Canterbury Tales

And here we go... AGAIN

2012-01-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

First I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Ours was great! Filled with family, friends and fireworks. Yes, fireworks. We started a fireworks store back in July and we did good enough to keep it through new years. We will be open this 4th as well. We are crazy but it is fun! So if you are into fireworks and you live in the Odenville/Moody/Leeds area come out and see us. Fireworks Blast is located across from Fred's in Odenville. We will be open for the 4th and for new year's but if you need anything at other times (great for birthday parties) we can meet you at the store.

Now to the purpose of this blog....

I took a little break from my "diet" when football season started. I still ate NS for breakfast and lunch (most days) but dinner I completely went off and on weekends boy did I go off plan. I gained about 10 pounds back, which isn't a lot but it really makes me mad I did this. I was still attending boot camp twice a week, but I wasn't giving it my all either.

So... here I go again! I started back on NS 100% yesterday and had boot camp last night and tried to give it my all.

I think I needed the little break I took. I was getting burned out. I feel refreshed and motivated and ready to get this last 30 pounds OFF!

Wish me luck! I will try to keep this blog updated more, I think it helped me when I updated it to stay motivated.

I hate coming up with titles

2011-05-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

I have never been good coming up with titles to blog posts. Email subjects either. Usually my email subjects are Hey! Seriously, I need to be more creative.

Anyway, I finally saw a drop in the scales this week. After two weeks of holding steady at 174.4 today I weighed in at 173. Woo Hoo! This last 20 pounds has been HARD to get off. I knew it would be that way, so I just have to step it up a little.

We are going to National Harbor, Maryland next week. We always go to one of Scott's tournaments for a whole week and this was the only one this summer that had things to do around it. I am so ready to get away for a little while but scared about food at the same time. I am taking my Nutrisystem with me and I hope that I can stay on plan as much as possible. I know there will be times when we eat out. I just have to make good choices. I am DETERMINED to get this last 18 pounds off.

Taylor's dance recital is Saturday. My favorite day of the year! I LOVE getting her dressed up and seeing her dance. She is a talented little girl. I will try to get some pictures posted of the recital and our vacation when we get back.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Time for an update

2011-05-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

Wow it has been a long time since I updated. So much has happened since my last post. I gave up Facebook for Lent and I guess I just neglected my updates here as well.

I will start with my weight loss journey. I last updated that I weighed 188.4 and that was on March 2. As of this morning I weigh 174.4. So that is a total of 30.6 pounds. I FEEL GREAT! I went shopping a couple of weeks ago because all my 16's are falling off of me. It felt SO good being able to buy CUTE clothes in normal sizes. I fit into an 11/12! I was so excited. My mom said she was getting her old Dixie back. LOL. I am still going strong with Nutrisystem and Bootcamp. I love the both! My overall goal is 155 pounds. That means I am only 19 pounds away. I can't wait to get there, but slow and steady wins the race!

Ok, now onto Scott. He finished 4th at Lake Chickamauga in March. This was his first top 10 finish in since 2009. He (we) really needed it. He needed it for confidence and momentum. You will probably laugh but fishing is SO mental. One bad decision and it is over! Last weekend he got his FIRST WIN with FLW. He won the Everstart Series on Lake Eufaula. He made a huge decision to run 120 miles one way to fish and it paid off! I am so proud of him!!! You can read all about it here: Canterbury Claims Eufaula

On April 27th some horrible storms passed through Alabama and created total devastation in some places, including St. Clair County where I live and my second home (or what I like to think of my second home) in Tuscaloosa.  Those weren't the only two places to be hit, practically the whole state was hit.   The pictures and videos of the storm are unbelievable.

Taylor and I were home when a tornado passed about 200 yards in front of our house. We hunkered down in the hall way with pillows all around us.   It was the scariest thing I have ever been through in my life. I saw the circulation coming down my road and felt the pressure building up in my house.   And the sound was just terrible.   God was watching over us that day, I know it!   I had some friends that had damage to their house but all of my family and friends made it through the storms ok.   For that I am grateful.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to all of the victims! I just can't imagine what they are going through right now.   Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

That is all for now. Hopefully I can stay up to date on here!

Weigh in Wednesday

2011-03-02T04:33:00.000-08:00

Just a quick weigh in post. This morning the scale says 188.4. That is a 1.4 pound loss from last week. I am proud of that 1.4 pounds because I ate like CRAP this past weekend. Overall that brings me to 16.6 pounds. Taylor told me to hurry up to get to 20 pounds so I can get another bear. Nutrisystem sends you a teddy bear for every 10 pounds you lose.

My goal for this week is to stay 100% on Nutrisystem. EVEN through the weekend. Weekdays are easy for me but the weekends get me every time. I am determined to get to that 20 pound mark, I know I would have had a bigger loss this week if I wouldn't have had Mexican and Cracker Barrel this weekend. :)

Nutrisystem so far

2011-02-26T06:52:00.000-08:00

I am two months in on Nutrisystem and thought I would write a little on what I thought of it so far. From the beginning I said I would try it for at least two months then make a decision if I would continue from there. Well, I am continuing. It is working!

