A couple of pictures I ran across...

I am snitching these photos from friends/family and hope no one minds. Not everyone gets to FB so I figured I post them here and hopefully it is ok!?
My neices Megan and Bea at a family wedding...aren't they BEAUTIFUL?! (in the black and white dresses) and their Mom, my sister, Carlee (the one without the glasses) at the same wedding. Then a couple photos of Chris with his date for Commencement. Missy, whom we love and adore almost as much as Chris himself! They did an all day date and went to the park and cleaned a church building too!:O)

Darla

ewwwww!

Well, I am pretyy definatly sure I have some kidney thing going on.....ewww! the pain is directly in my left kidney and I have been drinking cran juice, taking vit c, got some uristat and chugging on water .... still no relief. ick! danggit! I just pray it flushes through whatever it is, I cannot do sickies right now - not enough time in the day! So, wish me luck with this crud -
Did go to the gym this a.m. but prob not the smartest idea cuz' now I am dying in way more pain... dummy me. Today is weigh in day too - excited to see how we all did in our biggest loser group this past week.
OK I am off for a morning nap (or something) and appt with the heating pad and a long hot bath..... sorry to be such a poop.
Have a good day! It is Wed, almsot thru the workweek!
Darla

**EDITED**
Yup, I went to the Dr and it is a kidney infection to the ummpth degree. Danggit! Dr said I could keep trying to 'flush' it out but I should take antibiotics to get rid of it for real. :O( At least I know what is going on for sure now...

What to do?

Having a slow morning here. Last night my left back side was hurting a bit, I thought maybe I pulled something but now I am wondering if it is not something in my kidney? Anyway, I pushed through it this a.m. and did my gym routine but slacked off BAD!! I did a fairly good ellyptical workout, of course I did some extra stretches (just in case I have pulled something) and then got on the treadmill and wimped out with a wimply 1/2 mile run. ACK! I was hoping to go for a quick jog outside this a.m. before getting ready for work but I am running out of time soooo maybe I'll try this evening? We'll see.
Anyway, I have been very very on track with my fitness and doing pretty dang good with my food choices too. Right now my downfall is cereal. Yes. Breakfast cereal is calling to me and not the good fiber-loaded stuff either - no no no - it is the ChocoPebbles and GoldenGrahms and all that sugar packed junk! UGH! Gotta stop that right now bc it is just blowing off all my hard work and good choices!
I am working full shifts the next three days but Robin sweetly gave me Friday off in turn - it will be nice to spend the day with hubby! :O) Thanks girl! :O)
That is about it for now...guess I better shower and get cruisin for the day. I hope everyone is doing well and remembering to take care of our bodies - we only get one!

HUGS
Darla

(PHOTO is of me *on the phone of course!!* in front of the truck Ed is in love with... the freakin' thing is taller than I am just at the front of the hood!! Can you see me climbing up in that beast? LOL Laugh just thinking of it! DANG it is a hot truck though!!! Oh, and a mer'e $30K... yea, right!)

Gooooooooooooooooooood Morning! It's Monday!

Wow! What an awesome, amazing, fabuloso weekend! I am so worn out and tired but had such a great time! Awesome!
So, today is my day "off" and I have overfilled it of course! I have housework and laundry and yardwork to do, kids to dropoff/pickup and I got roped into working a few hours at the Dress Barn tonight too... day off egh? LOL
I also got up and did my gym routine this a.m. bright and early! Feels SO good to be on routine again. I have been trying to shake it up a bit and do different machines while there - see if I can trick my body into shedding some more lbs? Hmm? I will have to keep trying I guess?!
Another adventure is trying to get out to run again in the great outdoors... the treadmill is so easy-peasy and outside is so much more of a challenge and I need to be going WAY more often than I do!! I am going to try to sneak some running in this week on top of the gym - we shall see!?

Anyway, have a good Monday - stay out of trouble and be good to yourself!
XO :O) Darla

A few pix to share.....

