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12 days before Christmas

Capturing the meaning of Christmas for our family. This is always a special time for us to reflect on what we have and to give to those who don't. We struggle just like any other family right now with times being what they are but we can always find a way to give. Even if it means going without for us. My kids get that and for that I am forever grateful. I have done an awesome job raising these boys and I am proud of who they are becoming. I hope they never forget what I have work so hard to teach them. It is always better to give than receive.

Attention Kristin Aagard Fans!!

ONE DAY ONLY!!!

Not valid on Collabs but hey! Who could ask for anything more?

Peta Boardman-Warm Wishes

Love love love this kit by Peta Boardman. I'm so Country in my home decor style and this kit screamed ME!

Happy Birthday Ettes!

The Ettes are turning ONE!! And of course we all have Birthday photos that need scrapped! Go check it out.

On a personal note: The holidays are upon my household. BUSY BUSY BUSY. So if you don't hear from me in awhile, all is well, just enjoying the season. I promised myself I was going to ENJOY this Christmas and not "work" all the time. And so far, I am holding true to that!

Random Pics

So here's what the wind did to our trampoline. It was propped up over the swing set. Not the best idea (thanks anyways, Josh!) I said it wouldn't work!

This was out the front door at 11pm Tues

Our new TV in front of the old one. HUGE difference in size! LOL
This is for Shell...Thank you. Not sure the shirt is very becoming now. I look 9 months pregnant in it?! Oh great...It is really cute in person! LOL Josh just doesn't know how to take pics!

Met my Christmas Goal!

I wanted to hit 30 pounds by Christmas. I hit it this morning!! Ahh....I'm 10 pounds away from my next goal too! Which is pointless as I will have 15 goals or more after that one! LOL But hey, it keeps me driving forward. Just 90 pounds to go. hahahaha Oh my! That sounds horrible. Let's stick with 30 lost! It's a good day!

Sunday Morning

Well, I'm home alone on a Sunday Morning. Most people would love that but I hate. It's far too quiet for my liking. Need some Holiday Music! I have been making things like crazy the past couple of days. Kristin Aagard and her CT are going to be doing a little give away on her blog soon. Don't go out and buy a ton of tags for gifts is all I am saying! I did up 4 yesterday and they are sooo cute and fun. I think I missed my calling! LOL hahaha I love doing stuff like that!

I helped with a gift for the Football Coaches too. And I finally saw the finished product and man, it turned out awesome!! Good Job Cousin Wendy! Your idea was great and I love how it turned out. I was told by the Wife of one that he knew it had Rachel written all over it! LOL He knows me so well! hahahaha I have it on good measure that he was extremely touched by the gift. It now graces the walls of his work office!

WW is still happening, folks!! I am down 29 pounds and it pleases me. I have been a little more RELAXED this month with all the goodies. But still counting. I just won't NOT eat something this time of year. But I will, keep it in check. One bite is usually enough. Before it would have been a whole piece and probably 2 or 3. So I figure that one small bite or even half of serving is fine. It's called life and I have to live it too! I refuse to be one of those people who freak out about things and tell you shouldn't be eating that or worse..."do you know how many calories that is?" yes, I do, thank you very much! Munch munch munch! LOL

My Dear Friend Shell is Half a world away right now visiting her homeland. And funny, even though I never "see" her. I miss her. I feel like part of my support system is missing! LOL I need to get around and meet with Bev too. I'm missing her big time. There are a few people who I just need to see around the holidays. Keeps me happy. Amy K...I know we don't get together but once a year but I am looking forward to seeing you in the new year. So even if the RDH reunion doesn't work out...let's still meet up for a day of shopping in Lansing or whatever.