First let me explain a little about the program. You get 4 meals a day from Nutrisystem. A breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert/snack. You are required to add certain things each meal. For breakfast you add a protein/dairy and a fruit. For lunch you add veggies, protein/dairy. And for dinner more veggies and a fat serving. You also add an afternoon snack of protein/dairy and a fruit and then you have one of their dessert/snacks. They send you a recommended grocery list with your food that has how much of each add on you should have.

It is really simple to follow. I usually add yogurt to breakfast, a salad for lunch and I cook a whole bunch of veggies for dinner. I have found these stir fry veggies at Walmart that are just awesome. I use a little olive oil for my fat serving to cook them in. So simple and very yummy.

As far as the Nutrisystem food, I actually really enjoy it. I am not a picky eater and definitely not a "foodie" so I have no complaints. The food isn't gourmet by any means but it really isn't that bad. Especially after the first month when you can narrow it down to the stuff you like. I love the pizza's, the lunch noodle bowls and the desserts are AWESOME.

The online community at Nutrisystem is awesome. Lots of Tips and Recipes and all kinds of support from people that have lost TONS of weight. I love going to the website to get ideas. When you meet your goal they put you on a maintenance program to teach you how to eat your own food. Of course you can still get their food if you wish but you don't have too. But I have a long way to go before I think about that. :)

Overall I am REALLY happy with the program. I have lost almost 16 pounds in two months. IT REALLY WORKS. And it is teaching me to eat healthy. I have never eaten so many veggies in a day. And I actually CRAVE them!

Next week sometime I am going to blog about the bootcamp I go to and how it has CHANGED MY LIFE! REALLY! In the meantime watch this video that aired on Fox 6 news Friday night. This isn't the class I attend but it is the same company and Ashley is one of my instructors. She and Dawn are awesome and I don't know how I could make it through a class without them.

Ashley Nix goes to bootcamp

And here is a link to the company. Extreme Fit Bootcamp

Also, if you are interested in giving Nutrisystem a try email me at dixiecanterbury@gmail.com and I can send you a coupon code for $30 off. I will also answer any questions you may have about my experience so far.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Taylor and I are going shopping for my 15 pound reward. SHOES!!!

Milestone---180's

2011-02-23T04:47:00.000-08:00

Weighed in at 189.8 pounds this morning. Glad to be out of the 190's. I know not by much but it felt good not seeing that 9 today. So many times in the past I quit at 190. So that is a total of 15.2 pounds since January 1st. 15 pounds in a little less than two months. I am so happy! Nutrisystem and boot camp are working!

I am going to try to post more about Nutrisystem this weekend. I have been so busy I hardly have time to get on the computer. But I want to share my experience with everyone with the food and the plan.

Happy Wednesday!!!

Weigh In Post

2011-02-16T04:42:00.000-08:00

Nothing much to say really. I weighed in at 192.6 today. Not much of a loss, but I figured it wouldn't be. Been a stressful week and I have not been feeling well. I promise to start posting more on here besides weight stuff. When things slow down a little.

Have a great Wednesday!

12 pounds GONE forever

2011-02-09T05:42:00.000-08:00

I am at 193.0 this morning. That is 11 pounds down since the begining of this year. I am pretty pleased with that although it probably would have been more if I hadn't fallen off the plan this past weekend and missed Zumba and one boot camp class last week (because of weather). My goal for this week is stay on the Nutrisystem plan 100%.

Taylor has a beauty pageant this weekend at Odenville Middle School. Here is the picture I entered for the photogenic contest. When I look at this picture I want to cry. She is growing up way too fast.

Weigh in Day

2011-02-02T04:28:00.000-08:00

I was not looking forward to weighing this morning. I didn't do so well on my program this weekend. I don't think pizza and wings are on the plan. :)

But I weighed and I am at 196.4 that is almost a whole pound down from last week. I will take it, but I know it could have been better if I wouldn't have messed up.

But it is ok. We all have our slip ups and I jumped right back on the plan Sunday and don't plan on slipping up this week. I want to get to that 10 pound mark this week!

Scott's first tournament (on the FLW tour) starts tomorrow. He had a pretty good practice but the Big "O" is so unpredictable that he isn't getting too confident yet. He is off today (from fishing) but has a full day of photo shoots and meetings. Keep him in your prayers.

Happy Groundhog Day!!!

Thanks for the continued words of encouragement!

Wife of a fisherman

2011-01-28T05:39:00.000-08:00

I am going to divert from the weight loss posts for a moment. I want to talk about my husband, Scott.

As most of you know Scott is a professional bass tournament angler. He fishes on the FLW Tour.  He left yesterday to start his 4th year on the tour.

Sometimes it has been a struggle. We have had to foot the bill for entry fees/expenses the first three years.   This year he was able to get a team deal with FLW/Walmart/StraightTalk to help with some of those expenses. Without this deal he would not be able to fish this year. It is also a struggle because we are not able to travel with him a lot.  But despite all of the struggles he seems to always pull through. With that being said:

I am proud of him.
I am proud of him for following his dreams.
I am proud of him for staying TRUE to himself and his beliefs.
I am proud of him for using this as a platform to share his beliefs but not in a boastful way.
I am proud of him for staying HUMBLE when faced with the hoopla the fishing world can bring.
I am proud of him for working when he is home to provide for his family when times are tough.
I am proud of him for being the best husband and father anyone could ask for!

