Let's embrace 2010 together!

Am I brave or what, for posting this again? Yes, it is a crazy women in a speedo bathing suit standing in a few feet of snow. (I did this as a dare a few years ago). I was trying to figure out a New Year's post and this just came to mind. I am embracing 2010. I am entering 2010 with a positive attitude that the economy will turn around and work will pick up for everyone. I will continue on my exercise journey and a healthier way of eating. I want to attempt things in 2010 that I have never done before. This past year had it's challenges that I overcame and am a stronger and more confident person because of them. I never thought I could run an office by myself, but I proved that I could and I loved doing it. I never gave myself enough credit, but from now on, I am going to soar and embrace 2010 in a powerful way.
Happy New Year everyone!

2009 Christmas memories

Just a few of the many special cards I received.
Jack in his sleep sack right before bedtime....
Gray with T-Rex Mountain and holding his new doggy, that is named Mimi, but he changed it to Bella.Ivy looking cute in her new outfit, playing with her dollhouse.
Abby, loving her new Disney doll.
Carter so proud of his Bears Jersey.
Noah, Jeff and Carter surprised to open a Wii. They were so excited. It was a Wonderful Christmas.

Our Christmas miracle!

First of all, Happy Birthday Jesus! I am so thankful on this Christmas day to have a Healthy, Happy, Handsome 8 year old, almost 9 year old Grandson, Noah. He is seizure free and is healed of epilepsy. I am amazed at the growth of this precious boy. So, you can have all the presents, tinsel and bows, This is my gift. I LOVE this little man.
picture taken last night on Christmas eve...

A Christmas message

My Christmas message is to first wish my husband a Merry Christmas. We decided not to exchange gifts with one another this year. The effects of the economy has really hit hard in our household with him being in the Automotive industry. My hubby is a very hard worker and I appreciate him for who he is and putting himself last most of the time. Our family can ALWAYS count on him. He is one of the smartest people I know and I think our daughter, Steph inherited that from him. He is sometimes quiet and a good listener. His dream has always been to be able to afford gifts to take to all of the children in the hospitals at Christmas time. Last Christmas I told him of a family in need and without question, he handed me money to give to that family. This is just the type of Man he is. If he has it, he gives it. I am so thankful this Christmas season to have 35 years of marriage with him. If I had the money I would buy him a brand new truck, that he really needs and has been wanting and is so deserving of. I decided, we don't need gifts because we already have our gift of health and we have each other. My prayer for 2010 is for a prosperous year and the economy turns around for everyone.
Merry Christmas to All my family and friends. I have the best kids and grand kids. God has blessed them with wonderful mates and in-laws.
Let's not forget that Jesus IS the Reason for the Season. Enjoy your celebrations with your family and friends and have a Very Safe and Happy New Year!
Love and Peace to All!
Mimi

Saturday with Abby & Jack

Saturday was a full day with Abby & Jack. Their mommy & daddy went to a Symphony in Chicago and was gone the whole day.

This is the gingerbread house that Abby and I made a few weeks ago. It has been sitting in the middle of the dining room table. Grampa decided to put the train together, which was a lot of fun for Jack & Abby to watch. By the end of the day, coconut (snow) was everywhere. But almost anything goes at Mimi's house.
Abby, so proud of her gingerbread house.

Jack is so jolly and just a joy to have around. I can't believe he is already 7 1/2 months old.
Abby loves to put on her Cinderella dress (Steph's flowergirl dress from 30 years ago) and wear some of my jewelry. She is such a girly girl.
Jack adores his sister. He laughs and lights up when she walks in a room. I am so thankful for my new camera so I can start sharing my wonderful grand kids again. It was a great Saturday!

You Capture - Holiday Decor

I have my new camera at work and thought I would snap a few pictures of my office area. This is where I spend 9 hours per day M-F, unless I leave for an hour for lunch. Holiday Decor is the assignment for You Capture over at Folding Laundry .
This is the first time using my new camera.

I have lots of grand-kid pictures surrounding me, which brings lots of Joy!

