

In terms of not spending, it has been so busy, there has been no time at all to spend. I did give Adam some money to take with him since he was driving about 4 hours away. I didn't want him not to have any money. He will bring it back if he doesn't need it. He really is such a good boy.

I had a chance to ichat with Amanda tonight. I really miss her. She is so amazing. She is doing great and loving college life. My best friend is coming in from Nor Cal with her husband and daughter tomorrow am for the USC football game. I am going to challenge myself to spend less money this week than I did last week. I LOVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL SO MUCH!!!

I haven't talked about this yet on my blog, but it looks like I will be having neck surgery in November. I have 3 bad disks in my neck that are causing major nerve damage. I have been treating it for about 12 years. My symptoms are mostly in my arms and hands. I have tingling and numbness and weakness. It has gotten so much worse in the past couple of years. I went to the dr. that I have been seeing all these years and he did a new MRI. I need to have an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion of my C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7. I went for a second opinion to a well known surgean at UCI. Then I went to a neuro surgean. He is a Dad from Adam's gym and he is very well known. I have learned that when you are having neck and back surgery it is very important to use a neurosurgean. I really like him. I will be having surgery on November 7th at the same hospital that I had both kids at. I will be in the hospital for 3-4 days. I should be back at work within 6 weeks. I am scared, yet excited. I haven't been able to work out in 2 years and I have gained 40 pounds. I really want to get back into shape and be able to do the active things that I am used to doing. So, I will continue to update as things process. If you know anything about this please let me know. I can use all the help I can get.

Day 7 of the September of No Spending

2011-09-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Southern California is going through a major heat wave right now. I have really tried to keep the air conditioning as high as I can to help save money. I work from home and it is just so uncomfortable. I had to turn it on. And that made for one happy Mama.

Amanda told me tonight that she applied for a tutoring job on campus. She texted me to tell me that got the job. I tell you people, this girl is so amazing. Whatever she puts her mind to, she gets.

Adam came home from day 2 of school with a list of a couple school items that he needed so I went to WalMart to pick them up. It is the one and only time I have gone there and gotten ONLY the items that were on my list. felt so good. I can only imagine the amount of money that I saved. I AM REALLY STARTING TO LIKE THIS. I am looking at it as a challenge and I am starting to think differently. It really is amazing how easy it is to spend money on things that I don't need.

It was breakfast for dinner tonight. Adam thought it was funny, I think I have only served that once or twice ever. He was like, "huh"??? As he ate it all up.

Day Six of No Spend September

2011-09-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day, busy, super busy, but good. Today was Adam's first day of school. He has been home with me for the past year doing an online program for 10th grade. So he was a little nervous to go back to his public high school. Rather, that should read, I was a little nervous for him to go back to his public high school. We have moved about 10 miles away from the school to a different neighborhood so we have to drive there. For the past 15 years, we have lived 100 yards from both the elementary, middle and high school. SO this commute is a little different for us. I was worried about the traffic as it was the first day of school and we have never ever driven to school before. We left REALLY early to beat the traffic. We got there about 45 minutes early and Adam was less than pleased with me. He said, "Mom, I could have slept more!" Typical teenager. So to spend the time, We went to the local coffee shop and I got a large coffee to the tune of $2.19. I know that this goes against my commitment, but I had to do something with the time. Plus, it got me out of the car for a couple of minutes, and away from the nervous, grouchy and tired 16.5 year old son of mine.

He wouldn't let me take any first day of school pictures of him, so as I drove away, I took a couple from my iphone. Not good quality at all, but I will always have them. Now that he is a Junior in high school, my taking pictures on the first day of school days are limited and this mom is not gonna pass up these few opportunities. Adam finished at lunch today, so I picked him up. We ordered in from the local Mexican restaurant and took my mom lunch. She needed help with her new printer so she treated us to a yummy lunch. I have such a generous mother and I love her a lot. We fixed her new printer and ate our yummy lunch at her house. Being that our time is limited now that Adam is not home schooling, we had to get home so he could get organized for school tomorrow. In other words, I put together his binders and folders. Then off to gym he went.

Amanda is doing well at school. She is so responsible and mature. She is going through "moving into the sorority house adjustment syndrome". I don't think she could have anticipated what it would be like to live with 65 other girls in one house. So, she is busy, busy, busy. She barely has time to talk to me:(. I strongly dislike that. But I am encouraging her independence.

So tomorrow is a new day of challenges and rewards. I am looking forward to it!!!

Day Five "0"

2011-09-05T20:24:00.001-07:00

We spent $0 today. Yep that is right. We went to my sister's for a delicious dinner tonight. Tomorrow, Adam will start his Junior year of high school. I can't believe it. We hung out and watched tv and spent to day together. And we spent $0. Mission accomplished.

Day Four Costco Trip

2011-09-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

We are doing well with our challenge. Today my mom and I went to Costco. We had a $150 coupon credit to Costco. Adam starts school this week, so I wanted to get a few things that we needed and I knew that using this credit was a good idea. So my bill came to $146.23 and I used the $150 credit. The difference allowed us to get a hot dog and a diet coke. Success.

Day Three FIGHT ON FOR USC

2011-09-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

We had a great day, minus the severe sunburn, minor heat stroke and a strong sense of uneasiness during the 4th quarter. But my USC Football Trojan pulled out a win, and that is what matters.

Adam and I have a ton of traditions when it comes to these games. We have been going together for the better part of 10 years or more. We park in the same place, do the same walk, watch the band, watch the boys arrive, etc. These traditions have created some of my most favorite memories. But because of our commitment to No Spend September, we had committed to making some changes yesterday. Where we usually park costs $25. We didn't want to pay these fee, so we left way early so we could drive around and look for a free parking spot. But when we got there, we quickly realized that this was more of a lofty idea than a reality. It was just way too crowded, so in lieu of driving around and around for the afternoon looking for a spot, we paid the $25 and accepted it. We had previously discussed the fact that this might be a reality, so we were ok with it.

The game was SO AMAZING HOT. Like I can't even begin to explain it. I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. I didn't like the heat there and I haven't grown to like it any more since I live in So Cal.....AT ALL. But we were baking in the sun. No wind. No cross breeze. You see, it was so hot that when the Goodyear Blimp flew over and created a 2 second spot of shade, the crowd cheered. The coliseum doesn't allow you to bring anything in to the venue. So I had no choice but to purchase some drinks. We spend $15 on water, ice and soda to ensure that we kept out hearts beating. I think I would have spent $1000, it was that hot. It was OMG HOT. We both were really drained and left at the beginning of the 4th quarter. In all our years of going to Trojan football games, I think we have left early only a handful of times. We didn't regret our decision as we made it out before the crowd and got home in time to watch more football. Today I am suffering from a sore neck and shoulders from the 3rd degree sunburn that I got, a hourse throat from the screaming and a happy heart with a victory for my Trojans. Our pocketbook it $40 less, but a significant decrease from out usual Saturday football day. So I would say that is a huge success.

I would also say FIGHT ON!!!

Day Two,,,,And We Are NOT Blue

2011-09-03T00:22:00.000-07:00

We are having a blast with this challenge. You see I do not take challenges lightly. And people who know me may say I am a little extreme. So when I commit to a challenge, I DO IT. I used Christie's breakfast idea this morning and Adam loved it. He said, "Wow Mom, this is like restaurant"!!! Thanks for the recipe Christie. We had dinner at my sister's house so we lucked out there. BUT tomorrow we are going to the USC football game. We have a lot of traditions that we do at these games. We usually spend $25 to park but we are going one hour early to find free parking. And we have budgeted $20 for game time fun. This is a huge reduction from the usual. I will be bringing our picnic lunch and drinks so that will work just fine. I am loving No Spend September.