Have had a crazy time the past two weekends, Chris had his Sr Commencement Prom, he went with his good friend Missy (whom our whole family LOVES and ADORES)... we did the Mother's Day thing, the kids were so sweet to me (and we had Baby Noah for the day too! :O)... this weekend was nuts too, we attended a big Dance Party for our dear friend Sofia, an exch student of our best friends Blake and Lisa and their family, that was all night Friday night, we danced for HOURS and HOURS, jumped on the tramp, played games, sang, ate good food,and just had a BLAST... then Soccer all day Saturday and my great niece and nephew over for the night... just lots of fun stuff! Today, Sunday, has been a bit more mellow... but it is still early so we'll see? LOL
So anyway, here are some pix... enjoy!
Darla

Hey all...

Just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a good week! It has been great so far for me... working the new job and loving it - getting caught up on house stuff - squishin' in as much workout time as possible and just being busy! :O) I have some new photos to share but I'll have to do it later... pictures from Chris's SR Commencment Dance, Mothers day and so on.

Have a GREAT day!
Darla

GOOD MORNING! It is MONDAY!

Good morning to you! Hope your all having a fan-tab-l-lous Monday morning, I am up and going, been to the gym and got some of the kids off to school and am having a great start to a new week! Yeahh!
Had a GREAT workout this a.m. - did my weights/strength training and abs and some cardio and then sat in the HOT HOT HOT sauna for 5 min to just relaaaaaaax and man did it feel great!
I work this afternoon but am just happy that my day has started so awesomely!
Hope you have a GREAT day too!

Darla :O)

OH and I have to share my before/after photos of poor Hershey...he was such a furry mess...doesn't he look happy now?! :O)

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!

Having a pretty good day here.... lazy, but good. Kids and hubby let me sleep in, kids made me breakfast in bed (photo) and have been lounging in bed watching tv and taking phone calls all a.m. The younger kids made me some sweet gifts from school, a chinese art symbol, a bookmark and picture frame.... Chris brought me home a flower from Church that he'd actually picked for his friend Missy, but she offered for him to give to me instead :O) it was cute!
Headed over to my sister Lisa's in a bit for brunch - she is making abelskeivers, a round Danish pancake and a big family tradition for our family - so cool!
Later today Tiff promised to go on a (minimum) 2 mile jog and walk with me!! We also have baby Noah here today so things are pretty crazy.
On the health note - I am happy to report I am SLOWLY moving down the number on the scales agian - slowly, but it is at least moving in the right direction!!!

OK so I'll leave you with a few photos... Happy Mothers Day!

Darla

Making progress... I think?!

Finally, after taking a day off from the gym (go figure)
and eating a late night snack of ff/sf jello pudding....
I was down a lb this morning! LOL Love it! Totally cracks
me up - I am so serious - what a bunch of craziness!!!!!!

Maybe I need to take more days off from working out egh? LOL

I am a NEW SOUL...

OK so I keep taking these 'quizes' on Facebook and some are a hoot
but others are rather interesting to me - love ones like this that
kind of really pinpoint who *I* think I really am.....

*********************************************************************************
NEW SOUL
Fresh from the source, you are essentially pure, not given to corruption of self. Instead you feel the kindship of souls, no matter the age. You prefer to unify, to gather others around you to learn from them and to experience a life of joy with them. Beauty is a natural hue of all things, as seen through your eyes, and rarely do you pass severe judgement on others. You are very attuned to the physical, amazed by the power of sensuality and its effect on your senses. People can be confused when you move on to someone new, unaware you are simply free in spirit, not needing the anchors others do. You drink from the fountain of the Earth, enjoying the outdoors, the seasons, the abundance of life, and the passage of days into nights. Music vibrates your soul, and art is a kaleidoscope of visual sensation. Food delights you and friendship is more important than the clothes on your back. You sometimes feel people are cruel but want to forgive them, as you know something in them isn't right. You are often mistaken for an old soul, but you don't feel very old at all! New souls are gifts to the other souls, a reminder that goodness exists naturally and that we all can return to it, even after all the experiences that seem to trample it into dust. We are souls, on a very long journey of becoming.

Wow.....sure makes me think!
:O) Darla

TGIF!

Ti's Friday! Getting a busy day of work in and a nice relaxing evening ahead of me. It is GORGEOUS outdoors - hope I can go for a jog this afternoon! Outside! WOW!!!!

Went to comedy night last night - so fun - love getting out and having good times with friends. Thanks guys!

Alright, gotta get busy.

Darla

Thinkin' Thin Thursday

*sigh* I am so tired.

