Yes, it IS a Pool/Pasta Party

Well, I guess I have no explanation for these photos. For a girl who never ever wants to wear anything besides her pull-up, the swimsuit in January at the supper table is pretty interesting. At least the Elmo undies match.

Rock Band

Long, cold winter days have made for some very stir-crazy children around here. One of the kids' favorite ways to get exercise (besides kickboxing each other) is to put on some loud music and dance. We listen to a lot of kids music, and our favorites are The Barenaked Ladies kids c.d. and For the Kids. They are both child and Mommy friendly. Evelyn's new favorite is Lady Gaga. But what I really like to crank up is Green Day. The kids had a great time "playing Green Day" this week. Gavin was Tre Cool (drummer). His spiked hair is courtesy of a comb and copious amounts of hand sanitizer which Gavin decided worked well as hair gel. Evie was Mike Dirnt (guitar) because she couldn't be the singer. The singer is a boy, so naturally Evie couldn't be the singer. I guess she doesn't know all the members of Green Day are guys.

Side note here. Today at Target during our bathroom stop, Gavin said to Evie, "You pee out of your butt!" I explained that no Evie sits to pee out of her vagina not her butt. Evie then explains to Gavin, "You have a penis, but you can call it a wiener, your junk, or a wenis." Thanks, Evie.

First Week of Healthy Body Challenge

The first week of my healthy body challenge went very well, although I must admit an overwhelming craving for chocolate truffles and Runza. The only meat I ate all week was smoked salmon and a bite of turkey breast. I ate tons of beans and avocados instead. (Caution: the next few lines may be TMI) Despite a bean-laden diet, I am not the gas machine I was when I consumed mass quantities of artificial sweetener.

I weighed myself this morning, and the scale was kind: 172.2 which is almost 3 lbs less than last Wednesday. Our body weight can change by a few pounds throughout the day, but I'm taking this as a small victory and a large encouragement.

In the long term, I think my biggest struggle will be my overwhelming urge to snack while home all day. Another problem: a husband who both eats whatever he wants and tells me to do the same even though he knows I'm trying to change my eating habits. I'm happy that he thinks I'm beautiful and perfect, but I'm not healthy. I sincerely wish he would lose some weight. He can't continue to eat so unhealthy and not exercise. We need him around to bring home the bacon (or not, since we're dieting and all).

Mr. Vesely Goes to Cost Cutters

I don't even think words are necessary for this blog post. After months and months and months of convincing, Brody finally got a haircut. The Brofro is gone.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

No, he isn't auditioning for the World Series of Poker.

Healthy Body Challenge Day 3

I finally found a battery for my scale, and I really wish I hadn't. I weighed in at 175 lbs. this afternoon. I can't believe I'm sharing that with the blogosphere, but those who know me already know I'm fat so what's the harm? Stepping on the scale has never been motivating for me. It's more depressing than anything, and of course when I'm depressed I want to eat. The vicious cycle of weight loss has begun.



So far I don't really feel like I'm on a diet. I still allow myself a bowl of ice cream, one alcoholic beverage, and 18 cheesy Kashi crackers every day. I still put half and half in my coffee. I cannot survive on a deprivation diet, but then again who can? I let myself have all the fruits and veggies I want. For me, the big changes are cutting out processed foods like canned soup, microwave dinners, corn dog nuggets, and artificial sweeteners. I'll also miss french fries and Runzas. I found a really nice cookbook called Hungry Girl. There are some great recipe ideas and great guidelines for eating at restaurants. It also includes some "eat this, not that" sections which I find especially helpful. What I don't like is that so many of the recipes include artificial sweeteners or fat free cheese or sugar-free items. I'm sorry, but fat free cheese is NOT cheese and sugar-free does not equal healthy. I had a yummy Hungry Girl egg white scramble for lunch with mushrooms, tomatoes, and chopped veggie burger pattie.

So, today has been rewarding. I know where I stand and how much I need to lose. Hopefully, I won't lose my spirit along the way. I can't focus only on what I'm missing but also what I'm gaining.

Fried Chicken

Colby's parents were in Lincoln to visit us on Sunday. They waded through heavy fog to get here, but their presence/presents never leaves the kids disappointed. We celebrated Brody's birthday a few days late with Chinese food, cookies, and soda - all typical Vescapade grandparent items.