NO Spend September

2011-09-01T23:28:00.000-07:00

My friend Christie at Bushel and a Peck has challenged me to join her in No Spend September. I am committed to not spending any extra money this month. That means no Starbucks, Chipotle, diet dr. peppers, etc AT ALL. Today was day 1 and I will admit it is hard. As in super hard. I was in the office today and I left the house early. I made sure to take coffee from home since I wasn't allowed to stop for coffee. My boss Dave bought lunch for us so I had that as a treat. My good friend Jenny and I did go get a pedicure that was very badly needed. However, I usually get the $45 one and this time I went with the regular $22. That is cutting back, right? I also decided that we are only allowed to buy anything extra with the spare change that is in the cup holders in the cars. So I drudged up $193 for a diet dr. pepper at Jack in the Box. The spare change is going to run out real quick. Adam is super excited about the challenge. He is my frugal boy and he loves this idea. He said to me tonight, "Hey Mom, that means no Pho this month:. Sigh, yes son it does mean that. And we do love our little Pho noodles right down the street. We also discussed that we are going to the USC football game on Saturday and we will have to bring stuff from home in a backpack, as we will not be purchasing anything. OMG, I have never ever done that before at a USC game. We needed some fresh veggies from the market so I went to the $,99 store and they have a great variety of fresh fruits and veggies. I was able to get a weeks worth of fresh produce for $18. I stopped by the local grocery store to get a few things we needed as well. My local market was having a 50% off on meat so I got two meals worth. So I believe we are set for the week. I made a noodle casesrole this past weekend for Adam to have during the week.

So at the end of day 1, I am surprised at how much I have thought about this challenge all day. It sort of shaped the way I spent my day. I am looking forward to tomorrow to see how little we can spend.

I am Getting Excite, Nervous and Anxious TOO

2011-02-09T22:12:00.000-08:00

So I am sending Adam off to Ohio State for a colelge visit. I simply can't believe that Adam is looking at colleges and Amanda is turning 19. How the heck did that happen? Amanda will turn 19 on Saturday, February 13. She and Kendall and Katelyn (two new and wonderful Theta Friends) are driving home to Newport for the weekend. It will be a blast. I will of course have the house all Birthdayed up and ready for a grand celebration. Adam will leave on Friday morning. He will have to switch planes and figure it all out. I know he can do it. I can tell he is sort of nervous but wont say anything. And then at 3:00 am, on Saturday morning, Super Shuttle will pick me up and take me to LAX to go to Washington DC for my Ride Along. I am super excited. It is going to be cold and I am even excited for that. It has been a long long time since I have been to the Nations Capital and I am looking forward to it. I know that seeing the sights and sounds will help me to sell the trips. I can also really use some time away. It has and always is super stressful around here. So more later aligator.
L

It Has Been Forever and Ever

2011-02-08T23:40:00.000-08:00

I have been motivated again to write on my blog by one of Amanda's new sorority sisters, Emily. Hey Emily if you have stopped by. I am going to update much more often. It would do me some good to write some thoughts down. Reading blogs has been a big part of my life for the last 8 years. I love that I have started this blog as it is so much fun to go thru and read the past. I am going to move forward from here.

So much to look forward to.

Well Now Where Have I Been

2010-09-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to find myself back here. It has been such a long time. But I am back. I am too tired for much tonight. Just saying hi. I will be back tomorrow, and the next day and I am back. Yippee

Life

2009-12-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

Life is moving on...... most of the time I am happy. Sometimes I am sad and often I am scared. Not much else to say.

MY BABY IS GOING TO COLLEGE!!!!

2009-11-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

Today my daughter Amanda got accepted to her first college, Oregon State University. I am so proud, proud, proud. My baby is going to College

I am Thankful

2009-11-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for my beautiful daughter. Amanda is consideration, kind, thoughtful, passionate, beautiful both in and out. I love Amanda more than words can say. I had a great day with Amanda today. We had lunch together. I am trying so hard to enjoy my time with her since she will be leaving for college soon. I love you Amanda

I am Thankful

2009-11-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for my son. Today he turned 15. I simply couldn't love her more, be more proud, and happy to have such a wonderful and special and spectacular son. Happy Birthday Adam. I wish for you a life time of success and happiness.

I am Thankful

2009-11-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for a new friend that I met. We went to the beach and hung out yesterday. Just a really nice guy. He owns a couple of properties in Long Beach. We hung out, ordered pizza and watched a football game. It is nice to have a new nice friend.

I am thankful for my mom. While we fight at time, she has been an extremely supportive and loving mother. We had Adam's bday party at her house on Friday. Just a group of really nice boys hanging out together have a good time.

I am thankful

I Am Thankful

2009-11-16T22:35:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for the living in Southern California. It is the best place to live. The weather is ALWAYS nice. The weather is never an issue. I love where I am raising my children. It is safe, quiet and wonderful. The schools are spectacular. We are close to excellent medical care, resturants, movies and super shopping. I am thankful for the beautiful beaches, mountains and desert that are close by. I am so very blessed.

I am Thankful

2009-11-12T22:07:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my weekly Weight Watcher meeting. I love spending time with my daughter. It is a great time that we spend together. We learn to eat right, stay healthy and sit right next to eachother the whole time. I am honored. Plus we both lost weight.

And I am also thankful that it has been 2 whole days and Adam and I haven't been in even one argument. I am thankful for that. I am thankful that his back is feeling a little bit better.

I Am Thankful

2009-11-11T23:57:00.000-08:00

I am so very thankful tonight to have had a chance to spend some quality time with my daughter the princess. We have some retail therapy tonight. It was so much fun being with her. She has been so stressed out with college essays and applications. It was nice to see her relax and enjoy being with me.

I am also very thankful for Adam's coaches. As a single mom raising an almost 15 year old boy, times can be difficult. But I know that I just have to mention it to his coaches and they will whip him right into shape. I am so thankful for that support.

I Am Thankful

2009-11-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my friends. Both old and new. I am meeting a large group of my USC Tri-Delt sisters this weekend to go to the USC football game. Some of these friends I see often and some I haven't seen in years. But I am excited and thankful.

I am also thankful for my new work friends. Love them.

I am Thankful

2009-11-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for feeling better. I have been suffering adult thrush. Not fun if you have ever had it. It is so incredible painful. It is getting better. A full 10 days I still can't really eat anything hot or cold, or spicy or salty. But it is getting better. I have also been suffering the stomach flu. I had to get an iv to get better. But the second half of today I felt better. I am getting there.

I am thankful that both my children are gaining their independence.

I am Thankful

2009-11-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

It has been so long since I have posted. I will really try to update more often. Since I have been on last, a lot has happened.

I started a new job. I am now an Educational Travel Specialist with a company named WorldStrides. I get to talk to parents and students about going on fun travel trips to Washington DC and Sacramento to learn stuff. It is awesome. And I love the people that I work with. And I get to work out of my house 4 days a week. It is just perfect

Amanda is all done applying to colleges. We are just waiting on acceptances. We are praying (hard) that she gets accepted to her first choice University of the Pacific located in Northern Cal.

Adam is doing great, a little teenagery. We are working on being respectful. I am not sure I am getting anywhere but I am sure trying.

My sister is doing great and I am so thankful for that.

My mom seems to be stable and that is good.

Amanda and I are doing Weight Watchers together. It is fun to be able to spend some quality time together. I am so proud of her.

I am going to try to post something that I am thankful for each day for the rest of the month.

