Numbers...

A morning by numbers in the Brewer household...

3 breakfasts eaten - means bellies are full

3 pairs of pajamas in the dirty laundry - means I have job security

1 load started - means I had made laundry soap (finally)

1 load partially folded - means that momma got interupted

1 girl off to school - means knowledge

2 boys home to play with - means I have lots of fun

2 pounds of hamburger meat thawing on the counter - means there is food in my fridge AND a plan for dinner (YES!)

1,000 tears from Nolan - means I have a teething and quite accident prone little man

1,000 tears from Hudson - means I have a slightly crabby/needing a nap 4 year old

258 pounds on the scale - means I have some work to do before Nolan's party

40 pieces of tissue paper on the table - means a craft was done and I should probably clean up

9 is the channel that is on the TV - means my boys love Clifford

7 unopened bills on the counter - means medical services were provided AND that momma is avoiding them

12:30 is the time for lunch - we are having grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup

40 minutes is how long my washing machine takes - means I will have clean clothes soon

90 minutes is how long my dryer takes - means I have a little more time to do nothing *winks*

12 apples were peeled and sliced - means one lucky husband is having apple crisp after dinner

36 minutes have been used to write this post... time to get back to work!

Momma to 3
*Shay B*

Project Shay (again I know)

Hello blog world. Long time no blog :)

Updating on Project Shay.

As of this morning my scale read 257.2!!!!!!

Ladies and gentleman that is a total loss of .... 21.9!!!

No pictures this week. Saving a special surprise photo the week before Nolan's birthday party.

My new short goal is to be 250 pounds by Nolan's birthday party on the 9th of October.

The long term goal remains the same I would like to be between 200-220 by the 1st of the year.

In super exciting and awesome news (relating to Project Shay) My sister Stephanie was in town this weekend and we went shopping. For the first time in 2 years I tried on and then bought a shirt that was just an XL from the Ladies' department not the PLUS SIZE!!!!!!!!! It is so exciting! I also purchased a pair of size 18W jeans... now that seems large but the jeans I have been wearing are 22W or 20W so I am losing it. Finally seeing some results after working so hard is really nice.

Hopefully at Nolan's birthday party when I see the pictures I won't cringe. Plus our dear friend Casey is doing family pictures this weekend. It would be nice to be another 3-5 pounds down for that but we'll just have to wait and see...

In other super and exciting news (still related to Project Shay) as I sit and type this my ring is glinting in the light from the computer screen. That is right ladies and gentleman I am once again wearing my wedding rings!!!

Okay enough bragging. Just been a pretty exciting weekend on the Project Shay front.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for pictures to come! (Oh and more regularly scheduled blogging again I hope!)

Momma to 3
*Shay B*

7 years!!!

Dear Josh,

I don't know where in the world 7 years has gone. While at the same time has it been 7 years ALREADY?

We have been through so much together. Three kids, job loss, job change, home, not home, moves, bills, chaos, life changing events and yet somehow I still get that heart thumping beat when you walk in the door. I still get excited about date night (probably because it happens A LOT LESS often now). I still want to spend time with you. That has to mean something right? I sure hope so.

I love you. Even the sarcastic smart alec drive me crazy with the one-liners self. I love how amazing you are with our children. I love that you are trying to be a major part of Nolan's therapy. I love that you play shoot 'em up guns with Hudson. I love that you have no idea how to be a girl but somehow Leanna's face lights up whenever you do whatever it is that you do! I love that you will help anyone.

I know it hasn't been easy. I know that the path we have been traveling seems long and crazy and full of bumps, potholes, spike metal tire popping things (whatever they are called) but I know that there isn't another man on this planet I would want to be traveling along it with.

I love you. Whether the next 7 are as crazy as the first or not I am really thankful that they are going to be with you.

Love always and forever,

Shay

Plateau...

So my weight loss so far has been pretty impressive as of yet. It hasn't been TOO hard. I am missing soda and chocolate of course. However for the most part I am still doing my protein shakes and my healthier snacks and things.

This weekend was a little rough. As birthday season continued along with a baby shower. We ladies all know there is never anything better than shower cake (whether it be baby or bridal)!!! I was good though I didn't have any.

I did succumb to the evil pizza last night however. It has been a long week with a longer weekend and cooking was not on Shay's agenda. We had a great coupon and money in the date night envelope (when isn't there money in the date night envelope we don't get to do date nights) so we ordered pizza. It was delicious!

So with all that to say. The scale this morning said 262.0. Which makes my weight loss total so far - 17.1 pounds.

So a loss technically since my last check in. But I know the scale said 260 sometime last week.

So it is back to the gym 4 days this week. (Friday we have our morning MOPS meeting at 9:00 so I may go extra earlier and have Josh walk Leanna to the bus stop and then go to MOPS but I am not for sure yet.)I am back to pushing my mile a little harder Time to get it under 15 minutes. I have added weights into the mix now. Also a Cardio & Core class as well. So hopefully with the change up of workout and more dedication to my morning and lunch protein drink this week will equal a better Monday morning next week.