Luckily for Dade and Soren, Grandpa really likes Popeye's chicken. For supper Grandpa brought back fried chicken and gizzards. Dade's chicken request, "I want a breast, a leg, a wing, and some gizzards." He left out the feathers but not much else, I guess. Brody loves gizzards but won't eat a hamburger. Soren polished off her chicken leg while wearing her new outfit, but in true diva style didn't drop a crumb. Actually, I'm not sure if it's diva or just a ravenous love of fried chicken as to not let even one crumb fall. Fried chicken is not a frequent menu item at our house, so thank goodness for Grandpa and Grandma. I'll be sure to send them the medical bills when the kids have diabetes and high cholesterol and middle schoolers.

Just kidding!!

Healthy Body Challenge Day 1

We all make resolutions at the dawn of each new year. I resolved to be the best mom, wife and friend I could be. I have also decided to be a healthier me. In order to be here for my children for years to come, I'll need to make sure I have a healthy mind and body. I've decided two things: I need to eat better to lose weight and I need to spend some time away from my kids.

Today I started my "diet" of less processed foods and no red meat or bacon. I'm also determined to remove fake sugar from my diet, but I already drank a diet soda today so that will have to start tomorrow, I guess. I'm going to learn to make my own ranch dressing and my own potato chips. I'm going to eat more plants and less food that is made in a plant. I stole those two ideas from author Michael Pollan. They are two of his food rules. He says you can eat as much junk food as you want if you make it yourself. I'm going to hold him to that. I want to lose 20 lbs. in six months. I'd still be chubby but a good, junk in the trunk, curvy chubby. I tried to weigh myself today, but my battery-operated scale is out of juice and takes those stupid little flat batteries which I never have on hand. Of course. Murphy's Law and all.

My second decision to spend less time with my kids may seem harsh at first glance. However, after spending most of my time since 2002 either pregnant or nursing (plus Colby's little stints in St. Joe, Seward, and Ohio without us), I think it's time for me to spend time with my friends. I have to learn to not feel guilty every time I leave the house alone. I need to learn to have fun without the kids, and they need to learn to have fun without me. I love my children, but I love me, too. The old saying, "If mom's not happy no one is" is right on point and will be my new mantra (right along with "No coffee, no workee" and "Put on your big girl panties and deal with it.").

Winter Band Concert

After two postponements due to inclement weather, Dade finally got to have his first 6th grade band concert last night. Aunt Carrie and Jacob came down to listen. The kids did a really good job, and the 7th - 8th grade band was really awesome. I can't wait to hear how Dade and his crew sound next year. This year's performance included gongs and lots of other interesting percussion.

After the concert Dade said, "That was awesome! I'm so wide awake now. I was sleepy before the concert, but now I'm awake!" I guess his adrenaline was pumping. We are so proud of him!

Happy 7th Birthday, Brody!

Today my baby boy turns seven. As I type this, I am remembering what I was doing at 9:41 am seven years ago: waiting in a hospital room for the doctor to break my water. The birth of my second son (the name Brody actually means "second son" in Scottish) was amazing. He was a beautiful little 8 lb 3 oz gift. We noticed his personality right away from birth: he ate all the time and complained a lot. Not much has changed. He's famously a "glass half empty" pessimist who can find something wrong with anything and everything. But that's what makes him Brody. In honor of my Brody's birthday, I'd like to share a few of his famous quotes that are oh so very Brody.

"If I had known we were gonna turn, I wouldn't have come on this walk."

"Yeah, because of Dade!" or "Dade made me (fill in the blank) and I hurt my (fill in the blank)"

"If I had a million dollars I'd build a house, but mom would still have to clean it."

"Mom, you don't have a job. You just do laundry and stuff."

"I am NOT eating that. That must be homemade. Look at it, Dade!"

As Colby and I exchange hello kisses, "Awwwwwww god! Not in front of the kids!"

I love you so much Brody!! And, yes, someday you will kiss a girl. And you will probably like it.

Sarah Palin: Ass Chapper #1

I saw today that Sarah Palin is starting a new gig as some kind of reporter on Fox News. This is right up her alley. She used to be a broadcaster in Alaska and has a degree in journalism, right?