I am proud to be Scott Canterbury's wife (which is my new name)!

With Pride comes humility so we know we have to focus on what really matters.

I am leaving with a couple of verses that are my favorites. I read these almost daily!

1 Peter 5-7
5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Jam 4:6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This verse is on his jersey this year:
Psalms 16:8
I have set the Lord always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Weigh in Wednesday

2011-01-26T05:49:00.000-08:00

Just a report on my weekly weigh in. The scale said 197.2 this morning. So it looks like my body is deciding to catch up with me. That is a pound lost from last week. Woo Hoo!!!

Still working out 5 days a week. Zumba two days and Boot Camp 3. I HATE exercising so this is a HUGE deal for me!

Thanks for the encouragement!

Biggest Loser Pound for Pound Challenge

2011-01-23T05:34:00.000-08:00

I just pleged my weight to lose to the Biggest Loser Pound for Pound Challenge. Biggest Loser will donate pound for pound the amount of weight you pledge to lose to a local food bank. I figured I am losing the weight any way might as well do something good.

If anyone else out there is losing weight I ask that you go sign up as well. All you have to do is pledge to lose weight!

Also I weighed this morning. I had to because I feel like I am losing but the scale isn't showing it. I am down to 198 another .2 pounds. I am hoping this week I will better results on the scale as my body should be getting used to being healthier! We shall see!

Oh I went roller skating with Taylor and some friends yesterday for her birthday. I actually got my fat butt out there and skated. I was shaky at first but then got the hang of it again. I can remember being so good at skating when I was little. Taylor did really well for her first time and now wants her own roller skates. Maybe I should make a deal with her about keeping her room clean and getting roller skates... hmmmm.

I told her we could go more often to the skating rink. It was good exercise!

The scale is NOT my friend today

2011-01-19T04:44:00.000-08:00

Today is Weigh in Wednesday.   I wasn't feeling too confident and I was right.

198.2

UGH! I am a big fan of the Biggest Loser and week two is always a struggle for the contestants and they always talk about the dreaded week two. I am starting to believe there is some truth to it.   I thought I did really good this week. I ate good, I exercised.   But I guess my body is freaking out saying WHAT ARE YOU DOING?  It will adjust and I will start losing. I hope anyway!

My ring is fitting tight today so maybe I am hanging on to some extra water.   Going to drink LOTS of water today to try to get rid of it.

Thanks again for your words of encouragement!

Struggling

2011-01-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

Since Friday I have been really struggling. I haven't deviated from the Nutrisystem program but I sure want to.   I have been having food cravings like Mexican and wings and fried anything. I know that I have to fight through those cravings. My body is used to eating that crap and I know that in a couple of weeks those will go away. I am also struggling with getting my water in. I am not the type to just drink something all day long. I usually have a diet coke in the morning and then I only drink with my meals. Another habit I need to break. I know how important the water is and I can tell a difference when I drink it.

I went to Zumba Saturday morning and it was so fun. I really love it because I love to dance and so it doesn't feel like exercise.   I missed two days of boot camp this week due to the snow and I hope that doesn't mess up my weight loss for the week.   But I will be happy with half a pound as long as the scale is going down not up.

I am also taking this three day weekend to declutter and deep clean my house.   I spent just about the whole day yesterday in the master bathroom and master bedroom. I cleaned out my closet, cleaned out the drawers in the bathroom and bedroom and cleaned the rooms from ceiling to floor. Today I hope to get the kitchen, living room and dining room done. Tomorrow is Taylor's room, bathroom and the office. I saved Taylor's room for last, it is the worst.

I have got to get some routine back in this house and getting the house cleaned first will help because I tend to get all out of whack when my house isn't cleaned.

As always, thanks for your words of encouragement.

Gross

2011-01-14T05:53:00.000-08:00

I found a meal I don't like on Nutrisystem. The Penne Pasta with Chicken in Alfredo sauce shelf item is GROSS. I will be marking that one off the list. UGH.

But that is ok, I know that the first month is about finding what you like then on the second month you can order what you like. And for the most part I have liked everything.

I resisted donuts at work yesterday. That is a big accomplishment because things like that are my weakness. I actually didn't even WANT them which was weird to me. Maybe I am kicking the sugar addiction once and for all.

I, however, have been craving Mexican food. That is another one of my weaknesses. I just have to fight through it. I know one day I can eat Mexican again, but until I lose weight I don't want to go there.

I missed two days of boot camp this week because of the ice. I worked out on my own one of those days and I plan on going to Zumba Saturday so hopefully that will make up for the lost exercise.

Thanks again for your words of encouragement!

OH and if you haven't heard Scott got a team deal through FLW/Walmart this year. He will have his boat and truck wrapped in Straight Talk colors and logos. Here is the link with the story: Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk. Sign up for Fantasy Fishing while you are there. It is FREE and you can win some moola just by picking who will finish in the Top 10 for each tournament. The first is the first week of February at Lake Okeechobee!

