Finally finding answers!

For the past 7 years I have been struggling with what doctors said was IBS. Today I went to the doctor again for the horrible pain, (I had a placental abruption and was near death so trust me I know pain!) and he said that he thinks I have gall bladder disease. So next week I am going in for a Hida Scan. It is going to cost an arm and a leg that we definitely don't have but will be so worth it! I am not a big fan of surgery but at this point I will do ANYTHING to feel better. So lets just pray they find that I need to get that darn little organ out! Wish me luck!

Not about the number

For my first weekly post I thought I would totally put myself out there and discuss all the things that we all think but don't "talk about". My new weight loss plan I'm sure makes some of you think to yourselves, "Why does she think she needs to loose so much weight, it only makes us feel like she thinks we need to also." Or maybe you think I am just vain to want that super slim toned super model body. 

THE TRUTH is that it isn't about the body fat, weight, or muscle tone. It is about being true to myself and taking care of what I have. I don't want you to think that I am one of those girls that compare themselves to everyone around them. I only want to feel good. 

When I got pregnant with Layla 4 years ago I was in good shape, felt great, and was happy. I ended up getting a thyroid disease that I will have for the rest of my life. I am constantly tired, stressed, gaining weight while eating healthy, and just feel plain gross all the time. If I skip my meds or a day I can feel the change. And even when I constantly take them I just don't feel right. 

This loosing weight and getting back to who I was before the kids is my way of taking charge of my life and the way I feel. I don't want to look back at life with regrets. My teacher yesterday said something that really hit home. He was talking about not comparing ourselves with anyone but our self and the person we can be and should be. He said we should look at "WHAT YOU HAVE DONE COMPARED TO WHAT YOU COULD HAVE DONE!" 

I look back at the last four years of exhaustion and know that if I had eaten right and exercised I could have FELT better. I might have Had that energy of a single 21 year old. Instead I feel like the tired unnoticed stay at home mom. Why live in a fog of what should be or could be your life. I am taking a stand and doing something about how I feel. It isn't really about how I look, though we know we all want to look a little less jiggly. You just cant really measure or chart your progress about how you feel. I don't know if this makes any sense at all but oh well. 

As a mother and wife I am always taking care of people and I really do enjoy it. But I have learned that unless we take care of ourselves we will have less and less to give. 

Watch me Shrink!!!!

My good friend Jenni is starting to update her blog each week with her weight loss update. I am joining her in the fight to get back our bodies. 

I finally hit the 3 and 6 week slump this past month and man it did not do my body good. So I am in a race to get to the REAL MARILEE by Christmas. I am taking a health and wellness class at school and HAVE to work out 4 times a week. 

I will have a little section on the side where I will update my progress each week. I am also going to post new HEALTHY recipes and workout ideas whenever I get a chance. Wish me luck and don't make fun!!! 

You think it is too big of a goal to want these abs by next summer???

PROTECT OUR CHILDREN

I know that all of us mothers hear the stories of children being taken, abused, and murdered on the news everyday. But I know that this is just a fraction of 1 percent of those that are abused. If you sit at home and do nothing to help then you should really be ashamed. As mothers we must take a stand and pass the laws and fund those that can help. Oprah did a wonderful job this week in her show talking about this issue. I have already contacted my senate members to pass the Child Protection Act. Follow this link to her site and you can too. We can't complain if we aren't helping. OPRAH Also to see the recap of the show just click HERE

Happy Birthday To ME!!!

For the last 12 years I have been going to the same restaurant every year for my birthday. There has only been one year I missed going there and getting the same great birthday treatment and that was when this cutie was born. 

The amazing restaurant is Manny's off Broadway in downtown Kansas City! I not only love the food but they have a live mariachi band play on weekends. And they sing romantic songs in Spanish and you feel like you have left the US and ventured to Mexico for the short time you are there.  The best part of going to this Mexican restaurant is because it is authentic... looks it, feel it, sounds it, and most importantly tastes it. I am really picky when it comes to food and this is BY FAR THE BEST!!!! Anyways enough raving here are some more pictures!

Brian and I actually dressed up!!!

The band that sang Happy Birthday to me twice. 

Layla totally enjoying the food just like her mom!!

Fishing at Lake Tapawingo

For my birthday our family went out on Uncle Bill's boat to fish. We didn't really fish for long but rather relaxed and enjoyed good old Blue Springs. It was a great being of my day!

Home Sweet Home

After a long 19 hour drive and a day trying to get things organized we are home and happy to be so. We had  great vacation and I had a wonderful birthday. Today we are unpacking and running errands but after we get settled we will post a ton. It is amazing how much you can miss in a week. I checked most every one's blogs a couple times when gone but today I thought I would see how many new posts I had to read on my Google reader and it is almost 200. I think I am behind what do you think! I will post stories and pictures soon! Love you all!

Enjoying Kansas!

In case you can't tell from the picture we are totally enjoying a relaxing time with my family. Everyone loves spending time with Nana and Papa. We are having a blast and will have tons to update you on when we get back Sunday.