Thursday morning....
4:45 a.m. up and moving
5:00 a.m. dressed and ready to go
5:15 a.m. headed to the gym
5:30 a.m. working out - RAN 2 MILES STRAIGHT in less
than 30 minutes (beat my own personal best) and pushed
it up to 5.0 at some points - big big deal for me
6:30 a.m. dripping sweat grinning ear to ear
and driving home from gym
6:45 a.m. home, packing lunch for kiddo and
getting him ready for bus
7:00 a.m. tubby time for Mom - ahhhhhhhhh
7:15 a.m. out of the tub, picking out clothes for work
7:30 a.m. computer catch up time and eating breakfast
(fancy schmancy oatmeal from Hungry Girl cookbook)
7:40 a.m. (RIGHT NOW!) need to go get hair done and
get ready to go to work for the day

don't you think there neeeded to be a nap in there somewhere?
GEESH!

Have a GREAT day folks, I already have! :O)
Darla

Cool.......

:O) Thanks Robin - my blog is looking oh so cool and fresh again! You rock!


Just a quick update....been working HARD at the gym and staying in check on foods and have not dropped a single solitary pound of weight. *SIGH* But, it is ok because I know I am doing the right things and it will all come around in good time, right?
Yes? Please, someone validate this for me??? I am starting to lose patience to say the least.

Gym notes. Been alternating running/walking and other cardio every other day with my strength training days. The personal trainer taught me some great strength techniques I have been working hard to perfect. Kicking my own butt pretty much! Sore and tired and sore but feels gratifying when I walk out the gym doors every morning soaked in sweat and worn out. Hey, at least back on early morning routines and really tired at bedtime so I have been sleeping GREAT at night again! :O)

Need to take some pix sometime... then I'll share I guess? LOL I actually noticed some comparisons last night of just last July to current... that is good - right? (validation - remember??)

OK off to settle down for the evening. Take care and check back soon!
Darla

A NEW Goal for Darla...

OK as promised, here I am. Going to update you on life, kids, work all that but also wanted to share a big thing too. For the most part I've been sort of journaling my weight loss and fitness journey here on the ol' blog so I wanted to share this.

I have set a new goal for myself. For months and months I have been targeting a specific goal that has been "out of reach" for whatever reason. Mostly just my own lack of determination and dedication I suppose and yes, I have been able to maintain my weight which *IS* a big deal...but not reaching that magical "one-derland" number has been a week by week, month by month let down for me. So much so that I finally concluded that I was sort of setting myself up for failure. Knowing I'd missed my mark SO many times just makes it harder and harder. So, I set a new goal! OF COURSE I'll be partying in the streets dancing around screaming and hollerin' when I hit the magical roll of the scales down out of the 200 range but now I have a bigger picture. I am going for the gusto people! BIG NUMBER! HUGE MAGNIFICENT FABULOUS GOING FOR IT ALL NUMBER! I want to reach my 100 LB weight loss - and in a fairly good block of time! I have about 25 lbs to lose and I know I can do it but I am going to have to really shake up my workouts and really get strict with my diet. I can do it though - I know I can!!!! :O) So, I will be joining the ranks of "gym rat" soon and will probably spend more time in sweats and my New Balance shoes than anything but that is ok - I just want to reach this milestone SO badly! Cheer me on ok??

As far as kids, and life and home - well, Chris graduates in a month (I know!!!!!). The kids are all doing great in school and keeping us running with all the spring and end of year activities - Tiff is doing track, Dani just goes 100mph and Micheal is a 8 yr old boy, need I say more? Ed is working like crazy and doing his online courses for school - complaining a lot about it but I secretly think he is loving it! Maybe? or not? LOL I am changing jobs *AGAIN* - I started last week working in an Insurance office with a good friend of mine. I will still work occasionally at the dress store (weekends a couple days a month) for now but mostly good ol' M-F 9-5 and no weekends or holidays - THANK YOU JESSUS (as my sister Lisa would say). I am so grateful for this chance to have a job that works well with our family's needs an schedule. It is a HUGE blessing for me.

Ummmmmm...busy summer months coming up. Chris graduates and turns 18 in June, we'll be having a family party in Boise with everyone for that. Also have some cousin swaps going on thru the summer too. A big Jonas Brothers Concert for Tiffany and a trip to Oregon for Dani. Just ooooooooodles going on. 4th of July will include out of town family as always and I plan to run the Firecracker 5K that morning with my sisters too! SO COOL! Just a lot coming up.

