Sunday, December 23, 2012

Christmas Eve...

Well...it is hard to believe...it is Christmas Eve day...  The year has gone by so fast and so many things have happened..  As I write this post...I am thinking/remembering something in a christmas card/letter I received this year from our pastor.  When we get the cards/pictures...we are remembering all the big (good/bad) things in the year...I hope this next year..that I remember and think about the little things too...  So if you know Lora by now....I am going to try and make a book that I can jot down those things..hmm (another project..lol).

November...I will try to keep this short..since we are well into December and almost Christmas Day at that.. Well...I started off the month planning to post more..but it didn't happen.. Football season did end...and then we all got sick/flu.  I am not surprised since we were all so very exhausted..   Both of my sister were able to be home for Thanksgiving...it was so wonderful to see everyone!  FOOD at Thanksgiving was tough...but not as bad as this month...  Once I finished my portion...I got up and started to clean the kitchen.  I try to separate myself from the second helpings going around the table.  I also do well when I have a smaller size plate..I only get what I can fit on my plate.  It is so easy to get seconds...and then the awful feeling of eating too much.  I think I did pretty good...  I didn't even have a piece of my mom's mouth-watering crumb apple pie..which is my favorite...it is so good.


Jessica and I...we were in charge of casseroles for Thanksgiving Dinner



Trent (on high ho silver...that is what we called it as kids) in the background and Grady, Jess with Peyton (who is Steph's dog, and Grant).
We weren't able to have Erica in the picture..she was so sick Thanksgiving..she was there..just not able to play.


My nephews in my aprons (and Grady) making cookies the day before Thanksgiving.
 December...This month has been quite busy too...  The first weekend..my mom and I did a craft show..the first for me).  I was so excited about it...  We did OK...but not as I had hoped.  However..I did get some orders from friends...so it turned out OK...and I had so much fun making things (and being in my craft room).  I have posted a lot of the pictures on my flickr account...will post the link at the bottom.  The month has really just trucked along...I have been busy with orders and other things...that have just not had time for the gym...but it is definitely on my priority list.  The weight is coming off just not as fast anymore and it is more of a struggle now than ever.  However..I have dropped pant sizes...I started at a 28 (watch out..I can't believe I said this on here) and now I am a size 20...sometimes 22 depending on the brand...but more in the 20.  I am very excited...inches are coming off as well.  And today..(have to share)....that I was able to fit on the new ride at Dollywood...Wild Eagle.. Watch out..I was so excited..I loved it.  I am getting there and am armed for the struggles ahead...I hope to be.  Trying to stay away from the kitchen...everyone is making all the yummy stuff...snickerdoodles, snack mixes, candies/treats...hard to stay away...but I am trying.  Hard to keep the food out of the center of everything...but I am trying..  I love that all the family will be home soon...Rae and her family are here...Anne will be here in a couple of days...then we will all be together...my favorite time...to be with family and friends and to celebrate his birth.  I have posted a few pics below and more will come as family continues to come in.


Dewayne, Lora, and Grady (and the blue tree...love it)

Trent (youngest nephew) and Grady

Dewayne and I
 

Dewayne, Grady, and I


Rae (my older sister) and the boys (Grant, Trent, and Grady)

Beautiful lights at Dollywood


I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and blessed new year.  I also ask that we all....remember/pray for those who have lost someone close this year..family or friend...and the hurt they are feeling...this time of year (or any holiday).  Holidays are always worse...

May the hope that was born that silent, holy night remain in your heart throughout the new year.