So today I am thankful have so many smart and helpful friends and family.

FIGHT ON.... from the couch

2009-09-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

As you are all well aware, I am a little obsessed with USC Football. I have session tickets, and i am not sure that I like anything more than a USC football game. But, life has been a little crazy lately and I am tired. Just simply tired. So Adam and I are in our pjs and on the couch. I am comfy and happy. We are watching football and I couldn't be happier. Well, yes I can. If USC wins tonight.

FIGHT ON

Alec Greenfield Wakeboard Camp 2009

2009-08-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

My beautiful nephew is an amazing boy. My brother sent me these pictures of him at camp last week. I had to share them.

A Wonderful Fourth of July

2009-07-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Every year, for the past well........millions of years...our family has been going to Coronado Island off of San Diego for the Fourth of July. It is just a wonderful place to spend the Fourth. This year was a little more mellow than we have had in the past. The kids are getting bigger and older and more independent. Here are some pictures to enjoy.

My sister Carolyn, her wonderful husband Chris and me.

Our crazy friends Mark and Morgan Walberg sporting their red, white and blue

Amanda and Adam going the wrong way.

My handsome boy and me in the park.

My beautiful daughter and me at the annual 4th of July Parade

Since I have lost 55 pounds, I will allow myself to be

photographed in my bathing suit.

Like mother like daughter.

The only problem is the massage train

is when you are in the back.

Adam's Middle School Graduation

2009-06-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today was Adam's Middle School Graduation. It was an awesome day in Southern California. We walked over to campus. Enjoy the pictures. I am so proud of him.

El Toro Graduation

2009-06-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

Our really good friends Daphne and Vicki graduated from El Toro High School. We went to the ceremony on Saturday. Here are some pictures to capture the moments. We love you both and are really proud of you.

I Am Blue

2009-06-08T22:05:00.001-07:00

I am blue tonight.
Can't seem to get my head and heart around it.
I am blue tonight.
I know that I have so much to be thankful for.
I am blue tonight.
I feel guilty feeling badly cause I am so blessed.
So, why and I so blue tonight.
I want to be self sufficient,
I want to be secure,
I want to be needed
I want to be...
I am just so blue tonight.
I hope tomorrow I am a different color.

Oh Where Oh Where Will Amanda Go?

2009-06-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

This looking at colleges and figuring out where she will go is much harder than I thought it would be. For a long time, Amanda thought she wanted to go to University of Oregon. Then we went and visited and there is no way. It just wasn't the place for here. She does like Oregon State University. It is just out of state tuition that has me shaking in my boots. I know that she will get aid, but we will see.

So here are the choices of schools that she is interested in as of today. Now of course you do realize that these change daily.

The University of The Pacific - Stockton, California (Private and also a fortune)

Chico State - Chico, California ( Between Sacramento and San Fran) Public and great education program for students who want to become teachers

Sonoma State University (In the San Fran area) Small, public and beautiful

California State San Luis Obispo (very popular among kids that live in our area) public good school of education

Oregon State University - A plane flight away. Nice beautiful hometown college campus. expensive due to out of state tuition.

Here are some schools that Amanda has listed recently:

Arizona State University

University of Arizona

University of Indiana

LSU

University of Colorado, Boulder

There is so much to think about. It is actually overwhelming to me. I have enrolled Amanda is a 5 session college seminar this summer. They will help her with the college essay, applications and narrowing it down to where she wants to apply. I feel good about getting some help in this process.

I graded the senior projects at Corona Del Mar High School today. There were 8 kids that I heard. These are the schools that the 8 kids are going to:

Harvard (2)

University of California Berkeley

USC

University of San Diego

Culinary Institute in New York

Art Intstitute in San Fran

Tuft on a Lacrosse Scholarship

I tell you these kids are amazing. I am so proud to know that Amanda is with some of the smartest and most inspiring kids in the nation.

I Have A Lot of Catching Up To Do

2009-06-05T23:26:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot going on here, and yet not a lot. The kids have been busy finishing up the school year. They have finals coming up. So while they are busy, I am not. I have been looking for a job. But I think I may just go back to working with my brother-in-law. The money is good and the hours are so flexible. We will see.

Poor Little Emma

2009-05-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

I took Jake and Emma for a walk just now on the greenbelt behind our house. We always play with the neighborhood dogs. This little schnoozer just attacked Emma. She has a big wound on her neck and it is bleeding. I washed it off and put some neosporin on it. So scary. I will post some pictures soon.

Up ALL Night

2009-05-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

I thought I bought decaf.....NOPE I was up all night. As in didn't sleep one wink. Not even kidding. I finally fell asleep at 5:20am. Ya, I sure am tired.

Relay for Life

2009-05-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of Amanda. I know I always say that, but I feel like I am so truly blessed with this daughter of mine. She is a member of a leadership group at school called PAL. Peer Assistance Leadership. They participated in the Relay for Life here in Newport Beach. Amanda had a truly amazing experience. She walked 2 miles in memory of my dad, Papa. I ran 8 laps as well. She took some amazing pictures. I am just speechless about this girl of mine.

PEACE

CURE

HOPE

CDM PAL

CELEBRATING PAPA

ART GREENFIELD

The Earth Was Shaking

2009-05-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

We had another earthquake last night. It was a 4.7, but felt much bigger. We were all at my sister's house for a bday dinner for ME. Yep, a whopping 44 years old today. I am making it a good day. Going to lunch with Char, Carol, and Julia. The old stand by friends who really care.

Signing off from a shaky Southern California.

Happy Saturday

2009-05-16T23:17:00.001-07:00

The Silver Pool was officially opened this weekend. A couple families from St. Marks came over and enjoyed the pool. Here is a really cute picture of Brooks. Enjoy

Junior Olympics and AP Tests

2009-05-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of Amanda. She has weathered such a difficult school year. Her classes have been so hard. She took her AP Physchology test today. She is finished and I couldn't be more proud. She has to take some more finals and the ACT test in June. But she has climbed the ladder and is almost to the top. She and her best friend Brooke when to a big outdoor concert here in Irvine. They had a blast.

Adam, my mom and I went to Cincinnati for the Junior Olympics. I am so proud that Adam made it to the second day of competition. There are over 4500 boys that compete in the United States at Adam's age. He qualified to compete with the top 350 boys in the country. He qualified to compete in the second day with the top 35 boys. He placed 22 in the country. I couldn't be more proud. Adam broke his finger on the seond event. He continued to compete that day and the next. What a stud.

Mimi, Adam, Kevin Tran and Marty

Out finale dinner at Mortons. Thanks Mom

Adam's middle broken finger

Adam won first place in his meet.

My mom with Adam and me.

The Azarian Gymnasts.

The Duke Energy Center

Adam's Pdar routine.

Adam's Rings Routine

Junior Olympics and Amanda is Awesome

2009-05-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

I have to say how proud I am of Amanda. She has been working so hard on her school work. This Junior year in high school has been a killer for her. But she is hard working and determined. I am so proud of her.
Adam and I head off to Cincinnati, Ohio tomorrow for the Junior Olympics. I will let you all know how he does....I am sure AMAZING.
Have a great week.

A New Update and A New Camera

2009-04-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

Well life is proding along here very nicely. We are busy trying to stay afloat. Amanda is desperately trying to finish 11th grade, and not without a lot of drama and tears. This school year has really taken it out of her. I CAN'T wait for her to be done. It really has been hard. Adam is very teenagery. I don't think I need to explain that at all. Work has been painfully slow. And on and on and on.
But the exciting news of the day is that I got a new camera. I am so excited to start taking some new photos tomorrow. So check out the post tomorrow for some new photos with my new camera.

