Getting ready

I have been a bit overwhelmed with a list of things I WANT to do and a list of things I NEED to do.

I pulled out all of the little socks, one-sies and outfits we will need for the new little girl in our home.
I know I still have time to do all of that but I have a very pressing project I'd like to get done BEFORE we meet her. I haven't forgotten the endless work that a newborn takes and add that to the mix of three other children and this project will be put on hold for longer then I want it to be.

After completing my first book "Uniquely Ewe" my publisher asked me to illustrate my OWN books from now on. "Apple Duckling:" is edited and WAS very beautifully illustrated, just needed to be put together. But based on the unique design of my first book, it was decided that I would illustrate it in the same way. YIKES! I am not sure how to do this project. But needless to say that I need to get on it BEFORE this baby arrives. I know I couldn't do it otherwise.

I am happy to say that if the baby were due today I would  be ready. That has been a welcome stress relief.

Now, I really have no excuse for not tackling this very intimidating thing, other then the fact that I am indeed intimidated. The claymation will have to be more detailed and and there has to be more of it. I don't know what I am doing for the most part but I MUST give it an honest shot.  

PINK PINK PINK

Time to dig through the bins and bins of baby girl clothes. Pull out the bows and pink blankets.
We are welcoming another little girl to our home. 
My Girls are beyond excited!

The ultra sound was good, and measurements are still on for August 1st.
I can't believe I am HALF WAY THERE!
I haven't had high blood pressure so far, which has been a big relief and blessing as this was the thing I was most worried about.

I have, however, been really struggling with chronic sinus pressure and infections. After 2 rounds of antibiotics and major tension headaches, I am finally feeling better for now. I still feel so congested, I could be battling this for months. If I could bet better MAYBE I can actually get something done around my house.

I'll have more to update as things progress.

I love my kindergartner! She makes me laugh!

Don't we hope we all look sooo good when we are 100 years old!

I haven't lost any weight for 3 months! Here is why!

Yes, I am crazy! Can I handle 4 kids? I don't know!

The story behind this new resident:

Let me go back to when the Ogden Temple closed for renovation. So April of 2011.

Brian was starting to get "Baby Hungry" GRRR! I was not!

We had decided after Owen was born that we were done. Too many medical issues. 

Two pregnancies with high risk factors. Best to be done. Even the Doctor cautioned against it. 

Owen was 5 weeks early due to Pregnancy Induced hypertension. (High Blood Pressure).

It took me 3 months to get my blood pressure to drop after Owen was born. 

It was a scary time. My blood pressure spiked at 35 weeks with Owen and I saw spots and was dizzy.

So we were DONE! Or were we?

Fast forward 3 years to April again. I started to be frustrated that this gate was opening again. 

WE WERE DONE. Why was Brian talking about another one?

So confused that my answer once so peaceful was now erupting with confusion.

I took it to the temple (Bountiful). This is how I know when it was. I prayed and the answer was a frustrating..... WAIT! 

What no YES or NO? Just wait? GRRR!!!

So now go ahead to August, I felt the NEED, through inspiration it was time to get my body into shape. 

Loose 22 pounds I had failed to do anything about. I thought I was content with holding onto.

So I set goals to loose it. I set my mind to running in a 10k...the dirty dash in Provo to be exact.

I was excited. I was running, and feeling good.

I had lost 8 pounds when in the end of Sept. I started having dreams about a new baby in our home.

I had 3 in a row, I passed them off as nothing. OKAY I tried to.

They pressed on my mind night and day. I knew that I didn't need to pray about what they meant. I felt it.

There was another baby waiting to come into our home. 

There are few times in my life where The Lord has to tell me in this way. Usually, it is when I am not listening to the promptings. So "wait" was no longer the answer here. I waited another week before telling Brian. I knew he'd not hesitate about what the Lord was now "requiring" of me.

I say require not because I don't want this baby, but I wasn't prepared to accept that this was what it was supposed to be. I was getting my body back. I was getting on with just raising the kids I have now.

I had moved past this stage. 

There were many risks involved, I knew this. 

I would be 36 this coming year, another risk factor to add.
This was one of the greatest tests to me of trusting what it is that God wants for me and my family. 

It was a very trying to me. I had closed that door. Now, the flood gates were wide open. 

I thought I had sufficient faith. NO, I didn't yet. 

So I finally told Brian, he was excited, happy and ready. 

I still was not.

I spent many nights praying to have the courage to do this very hard thing. 

I have to say that when I get an answer about things in my life, I don't hesitate usually.