So, keep an eye out on the blog for more - I promise to try to be more diligent in keeping in current!

HUGS and have a GREAT DAY!Darla

(Photo is from last weekend in Twin Falls, went to run a 5k Race for the Cure with Carlee but ended up doing more volunteer stuff than anything, but was still awesome! We were up and AT the event by 5a.m. - that is why I am looking so lovely...)

Did ya miss me?

I owe some of you an apology. Quite honestly, don't know really where to start other than make the 'excuse' that I've been really busy and have found another place online that I have been frequenting and thus the ol' blog has been neglected. SO... I have a LOT to catch up on here but for now I'll just say "SORRY" I have not been so diligent in keeping up here on the blog. Watch for more - SOON!

Darla

25 Random Things

I have been challenged to do this 101 times so I figured I'd better get to it. Here goes, 25 Random Things about me...

1. I like to drive around town but hate to drive distances.
2. I have 4 kids from the widest spectrum of personalities and traits.
3. I have been married over half of my life.
4. I still remmeber names of most of the people I went to elementary school with and can name all my teachers from Kind through 6th grade.
5. I love the color purple - flower, clothes, anything purple is a fave of mine.
6. I have a horrid distaste for cottage cheese.
7. I never did college. I only wanted to get married and be a Mom.
8. I have trouble telling others "no".
9. I am the youngest of 12 kids from a mixed up crazy meshed family and I love it.
10. I am scared of horses. Oh, and bears.
11. I love to go 4wheeling and have only fallen off once!
12. I listen to ACDC while I workout and run.
13. I love to do laundry but hate to do dishes.
14. I am a people person - love to talk and chat and get to know people but I am usually quiet at first.
15. I like to be one on one with people... not a big group kind of person.
16. I think my kids all are going to be taller than me.
17. I am not an animal lover - even though we have a dog and a cat.
18. If I could wear my hair in a ponytail 24-7 I would.
19. Someday I would like to learn to play the piano.
20. I wish I was a better cook but I don't see it in the cards. :O)
21. I worry about my kids futures more than they know....
22. I think having one or two very close friends is better than having dozens of so-so friends.
23. I am a dedicated person - to those who are close to me there isn't anything I would not do for someone I love and care for.
24. I am on a quest for fitting into a great pair of size 12 jeans!!!!!
25. I have learned over and over and am not afraid to say "Love me or leave me" because I am not changing for anyone but myself!

Back in the saddle again.... or running shoes that is!

I am doing my normal yo yo running - and I am back again LOL! I just really need to stick to it and keep up my endurance and strength! Stinks that 2 months ago I was at over 2 miles straight and today I had to push to get to 1 mile again. UGH! I felt the old familiar "rush" though and think I'll be able to kick it back up quickly. I want to be up to 3 miles again by the end of the month when I go run the 5K with Carlee in Twin Falls... oye!

Other than that, just busy. Kids, work, kids, work, house, laundry, kids, work... all that fun stuff. Ed started his online school program too which so far hasn't been too much of a kink in our schedules. We shall see?!

OK gotta get kids outta here and get showered and ready for work! I DID get up at 4:15 a.m. to hit the gym early so that feels good - now I'll have to fight to get in the shower! LOL

Take care and be good to your bodies!
Darla

For my hubby Ed, my daughter Dani, my sis in law Tammy and all the other weirdo's out there in our family...

pictures pictures pictures..... lots to share!

OK
First off, it is MARCH ya know....and this is what we got today - SNOW!!!!!

Secondly, a ton of new pix from this weekend, we had a big family event in our home! Micheal (our baby boy) had his Baptism and Confirmation at Church and it was awesome. We have very little family that are members of our Church so thankfully our very good friends were there to support him in this memorable event! So, there are a ton of pix, everything from photos of Micheal with big brother Chris (who got to do the actual Baptism) and then family pix and some with our friends Melvin and Blake who were part of the Confirmation and Baptism as well.

Enjoy!
Darla

Quick Check In

Wanted to peep in and say I am still alive! Just busy! Between kids, house, work and all that stuff I have been flying! I am good though.
Struggling with the weight loss - going back and forth, being good for a few days then bad for a few - I hate it! I need to get really focused!
Anyway, everyone is well, Dani has celebrated her 15th Bday this week and is loving teenage life! :O)
More later...