This is my wall of Happiness.
I will be taking lots of pictures this weekend while babysitting. I have Abby & Jack on Saturday and Noah, Carter, Gray & Ivy on Sunday. Should be a fun weekend. I am still learning how to use my new camera. It has a lot more fancy bells and whistles than my other one. I hope You Capture Christmas in your own special way.

# 7 Final Challenge Weigh in

After a week of some temptations, and off my schedule a little bit, I still managed to lose "1" lb. making my total lost at "11" I am very excited about this 1 pound. I am still in control and that makes me very proud of my accomplishments. I had one night this week that I got up and just had to have some cocoa puffs. It was during a moment of waking up out of a deep sleep and finding myself in my kitchen. I did not have a big dinner that night and I guess I was hungry. But, I didn't let that one night throw me off for the week, like I usually would. I didn't throw in the towel. I admit I did have some Christmas cookies here and there (Steph's were delicious) and a bite of toffee a co-worker brought in, oh and I forgot about the small piece of my boss's birthday cake I baked. So, see, I can still have some goodies here and there in moderation and still lose a pound.

I did go to my Curves workouts faithfully, Mon. thru Friday and walked on my treadmill when I thought I overate that day. I am still very pumped about getting this weight down and if it takes me a while to do it, at least I am moving in the right direction. I hope everyone else had a great week as well. This is the hardest time of the year to try to lose, so let's pat ourselves on the back for being so dedicated. Thank you sisterhood for the challenge. It was very motivating for me!

Early Christmas Gift

I have the best daughter and son-in-law.

I came home from work yesterday and there it was, sitting on my kitchen table, a camera box wrapped in shiny garland. There sat just what I asked for Christmas. A Nikon Coolpix S230 with a large touch screen. As most of you know, my beloved camera got broken back in October. I have felt lost without it. Like a part of me was missing. I missed so many memories of my grand kids and activities. My daughter knew how much I loved my camera and decided to surprise me by giving it early, so I can enjoy it. It is actually an upgrade from my last camera. Now I can share pictures of my grand kids again with you. I can't wait to get started! Thank you Jeff & Steph for making my Christmas so special. I love you, Mom

Let it snow

I love snow. I can't take credit for this beautiful snow scene picture. Gee, I miss my camera. I hope Santa got my letter I sent him asking for a new one. Snow gives me a happy feeling. I look at this picture and it makes me think of the journey I've been on since October. The road isn't looking as long these days as it use to look. I love the purity in a freshly fallen snow. I love the way it reminds me of coconut.
I love how it reminds me of the time when I was a little girl and making snow angels and my mom making snow cream with snow we collected in a bucket, clean of course. I remember the snow storm in the 60's, living in Chicago and how there was so much snow, the roads were closed and we got to play in the middle of our street. My little brother got his foot stuck in a hole and my sister and I left him there, crying. We eventually went back for him. I remember walking down to our local store to get a loaf of bread and all the shelves were almost empty. The delivery trucks were unable to get through the snow to deliver.
I still love snow.

#6 Weigh in

I had a Super Duper Great week with my eating and exercising. I am down 3 lbs., making my total lost 10 lbs. I am feeling so good about myself and my clothes are comfortable again. I have a routine that I am sticking by and it is working for me. I get up by 5:30 am. during the week and am usually the first to walk Thru the door at Curves by 6:00 am. I try to eat an energy bar (Sunrise bar from Costco) and few sips of coffee to get me going. I am home by 6:35 and out the door again by 7:30 for work. During the time I am getting ready for work I am preparing my meals for the day. When I get home at night I try not to eat while fixing dinner unless it is veggies or pretzels. Shortly after dinner, I am on the treadmill to do my 30 min. of brisk walking. I use to only walk 15 to 20 min. and was exhausted, but now I have more energy. It's been a long time since I have felt so in control of my body & mind.