This to me, was a trial of my faith. 

I came to a place of peace, contentment and excitement.

I even came to see the preparation that was being made in this process.

I lost 16 pounds before I got pregnant. I have a healthier eating habit, and I am more accustomed to exercising. (Although, fatigue in the first trimester has killed that) But I still have the motivation to keep the life style that I had adopted just months before I was pregnant. So I am hoping that all of this will help this pregnancy to go well.

I know that all will go well, I have been assured of this many times in my moments of prayer. 

I have since received a blessing from my husband  and have felt incredible peace.

It has been almost 4 years since I was pregnant and I feel like this is all NEW and exciting again.

Though I would not have planned it this way, God did. I can accept that. 

I am anxious to meet this little spirit that has been saved to come into our lives at this time. 

2011- What our year was like! Our Year in a quick glance!

I have posted some pictures of the highlights of this last year in TWO parts, It is a lot to look at and I highly doubt that the Palmer life is really that interesting, 

but if you are interested read on through the next 2 posts.

This last year has been a bit crazy and busy, but we have really had a wonderful year! 

I decided to do a quick review of the year as a whole

 with the milestones that happened in our lives in 2011! 

BRIAN:
Brian's job is wonderful with amazing benefits, the best we have ever had. He is happy at his work.
He is working in the church as the 1st counselor to in the Sunday School Presidency.
AMY:
I lost 16 pounds of Fat...I had been putting it off for 3 years, I had no more excuses.
I was released from Primary Music and put in as the Assistant Coordinator for the Additional Relief Society Meetings. So Excited!!! I was ready for the change.
I published a children's book, YES me, I am now officially an Author and Illustrator. 
Every illustrator that started my book quit, I am thinking now that there was a reason.
After 6 frustrating months, I kept having images of my charters swimming through my head of CLAYMATION illustrations. So I gave it a shot, they turned out to be quite cute. Though my husband (would be embarrassed to admit this) doubted it could be done. For once I am sure he was glad to be wrong. My book entitled Uniquely Ewe is now ready and on the market. I went to St. George for a company and book launch for the New Year, It was a great experience to be a part of something for ME.
I have one more book coming out soon, and am in the process of getting another done.

Madi: Madeline was Baptized in November! She is doing great in school and loves second grade. She was given an Award this year for Responsibility.

Nori:  Eleanor is loving Kindergarten. I am surprised everyday at how well she can read. She was given an award this year for Service.

Owen:  Owen had tubes put in his ears right after Thanksgiving, His speech and hearing have improved tremendously. What an amazing difference! He even started potty training I was surprised to how the lack of hearing and lack of desire to potty train were related. But that has helped him. His hearing was so bad he had 40% hearing loss, and was constantly frustrated and screaming. So glad we got that done. 

Over all this has been a great year!

Hoping that 2012 Brings in great things!

Playing Catch up, Part 2 Soccer, Halloween, Baptism and Christmas!

Soccer Season:

 Brian coached both teams. 

He and the girls had fun, I watched and enjoyed watching each Saturday. 

What  a great time they had!

 Madi's team was called Blue Wave

Nori's team was called Blue Dolphins

__________________________________

October FUN 

 Madi looks thrilled! This is not her favorite part of Halloween.

My favorite part is carving the pumpkins, 

though it has come to be a lot of work to do one for each member of our family. We still do it! _______________

My kids picked their costumes this Halloween. 

Of all the choices she had, Nori chose to be a KNIGHT. So like her! 

Madi was a beautiful witch, and Owen, Superman.

Owen came home after trick or treating and ran straight to the hall closet with his bag of candy. 

Here I caught him shoveling it in as fast as he could. How could I stop him?

November: Best Part EVER!!!

 My little Madelin Lori Palmer was Baptized on November 5th 2011.

Much like the day she was blessed there was a snow storm, making those who traveled up to be a part of this event leery of any FUTURE big events in Madi's life. Her aunt Amber made us promise she'd get married in June. Chances are great there will be snow then.

Great things take sacrifice you know.

It was a wonderful day!

I am so Proud of My Sweet Husband for being worthy to Baptize her!

Thanks to all those in her life who are helping me teach her to be the beautiful daughter of God that she is!

December! Yes December!

 Best Gift Ever, Owen Got a Sleeping Bag and a Flashlight!

 This is the up side to winter in my book, Funny hats!

I love Christmas!

Playing Catch up!! Part 1

Okay- now that it is 2012 I thought I'd get finally get caught up.
I may take this into several posts. I don't think I have the time to do it all in one post.
So watch them as they come. I will start with oldest event and end at the end of the post with most recent.
Hang in there.