Weigh in Wednesday

2011-01-12T05:03:00.000-08:00

It is that time! I have been on the Nutrisystem program for 5 days. And my weight today is:

198.4

Woo Hoo!! That is a loss of 2.6 pounds. My total loss since I have started exercising and eating better is 6.6 pounds. So excited to be back below 200!!!

I am not having any problems with the food so far. I have found a few things that I really don't like, so I won't get them next month. But nothing has been intolerable so far. I am also working out 3 times a week at boot camp. I plan on going to a Zumba class on Saturday's as well to get a workout in during the weekend.

I had to miss boot camp last night because of all this stupid ice we got so Scott and I had a mini boot camp session at our house. We did some exercises that Rachel (from extreme fit) sends us once a week and then took a jog/walk around our neighborhood. Scott only busted his butt once on the ice. :-)

Thanks for all your words of encouragement! I really need it because I have a tendency to give up on things quickly. But I am determined to get this weight off. Our 10 year anniversary is in October and I want to look as good as I did when we got married (maybe better)!

Have a great day and be safe out there!

Weekends

2011-01-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

Weekends are the hardest for me when it comes to eating. We usually go out to eat at least once during the weekend so I am going to have to learn how to make good decisions.

Last night I went out to eat with some friends. We went to a Mexican place. When we go out we usually have a few drinks also. And by drinks I mean beer. Last night I was really proud of myself. I had a small glass of white Zinfandel and water. The Zinfandel only has 73 calories so I thought that was a pretty good choice. For dinner I had a chicken and cheese quesadilla with no sour cream (big step for me cutting out the sour cream). I did have a few chips. Who can resist the chips, right? Overall I was pleased with my choices.

Today is all Nutrisystem for me. Breakfast and Lunch are done and I did well. I have a tendency to eat when I am bored so I am fighting through those temptations. It isn't easy but I keep thinking of my goal and how much I REALLY want this.

I am really enjoying the NS food so far. I haven't eaten anything yet that I've hated. It really is tasty. The Margherita Pizza for lunch was YUMMY!

There is a lot of snow predicted for us tomorrow and everyone is rushing to the grocery store preparing for a power outage. I do need to get a few things (not because of the snow but because I need groceries) but I am not looking forward to all the crazies.

Anyway, I am just blabbering. It helps to write my feelings out though.

OK on to this never ending mound of laundry!

First Week of Boot Camp -- DONE

2011-01-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

Tonight was my last night of boot camp for the week. I am FEELING it, but it is a good hurt! I know I am working when I am sore. We had 3 GREAT classes this week and I am so thankful for all the encouragement I get from my instructors. Thank you Ashley and Dawn. You guys are the best.

I got my Nutrisystem shipment today and had my first meal. I ate the meatloaf and potatoes and it wasn't that bad. Probably not something I will eat on a regular basis but it was tolerable. I ate a salad with my meal. I also had a Nutrisystem carrot cake and it was GREAT. I have my food all picked out for tomorrow. I will post on what I think about it.

Thanks to everyone for all your support!

Weigh in Wednesday

2011-01-05T05:03:00.000-08:00

Wednesday will be my weigh in day so here goes. I can't believe I am putting this out there but I have to be held accountable.

My starting weight is 201. Yes 201. So mad at myself.

Ok my food is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I am so ready to get started on the program. I have been trying to eat good while I am waiting.

Boot camp was GREAT last night. Thanks Dawn! I am ready for tonight!

Day ONE of the NEW ME!!!

2011-01-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

After I posted the other day I looked at the post right before this one. How I was making a change, and I thought, well that doesn't look good. I have been here and said that before so what makes this time different.
A little background. In May of last year I joined Extreme Fit Boot camp and LOVED it. Now let me tell you, that first month was HELL for me. I haven 't exercised in a VERY long time so I HURT! But I DID it. I made it through the first month so I signed up for another and another and another. I lost around 20 pounds, just watching what I ate and doing the boot camp. Then I hurt myself. I started having really bad hip pains that would go all the way down to my foot. So I went to the doc and he told me I had sciatica and sent me to physical therapy. That was August.
My physical therapist suggested I give boot camp a rest to recover from my injury. So I did. My plan was to start back once I got better, but I didn't. And guess what, football season started. I started eating bad wasn't exercising, I gained about 15 pounds back. UGH! It makes me so mad just to say that.
I joined the Holiday Survival Camp at Extreme Fit and went like 3 times maybe. I was just "too busy" or it was "too cold". I made it through the Holiday's without gaining any more weight (how I don't know). And I decided at Christmas that I am not making ANY MORE EXCUSES. January I am starting over. It is time for the NEW ME!
I joined Nutrisystem because I have NO SELF CONTROL when it comes to food. I am hoping the system will teach me to be more in control. To eat because I need the fuel, not because it is fun. To control my portions, to make better decisions.
I also signed back up for boot camp and tonight is the first night. I am SO READY! Ready to freeze, ready to fight through the pain, READY!
This is about ME! No one else. I am going to be selfish for a while and that is OK!

Giving Nutrisystem a try

2011-01-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

I signed up for the Nutrisystem program last night. I will get my food in a few days. I will post on here what I think of the food and post my progress. I feel like I need to hold my self accountable and maybe posting on the blog will help. Even if no one reads it. I may do a before picture and then do monthly progress pictures. I haven't decided if I am that corageous yet. :)

I am also starting back boot camp tomorrow. I really liked the results that I saw doing bootcamp over the summer and then I got hurt and fell off the wagon.