Ok...I've rambled on enough. I need to get working on the yearbook. But I have Zero Drive for that right now. I think I might just back burner it until the new year and then come out like gang busters then. I really want this holiday season to be relaxed and I want to ENJOY it for what it was meant for. Shopping is mostly done. Just have a couple of gifts for the Ireland Name Drawing to get. But we have to DRAW FIRST! LOL I have a nice little surprise up my sleeve for one special friend too. I can't wait to see their face when they see it! I love that I am skilled enough to create some great gifts! Makes it so much more enjoyable than buying something! And I think it is appreciated far more too. Just wish the shipping time was faster! Hurry MyPicTales! Hurry!

Travel Mugs- Hybrid

So I found these adorable travel mugs at the dollar store a few weeks ago. I knew I wanted to do them up for my little nephews but wasn't sure what theme. I sat and went through my kits and bam...it hit me. Kristin Aagard's Camp Out kit would be perfect for two little boys. So gave way to these:

They are A DOOR A BULL! I have two other boys around here that now think they need one also! LOL Figures! Anywho...if you are out and see them, pick them up. I created a template for them and I am willing to share it. It has a flaw in one corner that I didn't notice until I printed it but it so minor you'd never know. I'd fix but I am way to lazy! LOL

Happy Birthday Ettes and Co!

29!

Nope not my new age but my weigh loss #!! I don't think the 29 and holding thing would work very well in this situation.

So...Let's talk Biggest Loser. What in the world...59 pounds in 60 days?? WOWSERS...And he's co cute!! I am on the fence for who to vote for amongst the girls. I see positive reasons for both. But I think my heart is telling me-help out the older one! LOL I cried so much last night during that show. Dang, I hate that I am so wrapped up in this emotionally but I truly feel like I can relate and it hits home on so many levels. And I love Amanda because she is me. I have ALWAYS been the big girl. So I can totally understand what her heart feels too. Ahh...We have 10 votes. I gave one away already and I need to use the other 9! LOL Thoughts from those who watch, let's talk!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

This was a QuickPage by Libby Weifenbach of SweetShoppeDesigns. I bought the bundle. I have over 400 pictures to scrap. So if any of my designers wanna do a football kit, feel free! LOL So Proud of my little Cousin Drew. He is amazing and I love to watch him but without that fabulous team behind (or in front of him as it actually is) he couldn't do what he does best. This WHOLE TEAM this year has done something that we havent' seen since my little Brother played back in 2003 at the state finals. (which I missed because I was in NYC) So this was my first experience at State. WOW! Amazing!!

Tigers are State Runner ups!

Our season is over but it was an amazing ride!! WOW!! So proud of those boys!

I'm 39 today!!!

Wahooo!!!! My last year in my 30's starts today! It's going to be an awesome year! I am really looking forward to what I have to offer now! There better be a HUGE PARTY next year! It will be on BLACK FRIDAY!! and it turn 40! How fitting! Shell, you better plan your arrival for then! LOL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

Christmas Carols by the Ettes

The Ettes have a new HUGE Christmas kit coming out very soon. Here's a couple layouts and a card that I did with it. Also, they are gearing up for a HUGE Birthday Celebration too. No not for me, for them! LOL hahahaha

GalleryStandOut.com Picked me!!!

Holy Crud!!! I just got a message that my I CAN DO THIS layout was picked for Gallery Stand Out for today?! WHAT??? You mean to tell me the layout I almost didn't share is now going to be FEATURED?? Ironic, no?! Oh dear. I have such mixed feelings about this. I am totally honored but at the same time, I feel so humiliated, embarrassed, scared. I'm happy that Krystal's great kit will be noticed but my fat body is probably not the best way to show it off?! LOL Oh well, it's who I am and I am working on fixing it!

So go peek!! And I'd love for you leave a comment since I put myself out there like that. It's the least you could do! LOL Wait...don't! LOL ahhhh...I can't believe I shared that layout with the world. hahahaha If I motivate ONE PERSON, I'm happy!

Thank you GSO for picking me! what an honor!!!

Weigh in day!