I will be doing a quick over view of the main events. From May to now.
Sounds long I know-- but I will make it quick!

 In May My Grandpa Dwayne Gentry passed away.
I visited him the day he passed, he passed only moments after I left his side.
I was grateful to have had the opportunity to say good bye.
I am so thankful that he was able to see his "Sweet Red Head" again.
I am sure that reunion was wonderful!

I, of course will do anything to win the MOTHER OF THE YEAR award.
So the girls had their Tonsils out on May 30th! A very needed surgery, HOWEVER the day before Nori's birthday and the day after school was out.
2 reasons my nominee for Mother of the year was valid in every sense. It was a grueling and hard 2 weeks for the girls, and hard on me, However as they slept, I painted Owen's room. A project I had been putting off for a long time.
NO MORE PURPLE WALLS!! His room looks so nice now!
And Owen got a brand new bed. HE became an official BIG BOY! He has a beautiful captain's bed.
A wonderful bed for years to come.

Owen Also Turned 3, he is getting so big.
For this year he got costumes, BOY COSTUMES.
Here he is dressed as a Police man...Thanks Allie!
He also got a superman cape and some pirate clothes and a few fun hats. He loves to dress up. However, given his newest costumes, he still tries on the girls' dress ups. I guess that is what happens after you have 2 girls then a boy!

I have included this picture of Owen and one of his many activities. He is soooooo busy. I am just SO glad he still naps. Otherwise I am not sure he would survive until he was 4 years old.

In July, it was indeed a busy month, the girls were recovered. Madi attended the city parks program and had a great time there. Where she got to be in the children's parade. She was in heaven.
 Nori attended  pre-school through the summer and had a field trip every day. She had so much fun! It was nice to have them home though when things ended. It was a quick summer.

I went to Girl's camp this year and hiked up through the Timpanogus cave.Here is only one of many pictures I have of the CAVE! It was incredible!
We were at a camp site called Dell Mutual, we had a zip line, canoes, and a confidence course. We had a great time and even came back relaxed!

While all of this was happening, Brian was busy working, missing out on all the fun. Poor Guy!
Brian's mom watched the kids while I was at girl's camp. THANK YOU!

Of course we went to the Nature Center, It was free. 

We had a great time.

The girls got to capture frogs from the pond. They had a great time.

They even touched a snack. NORI seemed to have liked the snake a little too much for my comfort.

She loves that kind of stuff! I mean, just look at her face completely at ease, holding the frog, Madi looks a little nervous.

 Camping with the Family in August. The kids did great! Brian went up a day early with the girls while I stayed home with Owen, he is just a handful and 2 full days with no gate and a river just sounded like a bad idea. The Girls had a great time. I hope that we can go the whole time this next time as a family. Owen should be able to handle it next year.

NORI STARTED KINDERGARTEN!!! She was so excited! She has a half day. 

Unfortunately, that is not a long day. Her Preschool was longer then that.

She loves it!!

 And yes Madi started school too. I don't know why I don't have a picture. 

But she is in Second Grade! Wow she has grown!

Below:

These are pictures from the Black Island Farms in Syracuse. This is their harvest Festival!

We love it ,this is the 2nd year we have gone. HMMM. I smell tradition.

I will have to stop here for now. Stay tuned for the rest of the Updates. Yeah I know it is a lot. 

BUT WHEN IT IS DONE IT IS  DONE!!!

OKAY FEELING BETTER!!!

Yesterday I had major stomach pains, bloating and cramps. I have been bloated for nearly 2 weeks. Bloating makes it hard to eat a lot. That is the good thing, the bad thing is it was very uncomfortable. And nothing changed on the scale.
So even as of yesterday I was stalled on my weight, I am happy to report, Upon stepping on the scale I had lost 3 more pounds.....no bloating today!

I am so happy about that. Only 7 pounds away from my goal!
I have a choice here, do I step up my loss by loosing faster so that I can be down to my goal by January 1st OR do I just keep one pound a week and say that the Middle of January will suffice?
I think a pound a week is great!

Honestly, you'd think with the Holidays coming I would be tempted to splurge on my Calories.
I'd love to believe me!
The food (treats) look so good and smell so good but they are not enjoyable anymore.
I can have one bite or maybe two (or a small piece) then I shutter and am done.
I haven't forgotten what it all tastes like, even my favorites do not tempt me like they should.

