Paper Airplanes and Losing Weight

 Ryan pulled out all of his paper airplanes the other day.  They were all over his room and when I first saw them I wanted to throw them all away before he got home from school.  Then I thought twice and knew he would be devastated.  So when he got home I had him line them up on the couch and told him that any planes that got past a certain line he could keep.  Well, we launched 25+ planes and they ALL passed the line.  My boys have learned from the best when it comes to paper airplane making (their dad and uncles).  Ryan came up with the big one on his own.  It is a sting ray.  It doesn't fly as good, but it is pretty cool looking.  So we didn't end up throwing any planes away, but they are all now in a bag in his room, instead of all over the floor.  I love the creativity and how Ryan knew about each of his planes and had a story to tell about each of them (who helped him make them and sometimes even a name).

 When Greg and I got home from our cruise we both knew it was time to get back in shape.  Greg was at 203 and ready to feel lighter.  That was right around the first of December.  He decided to start counting his calories and cutting WAY back on his caloric intake.  He has lost almost 25 pounds and looks amazing!!  While I don't know how he can eat so little, I am so proud that he has stuck it out and is almost to his target weight.    I on the other hand can't cut my calories like that.  I like to eat and cook and so I have been working out 5 or 6 times a week and watching what I eat.  I eat smaller portions, and not as many sweets.  My goal isn't to lose much weight, but to tone my body again.  I have lost 5 pounds and I love the energy and tightness I am noticing in my life and body.  Hooray for us!!

That Mom

On Friday afternoon Annabelle and I were talking about Monday being a holiday and out of no where she asked if she could have a party.  And again, out of no where, the words that came out of my mouth next were, "Yes."  I love birthday parties, but they are a lot of work and I am always relieved when they are over.  Not to mention that the boys' birthdays and parties are just around the corner.  I really don't know what made me say, "yes," but to my five year old I became the nicest mom in the world.  I am normally not THAT mom, but today I became her, at least for a little bit.  We contacted some friends via text and the party was officially on.  I kept thinking of other girls Annabelle's age (there are SO many) and I eventually just had to stop.  I had to tell myself it was okay not to invite every girl.  We had 10 already.  For whatever reason the party wasn't nearly as stressful as a birthday party.  We did crafts, played games, and ate a snack.  Everyone had lots of smiles and seemed to love dancing and playing together.  

 

 

 

The boys were a little confused about the party, not being close to Annie's August birthday.  I hope I didn't start something, but we may be having some sort of boy party come summer or fall. 

As part of my goals for this year, in simplifying meals, I choose this one for Sunday dinner.  It was amazing!! Maybe it was because I had fasted all day, but seriously it was SOO yummy.  Plan ahead though, it cooked all night in the slow cooker and then sat in the fridge all day.  I know, weird, but it was worth it!!

 

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/12/sweet-tangy-brisket/