Goals

So, today I have thought about a few things.  One of the main things being, well, my health.  I NEED to try my very best to be healthy.  Losing weight is great, but only if it is for the right reasons.  I decided my reasons would be mainly, besides myself, for my family.  Here are my goals....oh, and please chime in for any tips.  I am totally open minded to any and everything.

1. I can give great advice, but suck at taking it.  I am stubborn, and need to do things when I am ready and on my time.  So, with that being said, my first goal is to get healthy.  I am finally going to try and walk my walk.  I am not perfect, but I promise myself to try my best.  The best is all I expect from my kids and everyone I know.  Why should I be any different.  I owe it to myself and my family.
2. Lower my cholestrol, and possibly get off cholestrol meds.
3. Keep my sugars at healthy levels, so I never have to struggle with diabetes like my dad and other family members on my dad's side of the family do.
4. Keep a healthy liver.
5. Lose weight, in a healthy way.  A change in lifestyle.  A realistic change that I can stick with.
6. Exercise...  For energy, stress relief, help sleep better, and to help all of the above.
7. Try to drink more green tea, instead of coffee.  I still enjoy my Starbucks, but that needs to be a treat.
8. Set rewards for when I achieve each milestone on my "GET HEALTHY" journey.  Things such as a trip for Rich and I or a friend and I to Vail or Washington State after I lose my goal weight and get to where the doctor wants me with my blood work.  The little rewards would be after each 5 lbs a manicure or to have a day at Boarders to lounge and read whatever I feel like, with no kids, just along time.  And, I can buy a book on my way out.  10 lbs goals can be manicure and pedicures, or a new pair of shoes.  
9. What I will do to get fit, besides try my best....Go to the gym.  Go to Spin class, after I get a more comfy bike seat lol.  Enjoy a body pump class after I am fully healed from my surgery.  I still get very swollen and have pain when working out.
10. Walk outside more often, even after the gym to get fresh air.  The kids and I love walking to the park etc.
11. Try and take the proper steps to exercising.  I get very frustrated with my abdomen getting so swollen after work outs, and then hurting for a day.  For instance, I go into the gym looking good, and come out looking totally bloated from not being fully recovered inside yet.  
12. I have to allow myself to say it is ok, to do half of a class, until I am fully recovered, and add a little more every week.  Also, to allow myself to try new things such as water aerobics or swimming laps.
13. All in all, I want to take control of my health.  Not meds to control my health.  My synthroid is here for life.  Hypothyroidism does not disappear.
14. Keep reminding myself, even though it takes more work and efforts to lose weight due to my thyorid, that I still stick to it.  
15. I really really want to try yoga.  Anyone who knows me lol, knows I need yoga.  So, one of these days, I just need to try it, and stop saying, I need to try it.

Each day is a different part of our journey.  I need to enjoy my journey, so I can always have the good memories and stories to share with my kids, my friends, and family.  It is what makes life interesting, and we all know, I do not lead a dull life lol.

I ask that you please pray for me, that I can stick this out, and reach my goals.  I really want this, but need a lot of encouragement and support.  I love health advice, good recipes, tips, and anything homeopathic I am open to.  I have not done it yet, but I hope to get more into eating organic foods.  I hope to update you on my GET HEALTHY for me journey.  Let me know if you want to join my me in my adventure, let me know. 

Testing Testing 123.....

Is there anybody out there????  I am just curious to see if anyone reads my blogs.  If not, it's a great life joural.  That means YAY for you, you get to read my life story.  LOL.  Aren't you lucky.....

Today it is 65 degrees and sunny, what more can you ask for in Feb?  Rich is working from home and the kids are napping.  Ahhhhh.....

Today one of my good friends and her kiddos came over to play and have lunch.  It was nice.  The kids all play great together and our families both get along.

Rich made some delish homemade sweet potato fries for us.  We ate as if we had not been fed in days lol.  mmmmmmm. Later we plan on going to the park down the street to get some energy out etc.  Jimmy and Maggie need to run, run, run.  Maggie keeps asking me to take her to dance and soccer.  I am going to look into signing her up.  Jimmy is looking forward to Tball.  The kids are both starting swim lessons next week.

I just talked to my dad and he is exhausted, they are working him hard at rehab he says.  This is a good thing.  I am glad they are working him hard, so he can feel good for summer.  My mom and brother are well. 

Ok, off to look at BP healthcare options with Rich.  Oh the joy....  LOL.  I am sick of all the hospital bills etc, however, we have great healtcare, so I can't complain too much. 

Today.......