Adam is a Regional Star

2009-04-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't had time to update on Adam's Regional Competition. He competed in the beingging of April. The venure was located in Chandler, Arizona. It was held in a very large barn like tent. It was huge. Adam and Kevin were the only boys that were competing in his session. Unfortunately, Marty broke his foot the Tuesday before the meet. All the upper level boys came to watch Adam and Kevin. Both coaches were there supporting both Adam and Kevin. The boys started on High Bar. Kevin went first, as in very first in the whole meet. Kevin fell on his vault catch. It was horrible. Adam had to go next. He did a great job. Adam did just a great job for the whole meet. He did 6out of 6 events. He had the meet of his life. Here are his scores.

Floor 13.7
Pommel 12.5
Rings 12.65
Vault 14.3
Pbars 13.0
Hbars 12.2
All Around 78.35

He placed 12th all around. He placed 10th on floor, 1oth on pbars and 7th on vault.
I was a nervous wreck to say the least. It was the best day ever. Adam qualified for Nationals that will be held in Cinncinati, Ohio the first week of May. We can't wait

The Rainy and Wonderful Northwest.

2009-04-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

Amanda and I had a wonderful trip to Oregon. We left early and flew into Portland. Our trip was smooth. I slept the whole flight. We rented a car and that went smoothly also. We went to Ronna's house. It was so much fun to see her and Mike along with Ravyn and Charolette. Ravyn and Amanda got along so well. It was so fun to see.
On Friday morning, Amanda and I got up and drove to Eugene to visit The University of Oregon for Duck Days. Both Amanda and I were fairly sure that she was going to end up at The University of Oregon. We had a nice drive down there. It was about 2 hours. Amanda loves the rainy weather. It was overcast most of the time, but didn't really rain too much. We got to UofO and parked. We had a little time to look around. Neither Amanda or I was very impressed right from the beginning. The campus is old, but not old and nice old, old and not nice old. We went to the meeting for Duck Days. Amanda finally realized how big and scary going away to college is. We met with financial people, enrollment people, greek people. It wasn't what she thought it would be. We sat through a meeting for the school of education. It would take Amanda 6 years to get here undergrad degree there and a preliminary credential. Then she would still have to go back and get her masters to clear her credential. So we decided that this was not the place for her.
We went back to Mike and Ronna's for a relaxing evening. We got up early the next day and drove to Seatlle. We visited a small Catholic campus called Seattle University. We stopped at a little burger place that was called Dick's. I even ate a burger. WOW. The girls liked it. Then we drove to Unviersity of Washington. It is so beautiful and right in the middle of Seattle. We drove the whole campus. The girls were interested in the fraternities and sororities. They even knocked on a frat door and was given a tour. We took tons of pictures.
We checked into our hotel. The bed sheets were dirty and one had a pube on it. We demanded that we switch hotel rooms. We went shopping around Seattle and had a great dinner. Amanda pretended that it was her bday so she got a free dessert. Yum-o
In the morning, we went to Pike's market. I just love it there. We walked around and I loved it so much. The girls shopped and then we headed back to Portland. In the morning, we drove to Corvallis. Oregon State University. We all loved the campus. We had a great day. We saw the dorms, campus and all the greek houses. Both girls are really interested in that campus. I think it might be right for Ravyn. However, I think Amanda will end up staying in California.
The trip made Amanda and me realize that there are a lot of colleges here in California that Amanda needs to take a look at. We are going to be going and doing that this summer.
We flew back home early the next morning. The flight was smooth. We were trying to get home so Amanda could go to Chemistry. However, the car wouldn't start. We had to wait for a tow truck and BT picked us up. It was a great trip. Pictures to come. Gotta find them on the computer

A Double Back Flip and a Big Fall

2009-03-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

I feel like many times I document all the bad things that happen in our live. Therefore I am going to try to update the blog more often. But for today, I have another story about Adam.

Amanda and I got back from Oregon on Tuesday. Our plane landed in Long Beach at 9:30. However, the car wouldn't start. So after AAA came and jumped the battery, they had to tow the car to the dealership. So we spent another extra 3 hours in the Long Beach Airport parking lot. I was so tired from the trip, the wait and the anxiety of being away from Adam for almost 1 week. We finally got home and I squeezed Adam from head to toe. I missed that boy soooo much.

That night, I went to Adam to gymnastics practice. He has a big competition next weekend. I mean BIG. So the team is preparing really hard for this competition. The other parents and I were watching the boys on the floor exercise. Adam starts his routine with a run into a double back flip. He under rotated and fell from about 10 feet high directly on his back and head. The coach was there instantly, along with several other parents. I was held back in the waiting area. Adam tried to sit up right away. The coach sat him right back down. He seemed ok. He laid on the floor for about 10 minutes with ice on his head. Then he was right back up and did about 1 more hour of gymnastics. I was a nervous wreck. I called the doctor because he had a clear bloody runny nose which apparently can be leaking brain fluid. So after one hour, we left the gym.

I took him directly to the ER. He had a cat scan of his head. He didn't have any symptoms of a head injury, but I am one who can't take any chances. The cat scan showed no head injury, but he does have a sinus infection. So we came home with an antibiotic for his sinus infection. I always think that better safe than sorry is the way to go.

So Adam went back to school and back to gymnastics yesterday with no problems at all. As a matter of fact, he isn't even sore at all from the fall. He says the only thing that hurts him is his big toe. OMG, is the kid made of steel?

Check back soon, I am going to be posting an awesome post about our trip to the Pacific Northwest.

Back to Back and SAT

2009-03-15T15:12:00.001-07:00

I am so proud of Amanda. She studied hard and took the SAT yesterday. We will get the results in about 2 weeks. I am so proud of her.

Adam competed at the State competition yesterday in Riverside at Pioneer High School. He back has been so bad. The MRI results showed a herniated disk in his L-3/4 and a spondy in his L-5. But he pulled through.

They started on pommels. He fell off. 10.3
Rings 12.1
Vault he stuck in 13.45
pbars excellent 13.65
hbars 11.8
floor excellent 13.45
aa 7th place alternate for the all star team. Kevin Tran and Marty both qualified for All Stars. It made Adam bummed but he handled it ok.

This week Amanda and I will go to Portland, Oregon to visit the campuses of University of Oregon, Oregon State University of The University of Washington in Seattle. I am excited to spend some quality time with Amanda.

Happy Birthday Amanda "17"

2009-03-09T08:09:00.001-07:00

We had a great weekend in Big Bear.
I can't believe that my baby girl is 17.

I love you Charlie

Vicki, Amanda, Daphne, Charlie, Adam, Riley and Drianna

Happy 17 Amanda and Happy 11 Charlie

The group making homemade pizzas Yum-O

The girls had a blast in the snow!

What a good looking group!

Charlie is sooo adorable. Happy Birthday Big Guy

Adam's Back

2009-03-04T22:08:00.001-08:00

So Adam's back has been bothering him so much for the past 6 months. After going to the doctor several times, we have decided to have him go on a steroid for 6 days. This will help reduce the swelling in his back. We know that he has a stress fracture in his L-5. He is going in for a MRI tomorrow. This should show exactly what is going on. He is going to take 5 days off of gym. That brought huge crocodile tears from him. But after he worked out tonight, he could barely walk. So I know that we are making the right decision to take some time off. Ugg, the whole thing makes me so worried. He is so devoted to gymnastics. I just hope he feels better soon.

Catching up!

