Jimmy Buffett Concert

This last Thursday & Friday, Jason & I got to get away to go to Little Rock to see Jimmy Buffett. Jason loves Jimmy Buffett & we have eaten at several of his restaraunts & his sister Lu lu's restaraunts & loved them!  About a month ago, right after the concert dates were announced, Channel 7-KATV had a facebook contest for viewers to log on and answer a trivia question to win tickets. I did-just because I knew Jason would love to go see him. Over 3,000 people entered the contest & I won 1 out of 5 of the sets of tickets they were giving away! I was so surprised & excited since I never win anything & tried my hardest to keep it a surprise from Jason, but finally wound up telling him on his birthday about my prize. He was thrilled! Booked us a hotel room down town and we just made a min-vacation out of it. We had the BEST time and we both needed a vacation.

I know what you are thinking....what about Maci? 

Well, we left her with my mom and dad for the night. It was her first overnight sleep over. And it just so happens that she got a new "cousin" this week named Brady.  Mom & Dad rescued a new little dog that is part shih tzu & maltese. He is so adorable! I hate I forgot to get a pic of the two of them together, but we are going up next weekend to help my parents move into their new house, so I'll try my best to snap a few pics of them playing together. Brady was very jealous of Maci & followed her every where she went!

Here is a little treat pail that we made him & filled it with treats & a squishy football for him to welcome him to the family.

Here is our letter we got in the mail this week from KATV! 

Maci climbed up on the table with her "overnight bag" (which consisted of three of her monkey babies, a hair brush, rubber bands, & hair bows.)

I started gathering up everything and loading the car up and laid her two things by the front door and when I came back in I saw her standing there ready to go to Grandma's house! I just had to snap this pic & share. It melted my heart!

We really had great seats, although they were in the handi cap section (please refrain from jokes!)

It was really actually nice because we had tons of room a rail to prop our feet on, didn't have tons of drunk people dancing on top of us & spilling beer, were close to the bathrooms, and it almost felt like we had "special" backstage passes! We got to see a lot of things that I never noticed at concerts like small computer screens with lyrics so they don't forget the words! lol  We have decided that the Handi cap section was the way to go!

Friday, we woke up & visited the Clinton Library. It was Jason's first time going and he loved it! It was my third time to go and tour and each time I go I learn something new. I love visiting! If you have never been, you must go!

Here we are in front of the Oval Office

Stats about the country during Clinton's tenure.

All of these stats really make me wish his name was on the Ballot again this fall :(

Busy day in the life of the President! This was so interesting to read about his days in the White House & how each minute of his day was scheduled.

Letter from Whoopi Goldberg

Letter from JFK Jr. before he died.

Overall we had a fantastic time at the Clinton library! Thank you KATV for the tickets. Ironically, as we were walking through the metal detectors at the library, I saw KATV's Meteorologist Barry Brandt!  I admit that I was slightly star struck, since I have watched him on TV ever since I was a little girl. He is just adorable!  I really wanted to get a picture with him, but never saw him again after we made it through security :(. He probably would have thought I was crazy, but it was definitely one of the high lights of my day! At least we got a laugh out of it....

Catching up...February recap

I have been so behind with blog posts lately. February was a whirl wind month for us. Jason was busy coaching basketball and I had several financial aid events planned for work.  I am so thankful that February is OVER! 

I thought I would share a few fun pics of what we did do in February.  The weekend before Valentines day, we kept Makynzie, our friends TJ & Merina's little girl, so they could go out on a date for Valentines Day. We loved getting to spend time with this sweet little girl! And she loves taking pictures, crafting, & cooking (just like I do) so that makes for a pretty fun blog post!

First, we went grocery shopping & got stuff to make her favorite foods, pizza & cookies! Because she did so good in Wal-mart, she got a prize-a jewelry making kit! Once we got home, Jason & Mak began designing jewelry together. Here are some of the pics I snapped!

I had no idea my hubby was such a great Jewelry designer! haha!

Picking out the perfect beads...

The finished product.