My food weakness has always been the carbs. I am a Pizza lover. I decided that I can still have the pizza. I treat myself every Friday at lunch to the Large slice of pizza from Costco, but I cut it in half before starting to eat it and give one half away to one of my guy co-workers. I usually eat a fruit or salad with it that fills me up. Just last night I ordered pizza to be delivered for hubby and I made myself a salad and had 3 bites of a slice of pizza. I did not want any more. This is such a big step for me. I have eaten so much chicken that I feel like I cluck when I walk.

I hung my Tommy Hilfiger skinny jeans on the back of my closet door to look at and I hope to be in them and able to breath in them soon!

Great weekend without pictures

You will need to use your imagination until I replace my broken camera. This weekend was filled with grand-daughter, Abby fun. She spent the night on Saturday and we made her first gingerbread house. Well, we cheated a little by getting one already built at Costco, so all we had to do is decorate it. I have built a few kits in my time and this was the best kit for the money. It even came with a tree and extras. Abby is a very early riser, so at 5 am. Sunday morning she was up and ready for scrambled eggs. She wanted to take a bath and put her pretty dress on for church. We had plenty of time to play before getting ready for church. Abby told us that she doesn't want to be a doctor like her daddy wants her to be. She wants to be a princess. She was very serious about this. She also told her Grampa Not to eat her gingerbread house. We laughed, we played, we had a great time of making memories.

# 5 weigh in

I had a great week in spite of having pumpkin and apple pie around. I can honestly say that I didn't overeat on Thanksgiving and only had half pieces of pie instead of a whole piece. I have been weighing on different scales and they all weigh differently. I like my weight watchers digital scale the best because they say I have lost total 7 lbs. since starting. I had my weigh in and measuring at Curves this morning since joining 5 weeks ago. I have lost 8.50 inches and .50% body fat and they show me as losing only 3 lbs. Curves scale is like the doctor scale, always weigh you heavier. I am by no means discouraged. I know I have done very well with my eating and working out in spite of having bronchitis 2 times since starting. I have totally cut out the night eating. I still have the determination to get healthy. I found that the best time for me to go workout is 6 am. instead of after work. I also have my treadmill at the foot of my bed. I am starting to get my waist back that I haven't been able to find for a while. It's a great feeling.

25 days til Christmas....Let's talk

I woke up this morning and couldn't believe it is already December 1st. It just doesn't seem like another Christmas is soon approaching. I did decorate my house this past weekend to get a jump on things. As a family, we all talked about giving Less gifts. The question that is asked of me is always "what should I get so and so"? I never know how to respond.
I can't believe my Son, who was always the King of lists of wants for Christmas told me NOT to buy him or my daughter-in-law any gifts because they did not need anything and they realize how tight the economy has been for everyone. They want us to only give to the kids. He made me promise that I would stick to this rule. I DID promise him. The only gift that I want is a framed picture of my kids and grand kids. I guess the older you get, the less you want or need. Pictures mean so much to me.
I am trying to plan activities this month and make memories with my grand kids. I am going to make a gingerbread house with Abby. I already made memories with the boys last year by making one. Next year Ivy and Jack will be old enough to help make one. We also like to go see movies and eat popcorn. We are planning a trip to Chicago for the whole family to go to the museum and see the Christmas trees from around the world.
I really don't want to focus so much on the shopping and wrapping this season. I want to give more of myself and help people in need. I feel the need to visit at the local nursing homes and just give a smile and hug to the lonely.
Let's have a hopeful 25 days of Christmas in spite of the economy. Homemade gifts are great!We have each other, and that's all that matters!