Darla

OOPSIE! Think I misled you guys....

In my previous posts I guess some of you got the indication that I *HAD* already reached 199 -- sorry, not yet folks. (danggit!) But I *AM* so very very very close... so close I could just SCREAM!!!! I think we'll be celebrating that monumental achievment within just a few more days... YES! So, keep the cheering to a minimum for now, but hold on when I do hit 199 bc the earth is going to move people! LOL


Darla

oh yea......

only 6 lbs to go baby!

having a VERY happy day here!

chow!

Drumroll please...........

2.8 lbs lost this week! YES! I am just 7.4 lbs from my BIG goal! I will be THERE very very soon!

VERY HAPPY DANCE DAY!

Wed Weigh In Day!

Today is the big day - weigh in day! I am hoping for a FANTASTIC number on the scales! I'll be sure to check back and share how fantastic it really is!

In the meantime - just a busy Wed here. Have a lot of laundry to do and make sure everything is ready for Ed's trip to Las Vegas... he and Blake leave tommorrow afternoon! Crazy! I also have a big workout planned for this morning, doing my BL sculpting video and hopefully going to brave the cold for a run!? The winds have died down and now it is just COLD - but after warming up with my video I should be ok to go tough it out! :O)

Biggest Loser last night? UGH! Ours didn't record soooooo I watched the finale part where they did the end of the weigh in and the vote off - I'll have to catch up the rest when I can sometime this weekend I guess.

OK off to get moving - kids off to school, laundry started and get that workout video pumping! LOL

I'll be back to share my GOOD news of the weigh in after a bit! :O)

Darla

And still going.......

My weight was down yet again today! YES! Another 4 oz gone gone gone! Tommorrow's weigh in is going to be THE BOMB I TELL YA!!!!!!! So excited! Soon my pants will just be fallin' off - yea, right - LOL But at least I can dream egh? Hee hee... Have a GREAT day!

Low.....low..................low!

VERY excited to report I just had my LOWEST weigh in EVER ... I am SO SO SO happy!!!

Loved the numbers on the scale and hope they are as good if not better on Wed my "official" weigh in day!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am "THIS" close to "one-derland" again!!!!!!!!!!

this is good...

"You have a choice.
You can throw in the towel,
or you can use it to
wipe the sweat off of your face."

Photos - hooray!

Our trip to Boise over Pres Day weekend and a few other misc. things -- just our CrAzY family! There are some of Tiffany's Birthday, Tiff on school spirit day (Blue and White day), Tiff and Dani at the hotel in Boise... a bunch of us with Ed's sister Tammy in Boise, Dani being REALLY silly and yea, just all of us... Enjoy!

Darla :O)

I am here! and ALIVE!

LOOK!!! Once again Robin has outdone herself - my blog page looks beautimus!! THANK YOU SWEETUMS! XOXOXO LOVE the new spring colors and flowers - maybe that will at least make spring THINK about coming to Eastern Idaho now??? I hope so anyway! Thanks lovie!!

Sorry I have not been on much. Just busy with work and kids and still trying to fight off this dang cold/flu gunk. STILL! I am still snuffing my nose and coughing but not so bad as I was. 2 STINKING WEEKS of this junk! UGH!

On to better news. Things have been crazy but good. Kids are all well and going great in school - we had Parent Teacher Conferences this a.m. and all the teachers were great. Loved it! So proud of the kiddos!

Work is good. I am almost done at the hotel.... one more shift this Sat and then I am complete with that. I just could not juggle the 2 positions and make it work anymore so I gave up one. I still LOVE the dress store and am planning to stay there for the long run for now.

Getting back on track with health and fitness. The icky sick bug got me down for about a week but I am back. I have gone running twice OUTDOORS (no gym with no job at the hotel) and did suprizingly well with that. I have a goal to be to 4 miles by the end of this month?! YIKES! Next month I have a 5K Run for the Cure in Twin Falls with my sis Carlee and I plan to kick bootie at that!

I have some pix from out trip to Boise to share that I am downloading today - will post them later on today ok?

Have OOODLES of housework and laundry to be doing so more later!
Darla :O)