And to end this post some pictures. I don't know that I see much of a difference yet. Hopefully soon!





P.S. Excuse my crazy hair dude it was CRAZY early this morning. Peace, love and pushups!

Momma to 3
*Shay B*


This post is linked to McFatty Monday @ TheHeirToBlair

Leanna and Friends through the years.

I know this has been a weird montage of my babies small vs. big week. It may be for a few more minutes... I am struggling this year during birthday season. Sorry, but I blog to remember how we were doing as a family, how the kids were growing and how I am doing as a momma. Right now I am stuck in this why do they have to grow up phase...

Lily and Leanna through the years!

Lily and Leanna in 2007...

Lily and Leanna in 2008...

Lily and Leanna in 2009...

Lily and Leanna in 2010...


I love these two girls. They make me smile. Leanna and Lily always laugh when they are together. At nothing...at everything it is wonderful to hear them giggling together.


Leanna and Cadence through the years...
Leanna and Cadence in 2007...

Leanna and Cadence in 2008...

Leanna and Cadence in 2009...

Leanna and Cadence in 2010...

Leanna and Cadence like to play girly things when they get together. Without Cadence's influence in this area I highly doubt that Leanna would have ANY girly tendencies :)

Madelaine and Leanna through the years...
Madelaine and Leanna in 2006...

Madelaine and Leanna in 2007...

Madelaine and Leanna in 2008...

Madelaine and Leanna in 2009....

Madelaine and Leanna in 2010...

Madelaine and Leanna share a little something extra...the share the same birthday only Madelaine is 1 year older. It is hard for me to look at the 2006 picture. They were 2 and 3 there.

These girls all hold a very special place in Leanna's heart. To be honest they hold a special place in mine. It amazes me that so Leanna has so many little friends her age that she has maintained fairly close relationships with. She loves her 'girls' as she calls them and they are always at the top of her 'who' list.

So many memories. I looked at a ton today. It made my heart so happy for her that she has so many friends. It made my heart sad too though. They look so little and then well not so much.

Momma to 3,
*Shay B*

Looking back...

This time of year is really hard on me as a momma.

All my babies have birthdays within 2 months of each other.

Leanna turned 6 a few weeks ago. It seems like I blinked and she went from this...


to this....


Hudson decided he just had to turn 4. Why couldn't he stay 3? Hmmm... why did he have to get all big on a momma? My baby boy...

who is this young boy small person?


And now coming up very soon WAYYY much sooner than I would like. My BABY (my forever baby!!!!) is going to turn 1!?!?!?! It seems like just yesterday he was ....

and now this???

What???? WHO said they could grow up? It sure the heck wasn't me. This momma has decided that from now on the months of August, September and October can be skipped. That'll teach 'em. Grow up on me... HA.

Seriously? Why does it seem to be going so fast?

Momma to 3
*Shay B*

Dear Nolan...

Dear Nolan,


Please stop growing.

Love,

Momma

"I got big at my birthday"

That is a direct quote out of my son's mouth today. Someone asked him when he had gotten so big and Hudson replied, "I got big at my birthday".

He did get big. He seems like a little boy instead of my baby. I know I know he isn't my baby anymore...but can he be for a little longer?

That boy makes me smile. He is such a fun and energetic small person. There is no task he doesn't meet with exuberance. He is friendly and caring. He is whiny and scared. He holds my hand. He likes to have his back scratched.

A conversation today...

Momma: "Hudson what do you want for your birthday"
Hudson: "Momma my dream came true already"
Momma: "It did? What was your dream?"
Hudson: "It didn't rain and I got to be a cowboy with all my friends!"

I love him so much. He has such an awesome little heart. He loves his sister and idolizes Daddy. Daddy can do no wrong! He wants to be a fireman, a cowboy, a pilot, a jumper, 'da Charter Man and a astronaut! He has such a creative and imaginative spirit. There is no game he won't invent or place he doesn't get to travel to.

He loves to run and jump and play. However, he also loves to snuggle. Which to be honest is my favorite thing about him. He will curl up next to me on the couch or in our bed and watch a movie. He holds my hand when we go for a walk. It melts my heart to see him smile.

Happy Birthday my sweet sweet boy. I hope 4 is as awesome and amazing and as TOTALLY WICKED (which is his favorite thing to say right now) as 3 was.

I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living
My baby you'll be.

Love Momma

Beautiful Day!!!

Thursday was absolutely, positively, without-a-doubt GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!

There was no way I was letting it go by without doing something fantasticly outdoorsy!

While I am no hiking momma strapping my 25 (or so) pound small person to my back. We did get some friends together and make a morning out at Suson Park. It was lovely. The breeze was blowing, the animals were out, the ducks were in the water, the sun was shining and my heart was bursting with thanks for the GREAT DAY! Much needed after the oppressively hot summer we have had.