I do not agree with Ms. Palin 99% of the time. I do not think that the vice presidency is the place for her. However, her new (albeit very fitting) job really chaps my ass. All through the campaign she was "rogue". She wasn't your typical politician. She was just your average Jane. She was going to change American politics and not fall into the business-as-usual trap in Washington.

Bull shit. She quits her job as a PUBLIC SERVANT to go work for Fox News. Seriously, she couldn't even wait until her term as governor was over before jumping ship on her COMMITMENT TO AMERICA to work for Fox News. I hope those patriotic Americans at Fox News who love to bag on liberals for being un-American see Sarah Palin for what she is: a pretty face and nothing more.

Dad, Why are There Napkins in This Vending Machine?

Yesterday we made a family trip to Kohl's department store. Soren needed to use the bathroom, so Colby and Dade took her. This particular Kohl's is almost brand new, so they happen to have one of those awesome family restrooms that allow you to take all your kids into one big area that generally has a kiddie toilet, a grown-up toilet, and a changing table. While in the bathroom Dade says, "What are napkins and tampoons (yes, tampoons) doing in this vending machine?" It's really one of those questions that dads probably don't want to answer.

Colby put on a brave face and started into a discussion of babies and uteruses and cleaning out and so forth. I'm sure Dade wished that he hadn't asked.

Thumbs Up!

Soren's new thing is the thumbs up. If you ask her how something is, she gives you the thumbs up. She finally figured out to put her actual thumb up and not her pointer finger, a fact which Evelyn is of course obliged to point out. Evie is always really good about pointing out others' mistakes, but she is also (thankfully) really good at telling people when they've improved or succeeded. I'll give that a thumbs up.

What to Do With This Economy?

"Cutting taxes does not create less government. Cutting spending creates less government. Cutting taxes only creates deficits, and the money has to be repaid sooner or later. But like the housing bubble that accompanied the budget that funded two wars simultaneously, no one wanted to take away the punch bowl until it was too late."

I read these sentences in a response to a New York Times editorial about the current and continuing housing crisis. I hate math. I hate econimics. Frankly, I don't get it. I'm smart but not blessed with the ability to understand banks and accounting and taxes. This sentence struck me as something that made sense. I have lost money on a home sale, and I currently would love to sell my home for one with a little more space. Bottom line: I could never make enough money on the sale of this house to pay a realtor and still have money for the next place. I'm one of the lucky ones, though. I'm not stuck with a house that won't sell. My mortgage payment is manageable as long as my husband is employed. My neighborhood isn't filled with empty houses due to foreclosure.

Still, what the hell can we do? We have to start producing something useful again that's for sure. We can't continue to buy everything from China. We can't continue to think that Wal Mart is filled with bargains. We have to stop blaming immigrants for taking jobs. Frankly, I'm disappointed with Obama's performance so far and not just on matters of the economy. The economy, however, scares me the most.

Happy New Year

The best part about New Year's Eve 2009? Colby wasn't in Ohio. Instead, he was here with our houseful of friends and family. I am so grateful for everyone who came to our home to celebrate with us. If anything, we are blessed with fabulous friends and family who gathered at our little house to celebrate the new year. We all have hopes for the new year. Some of us need jobs. Some of us want another baby. Some of us hate our jobs. Some of us want a bigger house. Some of us wouldn't change a thing. We all came together to celebrate what 2010 might bring and what will hopefully stay away.

At midnight the older kids toasted 2010 while the little kids were already snuggled in their beds. The grown-ups drank champagne and kissed our sweethearts, all of us actually being high school sweethearts still together after all these years.



I have only one expectation for 2010: continuing to be the wife and mother my family deserves no matter what. No matter whether I lose those 20 pounds or not. No matter if we actually get new siding on the house. No matter that my son will be taller than me by 2011. My resolution is always the same: be here for the people I love and the ones who love me.

Latest Book: The Lovely Bones

"My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973."

So begins The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. It's an interesting tale written form the perspective of a young girl in heaven who watches her family cope with the loss of their oldest child. I saw that Bones is now a movie, and it might just be one worth seeing. The book was fantastic: emotional, mysterious, and gripping. Unlike the previous reviewed book (Handle With Care, see earlier blog if you missed it), The Lovely Bones has family drama, mystery, and something more beneath the surface. There are life in Sebold's words, not the emptiness I got from Picoult's. At the end of BonesI felt much more fulfilled about the hours I'd invested.