A perfect Thanksgiving

It was a most perfect Thanksgiving at my daughter, Steph's house. I cooked and took food over there and it was very comfy, just the 8 of us. Grampa, Gray, Mimi, Ivy, Steph, Carter, Jeff & Noah. My son had to work, so they were unable to make it. My parents are out of town visiting my sister. We ate early, around noon, so we could have the afternoon to play and relax. We read a favorite book, No t.v. was on. It was very peaceful. Later in the afternoon we went to see the movie "Fantastic Mr. Fox, a 1970 Storybook Tale by Roald Dahl's. Some of the voice stars are George Clooney & Meryl Streep. I would highly recommend this movie. The boys finished off 2 large buckets of popcorn and sat as still as could be, really into the movie. Ivy stayed home to nap with daddy and grampa. After the movie was over, we went back to Steph's house and ate our second meal for the day and played a game that Noah invented called "write down what you are thankful for". We all sat around the table writing down on little slips of paper what we were thankful for and put them in a ceramic pumpkin. After everyone was done, Noah read all the thankful sayings. It was the highlight of my day. Seeing my grandson reading the many notes with a smile that radiated like a lit up Christmas tree was worth a million dollars to me. That was what Thanksgiving was all about for me.

Give Thanks

On this Thanksgiving Day I am reminded of All the Blessings God has bestowed upon us. I have met so many wonderful Blogging friends thru this little Journal of mine I call Mimi's Toes. Who would have thought that 3 years ago I would still be typing my thoughts and sharing so much with all of you. I just want to say how special each and every one of you are to me. Even the friends who don't have a blog and just come to check out my world means so much to me. I love you ALL and wish only the Best of Thanksgivings to each one of you. Whether you spend time with family or friends, make sure you stop to Give Thanks.
On a lighter note, don't forget your family pets. They like to celebrate too, with turkey and ham in moderation.

Weigh in # 4

I have had a rough month of fighting bronchitis and as soon as I got over that, I caught a viral infection. I am now at the tail end of the remains of the dreaded cough, but I feel Alive again. I am tired of spending my weekends in bed, resting, so I could work during the week. I am vowing to take my vitamins and getting my rest and trying to avoid virus's.
So, I was only able to go work out at Curves 1 time last week. I did however stick to somewhat of a normal diet, if you call living on soup normal. My doctor was very pleased at my weight loss from 3 weeks ago when I went in for the 2nd viral infection. So, my weigh in Today results are.....down another 1 lb. total 7 lbs. lost. I am very pleased with my progress. I hope to at least maintain over the Thanksgiving Holiday. I am making better food choices and how I prepare my food is very important as well. I was at Curves this morning at 6:00am. and feel so energized. Instead of shopping on Black Friday, I decided I will go workout instead, since I am off work and will make that day all about ME. I hope everyone else had a good week. Let's eat turkey!

Weigh in week #3

This week has been very hard for me but I managed to lose 1 lb. Total 6 lbs. lost. The bronchitis I had 4 weeks ago is back and I've been having a battle trying to get rid of it. It has hindered my work-outs at Curves. I was at Curves 5 mornings in a row at 6am last week, but this week I've only been able to make it 1 time. I am going back to the doctor today to see why it keeps coming back and hopefully get something to take care of it. Hopefully next week I will have a better report.

Happy 75th Birthday Mom!

If I had to pick one word to describe my mom, it would have to be "unselfish". I have never met
a more giving person. She was a very hard worker as I was growing up with my older sister and younger brother. She worked very hard and even suffered a disability in later years due to the hazards of her job. She had to take a medical retirement. I want to honor her today, on her 75th Birthday because she is so deserving. One of the things we like to do as mother and daughter is go clothes shopping. She has a pink walker with a seat that she pushes around, so when she gets tired, she just sits. I usually scout out the outfits I think she might like and take over to her, but sometimes I lose her and can't find her, and when I do, she is looking through the racks of clothes looking herself. She loves to go eat at Olive Garden, which we usually end up our shopping trip with that treat. We are pedicure buddies. She loves to treat me. My husband told me many times that he has the World's best mother-in-law. He says she is a very Classy lady. She loves to get her nails done and look pretty. My mom has 4 grand kids and 10 great-grand kids. I wish you a very Happy Birthday today Mom. She is in Louisiana visiting my sister, so they will celebrate today.
Love you so much!