The kids had a great time. We strolled around the pond and saw fish swimming, got up close to some ducks. At 10:30 the barn doors opened and then we petted the horses, we saw the milking exhibit, we looked at some really big pigs, saw the hens, Hudson and I personally had a great time imitating the strutting rooster (we were a sight to see!) we had a picnic lunch! It was such an amazing and beautiful day. While I don't often wish time away... today I was secretly wishing for the beautiful red and orange and gold leaves to be blowing across the ground. Fall is my FAVORITE time of year. So today was a glorious taste of the coming months!

Thanks to some awesome ladies (Ms. Beth and Ms. Heather) for making a lovely day even lovelier!

Zoo Trip

Ms. Beth and I decided to have a last group hurrah before our older girls, Leanna and Cadence, started school. We lucked out to have a day with lower humidity and the temperature wasn't melt-the-mommy degrees outside!

So we got there as the zoo opened. Why you ask? Two reasons: 1. It was cooler out! and 2. We had some kiddos who wanted to pet the stingrays!

The stingray exhibit is a favorite of all of ours. They are amazing, beautiful and so graceful. Hudson wants to swim with them someday. Leanna loves animals of all types, really I wouldn't be surprised if she is a veterinarian when she grows up! However the exhibit costs... $3.00 a person normally or $1.50 a person for zoo members (which thankfully we are!). With a group of 8 of us? That can get expensive.

Now let me share a secret with you... In the first hour the zoo is open... they are free to visit! So is the Children's Zoo and the Carousel.

So we got there nice and early and pretty much walked right in...and the kids had a BLAST!


Then we hit the River's Edge. Hippos, Elephants and Cheetahs and at least 2 of the MUST SEE animals are in that list. The Hippos were in a mood that day though....

And there is always time to play in the fountain too!


Then we climbed the HILL OF HATEFULNESS (more commonly known as Art Hill) to see the Giraffes, Lions, Tigers and Zebras. We also saw the Chimpanzees that day too! We actually saw a lot more this trip then I thought we did!

After this we of course had to visit with the penguins as well! This wall has housed many of our group photos! I think I have at least the last three years on this wall with these very same people (plus or minus a baby depending on the years!)

We also got to visit the Butterfly House this day too. Which is always a great time.

Nolan and Danika did great that day too! They hung out in the stroller way longer than I or Ms. Beth expected them too. Nolan by the end of the day was done. Poor guy.

It was a great day. I am very thankful for St. Louis having one awesome and amazing FREE zoo! We are so blessed. Today was one of the days I am grateful for my city. I am always grateful for fun filled moments with my small people and for memories made with great friends!

Momma to 3
*Shay B*

All three!

The kids have been extra funny lately. I love the way the interact (most of the time). Leanna is such the mother hen. So protective and well bossy! Hudson he is the... what is the best way to describe him... He is energetic and fun guy. Hungry all the time! Nolan is mesmerized by him. He will just watch Hudson's every move and laugh. Nolan he is every bit of the baby of the family. He is doted on and played with. He gets into everything and is all over the place now.

They do love each other though and play very well together.

So I am pretty sure Leanna was sleeping here ;) Nolan was determined to get Hudson. Hudson well he was cheesin' it up!

Okay now everyone is looking at the camera in this house that is a success. Leanna is still awfully sleepy here though!

Now eyes are open. Nap time is over and no one is pulling anyone's hair out...now how to get them all to be still so the picture isn't blurry?


We'll just have to keep trying I guess :)

Momma to 3
*Shay B*

Because it has been a minute...

Nolan is getting so big so fast. I often forget he isn't going to be a 'baby' anymore. It makes me sad.

He is 10 months old now. HUGE. Some fun things he is doing now:

- he finally has a tooth in his head and a whole mouthful full of puffiness and "white buds"

- he is pulling up and cruising furniture even

- he is saying "dada" even if it isn't at him

- he is eating tons more solid foods now (even with his only ONE tooth)

- he is pulling his hearing aids off even if he is wearing his hat

- he smiles and laughs and is just starting to imitate people.

There is still really no language development. He squeals and yells and cries but we are working on it. He is trying!

Speech therapy is going well. It sometimes all feels so tedious and for nothing. I know it isn't but sometimes it feels that way. I try not to give into the feelings of frustration. I have to remind myself to slow down and that this will take time, hard work, determination and well faith. I have to remind myself that God decided Nolan could handle this and as his momma apparently he decided so could I.

I love his little laugh and the gleam of mischievousness he gets in his eyes. He has an AMAZING smile. Everyone loves him. He is a pretty special little guy. I sure am thankful for him. Even if sometimes I want to toss him out of the window (you know after he has screamed for 20 minutes straight out of frustration or after the 60th time I have had to tell him to leave his hat or hearing aids alone). All in all I wouldn't trade him though.

Momma to 3
*Shay B*