Modeling my necklace Makynzie made me.  She said it would "go with anything" & that I "could wear it everyday!"

Making our homemade pizzas.

Makynzie made an "m" with polka dots around it with her baby pepperonis

Makynzie also helped me bake some yummy cookies for dessert. Licking the spoon is the best part!

Getting ready to test out the finished product...as you can see, Maci is hiding under the table scavenging for food, hoping Makynzie will drop her a pepperoni.

We had a great night baking & crafting with Makynzie. I am so thankful to have such great friends that will share their precious daughter with us. It brought back a lot of memories of things that I used to do with my mom and it really made me think about how ready I am to have my own little girl to bake with and craft with one day!

Slowly slipping off...

Diet update...It's week 2 of our weight loss program at work & week 4 of my personal weight loss. I have done horrible in the last week! I gained a pound according to the scale at work, although I've got tons of water weight this week, so I'm hoping that is contributing to that pound.  I have re-evaluated and have decided to start all over with a fresh, new week!

I went to the gym and worked out for a full solid hour today. It's been a good minute since I've worked out that hard. It felt so good! I can't wait to go back tomorrow. I am back working on the slim fast diet/south beach (which I also found out that my boss is on at work and he says it's the devil) haha! I had soup & salad with a co-worker today along with my shakes, plus an amazing workout, so I'm hoping to keep up the good work the rest of this week.

I have decided that if I loose at least 3 or more lbs this week, I'm am rewarding myself sunday at our superbowl party & enjoying some yummy dips! (but I'm working out first!) 

This weekend, I really stopped to think about how important my goals were. Not just for myself, but for a lot of other reasons in which I will blog about in the next few months.  For now, I'm taking a moment to work on myself.  I'm definitely at my plateau weight and haven't been able to get under this in about 6 years. Please say a special prayer for both Jason and I as we work on our physcial, financial, & spiritual goals this year. I am hoping to make a LIFE change and I know that it will only be by the grace of God that it happens. I know I can be so much better than I am now and I hope that one day soon, I'll be there.

Week 3: Diet update

Confession...I did not work out last week (or any this week for that matter).

And....I cheated yesterday....very badly! First we ate a wonderful mexican lunch at Superior-I'm still wanting some more salsa! But no, that's not all...

Can you see where I'm going with this? 

Jason & I spent our day off yesterday in Bossier spending gift cards & making returns.  On our way around the boardwalk, we wandered by Cold Stone, our all time favorite treat! Thanks to my hubby, I soon found myself contemplating between my two favorites: Birthday Cake remix & Strawberry Banana Rendezvous. I wound up choosing the strawberry since it was so hot outside.  Oh it was amazing. There was nothing more romantic than sitting by the Red River enjoying an afternoon sweetie with my sweetie!

Now, to semi-explain my splurging, I weighed in yesterday morning and have lost 6 pounds! YAY!! South beach diet is working its magic.  Since starting last Wednesday, I lost 4 pounds. I have been doing really good eating the last two weeks, working out occasionally, which I plan on implementing more once the craziness of Spring semester slows down in the next month or so.

With all of that being said, I did NOT weigh this morning after my "day of fun" yesterday. Call it denial, but the good news is I did really good today and am back on track. I plan to extend my Phase 1 an extra day next week to make up for my splurge. We are starting our weight loss challenge at work next week, so I'm not trying "too" hard until the competition starts.  Then I guess I'll have to get my new tone ups on and go for a walk if I want to win this thing!

Just thought I'd share my updates and my turn around from last week's post.  I am so thankful to be headed in the right direction.  :)  How are you all coming along?



Weight loss challenge...

WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE: WEEK 1

So after waking up at 4:30 am to the sound of dripping rain down my window seal & my husband's BLARING alarm clock, I made the hardest decision ever...I got up...put on my clothes & went to the gym in the rain with my hubby.  And boy did I work out!

I clearly almost died. 