Much love...
Loralee

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Sunday, November 4, 2012

Swimming

Hi All...  Everything is going good... We had a busy few weeks...both boys were sick but are feeling much better and football is done..  YAY (did I say that out loud!).  The boys love it I know...it is exhausting though.  One good thing about football being over...is that I now have more time for the gym...which I truly missed.  Mom and I started the weekend (Saturday morning) with a swim class.  It has been awhile since I have been but I absolutely loved it...  The water, the exercises, the smell, the sound...all of it.  After the workout...just to swim and relax was so nice.  So I have got plans this week to start back full force at the gym and I am excited about it...which I am happy about.  There were so many times that I would dread it...but not now.  I have also booked my first craft show....  Now..it isn't the biggest thing...but it is something.  Grady's school has winterfest every year to raise money (teachers have games, food, cake walk, etc).  The gym will have all the booths...so mom and I are going to have a table.  She will be selling her towels (the ones you hang on refrigerator door) and I will be selling prayer journals, fabric coasters...and whatever else I come up with...lol.  I am very excited about it...  That is about it for now...

Hope everyone has a great week...and remember...put a smile on your face...you always have something to be thankful for...

Take care,
Loralee

Monday, October 15, 2012

Where to Start...

Hi Everyone..I am still here...  I know you were thinking..where did she go...  I honestly don't know...  I can truthfully say...I was busy, in a slump, in all kinds of things.  I have started this post many times and just didn't know where to begin...so many things have happened since my last post..  I think I might do better with categories...so here we go...  I started this blog to not only share my journey with weight loss but also to include the ramblings of myself and to include some of my creative side (sometimes I wonder if I do have one..ha ha).  So if I stay close to that...I am on track...(I think I am anyway)..

Weight loss...this is the big one...  September 19 was my 6 month checkup...at that time time I had lost 68 lbs.  The Dr. was very happy with my progress...  I had wanted to lose more....but he stated I am right where I need to be.  I have lots more work to do and I can only take one day at a time.  Since school has started for Grady (and football)...my trips to the gym have become fewer.  My plan was to always be there at least 3 times a week...now I am doing good just to get one day in.  However..football is almost over..and I can't wait to get back to it.  I used to dread going...but for some reason now..I can't wait to get there and take "me" time.  The food is going OK too...  I still  need to be careful and think through what I am having and how much....and to listen to my body.  This will be a continuing battle..and I am up for the challenge.  My biggest fear...is not to keep going and giving up....but I know I make that decision..nobody else.  So I am keeping my head up and will continue on....but I have also realized I need help too...(thanks Dewayne/family/friends for always being there for me and continuing to encourage me....it means so much...and I hate to admit...I still  need to hear the words).

Family/Trip/Summer (pics below)....so much goes into this category...  We had a great summer and great start to fall...my sisters (both came into town)..which is always nice..I love being with them...  We also went on two trips...one was a 2day trip to Bryson City, NC for Railfest (we took a train ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad) with my in-laws and the second trip was for Grady's fall break... Disney World.  We had a wonderful time, but are also glad to be home.  We have a couple more weeks of Football and then the holidays will be here soon enough...and guess what....family time again...my favorite!
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Crafts...  I have made some crafts as well (pics below)...mostly gifts for mom, nieces, etc..but I still enjoy being in my craft room and learning new things.  I have so many things on my project board...wish I could stay in there for days...there is never enough time.  I have added my Flickr account/role...so you can see some of the items have made.  I will always update my items to the roll..so you can see all the goodies.  I have also completed my first swap...(do you know what that is)...I had to ask too..  The particular swap was for halloween/fall items..I joined a group and our names were drawn and paired with someone.  The idea is to make things and send them to your partner....and whoever got my name mailed some things to me.   I have posted below what I had made for mine and what I received...I love it....I think I am now addicted to them...thanks Yvette!  The first pic is the one I sent....I heard back from her...and she loved it...and the second pic is what I received..I loved it too...so much fun!



I know this was a long post...and I am truly sorry...  However...I am back on track and my posts will come more frequently.  I hope everyone has a great week and and great a start to Fall...I love this season...

Love to all,
Loralee

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Things I Have Made...

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These are some things I have made..  If you are interested in knowing more about them or if you would like to order some for gifts..just let me know.  You can also check my Flickr account below.

Talk soon,