2009-02-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

At has been a busy time here. I had bronchitis. Doing much better now. Amanda is so busy with school. This Junior year in high school is so grueling. So much hard work. I am sooo proud of her. She is doing great. Adam is still doing great in school. He is TRYING to remember to get all of his homework into his backpack to turn in everyday. He has all A's WHEN he remembers to turn everything in . He is a 14 year old boy. His gymnastics training is tough. He is doing 3-4 privates a week along with his usual practices. He is trying so hard to make the National cut. Say a prayer.

We are looking forward to a weekend in the snow next weekend. I will post pictures and an update.
Have a great weekend and a successful week.

Youth and Government and The Palm Tree Classic

2009-02-18T13:28:00.001-08:00

Amanda had a great time in Sacramento on the Youth and Government trip. She left on Wednesday at 2:00. They drive charter buses there. It was a nice drive and she claimed to be relaxed and all was well. She spent the next 5 days wearing "work clothes" (including panty hose). She was on the Board of Education, which suits her perfectly. They stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento. She celebrated her 17th birthday on February 13 while she was gone. She had such a wonderful birthday. The entire 2000 Youth and Government kids sang her Happy Birthday. I had chocolate covered strawberries delivered to her hotel room. It was a wonderful day. They were to return on Monday early afternoon. The weather here in California was terrible. The Grapevine was closed, so the buses had to take the coast. It took them nearly 12 hours to get home. But they arrived safe and sound. I am so proud of her. She is eager to apply to be on the Board of Youth and Government for next year. She is simply awesome. The kids have all of this week off. Amanda is just relaxingand hanging out with her friends.
Here are some pictures from her trip.

Adam was in another gymnastics meet this past weekend. It is a meet that our gym hosts called The Palm Tree Classic. It is the nicest meet of the year. We do such a great job, as a gym. Adam did great. The best he has done all season.

Floor He stuck his first double back perfectly 13.00 2nd place

Pommel Ok Ladies and Gentlemen, my boy stuck a perfect pommel routine, perfect people 12.05 AND HE TOOK 3RD PLACE

Rings 11.95

Vault Nice vault 13.4 3rd place

Pbars 12.35 3rd place

Hbar 11.00

all around 73.75

Super Bowl 2009

2009-02-02T11:25:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl 2009 was a blast. We had a big party at my sister's house. We made chili both with beans and wthout. We had fresh veggies, bread, chips and homemade guac as well as salsa. Most of all we had a ton of kids, mostly teenagers. The were in and out of the house, garage and jacuzzi. It was a blast. We were sad to see Arizona come so close and not get it done. But so proud of them.

February is a monh full of birthdays. Yesterday was my niece Elizabeth's 13th birthday. A teenager. I can't believe it. And this Saturday, February 7 is her Bat Mitzvah. I can't wait. I will have tons of pictures to show you next week.

Today is my sister Carolyn's birthday. Hapy Birthday CC

February 13 is Amanda's 17th birthday. She will be in Sacramento on her Youth and Government trip. I am excited for her.

Well more later. Have a great week everyone.

Lauren

I am so Proud of Amanda and Adam

2009-01-27T14:02:00.000-08:00

So I left Amanda this weekend with some friends while I was away. She is so responsible and wonderful. She did a great job taking care of the house and the dogs. I am sooo lucky.
Adam's gymnastics meet went well. Most of all I am so proud of the way he has grown up and become so mature. He had a rocky time on a couple of events. However, he handled himself so wonderfully. He kept it together and pulled through.
Here are his scores for memory sake.
Floor 13.6 5th place
Pommel 8.9 not his best performance
rings 10.4 he missed a skill and repeated a skill
vault 13.4 8th on vault
pbars 12.2 4th place
hbar 11.4

San Fran Here we Come

2009-01-22T08:55:00.001-08:00

Adam, Mimi and I will leave early tomorrow morning for another gymnastics competition in San Francisco. Stanford University to be exact. It is a great meet. We are going to go into the city on Friday and have lunch at Scoma's. It was one of my fathers favorites. Then we will head to Stanford, check into our hotel and watch a lot of gymnastics. There is a NCAA meet as well. We will get to watch some of the college boys that we know. I am really looking forward to it. So today consists of lots of laundry and packing. Got lots to do. I will post pictures when we get back.

Barrack Obama The New President

2009-01-20T22:50:00.000-08:00

It is January 20, 2009. I have witnessed the first black American presidential inaguration. I was impressed, inspired and amazed. Both Amanda and Adam watched his speech from school. What an amazing day in history.

Adam's First Level 9 Competition

2009-01-19T13:08:00.000-08:00

My mom, Adam and I traveled to Las Vegas this past weekend for the Vitaly Shcerbo Gymnastics Meet. Adam did a great job in the meet. So that we remember them, here are his scores.
Floor 12.45 7th place didn't hold press
Pommel 10.45 almost made it just didn't hit dismount
Rings 11.65 7th place and he even screwed up on the L hold
Vault 13.35 5th place he took a small step
Pbars11.35 fell off on perouette
Hbar 12.025 First Place

We stayed at the New York, New York. It was fun. I stayed up late Saturday night partying with the parents and coaches. It was a good time. My mom took me and Adam to see the Cirque de Soliel Beattles LOVE show at the Mirage. It was an amazing production, one of the best I have ever seen. The soundtrack is so fun to listen to. We were able to go with our friends The Trans to a real Chinese Dim Sum resturant. My mom loved it.

Youth and Government

2009-01-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

Amanda left in the middle of the night on Friday for her Youth and Government retreat. They call it Bob II. Not sure what the Bob means, but she was really looking forward to it. They travel by bus to Paso Robles, California. They stay in army barracks. About 2000 California high school students take part. They simulate taking over the California government. In February, she will travel with all the same children to Sacramento where the kids will actually take over the government and capital of California for the week. She will be there for her birthday, February 13. She will turn 17. I can't believe it. She has joined the Department of Education. It is a good spot for her as she really wants to be in education. She has been attending meetings to discuss education. I am really impressed with the program. It is sponsored by the YMCA. I will post some pictures when she gets home.

Someone.....Please

2009-01-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I made it a New Years Resolution to be better about keeping the Blog updated. I have been better about it. And I have not had one, not a single one, comment on my blog. I am feeling lonely and unloved. PLEASE LEAVE ME A NOTE AND LET ME KNOW YOU ARE OUT THERE.

xoxo

STOMP

2009-01-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

Adam opening Mimi's car door for her.

STOMP

My mom and I took Adam to see Stomp today. I of course forgot my camera. I did take a couple of pictures from my phone. It was AMAZING. Just AMAZING. I love this time together, making memories that will last forever.

I am Back In the Game

2009-01-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I am technologically connected again. As previously mentioned, my computer was stolen. Ya it was such a bummer. Luckily, I was smart and have a back up hard drive. After I stopped staring at a wall and came to my senses, I took myself to Best Buy and bought a new computer. I spent 4 hours with my IT guy and another 4-5 hours updating, loading software and getting the new computer just the way I need it. I had it about 50% there. I was so exhausted. I was working on the new computer in my bed. I fell asleep. I woke up at 3:30 am. I turned just slightly to my left to place the computer down. I accidently knocked my water over and completely soaked my new laptop and my phone. After I came to my senses, AGAIN, I went in to recovery mode. I tried to dry them off, blow dry them, etc. BOTH WERE DEAD, AS IN NOTHING, NADA, COMPLETELY BLACK SCREEN. I got back into bed and try to think of what the lesson is. What am I trying to learn? What, I am listening. I have come up with patience, and recognizing what is truly important. So at 8:59 am, I was at the AT&T store to get a new phone. Purchased. Then on my way to Best Buy. I have to say, the employees at Best Buy were very helpful. They simply got me a new computer. Then I was back off to my IT guy. Yep, 4 more hours, etc. And after all of that I am back up.