Well today was not a bad day, but a busy and exhausting day.  I cleaned my house from head to toe along with the man who cleans my home.  I don't have the time go get mani pedi's anymore, and even dyed my hair with a box color. So, the one thing I wanted for our tax return...  Was Freddy to come to help me out today.  Ahhhh, it was wonderful  He does a great job.

The kids both had school and enjoyed their days at school as well.  YAY!!!  I did make it to my first Spinning class.  It was fun, but I need a bike seat cover.  We also went out to Gayle's house to feed her cats today.  They are so sweet.  Rich's plane was delayed and he won't be home until after midnight.  I am EXHAUSTED.  I have to say I did get all the laundry done too which is an extra plas.  The good news is Rich will be home for the next 2 weeks before traveling.  YAY!!!

I have made it to my 10 lb loss mark.  I have a lot more to go, so I am just focused on keeping things going the way they are right now. 

Well, I am thoroughly EXHAUSTED, I can barely even spell.  I will continue tomorrow. 

Until next time TTYL.

Various Pictures to look at of Family and Friends....

 I will write a real post later.  I just wanted to share some pics of the kids, friends, and family.

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3494184009/a=23020343_23020343/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=147911&id=788609205&l=10b9ce39f1

Life....

Right now it is 11:03 am and I am sitting in my office with my Yellow Labrador Buddy and my Black Labrador Daisy. Daisy, is snoring, and Buddy is having a dream (his paws act as if they are running in the air) LOL. Welcome to the life of.... The Kilcoyne Household.

Today started out nice. Breakfast in bed, and slept in until 9 am. Not bad for a Saturday morning with a husband, 2 kids and 2 dogs. Rich is going to be traveling this week, so, when this happens, I usually get a break one weekend morning.

So, I thought today I thought.... Rich was going to take Jimmy with him to run various errands, which they did, and Maggie and I would have a day together. After all of the above. I thought we were going to go to the Chase's house for dinner and fun (FYI, the Chase's are Mike, Lindsey, Sammy and Sophia...oh, and they awesome German Shepheard Kona). INSTEAD. The boys did their thing. They got a lot done and had a great time together. Jimmy even picked out a pair of sunglasses for Maggie. He told Rich, that she had to have them. So sweet. Meanwhile. Maggie was getting super whiney and cranky. Hmmm.... So, she went down for a nap, and woke up with a fever of 100.7 (around 215pm). I then called Lindsey to let her know, we had to reschedule, which she was totally understanding. I felt so bad. She was going to make a great dinner etc etc... Then, around 530 pm, I took Maggie's temp again and it was 103 F. Yuck!!!! Poor girl spent the day hanging with Rich or myself in bed instead. We watched Dora, Wonder Pets, Oliva, and the movie Bolt. Then after her meds and her temp was under control off to bed she went... Jimmy followed shortly...

Rich and I cleaned the house a little, and chatted while he was packing for yet another trip to Michigan. I swear, IL and Michigan are his home. Texas is his second home LOL. I wish him a very safe trip and flight. Sometimes we all gotta do, what we gotta do. It all works out.

I am realizing how fast our kids are growing up today. Makes me so sad and excited at the sametime. I also notice, we have bright kids. Not master minded geniuses but bright kids. Our kids also have a great sense of humor. Jimmy is all boy, but very sensitive. He is very into how people are feeling and concerned about what is going on around him. Maggie, for the most part is very easy going, but stubborn. She knows what she wants and when she wants it. However, she is very loyal to the people she loves.

Today, was a pretty boring post. I am in a ho hum kind of mood. I hope to report tomorrow that our home is fever free and that we have a great start to a new week.

My day and the little things that I miss, and thing that make me happy.

So. Where do I start this blog with the long title?????

I see the word RANDOM in my title. So I am going to write RANDOM things lol.

Lets see....

The little things that I miss. ..

1. Having a mailbox at the end of my driveway.
2. SNOW storms a few times a year.
3. Skiing
4. A small downtown area. Ya know... The kind with the butcher, the baker, and the candle stick maker??? Literly!
   
5. The Post office where people know your name.
6. Living in a town that you can walk or ride your bike to the train station if you want to. Then hop on the train and head to Chicago.
7. I miss seeing different faces. The faces of people who work blue collar and white collar jobs, but raise their families with the same values
8. No humidity.
9. Seeing faces from all over the world. I see that here too, but not as much as Chicago.
   