My goal is to lose 30 pounds before August.

So stay tuned!!!

Making a CHANGE!

2010-05-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

So I have been saying for about 2 years (since my surgery) that I am going to make a change in my life and get this weight off. Well, I do good for a month or so then I start to fall back into my bad habits. Well TODAY I am making a HUGE change. Today is the first day of Boot Camp for me at http://www.extremefit.com/ . I am going to do it this time. My goal is to look and feel good by football season this year, so I can climb the ramp of death and not feel like I am going to die before I get to the top! Joining took a lot for me because I HATE to exercise. I mean HATE it! So I am hoping this will get me motivated. It will either do that or kill me!

Wish me luck and PRAY for me!!!!

You can enter to win a free month here : http://www.extremefit.com/boot-camp-giveaway !

Praying

2010-02-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

This is a post from my old blog that I posted in 2008.

As I sit here praying my head off for Scott, I ask myself is it really right for me to be praying for him to do well in this tournament. So then I did a little research on prayer. This is what I found from this website All About Prayer

By Him, all things are possible. Jesus says in Mark 10:27, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God."

Daniel 9:18
tells us: “We do not ask because we deserve help, but because you are so merciful.” (Mercy means showing favor, compassion, and kindness.)
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, KJV).

There is nothing we can’t pray about. There are abundant references to prayer in the Bible. The Bible tells us to “pray without ceasing” and “in everything give thanks to the Lord.” When we choose to have a positive attitude, we realize we have received many blessings for which to give God praise.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Be confident that God knows and wants what is best for us; so ask that His will be done in all we seek from Him. Then, thank Him for it, even though it hasn’t happened yet.

Here is my prayer for Scott:

"Lord , Thank you for the many blessings you have given me and my family. Without you we are nothing. Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ and thank you for your grace. Please forgive me for all my sins and shortcomings.
Please be with Scott today on the water. Keep him safe and guide him. Please let him be a good testimony for you and use this platform to show his faith. Thank you for everything you have done for Scott this year, may your will be done in this tournament no matter what it is and I thank you for it. In Jesus Christ name I pray. Amen."

This week I will be praying this prayer without ceasing.

2009-09-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Logan and Taylor at the Alabama game this past weekend. They had a blast! ROLL TIDE!

Alarm Clock

2009-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

MaMaw got Taylor an alarm clock because Taylor said she wanted one so she could wake up on her own. So last night we set it for 6:00am. And she was so excited to have it. This morning I am getting up putting my shoes on for my treadmill walk (yay me) and I hear the alarm clock go off. So I waited a few seconds, still going off, don't hear Taylor. I walk in there and she is OUT! Doesn't even hear it. I laugh turn it off and go in and wake her up later. She was mad when I woke her up because she wanted the alarm to get her up. I told her she can't just sleep through it that eventually it will turn off on it's own. I guess she is going to be like her dad. He can have the alarm turned up all the way and I STILL have to wake him up when it goes off.

So much for the alarm, mom, but at least she has a clock in her room now!!!

Very Touching

2009-01-21T11:38:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

Basketball

2009-01-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post some pictures of Taylor's first Basketball game. She did really good at this game, but the second one she got real nervous for some reason. Probably because her dad was there and he is so freaking competitive. He makes ME nervous!

Anyway, here are some pics.

Silly face

Number "8" like her LoLo

She has to shoot granny style because she can't get the ball to the goal!

Sitting the bench!And one because it is so dang cute!

Pictures from the 3 day Birthday Celebration

2009-01-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from Taylor's Birthday weekend.

Day 1 - Celebration at school

Acting Silly

Taylor and her Teacher

Birthday Day 2 - Family Celebration at the house.

Mom gets Taylor a birthday doll every year. Taylor called her before the party to make sure she got it.

Cousins

Blowing out the candles. MiMi made the cake.

Day 3 - Libby Lu

Uh I forgot my camera... no fret Mom had her's. I just have to get them from her!

TAG

2009-01-13T07:37:00.001-08:00

Valerie tagged me for this game. Go to your pictures file, click the fourth folder, and then the fourth picture in that folder. Post it to your blog. Here is mine. Taylor, Thanksgiving 2007.

I tag Crystal and Meg!

Taylor's 3 day Birthday Celebration

2009-01-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

Pictures to come.

Taylor's 6th Birthday was Friday and Friday we started the 3 day celebration.

Day one was celebrated at school. I took the day off Friday and took cupcakes to her class for their snack. She was so excited. Ms. Thomas had made her a crown and a necklace to wear for her birthday.

Day two we celebrated at our house with the immediate family. We had about 20 people over for hamburgers and cake and ice cream. She HAD to wear one of her princess dresses the whole time. Why I don't know. I guess she thinks she is a princess.

Day three I took her, Chloe, Katelyn, and Claire to Libby Lu. If you don't know what Libby Lu is, it is a place where they do their hair and makeup, dress them up and then they learn a dance routine and perform it in the front of the store for the people walking by to see. The stores are closing at the end of the month so I went ahead and did this while we still could. She had the best time, this was right up her ally.