Well I'm up .4 pounds from Sunday (water!) but...I hit my 25 star and I am so close to earning a 10% star too! Ahh...Even though I was up a little from Sundays Skinny Jeans weigh in, I am still thrilled. I have lost 4.75 inches in my waist and 3" in my hips! And...Do not repeat this...but I am feeling the urge to walk more. HUH? I got home from work last night and almost called my MIL to go for a walk with me but it was dark and I know she doens't like to walk in the dark. So I didn't. But I wanted too! That's more than I can say a few weeks ago!

Krystal Hartley-Fortitude

Krystal Hartley release this bold, strong kit called Fortitude on Saturday but I was a tad busy cheering on a few Tigers!! So here's my take on this emotion packed kit.
These are the pictures for my Skinny Jeans Contest that I am doing until the end of the year. I am at 9.6 pounds for that contest now! Or 26.6 overall!! I am really starting to "SEE IT". Finally.

Tiger Fans in the house!

I can't even begin to show you how many people showed to this game! This was our section and then there were people lining the whole fence too all the way over to the visitors side! It literally made me want to cry when you realize just how many people came out to cheer our tigers on to victory! I can only hope we do the same on Saturday at Ford Field!!! Keep in mind, I live in a town with a population of about 2600! I think the whole darn town was there!! AMAZING!!!

HUDSON FANS vs. UBLY FANS

who wins?!

I'd say HUDSON TIGERS had a little more fan following this year!

TIGERS In the house!!!

We did it!!! VICTORY!!! 26-6!!! WHOOT GO TIGERS!!!

HUGE DAY TODAY!! GO TIGERS!!

We are off the Semi Finals!!! I'd say wish us luck but those boys are so in tune they are only one heartbeat. They got it covered! So excited I could puke!! Someone get busy making me some Orange and black paper and a tiger!! GO TIGERS!!! WE BELIEVE!!!

25 pounds!!! I DID IT!

Twenty-five point zero!! I DID IT!! I officially did it! Right to the .4 mark! I kid you not!!! I lost 25 pounds BEFORE my BIRTHDAY!!! 7 weeks!!! I am in shock!! I was just complaining to my sister that I was so tired of going up on my weigh in days but hey...I'll take this a day late!!

Biggest loser

How boring? Not quite what I was expecting for the make over show. Hmm... The reunion show next wed sounds good though!

New outfit...new size!

So yep...went shopping today and low and behold...I can fit into yet another size down!! They are a little tight compared to what I would normally wear but they close!!! Wahoo!! It's my Birthday outfit and it is NOT ORANGE!! I bought a red top! Because it is a red letter moment! And I got a new hair do today. I love it! THANK YOU MORGAN! It's super short.

Tuesday!!!

It's weigh in day! Dropped 1.8 from last weeks numbers. I'll take it! But...up a pound from sunday?? Must have had too much salt! LOL I can't give it up! But I'm still down so all is well. As of today, 22.6 or 23.6 depending on which day I use, is enough to make me smile! I want to be down 25 by my Birthday. I think I will make it! I have 9 days. I am using the treadmill more too. Hate it but I am doing it. I have parent group meeting tonight and it better be fast so I can get home to watch Biggest Loser. I need my weekly motivation!

Off to get groceries today, hair cut, and try on some pants. I don't even need to unbutton my jeans to take them off and on now. Probably not a good idea to wear them like that...I'm not into the pants half falling off look. Not my style. Makes me a little sad as I just bought these jeans just before I started WW and I love them. I need to find them in a size smaller. hmmm...Kohl's here I come! I don't like the idea of buying new right now but I need ONE PAIR that will stay on while I am out and about.

Moving on...

This post will be a couple Moving on things:

1. Tigers are moving on in the playoffs! WHOOT!! 42-41 win in double overtime!!! Victory is so sweet!
2. Moving on with the weight loss! I finally broke another tough battle. I had been at tiny little stand still of sorts. Losing just one pound/week over the past two weeks and this week I did 2.8!! Whoot! Well for my Skinny Jeans contest anyways. My True weigh in day for WW isn't until Tuesday. But hey, I'll take it!
3. I have been MOVING! I went 5 out of 7 days with some form of exercising!!