Rest in peace sweet camera

So, this was the last picture my dearly beloved Nikon Coolpix
camera took that chilly October day. I will paint the picture for you.........My dear (like sister) friend in the back and I went to our beautiful River walk (Lake Michigan) near our home for a walk on the trails. We stopped to take our picture, which I held my camera out on this one. I didn't like how big my face looked so I had her stand in the front on the next shot and hold the camera, which proved to be deadly for my beautiful pink camera. She dropped it with the lens zoom out. It fell on concrete and jammed the lens. Talk about someone feeling so bad, she was so upset at dropping it. I told her it was an accident and hopefully could be fixed. Well, it can't be fixed, so I am looking to buy a new one. She even offered to give me her camera. I learned that when you use or have someone else use your camera to make sure you or they use the handle for the wrist for safety. That's why they put it there.
So, this explains why you haven't seen new pictures of the grand kids lately. I really miss my camera so much. I am shopping around to replace it and this time get an extended warranty. I hope to have a new one by Thanksgiving. I think I will use this picture as my before picture....

Weigh in #2

This morning I went to my 6 am Curves workout and weighed in to report to the Sisterhood. I was the same as last week, maybe a few ounces less. I don't like the scale at Curves cause it's not digital. It is like the doctor scales that always weigh you more. So I maintained, which I am not complaining about and I am not discouraged.

I have really noticed a change since eating right and working out for 2 weeks. My clothes are feeling better, I am not out of breath walking up and down my stairs in the house. My knees are feeling better. I am starting to like myself again. I am proud of myself for making better choices when we go out to eat. I love the Weight Watchers menu at Applebees. I couldn't believe I was craving broccoli. Apples even have a better taste to me. I am so thankful for all the support I am receiving from everyone including my neighbors. I have the best group of ladies on my block who are also on health care programs and we stand on the sidewalk sharing our different workout programs and food tips. It's really been fun this time around getting healthy. And, I am so proud of my sister for jumping on board too and making better food choices.....Let's ALL get healthy together...it's more fun as a team.

Baby update

I read the news on facebook this morning at 4:30 when I couldn't sleep for thinking about Erin. Erin & Jack's baby Emery arrived last night around 11:30 ish. She weighed in at 9 lbs. 4 oz. and was 21 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing good...just tired.

Baby Girl, Emery's Birth Day

Today is an exciting day for Erin & Jack. Erin is scheduled to go in today for an induction and meet her new baby girl, Emery Paige. I have grown to love Erin thru this wonderful Bloggy world. I am proud to say that I am Emery's cyberspace Mimi. Prayers go out to Erin for a speedy labor and safe delivery. Go on over and show her some love. Can't wait to hear the news that Emery is here and see pictures.

P.S. I am sorry if you are unable to view Erin's blog. It was brought to my attention that she would need to invite you if you are not a regular viewer.

Celtic Women "Isle of Hope"

My hubby and I are BIG fans of Celtic Women. They are Irish singers with unique angelic voices. We are going to their new concert, Isle of Hope at the Star Plaza tonight. If you have never heard these Angelic voices, you must listen to them. We have seen them several times in concert. The violinist is a one woman show. She is so full of energy and all over the stage. I'm really looking forward to an evening of relaxation and reflexion.

Shrink-A-Versary Weigh In Week 1

It's already week 1 for the Sisterhood Weigh In. So much has happened this past week, where do I begin? I recovered from Bronchitis, joined Curves workout and got my eating under control. I am happy to report a "5" lb. loss this week! With all of the medications I was on, I think that's pretty good. I really tried to eat more veggies, fruits, protein and less carbs. I drank more water. I was at Curves at 6:00 am. 2 mornings, which really energized me. I have my workout clothes to change in after work today to hit it hard again.
Monday we are starting to log our steps as a challenge. I need to get a fresh battery for my pedometer and get ready. If you would like to join us, click on the button and check it out. I'm feeling so much better eating right and moving more. My innertube is deflating, which is a great feeling.....