She told me that she had the best three day birthday EVER! I said good because this will probably be the last time you get to celebrate 3 days straight! She is so spoiled! I am so tired!

It is going to be OK

2009-01-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

I have been struggling a little lately with things. Everyone knows that 2008 was not the best year for my family. If you don't know, I lost both of my grandmothers and 2 of my aunts AND was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. I am grateful that I was cured (my first 6 month PAP was negative, praise Jesus), but a lot has been going through my mind.

I sometimes catch myself asking WHY? Why did all this have to happen to us, why, why, why! I know better than this, I know that God has his reasons and I am not to question anything He does. I know, but it still crosses my mind.

I was reading a blog I follow yesterday Just Taking a Journey and she posted a link to this website I am Second. And WOW did that hit me. As I sat there listening to the stories I realized I AM SECOND! I have to put God first In EVERYTHING I do. I have to stop questioning his reasons, there is a reason this is all happening to us and I may know the reason one day or I may not. And that is fine!

So yesterday I finally got out of my little pity party I was having. I can wake up each morning and choose to have a good day and that is exactly what I was going to do this morning.

Well, I overslept! So instead of rushing around the house trying to get me and Taylor ready in 30 minutes, I decided to just get her ready, take her to school and come back and get myself ready. I hate doing this because I don't get to work until around 9:30. So that means I have to stay later, but I wasn't going to start my day off bad.

Anyway, as I pulled back into my neighborhood after I dropped Ta off I see the most beautiful site. A rainbow and the closer I get to my house I realize that is circling our house and I just stopped and looked for a moment. Then I ran into the house and grabbed my camera.

I would have never seen this if I would have been on time this morning. I know in my heart this was a sign from God. He is watching over me and my family and things are going to be GREAT! I am not going to dwell on the bad things that happened to us this year, I am going to focus on the wonderful things. Like me being cured from cancer and Scott's dreams coming true! I know 2009 is going to be the best year yet, and I can't wait!

Christmas and the New Year

2008-12-29T12:41:00.000-08:00

I have become a home body lately so that is why there hasn't been a post in a while. I just don't do anything worth writing about! LOL

We had a wonderful Christmas with our families. We exchanged gifts with Scott's parents Christmas Eve night. Taylor got way too much from MiMi and Pappy of course. Christmas Day was spent with my Dad's side of the family. Everyone gathered at my house this year. I think I counted 28 people. It was so nice having everyone over. The kids enjoyed playing in the woods and on the back deck.

I am looking forward to 2009. I know God has a lot in store for us this year. Scott is starting his 2nd year on the FLW tour in February in Guntersville. This is one of his favorite lakes to fish, but no so much in February. He has been practicing just about every weekend. Hopefully, he will figure them out!

Taylor will be celebrating her 6th birthday in less than two weeks on the 9th. We decided to have a family gathering at our house on her birthday and then take a couple of girls to Libby Lu's that Sunday. Libby Lu's if you don't know, is a place where they makeover the girls (makeup and hair), dress them up and then they go to the front of the store and dance. It is sooo cute. We went to a party there just this weekend and Taylor had SO much fun. They are closing the Libby Lu stores at the end of the month so I figured I better go ahead and let her have a party there. And besides everything is half off, including the parties! Can't beat that!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and has a fabulous New Year!

Scrapbooking

2008-11-18T12:26:00.001-08:00

I miss scrapbooking. With the move and Football season I just haven't had time to do any. I have this WHOLE new room to go and haven't done a thing. I think the hold back is NOTHING is organized and I just haven't felt motivated to organize. I HAVE to have everything in order before I can do anything. It all goes back to me being ADD and OCD. I just can't focus when everything is out of order and I have OCD when it comes to organizing things(that is why I get stressed everytime I walk in our garage..Gosh it is a MESS). I am like that at work too. If my desk is a mess I can't focus and can't work. Am I nuts? I thought about going home and getting some things done in the scrapbook room/office, but then I remembered the Bass Pro Shop "soft" grand opening is tonight and Scott wanted to go. I can already tell I am going to HATE that store being so close to us. Being a Fisherman's wife is not so easy sometimes..

Bama/LSU game

2008-11-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

The game was GREAT! The party was a BLAST! Here are a few pics.

From Bama 2008

Party at my house!

2008-11-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

We are hosting a party for the Alabama/LSU game Saturday at my house.

The house is a disaster right now. Tonight we will have to go get food and drinks at Sam's. I guess I will be up all night tomorrow cleaning.

I am so excited to have everyone over. Most everybody there will be my old college buddies and high school friends. I am so blessed to have kept in touch with them all. These are some of my cherished friendships. Friendships that will never go away. I have the BEST friends EVER! We tailgate with all my college friends at Alabama home games and good times are had by all. Saturday will be no exception!

Scott is putting the finishing touches on the new deck. It is so nice. He is such a great carpenter! I am really looking foward to using it in the summer!

My grandmother is doing better. It is amazing how far she has come. The hospice nurse was even considering recommending stepping her down to home health care. She told my mom that she asked God to let her live a little longer. She told mom that he told her "We will see what we can do". I don't doubt for a second that he told her that because the next day she started showing signs of improvement. God is GREAT!