So there you have it! The word for today is MOVING!! See that little ticker down there on the left side of the ole blog? It now reads 23.6 pounds lost!! It's moving!!!

What's your word for the day?!

Varney

Click here to view this photo book larger

BEST GAME EVER!!!

We won in DOUBLE OVERTIME!!! 42-41 WOW!! JUST WOW!! Sorry to my sister for screaming in her ear over the phone. But it was well worth it...WOW!

GO TIGERS!!!

Wheeee!!! It's almost FOOTBALL FRIDAY!!! ahhhh....I'm so stinking excited for this weeks game. We are playing an 11-0 Team and we are also 11-0 (soon to be 12-0!) Its going to be the game of all games!! I can't wait. GO ORANGE! GO BLACK!! TIGERS FIGHT BACK!!!
Wahoooo....I hope I can sleep tonight! ahhh....Gotta love that Tiger spirit!

Amy Jo

For some reason, I've been thinking about you non stop tonight. Everything ok??

Thank you Shell!!!

So yeah....I have the BEST FRIENDS EVER!! Look at what I got in the mail on Monday! I had a Sh*tty day on Sunday for whatever reason, felt like I was failing at everything and just cried a lot. Well then Monday I am home from work with a sick child and this comes. How does she always know when I need it the most? Seriously! Love you dearly my Friend!!

Meredith Cardall-Girl Time

Meredith Cardall's Girl time kit was perfect for my photos of the annual Girls only weekend with my BFF of all time! I love this girl. Truly deep down, with all my heart, love this girl. I see her once a year (usually) sometimes less and it doesn't ever matter. We pick up right where we left off just like no time has ever gone by. That is true friendship right there!

Krystal Hartley- All in the Family

Krystal has a new collab out with Christy Lyle at SSD called All in the Family. Pretty fall colors and great labels with family titles on them! That flower is my favorite part of the kit. It's huge and wanted to use it like she intended it! Love it!

Biggest Loser???

I'm not sure what to think about this week..hmmm....Wish I could say more but I can't since my dear friend is 3 hours behind me and would kill me for spilling the beans. It's a very cool moment for one though!

Tooth Layouts

Bought (yes you read that right) this cute kit over the weekend. I have been dying to scrap these pictures of Will but not one of my designers has a tooth kit. I guess I should make them do one! He is FINALLY just now starting to get his top front right tooth coming in. He's so toothless right now. It's so adorable! This kit is by Armina and Lliella over at SSD.

Jennifer Fox layouts

Jennifer has really stepped up her game lately. She's growing by leaps and bounds with her designing skills and I am sooo proud of her!! The last few kits are just amazing! Loved them!

Lots and lots of Ettes layouts!

These are all by the Ettes! I'll do my best to come back later and link them.

Heaven on Earth!

GO TIGERS!!! We won again!!! 11 and 0 and still going strong! WHOOT WHOOT!!! Gotta love those tigers!!!

Red is my color!!!

You are hearing it here for the first time!! I hit another milestone today. I am now under 100 pounds to my goal!!! That is HUGE for me mentally. I was ashamed to put my goal weight out there as it was just so far off and didn't seem like it would be something I would reach. But now that it's in a TWO DIGIT number...hell yes, I can do this! As of this morning, I have 99.8 pounds to go to reach my ultimate goal. I'm on cloud nine. For three mornings in a row, I have had personal bests. This is really exciting, folks. And the best part of my day yesterday was a really old friend of mine (Lisa Riley) found out what I have been doing and called and left me the BEST voicemail I think I have ever had. It really brought tears to my eyes. This is one of the reasons I didn't want to share my adventures with the just anyone until I was sure I was going to succeed at this. I hate to fail. HATE IT. It's not something I take lightly to. Everything in my life it seems has lead to some sort of failure. My original weight issues stems from failure. So for me to have put this out here is bigger than anything I think I might have done before. So I want you all to know that this is not just about me losing weight. For each pound that is shed off my body is a failure I am letting go of from my life. I NEVER want to be the person I have become again. And I know most of you are probably going, but Rach, you seem like you have a wonderful life. And on the surface you bet I do! But if you dig deep into who I really am, you will find one sad person. I'm really really good at covering up my faults. The one thing I could never hide was my weight. Well I could, in some ways, but it still hits home when I think about what brought me to this point in my life.

ok....that's enough reading for today. I can't believe I'm putting this out there either. Wow...I might have to come back later and delete this entry. I'm not sure what I am typing at this point. It just keep spilling out of me.