 I mean, I totally had a biggest looser moment. You know...the one where the big girl is on the tread mill, breathing so hard & sweating to the point where she can't see..breath....talk...move...and almost falls off the treadmill from pure exhaustion...then throws up in the corner?  That was me. 

Except I didn't throw up! (gold star for b!)

I weighed in this morning and after a long, solid week of mildly working out (walking & doing bleachers) & using fruit, vegetables, chicken, low fat, low carb and so on....

I lost 2 pounds.

I know.

My first thoughts were...how did this happen????!!!!

In reality I should be happy I'm moving in the right direction, but it feels like I should have lost way more! It's very discouraging to not see better results.  The hardest part for me has been this massive tape worm in my stomach! I am soooooooo hungry...all......the....time.

I'm thinking I might have to result to what I DIDN'T want to do. Diet.  South Beach always works & I thought I might incorporate slim fast in with the SB since I have such a busy schedule lately.  I have to do something to get this weightloss started ASAP! I'm giving it until Monday, if not, I'm headed for South Beach.

On a positive note, things this week to motivate me:

• Signed up for a weight loss challenge at work. The winner gets $300!
• Sent in my measurements for my bridesmaid dress for Lauren's wedding
• Started planning a trip back to Vegas in May for our 2nd Anniversary!

The funniest part of this whole weight loss extravaganza rollercoaster that I'm on is that this afternoon Jason's sweet younger cousin brought me a belated Christmas present today. 

It ironically was a casserole dish carrier.

Oh how yummy it would be to whip up some pioneer woman chicken spaghetti or mexican casserole to go in it?!!!

A girl can dream right? I really did LOVE my casserole dish carrier and I've been wanting one for a long time. Sometimes it's so funny how things come to you though when you least expect them!

Updates, how are you doing on your weight loss goals/resolutions?  HANG IN THERE!

In closing...I am refusing to say "roll tide" or talk anything sports related in this post.  I honestly think I'm the only person in the universe not watching the BCS game tonight, but Maci & I are happily cuddled on the couch watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills & Atlanta, trying to stay awake for Jason to get home. Maybe next week I'll have better news to share, but until then I'm still working towards the goal!

Happy New Year 2012!

Well 2011 has come and gone and I am jumping on the resolution band wagon. What better time to have a fresh start and change some bad habbits? I realize that I have neglected my blog, so I'm going to do a better job of that (unofficial resolution) and try to blog weekly of my progress. 

Here is a list of my goals for 2012:

1) To be a better Christian

I plan on focusing more of my life to God, his word, & living through him.

2) Be a better wife, daughter, sister, friend, etc.

In the last year, I feel as if I have neglected so many of the loved ones in my life and I want to do better with spending time, phone calls, cards, remembering birthdays & special moments, sending texts....I NEED to do this.

3) Loosing 30 lbs.

I have set myself a goal to eat healthier & exercise to reach my perfect weight.  I have thought long and hard and I have challenged myself to loose 30 lbs before my 25th birthday. I have so many reasons for deciding to do this.

• My Health-I don't want to be skinny, just healthy.
• My husband-every hubby loves a smoking hot wife! haha!
• My dream for a baby-I know God knows when the time is right to bless us with a baby and I have pledged to be ready for this. I want to be in the best possible shape and ready to provide my baby with a healthy environment to be brought into.
• My best friend's wedding.  One of my very best friends from college, Lauren, is engaged and will be getting married this fall. I want to look and feel great at her wedding!
• To revamp my closet-there are so many clothes & shoes I have that I have dreamed about fitting (back) into. With a few life changes, some of these cute dresses, jeans, & shoes will bring back all of those old warm fuzzies when I put them on. I can't wait for that feeling of putting on my "skinny jeans" & them being a little big :)

4) Saving money & paying off a few things

5) Making investments in our new house

There are so many things I want to do better with this year, but only time will tell if I accomplish all these goals on my list for 2012.  The first three goals WILL happen.  The other two, well, I'm going to try my best!  Whatever changes I make, I know they will be positive and that's what I'm looking for. 