Taylor Voting

2008-11-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

So they have made a pretty big deal at school about the election. Teaching them what is going on and even let the kids do a mock election yesterday at school. Taylor was so excited to tell me all about it. She said they got to go to the library and "color" in who they want to be president. I asked her who she voted for and she said "I didn't vote for Barack Obama, I voted for McCain." I asked her why because I really wanted to hear her thoughts. This was her reason. "McCain is Alabama."

Huh? I was confused but let it go. Later as we were watching the election results I remembered that republican's are red states and democrats are blue states, then it dawned on me.

Alabama is RED, Auburn is BLUE!

That girl is so freaking COOL! She voted for the one who she thought was an Alabama Fan! Have I brain washed her or what! Too Funny!!!!

Oh and REAUXL TIDE!!!!!

Halloween

2008-11-03T08:01:00.001-08:00

We gathered at my parent's house for Halloween, as we always do. Mom made Chili and we had a hay ride through the neighborhood as we trick or treated. The kids had a wonderful time. The twins especially. They would go up to the house and get their candy and run to the next house. When we got back to mom and dad's they started digging through the candy. I bet they ate 3 suckers in 10 minutes. Taylor passed out on the couch after trick or treating. Logan and his friend Ryan enjoyed passing out the rest of the candy. More pictures are here: Halloween 2008.

Re Post

2008-10-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to re post this from my old blog just in case I have some new readers. I promise I am going to finish the story one day!

Oh and please continue to keep my grandmother in your prayers. Things aren't looking too good right now. My prayer is that she does not suffer any more.

Cancer Sucks

So, I have been meaning to get into more detail about my experiences with Cervical Cancer. I want to get my story out there because I am living proof that early detection is so important.

I have been going to the Gynecologist since I was 19 years old. My mom is a medical assistant at the OB/GYN practice that I go to (Shout out to Henderson Walton Women's Center in Birmingham, AL), so she made sure I went EVERY SINGLE year to get my PAP. Since I was 19 not ONE PAP had EVER came back abnormal not one.

Let's take a step back though. I never had good experiences with Birth Control pills, so after I had Taylor I had to make some decisions on what kind of Birth Control to use. I talked to my OB/GYN (which I have changed since) and decided to go with an IUD. I got the ParaGard instead of Mirena because Mirena has hormones and I had had so many problems with hormones in the past.

I had the IUD for about 3 years when I started having HORRIBLE menstrual pains and HORRIBLE bleeding. On my yearly checkup I told her about my pain and bleeding and she pretty much told me there was nothing I could do unless I was 100% sure I didn't want anymore children. Well at the time I wasn't 100% sure, 98% maybe but not 100%. So I went home and dealt with it for a couple of more months.Meanwhile, my mom was talking to her doctor (Dr. Dan Hudson, the BEST EVER) about my problems. He told me to come see him and he would switch me to the Mirena. I wouldn't do it. I LOVED my OB/GYN, I mean I had been with her since I was 19. I didn't want to hurt feelings (blah, blah). Well, after another couple of months of the pain and bleeding I just couldn't take it any longer so I made an appointment with him and he switched them out for me. He told me to give it about 3 months and I should stop bleeding altogether. 3 months went by and I was still bleeding. About 25 days out of the month I was bleeding. Needless to say it took a toll on me and Scott.

I went to him for my yearly the next time(about 9 months after the IUD switch). He could not understand WHY I was still bleeding like I was. He talked to me about doing an ablation, but I had to be 100% sure I didn't want kids. At that point I still wasn't 100%, I was about 99.9% at this time. He thought I was just having some issues with my cycle. Again, I had NEVER had a bad PAP.

He did my PAP and pelvic exam, everything looked good sent me on my way. A couple of days later I get a call from his nurse. "Dixie, your PAP came back abnormal. You need to come in for a colposcopy (colpo) ." So naturally I call my mom and ask her what a colpo is. "Pretty much is is a cervical biopsy. He will go in and put this vinegar solution on your cervix. The bad areas will turn white and he will clip some tissue off and send it off to be looked at." Nice, I thought.

So I went in for the "colpo" and it wasn't as bad as I thought. He saw two really bad spots and was able to get tissue to send off.

A couple of days later, get a call from the nurse. "Dixie, the colpo results came back abnormal and Dr. Dan wants to do a LEEP procedure on you". WHAT? So I called my mom. "Well, it came back high grade and he just wants to do the LEEP for precaution. It is probably nothing and the LEEP will probably get whatever abnormal cells there are.

So I had to set up a time for surgery at the outpatient clinic for a couple of weeks later. I talked to Dr. Dan and he said that while I was put to sleep he could go ahead and do the ablation and tie my tubes if I wanted too. I was like YES, please! I can't take the bleeding any longer. YES by that time I was 100% sure I didn't want anymore kids.

So on Friday March 28th I was scheduled to have surgery. The first surgery I had EVER had. The first time I had EVER been put to sleep. Dr. Dan said I could go back to work in a couple of days so I took off until the following Tuesday.

Surgery went great, he didn't see anything wrong. Everything should be fine.