Buh Bye 20 pounds!!

Yep...today is yet ANOTHER RED LETTER DAY! I finally hit my 20# mark. whew...I was beginning to think it was not meant to be!! Ahhh...20.2 gone!! Next mile stone. Lose .2 so I have just 100 more pounds to go then waiting for my 10% loss goal. Ahh...I wanna hit the 10% gone by my Bday. I can do this!!!!

Red Letter Day!

Can I have your attention, please for a special announcement: I just fit into the next size down pants!! WHOOOT!! I'm wearing them today just because I can! So I'm dressing up ladies! They are my most favorite pair of dress slacks. I have not fit into them for probably 2 years. This is a red letter day for me mentally. I have been sorta whining alot lately that I was shocked I had not dropped a size yet with having lost 18 pounds. Well, folks, my Dearest Hubby and best friend of all times tells me like it is all the time and this was no exception. He says, " but you have to remember, you probably should have been in the next size up so its just going to take you longer." Yes folks, that is why I love this man! He's honest with me and keeps me inline. He is totally supportive of this lifestyle change and I can't thank him enough. I couldn't have gotten this far without the support of my family and friends. So this one's for you! CHEERS!!!

Lil Forest Fall-Kristin Aagard

So yeah...Kristin is going to KILL ME but I have to share this kit!!! It's not available until FRIDAY the 6th but how cute is this!! Oh my word!!! I love love love this kit. Have I NOT loved one her kits yet?? hmm...I don't think so! So that means you will have to add this to your WISH LIST and pick it up on Friday!!! LOVE YOU KRISTIN!! I swear girl...you really rock my world with your extreme talent. WOWSERS!! If you have ANY fall photos...you will want to pick up this kit. I didn't even use the cute little Critters (fox and hedgehog) I'll try to come back and remind you on FRIDAY about this kit so you don't forget!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

The happiest day of the year!!! We went the drive-thru at MickeyD's and they all were laughing and telling Josh what a cool costume he had. Gotta share:

And here is my family today uptown trick or treating this morning. Yes, we ALL dress up for this event! We LOVE IT! I wore my new cape! I love that thing! No hat though. The wind was sooo bad it would have never stayed on.

Will's School Picture

Here's my BABY!!! Seriously?? My BABY? Really? I think he really really looks like a Sallows! I might get ONE child that looks like me?! Maybe? Do you think he looks like his mommy? Look at his teeth! LOL Missing is front top teeth and then his lower laterals. I LOVE IT!

School Photo

Look at my handsome boy! Didn't get William's yet. So you will have to enjoy Zander's alone for

now. He got new glasses today. You can see them later in the HALLOWEEN classroom party pictures! yes, I said HALLOWEEN! The shirt he has on in this photo is the same one his Art Teacher has and Z thinks that's pretty funny! I told them they have to wear them the same day and have their pictures taken for the yearbook! hahahaha

Another Gripe

I'm just gonna say this over and over since we can't say it about the school parties

HAPPY HALLOWEEN Happy Halloween happy halloween HaPpY hAlLoWeEn
Happy flipping Halloween. What's so wrong with saying Happy Halloween? I love love love this holiday. It's right up there with Christmas for me. It might even be higher? But then nothing could top Thanksgiving for me. I was born on Thansgiving Day and it's my FAV Holiday EVER! No gifts, lots of food, and family. Nothing better! Well ok fine, I get some gifts! LOL

Our theme this year is animals. Will's classroom is doing Old MacVarney's Farm. I made face masks for all the students to hold up and they are going to hold on to twine to show them in a pen on the farm. The teacher is the farmer! I love it!