I will blog every Monday to keep you updated with my weight loss progress. Since today is Monday, I will give  a brief starter of what my plan is.  I've been scanning the internet for ideas and inspiration for food, exercise, & success stories.  After all of this deliberation, I have decided not to do some fad diet, pills, crazy workout plan, or anything of that sort. I'm loosing it the old fashioned way.  I'm watching my calories, fats, & carbs.  I'm eating healtier foods.  I'm challenging myself to drink 8 glasses of water every day.  I'm still keeping diet coke (I have to keep something sinful to trick myself into thinking I'm cheating!).  But, I will only drink 1 dt. coke per day. I'm cutting back! I'm weighing every week-Monday morning to be precise.  I will post my progress each week. I'm joining a gym here in town probably next week. I'm taking this week just to get in the habbit of starting to eat healthy. Maybe I'll loose a couple of pounds this week just watching what I eat. We will see.

Over the holidays, I have gained a solid 5 lbs.  :( Very depressing because my goal was to maintain. I had lost almost 15 lbs after we moved to Magnolia with just watching what I ate and getting active, so I really wanted to keep that off. It's pretty disheartening to have lost the first battle, but I plan to win the war!  I am hoping this week I can loose a few of those 5 lbs I gained and start fresh next Monday with working out and working towards the goal.  Hopefully I will have good news to report next Monday! Please keep me in your prayers through all of my resolutions. After this incredibly long post, it's time for my mid-morning snack.  I'm eating unsweetened applesauce (30 calories) with a glass of water.

 But...what I'm really craving is a powdered & chocolate covered mini donut.

This is going to be a long 4 months!

Happy New Year!

I'm a little behind with our Christmas post, but we just finished up our last Christmas last night. We celebrated Christmas eve at home & then spent Christmas Day with my dad's family.  The day after, we had our huge Clark Christmas at our house with Jason's family (which you will see in the pics why we call it the "huge" Clark Christmas!) Last night we celebrated with my mom's side of the family.  Here are a few of the pics I took to share our Christmas with you all...

Christmas Eve

Here is all 20 of Maci's hair bows that Santa brought her. Aren't they too cute?!

Wiley got to come inside on Christmas eve to open his presents. He got an angry birds frisby (which is already torn up by the way) & a football toy!

Maci & her sock monkey toy that Santa brought her.

Mommy & Maci Opening our presents from daddy!

Maci loves her new hair brush her daddy got her!

My big gift from Jason. Look at that gorgeous wrapping! 

But....

Don't be fooled....

This was the back! haha! He gets an honorable mention in wrapping...

All my prezzies from my sweet hubby!

Christmas Day

Jason & Maci after Christmas morning church

Christmas night, we even had a special visitor-Scottie Page. He came all the way to Las Vegas with us when we got married. We had a great time catching up with him.

The Clark Christmas (Dec 26th)

Here's just a snapshot of all of the gifts we had at our Clark Christmas-and there were no kids! It was out of control! lol 

More Prezzies

I even made Maci her own doggie biscuit shaped like a bone.

She loved it!

Family Christmas Pic

Here is Maci & Wiley's cousin Maggie in her new sweater dress.

The White Christmas-Dec 30th

Garet with his dirty santa gift-that I wound up getting. So cute!

Peyton & Maci

The White fam came to visit us. We were patiently awaiting dirty santa.

Austen got glasses. He was very excited about those.

My sis & her fam.

Getting ready to play our favorite game, left, right center.

Shelling out the dough!

Dad won the first round. Here he is with all his cash! He looks a little excited huh?

Maci was Jason's good luck charm. Needless to say, niether one of us won.

Passing money back & forth

Roll off! The game intensifies...

 Round Two winner is.....

Peyton!



All in all, we had a fabulous 2nd Christmas together.  Most importantly, we had another year with family & had two wonderful new additions, Maci & Wiley.  We feel so blessed to have had a wonderful 2011 and can't wait to see what all God has in store for us in 2012.  I have a feeling this will be our best year yet!

I'll be posting soon about my new years resolution.  What are some of your New Years resolutions?