I FEEL LIKE A NEW WOMEN

I went to the Doctor on Monday this week for results of blood work and blood pressure/weight check. I was not feeling well and when she listened to me breath, she ordered a breathing treatment and chest x-ray. She told me I had bronchitis and gave me my treatment plan. First of all, I love my female doctor. She really takes her job to heart. She spends a lot of time with each patient. She told me all my tests were perfect, including a perfect mamogram. I had maintained my weight from my last visit 8 weeks ago, which she was puzzled by. I am suppose to be losing. After looking at my food journal, she told me what I need to cut out of my diet and see if that helps. Too many carbs! She told me to rest and not go to work the next day.
Well, this was a blessing in a way cause during the day off it was like a lightbulb being turned on in my head. I had time to relax and reflect.
I will make better food choices, I will get healthy, I will not get diabetes, I will not have knee problems, I will not have high blood pressure.
I need a group setting exercise program, I need people motivating me. After years of praying that one day I will start back on the road to a better me, IT CLICKED in my brain.
I decided to join Curves. I use to be a member 5 years ago but I let other things get in the way and didn't stick with it. They have a whole new program called Curves Smart and at my work out last night I know I made the right choice for me. I have a personal trainer until I am comfortable with the machines. It is the type of workout I can handle. They encourage you to go at least 3 times a week. I am so pumped up and excited to start back on this weight loss journey, I feel like I am bubbling over. My mind is clear and I have a goal. I am not a failure. I am going to start taking care of ME. Stay tuned!

Out with the old and in with the new!

I am so excited to announce that the Old Rhonda has left and the New and improved is on her way back. Thanks to all of my bloggy friends out there, (You know who you are.).....I have the motivation back in my step and I am ready for this Challenge over at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.

Not only have I made a decision to make better food choices, I am also joining Curves for Women to help out with my exercise. I tried doing it on my own at home, but I need that group setting. I was a member years ago but only stuck with it 1 year and I did have results. This month Curves is offering a free enrollment. It is a 30 minute workout and they have added new machines and programs since I left. What's nice about going too is, I can go on my lunch hour down the street from where I work if I can't make it to the one near my home. NO MORE EXCUSES!

The rules for the challenge are to post your starting weight, but I am not one to go public with that. I will send my starting weight to someone in charge of the challenge. Who knows, when I do reach my goal, I will reveal my starting weight. So, tune in next Wednesday to see my first weeks results. If you want to join in on the challenge, click on the side bar and let's get started together!

I can't shop early for Christmas presents!

I admit it, I have NO self control....This is why I don't like to shop early for Christmas! I babysat Abby on Saturday morning and she just looked so cute and was so sweet, I just had to give her this special gift I had put up for Christmas. She wanted these doggies with the carrying bag when she spotted them at the store, so her daddy told me. I got them for her to put up but gave in and made this little girl so happy! Well, I can justify it, cause I had gotten the other grand kids winter coats that I happen to find on sale at Carson's last week, so I couldn't leave her out. So, I will be going Christmas shopping the week of Christmas for my grand kids.

Wiggles

I am looking forward to a fun time this evening with Steph and the grand kids. She invited me to go with to see The Wiggles. I am leaving work early (I have the best boss, who understands the importance of doing fun things with family).....We will share pictures of our fun time.......

Gray's 4th birthday celebration

It was a wonderful day of family, comfort food and celebration of Gray's 4th Birthday. Gray even loves his cards.

I love the look on his face. He got the game he had been wanting.

Great Poppal (my dad) and Ivy. Ivy just crawled up beside him and put her hand on him. It was the cutest thing.

Great Poppal, Carter & Noah.....Love these smiles!Great Mommal (my mom) holding a very sleepy Jack. Is this sweet or what? The only grandchild missing from the pictures is Abby. You should have seen me trying to get them all together, almost impossible. I think this was pretty good though, getting 5 out of 6.

Happy 10th Anniversary Steph & Jeff

10 Years ago today a Beautiful couple said "I Do". Happy Anniversary Steph & Jeff. It's hard to believe, 10 years and 4 kids later. God has truly blessed our family. I love you both so much and wishing you a day of celebration of your Love for one another. Mom