What I am happy about, is this, come January 1st I will not have to put into my head or on paper a New Year's Resolution. LOOSE 22 pounds. I get to actually do something I want.

I will say this, today I am going to eat and eat! Because I can, then I will be sure to work out tomorrow, and go back to my plan tomorrow. I think I can afford one day!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

I am stuck!!

Haven't lost anything for a while. I have been very distracted by other events, some of which I will get you updated on....haven't gained though. I'll take that.
Now, back to focus on my goal. 

Celebration anyone?

I will be posting the events of the last couple of weeks. But as of today for a matter of time I am going to report.
I have lost 12 pounds. This week was a rollercoaster though, I think I have been a bit bloated, I had thought that I was not loosing anymore then were I was, not that I am complaining reallly because 10 pounds still felt like a success. My goal was 22 though. so I am only 10 pounds away.

I stepped the scale today after seeing no change and saw 2 pounds go like that. I must have been retaining water or something. I feel a lot better any way today. I have felt a little sick and tired. I know this is too much information. But I want to report my progress. Accountability has made me want to report my success. Gives me Motivation. That is the key for me! Thanks for tracking with me. I have lost not only the pounds but I have lost 6 inches in my hips and 5 inches in my waist!! I only have one pair of pants that fit, and they are getting too loose. Time to see if I have some put away. I doubt it though, This is the smallest I have been since having kids. We won't talk about before that! I will be posting updates on my family in a bit. This post is just faster!!! So it is easy to keep up on!!

Good luck ladies!!

Wahoo!!! I hit 10 pounds!

Sometimes we start out with a goal and wonder if we can actually or will actually do it!! Well, I am happy to say that I am doing it. I never had a lot to loose but I am closer to my  goal then I thought I would be, I haven't given up.
Having a treadmill at home is the best thing for me. I can run early in the morning and then I have the whole day to do all of the things that need to be done. My energy level is higher throughout the day.
I measured inches today. I have lost in total since I started this (On August 9th) 1 inch in my chest, 4 inches in my hips and 3.5 inches in my waist!! Let's just say I am feeling good about this!!! So excited!!!

Keep on movin', I know I will!

Yes, I am still at it...

I know it has been a little over a week and my progress has been a little slow this last week.
I still lost some weight though. One pound in 10 days.  I had a bit of a cold, and slept very little this last week.
Between kids, sickness and doctors appointments, I really made it to the gym very little.
I did however, find a treadmill (for $30)!!!! Wahoo!! My gym membership contract ends this month, and I just felt overwhelmed going as often as I want to run, It took my whole morning! I need the body pump classes once a week though, so that  I will miss. I do have some passes for just the classes, I think I will be using those on Saturdays though while Brian stays home with the kids.
So this week I have run on my treadmill, and have loved it. I just bought an awesome music track to run with for my Ipod!
http://www.amazon.com/Very-Best-Running-Tracks-Songs/dp/B004PAF6M8

Thanks for all of you who are watching and working toward this goal with me...
Keep it up!!

Weight loss comes with some pain!

Just weighed myself today. Another pound off!
You know, this all started with an answer to my prayers. I wanted to know what I could do to feel better about myself and my body. This was the answer! As I started I didn't think I could do it.
But here I am 14 pounds to go! That seems like so many still after loosing 8 I am not even half way.
But I haven't felt hungry or deprived. So one pound a week seems good for me.
I am not complaining about loosing 8 pounds, I just wish results were faster. This is one time that I would love for time to go faster. 14 pounds is 14 weeks. JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS TREATS, that seems like a good time to put it all back on....in this case, NO WAY! I won't do it. I have been working too hard to let it go.

My caption above says weight loss comes with pain.
They say that weight lifting is the most effective thing you can do to burn calories, because you keep burning after you are done. Your body is repairing muscles.
 I'd say my body has been repairing muscles now for 3 days. I AM SORE, OUCH!!! I went to body pump Saturday morning and have been hobbling down the steps since.
But I know it is good for me on so many levels.
I will be sad to give up my Gold's Gym Membership, especially now. We need to cut some costs and this is the thing that can go. As of Oct. 24th I will need to run here at home, (when I find a treadmill), and find a weight lifting class to take once a week. That is all I need.

I need to keep this up though. I am on a wheat roll! (don't eat white bread if I have a choice).

By the way, I included below a nasty picture. This is what one pound of fat looks like.



Good luck to you and thanks for your support!!

Take a moment and laugh it up!

Still working on it.

After my last post I thought I would update you with an OFFICIAL number.
I was 135 at my Dr. Appt.
So I didn't gain, Yet by Thursday of this week I have not lost any thing, looks like I need to work a bit harder or play catch up!