10. I miss the ZONEing laws they have in Chicago and all of the burbs.
11. I miss the Creative Learning Art Studio for Kids, The Children's Museum, The Park District, Ice Rink, Ski resort areas. Even the little one we have in town. Sledding is available all over, snowmobiling, and ice skating on the pond.
12. I miss my old church and all the people we have met along the way.
13. I miss the Chicago food. We are not small from Chicago, but damn are we happy. LOL!!!
14. I miss Wrigley Field
15. I miss my friend and family.
16. I miss the lush trees, hills, and traditional and old school views people have.
17. I miss the security, meaning, you don't feel you need a loaded gun, and having an alarm system is just a plus. Not a necessity.
    
18. I miss the beautiful forest preserves.
19. I miss that being different is a good thing, and that it's what make the world go round and makes friendships closer....
20. OK, it's number 20, I need one more thing.... Oh, I miss good shopping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do have to admit, even though I do miss IL. I have become to accept and get used to TX. It will grow on me. It already is. It is just going ot take time. Here are the things I love about TX so far.

1. My new friends.
2. Southern hospitality
3. People are polite
4. The kids have the best preschool and I don't know what I would do without the teachers, and parents I have met.
5. I enjoy the fact that most people are from somewhere else, so you don't feel like you are the only one who has moved from out of state. They have been there and done that too....
6. The thunderstorms are amazing.
   
7. There is a park right down my street.
8. Neighbors are great.
   
9. People want to visit because it is warmer than the North.
10. I have a fence in the back yard and a beautiful home. One I cold not afford in IL.
11. I will work on getting to 20, but that will take a little more time. Just give me time. I WILL get there.

Today....

1. I brought Maggie to school with her friend Claira. Jimmy went with Rich. AFTER we jump started my car lol.
2. I grocery shopped.
3. I ate lunch with the kids at school.
4. I had a mamogram, and it looks like it went well. THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!
5. I worked out for an hour at the gym... OK, I walked, but hey, that is better than doing nothing.
   
6. I was able to return some calls that needed to be returned.
7. Rich made avacado and cucumber sushi rolls for dinner. DELISH!!!
8. I am doing laundry. It is all a work in progress. LOL
9. I called my mother and grandmother.
10. Now, I am off to read and go to bed. I am cashed!!!

If this post was boring sorry. If it was annoying that I was venting, tough. I needed it. LOL!!! Have a great night an talk to you soon........ TTFN.

Random day and thoughts...

Well... Today.....

My friend Cathy called me first thing in the moring to see if the kids and I could meet her for breakfast at Egg Harbor in Geneva. Well, there was no pulling my chain, we were stoked!!! The kids enjoyed sharing Jimmy's bday pancake, and their lunches. Cathy also got the kids each alittle something. What more could the kids ask for!!! Cathy is one of my oldest and best friends. I used to nanny for her kids in the summers during the college years. She's the best and I learn a lot from her.

Jimmy and I worked on his 100th day celebration shirt. He counted 100 buttons, and glued those 100 buttons onto a tshirt. Super cute. He also did some homework for school.

Later today we met the Laskosz's at Creative Learning Art Studio for Kids in Roselle. The kids were in HEAVEN.

Later Rich and I went to 7 pm Ash Wed mass at St. Peter Damian Catholic Church. It was a great sermon and the priest made some great points. Interesting readings too.

Then it was packing and putting the kids to bed, book and shower after that!!!

I am now going to fisish my packing andd watch the olympics....Its the best.

Happy Valentine's Day 2010

Hello from Chicago! Jimmy and Rich just left for Monster Truck Jam with the Laskosz boys. Their yearly tradition they have kept up since the boys were 2 years old. The kids were stoked! Then Jimmy is off to his first sleepover with Patrick and Andrew after the show. He is thrilled, and I am too, but also sad. It means he is offically a big boy going to his friends house for a sleepover. However, I love the fact that Patrick and Andrew's parents are also some of our very best friends. COMFORTING!!!

This morning my mom had both of the kids place mats filled with candy, new Valentine's Day cups, and each a book. Jimmy got a Skippy John Jones book and Maggie a Pinkilicious (sp?) sticker and story book. They were so happy. Rich got to sleep in after enjoying a night out with Keith, Paul, and my brother at Bannerman's for some beer and the Winter Olympics. Speaking of Olympics. Vancover is one of the most beautiful places on this earth. I would live there if given the chance. The Kilcoyne Family is a winter sport family. Jimmy is already getting into snowboarding, and Rich and I ski. Maggie even wants to learn to ski. I plan to get her on some ski's next year. We also love to sled, snowmobile, and ice skate. Even ice hockey. The things we can't do in TX. Go figure. Hopefully one day we will find our family back up North again. However, only Rich's job will make that decision. We can't complain about Rich's job. OR maybe we will just win lotto and have a home in TX and a home in CO. I could live a good life with a second home in Vail.