All the programs are new and different. It is going to take me a while to get used to everything. But, I am learning patience and perserverance.

Technology is so important, but can be very time comsuming.

My Computer

2009-01-08T09:40:00.001-08:00

Has been stolen. Someone came into my house yesterday and stole my laptop. Only my laptop. I am in mourning.

Boys Will Be Boys....l Guess?

2009-01-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years Everyone,

So far the New Year has been relaxing and enjoyable. We have spent a lot of time watching football and hanging out as a family. Tomorrow, the kids will go back to school and I am sure the craziness will begin.

We had a New Year's Eve party at my mom's house. Adam invited a lot of his friends from the gym. We decorated and made the house festive. Some of the parents came as well. My uncle and his girlfriend were there also. I made some yummy chili and a great salad with corn bread. My mom loved having everyone there.

The boys love to come to my mom's house because she has an apartment over the garage. The boys take it over with all of their games, electronic equipment and wii stuff. I got them a bunch of junk food and they had a ball. Being that it was New Year's Eve, they were a little bit more rambuncious than usual. Well, I guess that late into the night, well actually early morning, one of the boys fell asleep. While Jeremiah slept, the boys decided to shave his eyebrows. Ya not something that I am necessarily proud of, or proud of at all. They had planned it out several days before that. Adam brought his razor and he did the razoring. Steve held the flashlight and the others looked out and were watchouts. I can't believe that my little "angel" did this. Ya right, he is getting so ballsy. I was upset, yet had to control my laughing. I know that boys will be boys, but I think this went way to far. I had to go upstairs and call his mom. Ya not a proud parenting moment. I have to say that Jeremiah handled it sooo well. Very mature. However, I have warned Adam that payback is a !@#$%. He has said sorry. But that can only go so far.

So, I have documented yet another one of Adam's stories for the future. Sometimes, I am not sure I am cut out for this parenting thing.

Happy New Years.

Happy Hanukah 2008

2008-12-22T10:54:00.003-08:00

We had our family Hanukah party last night at my sister Carolyn's house. We had a blast. The cousins all love spending time together. Family is so important.

Amanda, Uncle Andy and Aaron

Amanda and Aaron loving being together

My nephew Alec and Me.

Mimi with some beautiful pictures of Alec and Aaron

Aunt Tissy enjoying Mimi's happiness

Amanda got the Taylor Swift CD that she wanted

Amanda and her BFF Brooke

Alec got a new Nintendo DS.... and it is even RED just like her wanted.

Adam is helping him figure it all out

Mimi and Uncle Andy having a long after dinner talk.

Me and my sister-in-law Christina. AKA Tissy

My adorable nephew Alec

Aaron loved the books that he got.

The beautiful festival with great food, family and wonderful memories.

I am looking forward to many more beautiful years of joy spent together.

Happy Hanukah

Bebe The Gymnast

2008-12-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of my little God Daughter Beatrice Ann Silver. She had her gymnastics recital. Her parents, brother and grand parents were beaming with pride. Enjoy the pictures.

We are all getting geared up for the Winter break. This week went by sooooo slowly. I kept thinking it was Friday and it was only Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. So tomorrow it will finally be Friday. We don't have a lot planned for the break. We will be sticking close to home. Hanging with family and friends. The snow covered Southern California mountains do look like fun. But I think we will visit another time.

Last night I went to a dear friends house. I haven't had a girls night in a long time. It was a blast to visit, laugh and just relax. I really need to do

Amanda is Under the Weather

2008-12-14T13:24:00.001-08:00

My poor baby is sick today. She and Adam got up early and went to Sunday School. I got a call from Adam saying they were coming home. She needed to go to the doctor. Her throat was so sore. Whenever Amanda is tired and over done, her throat hurts. She has already had her tonsils removed as well as her adnoids. Her throat is just her weak spot. However, after an hour and a half at the urgent care, she just has a virus. She needs some tlc and chicken noodle soup and she will be good as new. So she is all propped up on the couch watching TIVO.

Feel better baby girl.

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Tis The Season

This time of year is not always my favorite. I have always be so stressed this time of year. Somehow, I have managed to stay calm, and quiet this year. I guess it is about balance. My holiday cards have been sent out. I have used the internet to do most of my shopping. I am almost finished. Most everything is even wrapped. Amanda of course is such a huge help. She is so responsible. It is amazing.

I decided this year that I would decorate for Hanukah. The kids are always asking me to decorate for holidays. I just think it is a waste of money. But I got in the mood and went to Target. Ok, for all of who are wondering, THERE IS REALLY NO HANUKAH STUFF AT TARGET. There was one little end of an aisle with some Hanukah stuff. If you bought one of each item that was there, it would not have cost you more that $50. So I bought most that was there. We now have Hanukah lights in our window. We took out all of the Menorahs and cleaned them off. They are have candles and look so festive. We have the dreidles out as well. It is fun to see the kids playing with them. We have started to receive holiday cards. We always put them up in the windows. So this year instead of dreading the season, I am taking the bull by the horns and be positive. I am now looing forward to some time with the kids.

We will spend Christmas with Mark's sister and her family in Tustin. We are having a New Years party at my moms house. The kids will each invite some friends. Our friend Amit is coming from Canada for a couple of days. It should be fun. I hope you all enjoy every single minute.

Please leave us a comment. It makes me happy.

Thanksgiving 2008 in Pictures

2008-12-02T11:20:00.001-08:00

THE GIRLS

Carolyn, Mimi, Elizabeth, Tissy, Amanda and Lauren

Michael, Mimi and Jessica

Michael and Jessica

Elizabeth and Amanda did a great job making the mashed potatos

Elizabeth in Drag

Uncle Chris playing with Aaron

Uncle Andy carving one of the 3 turkeys!!

Tissy and Amanda

Amanda and Aaron

Elizabeth and Alec in costumes

Adam is actually Spiderman

THE GREENFIELD KIDS
Andy, Carolyn and Lauren

Ellen, Steve and Chris Kappes

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

Things I Am Thankful For

A - Amanda and Adam

B - BFF Beth

C - My sister Carolyn

D - My Dad I miss him so much

E - Energy

F - Friends and Football

G - Green I am thankful we are becoming more environmentally conscious

H - Happy, I am truly happy

I - I as in ME

J- Jokes

K - Kisses

L - Love I have so many people that I love. And I am hopeful that I will find "LOVE"......soon

M - Mimi my Mom

N - never giving up

O - Openness with myself

P - Pacific Technical Search, Inc.

Q - Quiet

R - Rest and Relaxation

S - stress relievers

T - Turkey, I am hungry

U - USC FOOTBALL TROJANS

V - very very peaceful

W - work outs

X - eXtra time with my kids

Y - Youngs, My ex in-laws

Z - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz as in sleep

My Baby is 14!!!

2008-11-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

Adam had a great birthday. He went to gym and worked out. He got a new skill called a "half in-half out". It is a dismount on rings. It is 2 back flips with 1 twist. He was excited. We had pizza and cookies at the gym with all the team members. Then we went to my mom's house, Mimi. We had 5 gymnasts for the night. My mom has a cool house on the beach in Cornoa del Mar. It has a great bonus room upstairs where the boys hung out. They played xbox, guitar hero, wii, etc. For hours and hours. We bbq'd hamburgers and had mac-n-cheese. Then we went down to the beach for a bonfire with smores. It was simply on e of the best birthdays I can remember. Adam had all of his buddies along with Amanda and her friends Riley, Jake and Daphne. My mom loved it. The boys didn't sleep much, par for the course. I got up and got bagels and they ate and ate and ate. After some clean up, we headed home. It was so much fun.
I love you Adam. Happy Birthday.