Zander is going to be the Cymbal Monkey. You know, red striped pants, yellow shirt, fez hat and cymbal with a HUGE SMILE! LOL Nana made it for us. It's so cool. Can't wait to get pictures of him in it!

ok...off to work...blah...

Bah humbug to Thursdays

I seriously HATE thursdays. It's my late/long day at work and it just sucks. I've done it for 7 years and I am just sick of it. And this time of year makes it even worse because it gets dark so early. And after the time change on Sunday, it will be even worse yet. So...boo hiss to this day. But I put on my smile and off I go! I'm loving life and I will just have to think of it as more time to spend to my co-workers! Luckily I really enjoy them or it could be a nightmare.

So...I need to see what happened with Sister's shopping trip and food adventure yesterday. I hope you ate smart! heehee

Big Ideas

Well, I have not posted about this yet as I was just too emotional over the whole thing. But due to budget cuts, William is losing his teacher. She is done on Nov. 20th. She's so unbelievably AWESOME too. I'm soo sad about it. I understand why it is happening but I don't have to like it, right. Well I got this bright idea to make her a photobook of the kids and have them all write letters to her. I will then take a photo of the child with the teacher and scrap their photo and their scanned letter to her. So she will know something is happening but she will NEVER GUESS THIS! I got the first letter back tonight. Oh my word...


Covered the names to protect the innocent. but seriously...how totally adorable is this first one I got back today. I'm going to love putting this together. I think it might go down as my most favorite one yet!

Fall Memories-Jennifer Fox & WW info

So I finally got around to doing something for my CT's. Yeah, I suck lately. Just been beyond busy. Finally took some ME time. So to speak. It was for them actually but I enjoyed it!
Kit: Jennifer Fox and Amanda Heimann-Fall Frolic
Template: Designs by Sine of SO

So...I have done something that is so totally out of my comfort zone. I talked about it in an early post but it really happened. I joined this "challenge" called Skinny Jeans. I had to take pictures of myself and post them (including my starting weight-ACK). Thank GOD it's in a private forum. Talk about humilating. But at the same time...it's going to be sooo cool to look back and see the progress. I have to take WEEKLY photos on Sundays. I will NOT be sharing them on my blog for personal reasons. I know I'm fat and I don't need to share that with the world! heehee I will also let you all in a tiny little secret. I started Weight Watchers on Sept. 28th. As of this morning I have lost 17 pounds. I'm in total shock. I was not going to share this with the world in the beginning because I was not sure if I was going actually stick with it. I am not proud of what has happened to me over the years and I had a lots of inspiration from many around me lately and felt I was ready. So with the help of my little sister, Amy Jo, I made my move. I joined. My sister surprised me with a little gift last week. Some books to carry in my purse to help me with the points. I really think it was because she was sick of me calling her before every meal asking how many points such and such was! LOL But no matter what the reason she did, THANK YOU!
I also have a little bet with dear Kiwi. So I am surrounded by inspiration, motivation, and determination. I am not going to look like I currently do at my sister's biggest day of her life. I couldn't do that to her or me. I know she wouldn't have cared one bit what I looked like but in the end, I would. And I am sick of feeling like crap. I'm turning 39 on Turkey Day and I do not want to enter my 40's looking like I do. So I figured I better get to work. Susan C. has recently gone through a life change recently and I figure if she can, I can too. I admired her for doing it from a far and now it's high time I tell her...THANK YOU for inspiring me! I'm very proud of you!!
My weigh in days are Tuesdays for my WW. I have been sending out emails with my progress but I can share here now. I have a little ticker on my blog so you can keep tabs on me if you want! Who knows if I will ever reach my "GOAL" weight but hey, I wanna try! I don't think I weighed the "goal" even in high school so I'm not really sure how this will play out but I will not let that stop me from trying. I'm already lighter than I was so as far as I can tell, I'm already a winner.