Maggie and I will go to our friends The Hadjuk's later. Their names are Michelle, Keith, Megan and Kaylin.... So, if you hear me refer to them again, you know who I am talking about. Michelle is making a big turkey dinner with all the fixins. SCORE!!!! We are LUCKY!!!! This way Maggie can enjoy time with her friend Kaylin who is less than 1 month younger than her while Jimmy is at his big day.

Rich bought me a dozen red roses and 3 protein bars. If you don't know yet. I am on a restricted diet. Unfortunately it has sucked in the past almost 24 hours, but is back to the grind starting 2:00 pm to be exact... (which is what time it is RIGHT NOW). LOL. I have to be on a low sugar, low fat diet. It is soooooo hard for me, but I have to. I also have to exercise. Bottom line, there needs to be a new and healthy me.

Then..... This morning. I visited my friend Carey and her dog Hank. Of course her two kids and hubby too. Hank is one of the sweetest large breed dogs out there. He is called a Leonberger. Which is a cross between a St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees. He is BEAUTIFUL and the sweetest dog... He is sick, and it is sad. He is 10 years old and Carey is having to think about things she never wanted to about Hank. Hank even has a 2009 Denali XL named after him, laterly. The liscense plate says "Hankerdoo". So, as all of you know, I LOVE ANIMALS, and will be praying for Hank and the Olson's. There is nothing that can get you through a rough day like the love of a pet.

So, for me.... my life.... Hmmmmm..... Same shit different day. LOL. My main focus as I said earlier is my health.... besides my bad diet in the last 24 hours. I also want to live on a strict budget and make 2011 an EXCELLENT year.

My dad has his good days and bad. My mom is concerned about her school district. U-46 sucks!!!! Michael is taking two classes at the local community college and has met a great group of new friends. I am proud of him for doing that.

Ok, it is mid afternoon. Maggie is sleeping and the boys are out. Hmmm, now for some ME time.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Blogging STUFF

Well.... It has been a LONGTIME since I last blogged. I am more into Facebook, and don't know if anyone is even reading this. We are all so busy all the time, that when we all sit down to have down time and relax. Reading long Blog's are just not always the priority. So, that being said. I am writing to write. This way I have my Blogs to look back on later in life for myself, and if you would like to join my crazy journey. You also can enjoy the journey with me.

Jimmy is going to be 5 on Feb 16th, 2010. First off the time passes so fast. I also really miss some of those precious baby and toddler moments. I do have to say, however, I also enjoy all of the new stages as well. They all have their good and challenging moments. Jimmy is always coming up with something hilarious and innocent to say. He is also a child that loves to learn, red, and just enjoys being a kid. He is learning how important friends and family are right now. He is also learning that things are just things. People and our animals mean the most. We can both LOVE and have feelings. More or less, you can not only see but sense our emotions.

Jimmy's biggest accomplishment in the past 2 weeks have been to know our full names, address, phone number, and how to count to 100. I am super happy for him that he has been able to achieve the goals and expectations of his teacher, Rich, and himself. It makes him feel good, and helps with his self esteem which is so important. He starts swim lessons in March along with Tball. He is super excited. He also takes Enrichment, Art and Drama for his afterschool activities.

Maggie is now 2.5 and loving life. However today. Life is challenging because she is getting in her last molar and is miserable. She has a swollen cheek and the back of her mouth looks like it is in pain. Poor girl. We hope for a better day tomorrow, with a new tooth. Maggie has also decided to pick out her own clothes. She is very stubborn and strong willed. If she wants it a certain way.. BACK OFF!!!! It will be her way, and she is very particular about it. She even matches the clothes she picks out. Pretty impressive. I have enough challenges matching lol. Maggie is also very into dressing up, her Fisher Price Loving Family Dollhouse, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She is so excited to see my family on Saturday and take a family vacation. We pray for a big snowstorm for our trip up North! Maggie also LOVES to wear tutu's and anything to do with Princesses. It is adorable. I honestly never picture myself with a girl because I was such a Tomboy, however, I DO NOT know what I would do without a girl now. I get the best of both worlds having a girl and a boy.

Rich has been working very long hours. He is exhausted and burning the candlestick at both ends so to speak. However, somehow he keeps up..... BTW, I just realized how much I used the word HOWEVER in this Blog. LOL!!! I have insomnia tonight and it is super annoying. I am finally getting a little sleeping, but it's ONLY 115 am. UGH!

Ok, off to try and get some shut eye. I have a Dr appt that has me a little bit scared, but I hope and pray for the best. I will report if it is anything worth reporting. Have a great night everyone. See ya!