Amanda made Adam 2 frozen yogurt pies. They were peanut butter yogurt with reseeses

vanilla yogurt with homemade chocolate chip.

Ya, soooo good.

Amanda and Adam at Corona Del Mar Beach

Adam and his Mama.

Brion Kerry, Kevin Tran, Kevin Wolting,

Jeremiah Delayo, Adam and Marti Strech

Amanda, Riley Lazare and Jake StarnesThis is what the boys ate all night.

School Blackout and the Goingsons

2008-11-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

The kids are home early today as there is a massive black out at their school. So this is what they are doing right now.

Other than that...we are all good here. Just work, school, etc. Amanda started to take SAT prep classes. She is so busy with AP classes, and school leadership classes. Adam is busy trying to keep all A's and still do gym so many hours. I am really excited for Adam's 14th bday this weekend. We are having a beach sleepover party. Yep, you read that correct. The weather here in Southern California has been remarkable. It is suppossed to be in the 80's on November 22, Adam's bday. We are going to play, watch movies and have a beach bonfire. It should be a blast. I will post pictures soon.

Hope all is well in bloggy land.

FFF Family Photo

2008-11-07T10:38:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted much lately. But if you scroll down to the past couple of posts, you can get caught up on the Young Family Goingsons! Enjoy the weekend.

Adam is Famous - Red Ribbon Week

2008-11-07T09:43:00.000-08:00

Last week was Red Ribbon Week. A week dedication to teaching children the dangers of alcohol and drugs. The PTA called and asked Adam if he would speak to the children at the elementary school. He is an athelete and they thought that if someone the kids age spoke to them, they would be able to relate. So Adam got all dressed in his USA jersey and brought several of his medals. It was amazing. He was treated like a famouse star. The kids in the audience were screaming "Michael Phelps". He gave a nice speech about setting goals, staying focused and taking care of what goes in your body. After the speech, there was a line 30 deep for his autograph. It was amazing. I can't think of a better way to raise a 13 year olds self esteem and give him motivation to keep going.

Adam showing his medals

Adam giving his speech

Amanda watching her brother and being so proud!

Waiting for his introduction

What a handsome famous young man!

Adam signing autographs!

Adam with his adoring fans!! (pretty girls)

THE USC FOOTBALL FIELD

2008-11-03T15:22:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned more than once that I REALLY like the USC football team. Beth and I got to go on the FIELD for the game this weekend. It was such a wonderful and memorable experience. I just loved it.

Beth, Elizabeth and me in front of the USC Delta Delta Delta house. I lived there for 3 years.

Beth and Me in front of the Tri-Delt House.

OMG, I am on the field!!!

Me and Beth on the USC football field. Homecoming 2008

Beth had a blast too!

Pete Carroll is sooo dang cute.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

This year Amanda was a USC football player and Adam a ballerina. Ya, I know, they switched genders. Adam and his friend Jack decided at the 11th hour to conjour up a costume. They came up with ballerina outfits. It was cute. Amanda looked adorable in her costume as well.
Enjoy and HAPPY NOVEMBER

My Dad, Papa, Arthur Paul Greenfield

2008-10-22T15:05:00.001-07:00

Today is the 7th Anniversary of the death of my father. My dad was my best buddy. He was such a great dad. I was a big Daddy's girl. He was a kind and loving dad and grandfather. I can't believe how quickly time goes by. It has been 7 long years. I miss him so much. So today Papa has been in my thoughts and my mind as I go about my day. I know he is at peace in heaven, but it sure if hard to be here on earth without him.

I Love you Daddy!!! I miss you Daddy!!!

My dad loved the sunset.

Exercise and Heading to the Finish Line

2008-10-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

So I have blogged before about my weight lose. I have now lost about 44 pounds. I am eager to lose another 8 pounds to get to my goal. I have been struggling lately. So I set a goal to exercise for 30 consecutive days. To start it all off, I set out to take a long walk today. Well I left at 9:51 and got back at 12:05. I knew the route that I wanted to walk, but I didn't realize how far it was. I drove the route afterwards, it is 8 miles. I am so sore. It was awesome though. It is nice to know that I am 43 and can still walk/run over 8 miles. I have to admit that I am EXTREMELY SORE. I think I hurt my hip. But I do know that when I exercise, I feel so much better than when I dont exercise.

On a seperate note, I just love to watch football with my boy. We have been sitting on the couch all afternoon just watching college football. I absolutely cherish these moments.

The Economy and Politics

2008-10-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, I will admit it. I am not the most politically aware American. I do have strong ideas and believes. I have strong opinions. I just don't seem to have the patience to be patient with modern politics. Therefore, election times are difficult for me. This time around, I am really trying to become more educated. So I am listening, reading and learning as much as I can. I do know that I will be voting for Obama.

The other scary thing that is going on right now is the economy. It really makes me nervous. I will continue to educate myself about making good decisions. Just keeping afloat.

I was lucky to have met up with a long time friend, Suzanne Fowler Palmer. Suz and I met in the Delta Delta Delta house at USC in the 1980's. Ya, I know that makes me so old. Not much I can do about that. I found Suzy on Facebook recently. It has been really fun to reconnect. She came into Orange County to attend a business meeting. I had the honor of picking her up at the airport. We had a wonderful dinner last night. This morning, I got to attend a Breakfast for Champions meeting with her at The Island Hotel. What a wonderful event. I just love reconnecting. She is a wonderful soul, one that I truly relate to.

Thanks Suz and I love you!

Sunday... A Day Of Relaxation

2008-10-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

I thought I would update WITHOUT having an injury. Adam's hand and arm are doing much better. I am glad. We have been really busy here. Amanda and her friend Brooke went to an ice show at the USC Gallen Center on Friday night with Amanda's dad. They stayed the night with him. This is great because they don't get to see him very often. On Saturday, Adam and I went with Mark to the USC vs. Oregon game. It was so much fun. I really love going to those game. Plus the score was 44-10 and we had a great victory. Amanda and her friend Driana went to Disneyland with Beth, Bebe, Heidi and Olivia. So cute!!!
USC 44 Oregon 10

Today we are all just home, watching football and getting ready for the week.

Enjoy

That Dang Bee Sting....

2008-10-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we ended up in the Emergency Room last night. Adam's arm got worse and worse. He was developing streaks of infection up and down his arm. The peditrician advised me to take him in to the hospital. So at 11:00 last night, I packed Amanda up with all her gear and dropped her off at a friends house. Adam and I got to the hospital. The peditrician had called ahead. They took us right away. The infection had gotten into his blood stream and needed to be stopped. So they gave him an iv with medicines. After a major dose of benedryl and other medicines, Adam was very loopy and feel right to sleep. The doctors wrote all over his arm to track the infection. They gave him iv antibiotics. We got home around 2:30am. NO school, NO work and No gym tonight. We are seeing his pediatrician today at 2:00. I am hoping to go to my reunion tomorrow in Phoenix. We will have to see how things progress today. He is resting while watching a movie in my bed. He is on benedryl, pepcid, augmenten, advil, a steroid. Yeeks.

Feel Better Little Man!