It did, however, make me feel good as I stepped on the scale and before seeing the numbers, the nurse said "okay, lets weight you, skinny little thing". That made me feel great. I asked the doctor if I was at a healthy weight.
He said, I was at a healthy weight for an American women. Not sure what that means.
 I am now in the normal weight zone, and have left the OVERWEIGHT category. Time to change my life insurance, I can save money there. YEAH!

The last couple of weeks have been a bit stressful, but I feel myself coming out of it. I haven't been going to the Gym like I needed too. I am pretty impressed though that I haven't binged on sweets, what has usually been my down fall.
I just don't crave sugar anymore.

As long as the scale keeps climbing down I am satisfied.

Do scales Lie?

On Saturday I was at 135, Then Sunday I was at 138. I am taking 135 and running with it though.
I ate quite a bit of the NO NO foods after looking at the scale thinking I deserved to indulge a bit.
I had two too many slices of Pizza It was soooo good. But the next day, I was bloated and felt quite awful.
I haven't had that much white carbs for a very long time. Though it was a momentary pleasure I was slammed with a headache the following day. I am thinking the scale went up because I indulged and I was a bit "Bloated".
Yeah, I may be sharing too much but I am accountable for something.

Today is a day of cleansing, Veggies and Fruits, water and Herbal teas.
I started today with ONE egg and some wheat toast. I think we are on a getting this week off on a good start.
I will be eating a lot of tomatoes fresh from the garden (thanks to my Mother in Law). Am actually excited to get back on my disciplined diet of healthy foods, though indulgence was nice, it was momentary. It left me feeling sick. I think my indulgence in Dark chocolate and almonds is Just right.

The Good news this week is though,is that I have lost inches. I haven't taken measurements since I started this and I am happy to report I have lost 2.5 inches around my hips, 1.5 inches around my waist.
My perfectly fitting pants are loose and just don't fit right anymore. This is good and bad, as they were my favorite pair of khakis. Really, not sure if I should complain about this.
Madi's baptism will be in one month, it would be nice to even out my weight loss to 15 pounds by the time that comes around, good news is that is only another 7 pounds of weight loss in 4 more weeks, if I work a little harder and don't indulge for the next month it is possible. However, I'd be happy to make it 12 pounds which is my goal after all, an extra 3 would be nice to report.

I will keep working on this goal, now I just need to figure out how to get better sleep!

 I know this is my family blog, and I do have some pics to put up on here, I will soon.
I just wanted to update those of you who have been following this journey of my life.
I always write about my family and my kids. This is why I am doing this! SO that I can be there for them.
Thanks for your cheers and support!

YUP! It can be done!

I am down 6 pounds, should be 7 but I won't complain.

I think with a bit more effort this week I can make up that goal. Here's to hoping.

I'm gonna keep on, keep on movin'

One pound lighter.
I really fell of the ban wagon a bit this week, on nutrition and the gym.
I didn't track any calories.
But Oddly I still lost some weight.
The biggest thing I think is the sweets and drinks.
Although, we went out to eat. I did not order soda.
And while at home, I didn't have any treats.
The only thing I am allowed to have is Semi Sweet Chocolate chips.
That satisfies me enough. Only one serving and I am good.

So with those little changes I still managed to meet my goal.

More success!

Another Pound yes, my goal was one a week and I have last 3 pounds total. It has been 3 weeks.
So yes, it could go faster still here's to hoping.

I wish it was more, the gym was only visited once last week due to a cold that my son had.

19 pounds to go to get to my goal weight!
When I meet that goal that will be by Christmas, Meaning I will need new clothes for Christmas!

So I have decided to do it... Loose weight, and get fit.
I have upped the ante, if you will. I Signed up with www.livestrong.com and am currently  studying the AMEN Solution to healthier and happier you.....
Tracking Calories has been quite freeing. I was surprised about that.
My Goal is one pound a week. That would put me at my goal weight by Jan.
So I won't have to make a goal of loosing weight.
I will then start training for the Dirty Dash!
My starting weight is 142 as of August 11th, 2011
I weighed my self today and not even a week later I have lost 2 pounds!!! Wahoo!!
I hope you don't mind but I am going to be quite honest here about my progress it gives me another thing to be accountable for.

So I am going to ad some pics...
These are really, really bad pictures, I had just come from working out. Need I really say more.

Also, I am not sucking in....I know it is a bit Gross.
But It will really help me track my progress.
So wish me luck on my journey!