Monday got a call, it was Dr. Dan this time. "Dixie, I hate to do this over the phone, but with your mom here and I am not going to be in Birmingham tomorrow I decided I needed to go ahead and call you." (I am freaking out). "The results came back from your LEEP and it is CANCER"...........After that I really don't remember much of what he said. I heard adenocarcinoma, he was going to call Dr. Alvarez at UAB, I needed to call them and set up an appointment.. blah blah. I thought I was going to THROW UP! No one was home, Scott was out of town. I didn't know what to do.

As soon as I got off the phone with him I called my mom and told her. She threw the phone down and ran to his office. I didn't hear back from her until she was on her way to my house. I called my dad, my in-laws, my sister and my best friend. They all came over to comfort me. Scott was out of town. You can read about it here.

So, I am here to tell you. God intervened with me switching doctors to Dr. Dan. I am not so sure that my previous OB/GYN would have followed the same procedures and I may not have gotten such and early diagnosis. God was in control!

Cervical Adenocarcinoma is the rarest form of cervical cancer. Only about 10% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer have adenocarcinoma. The cancer is in the glandular part of the cervix instead of the "outside" which is what PAP smears pick up. I really don't know how the PAP picked up my cancer because the tumor was so small.

I made the appointment with Dr. Alvarez (the best there is!) and was to see him Thursday. I took the rest of the week off of work.

Next post: Oncologist Visit.

Cervical Cancer Sucks Part Two: Oncologist

Before I post part two I just want to say that yesterday was a very hard day for me. It would have been my cousin's birthday. She died in a horrible car accident in 1998. She was 14 at the time. She would have been 25 yesterday. I just remember back when I was turning 25 and thinking that she never got to experience any of those things. It just breaks my heart. But like I have said over and over. God has his reasons for everything and I who am I to question them. So I cried a lot yesterday, I have those days sometimes. I don't know why. It is probably my hormones freaking out but I do have down days since the whole Cancer thing.

OK on to the oncologist.

First of all I want to say I am SO blessed to live where I do. A lot of people talk down about Birmingham. You know, hick-ville, rednecks, blah blah. But let me tell you. I would NEVER want to live ANYWHERE else. Birmingham is WONDERFUL.

For no other reason than because of UAB. We have one of the BEST hospital systems in the country right here! Dr. Dan recommended me to the best GYN Oncology groups in the nation. Dr. Alvarez is a good friend of his and he took me right in.

The Thursday after I was diagnosed I had an appointment with him. My mom, mother in law, best friend and my aunt (God rest her soul) were there for support. Scott was of course still out of town fishing the first day of his tournament. I can remember going to the waiting room and signing in. I looked around and all I saw was elderly women. They all looked at me with a blank stare on their face. I can imagine all of them saying, "What is she doing here? She is too young". At least that is what I was thinking. It was so sad. I could hear crying coming from the rooms. Happy cries and sad cries. It was very overwhelming. I got called back and they told me that I would have to go by myself at first then they would go get my family when he was ready to talk about what was going to happen.

I went back to the examine room. He wanted to examine me but I reminded him I had just had surgery so he decided not to do the examination. I remember some of the first words he said to me was "You are just too young". YEAH YOU THINK! So then he asked me a couple of questions, I guess he figured out I didn't want anymore kids because he could see on my chart I had had my tubes tied. So that was never brought up.

So we get done with the one on one, and honestly I really don't remember a lot that went on with that.
They go and get my herd and go back to another room. All the nurses were so taken back with all the people I had with me. My family is so close and we are always there for each other. Dr. Alvarez tells us what his plan is, but informs us that it has to go before the Tumor Board. I really LOVE this. I am not only getting one Dr. opinion or one pathologist opinion but SEVERAL! That was really awesome to me.

So he tells me that he is thinking a modified radical hysterectomy. That they will take everything except my ovaries including the pelvic lymph nodes. He draws a picture and explains everything. I chose to keep my ovaries, because I am so young, unless he got in there and they didn't look good. He gave us an opportunity to ask questions. He just kept saying over and over "She is so young".

So after that we went on our merry way. He told me that he would call me after my case went before the board, but surgery would have to wait for at least a month because I just HAD surgery and he didn't want to risk it.

I just have to say that Dr. Alvarez and his crew are the BEST! His nurse is so freaking sweet. She hugged me about 20 times and I could just feel they REALLY cared. I was actually relieved when I left. I KNEW everything was going to be OK and I was going to be healed.

Oh and one last thing. I am so thankful that my Aunt Tammy got to go with me to that visit. She died in a tragic pool accident only two months later. I cherish that she was able to be there for me. I will always have that memory to look back on.

Next post will be about the surgery!

Hat Day/Fifties Day

2008-10-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

This week is homecoming week at Odenville Schools (St. Clair County High School). So they let the kids do some fun things. Yesterday was hat day. And today was Fifties Day (to celebrate the 50th day of school). Crystal had one of her friends make the outfit for Taylor. She wasn't a happy camper this morning(most mornings she isn't) so this is the best pictures I got. OH and look at the sunrise out our front door this morning. SO beautiful! Taylor called me in the living room to look at it so I had to take a pic.

Moving

2008-10-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

I decided to move over to Blog Spot since it is free. I just didn't see paying for a blog when I hardly ever use it!

More to come!