Bee Sting Update

2008-10-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

So Adam has had a TERRIBLE reaction to Mr.or Mrs. Bee that decided to sting him. I had to take him to Urgent Care today after school. He called me and told me that his arm was huge. Ok, I didn't really believe him. Well, when I picked him up from school and say his wrist, we drove right to urgent care. It is the size of a baseball. The doctor put him on predisone and an anitbiotic. He is also taking advil and benedryl. All for a bee sting. We were informed to get an epi-pen as each time he gets stung he will have a worse reaction. His arm continues to swell and you can actually see the poison move up his vein in his arm. We will return to the doctor tomorrow for a check. CRAZY STUFF HAPPENS HERE IN MY HOUSE.
MORAL OF THE STORY....DO NOT PISS OF ANY BEES!!!

The medicines for A BEE STING......OMG

Bee Stings and HOT WEATHER

2008-10-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

Ok so we have mentioned that Adam is a gymnast. He has been at the same gym for 10 years. In those 10 years, there has been 1 bee in the gym EVER. Of course that 1 bee had to sting Adam last night. He has to be the ONE boy that has an allergy to bee stings. It isn't an anaphalactic reaction. The sting simply blows up the portion of his body that gets stung. So this time, it is his wrist. So he has a small canteloupe sized bump on his wrist. Some ice and benedryl has helped some. The mean mom that I am, I made Adam go to school today. We will see how it looks after school. I am sure he will need an anti-biotic.

Also, IT IS SOOOO HOT HERE. How can it be October 1 and it is 100 degrees outside. It is suppossed to drop 20 degrees tomorrow.

Happy Jewish New Year

2008-09-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Jewish New Year.

For those of you that don't know what Rosh Hashana is I thought I would help you out.

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year.
No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in temple.There is a special prayerbook called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah. It is a time of family gatherings, special meals and sweet tasting foods.

We will have a nice dinner at my sister's house tonight. The children will eat apples and honey. This significes the sweetness of the new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Injury Update: Adam

2008-09-23T09:28:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to update that Adam is doing fine. He had a headache yesterday, but he is feeling better today. I kept him home from practice yesterday just in case.

Thanks for stopping by.

Lauren

A day at the Beach....and the ER

2008-09-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Every year, Adam's gym has a lovely beach party. It takes place at Calafia Beach in San Clamente. It is about 30 south of Newport and about 40 miles North of San Diego. It is a great beach. All the families bring food and drinks and enjoy the day together outside of the gym. It is an important part of being together OUTSIDE of the gym. The kids all swim in the Pacific, play football on the beach and run around. Yesterday, the kids all got together a friendly game of beach volleyball together.
This is where the ER part comes in. I left around 3 to come home and spend some time with Amanda. I got a call from another mom at about 4:00. How is it, that it is always Adam. He and another boy were diving for the ball and hit heads straight on. No blood, just major bonks on the head. Andrew, the other boy, got up right away. But Adam was knocked out for about 1 second. Everyone was fine. They put some ice on it and gave him some advil. However, the parents there were encouraging me to call the dr. since he got knocked out for a second. So, I called and yep, you guessed it. She said I needed to take Adam to the hospital to be checked out. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Nope, just to be safe. So off we went, on a Sunday evening to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. We actually got lucky and they wait wasn't too long. Adam was seen by an ER doc. He is fine. They gave him all the nuerological tests and he seems fine. They said to just watch him and make sure he doesn't act unusual. He ate well, and slept well and hopefully will be fine.
Here are some pictures of the beach. Enjoy your week

Blog Update

2008-09-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted. Just thought I would catch you all up on the happenings here at home.

I went to San Francisco last weekend to visit my BFF Beth and her family. We had a great time. Beth took some pictures of me in my

"I have lost 46 pounds" new body.

AAdam and Amanda are both doing great in school. I am amazed with Amanda's level of responsibility and determination. She is taking both honors and advanced placement class. She is tutoring kids in the neighborhood. They are both teaching Sunday School. I am feeling so honored and privledged to be their mom.
Amanda is so adorable!

Enjoy.

FIGHT ON FOR USC

2008-09-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

USC 35 Ohio State 3

BACK TO SCHOOL!!! 2008

2008-09-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Amanda and Adam went back to school today. It is a great day. They both got the classes that they needed. They got good teachers and both kids are happy. It is all good.
Enjoy the pictures.

Adam is so spicy as an 8th grader!!!

This is what Adam thinks of his mom STILL taking pictures on the first day of school.

And then Adam running away when Mom was trying to take MORE pictures.

Amanda is so pretty and Mom is so proud.

Amanda is being so silly on the first day of school.

What Amanda thinks of Mom taking Back To School pictures.

My beautiful girl!!!

Amanda driving to Corona Del Mar High School.

Goldie Jane Walberg Bat Mitzvah

2008-08-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

We went to Goldie's Bat Mitzvah this weekend. It was at an outdoor chapel in Malibu at Camp Hess Kramer. We had such a great time. The Walbergs are like family.
Enjoy the pictures

Mark, Robbie and Golide

Mark and Robbie Walberg along with Goldie and Morgan

Goldie reading the Torah

Amanda and Adam practicing their torah reading.

Elizabeth, Amanda, Adam and Charlie listening carefully.

Amanda and Brooke looked so pretty at the party.

Adam and Lauren having a fun time.AManda, Adam and Lauren at the party.

MORE PRAYERS NEEDED

2008-08-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

This blog has been a huge source of support for me. I am coming here today sooo sooo sad. Our neighbor and friend, Kevin Hoffman needs love and prayers today as he makes his way to Heaven. Please stop by and support the Hoffman family.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/khoffman

Good News!!!

2008-08-23T21:24:00.001-07:00

Here is the latest update on our neighbor. All prayers are working!

GOOD NEWS! Things are improving...Kevin is starting to open his eyes and move his fingers. Doctors are very encouraged that his motor skills appear to be good. Still too early to tell if there is any brain damage so keep those thoughts and prayers coming.
Doctors brought his body temperature back up to normal and his color is so much better. He was transported to CHOC tonight around 7:00PM by a CHOC Transport Team of 8 which consisted of a cardiologist, a respiratory specialist, 3 EMTs, and 3 nurses. When they picked him up to move him onto the gurney he actually woke up again and they had to sedate him so they could transport him.
He is expected to be at CHOC for 10 - 14 days while they continue testing and check out his plumbing and make sure there are not any problems with his heart. As he was leaving Hoag the doctors were all kidding Richard, Kevin's Dad, that CHOC has probably never had a kid as big as Kevin there. So he may become a celebrity among patients once he arrives.

Prayers Needed

2008-08-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

Amanda will be going into 11th Grade this year. I received an email from her school this morning that a boy in her grade had a heart attacked yesterday. He is 16 years old. I am so sad for his family. He is on life support right now.

They have set up a Caringbridge site for him. I would love it if you would stop by and leave the family a note of prayer and encouragement.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/khoffman

The Happiest Place on Earth - FFF

2008-08-15T12:32:00.001-07:00

We still have a couple more weeks until school starts. Adam has a friend from gymnastics that is in town from Northern California. We spent last night at Downtown Disney. Today Adam is at Disneyland with Bridgette and her mom Heidi. It is a great summer day here.
School starts the Tuesday after Labor Day!!! The kids and I have had a great summer. I will be sad to see it end. They sleep until Noon and enjoy the rest of the days relaxing. WHILE I AM AT WORK:(

Enjoy the pictures.

Health Update

2008-08-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

It has been 3 months today that I started my healthy eating and living changes. I have lost over 35 pounds. I thought I would post some before and after pictures so I can keep myself motivated.

Fat Face before
Fat face before eating too much HOW EMBARASSING!

The new thinner and healthier face!

UGGGGGGGGGGGG!

Much better!

And even a little sassy!

And this pictures just about sums it all up!