Not on track but I am happy...

yeahhhh am really happy.
Tonight we were accessed by a DCP worker to have Jaydene for respite care.....and Ted was quite happy to do all the paper work involved. It was a bit more involved than I thought it would be and was quite wary as to Ted's response but phewww he was okay, did it all with a smile. We have another interview on Saturday morning and she will go "test" our parenting skills....that will be interesting!!













Wondering how all this was going to go tonight had me in a bit of a dither all day today and I haven't had a good day at all.....been "stress" eating.....even went up to the roadhouse and bought and demolished chocolates!!
Ahhhh well tomorrow can only be better ehhhhh?

Another weigh in.....

......and another loss....but only 200grams. A bit disappointed with that as I have been a real good girl....except in the excersise department. Seems excersise helps me....so thats my goal this week. Its been too darn cold to go walking of a morning, we been having 0 degree mornings with frosts...and its soooooooo dark. So I have found out all my walking dvd's so thats what I will be doing...plus 30 sits up morning and night on my ab machine.

Tomorrow night we have a DCP worker coming out to assess us for respite care for Jaydene. Ted is not happy about being assessed....aren't being grandparents enough...AND they use us and our home for all Shawns access visits?? But he has agreed to them coming out....fingers crossed for me, hope it all works out.

Yeahhhhh

After weigh in last week I went on a bender....a real "why do I bother" kind of bender....eating everything in sight. That lasted all day Tuesday and half of Wednesday before I realised what I was doing to myself..... Right I only lost 100grams over the 2 weeks but I did lOSE ....so I had to give myself a real talking too, next weigh was only a week away, I had already wasted 2 days now do I want to lose this weight or not?? So I got to it, and did what I had to do .... and tonight at weigh in I lost 600grams....yayyyyy me !!!

Its been a very quiet week, been nowhere except work, done nothing except work...kids have been quiet, no hassles... Weekend was spent catching up on chores and in the garden....had to prune all my roses, weed and repot plants which all had been sadly neglected.

Onwards and downwards......

A big decision...

During the week I had a phone call from DCP .. wanted to make sure it was okay by me that Shawn have his access visit at home on Saturday. He was only getting the 3 eldest kids, little Kaleb was away with his foster carers for the weekend. Shawn will get a extra visit some other time with just him. During the phone call I was asked if I would consider taking Jaydene into my care till she was ready to go back to Hannah...or at least take her for respite care. Jaydene is being moved again...this will be her 4th foster home since she was put into care. Going back to mum, even thou she has Skye is NOT an option.

Ted and I have agonised over this decision...and it may appear as thou we are selfish but we have decided not to take her under our wing...but we will do respite with her one long weekend a month.

We love this little girl dearly, as we do all our grandies, but on making this decision we did take into consideration our ages, our work and lifestyle. I have to work, I want to retire in a few more years with some money in the bank so I can enjoy some time travelling with hubby before we get too old....have to remember hubby is 62 (8 years older than me).

But the main reason we are going to say no is that Jaydene needs 1 on 1 care all day everyday, and if I have to work and put her in daycare I can't do that.

I am going to suggest she get put into a foster home with other children (each home she has been the only child and both foster carers have been workers) and if possible with one of her siblings.....she needs a family.

Anyways Shawns visit with his 3 kids was fantastic...he spent the whole 6 hours playing and enjoying the time with his little ones.....he is a good daddy.

To finish, it was weigh in night tonight....afer 2 weeks of being on track, tracking and eating well I thought I would have done well...nahhhhhhhhh a whole measly 100grams was all I managed.....sheeeeeeez next week better be better, bloody demon scales!!!!!

Another week gone....

Last night would have been weigh in tonight but it was a public holiday so no weight watchers meeting. I have been going ok...except for some indulgences over the weekend. I had Simon and Tracey's 4 kids overnight......my ears are ringing still as they are soooooo LOUD !! They are great kids, very easy to entertain. They love cooking, shopping for the ingredients, love planning excursions...just full on they are!

On Saturday after I had my hair done.... (Pop looked after them for the hour or so while I was away) ....they all decided we would have home made pizza's for dinner, so we wrote out the shopping list and went shopping. They bought their pocket money too...so the "reject shop" (a $2 shop) was a must for a visit to buy their treasures !

After the shopping expedition it was home, chores, then the kids started cooking.....the pizza's were demolished ... no leftovers with them !

Sunday after breakfastand the chores it was out for a excursion. They chose the jetty at the estuary. They loved it, they scrambled over rocks, tried to name all the the birds, moved rocks to see what little creatures were living under them, spotted crabs and even saw a dolphin...the first time I actually saw them with their mouths open and nothing coming out !!!

Mum and Dad showed up at lunchtime with chicken treat and loaves of fresh bread.....ohhhhhh yummy !! I can tell you they didn't last very long !

So it was a weekend of over indulging (and not tracking 100%) ..... but Monday morning saw me back on track, walking and tracking again....hopefully by next Monday I will see a loss on the "demon scales"!

Blahh

Don't know whether its because I am a little bit down today or what but I am feeling a little blahhhhh. Its my Dad's birthday today and if he had lived he would have been 80...boy that would have been a party and a half. Dad was a real larrikan and loved a party, he always had a great time out celebrating any occassion... he was a recovering alcoholic and he didn't need the drink to liven any event up.

I am a little worried about Shawn too.....althou he is coming along okay, I know he is still drinking and having the occassional "weed" and when he mixes the two of them together he tends to stress out about everything. Like I had a phone call today from telling me is car had broken down, totally F*CKED he recons and how come he always gets the "lemons" ?? He had rang Shaz to come pick him up, he was down, he had been drinking and was worried about Shaz's reaction to all this.....heck am I ever gonna not worry about that boy ??? Why can't I let him worry about his troubles himself, why do I take his troubles onboard...I don't take the other kids on!

My back is giving me trouble since I strained it , think I been doing too much....but it is better than what it was. Hope so coz I have Simon's kids tomorrow morning for an overnight stayover, Simon and Tracey are bringing them down late morning as I have a hair appointment at 9am, I need a hair colour, going grey I am. The kids will keep me busy, those 4 are certainly active.

Anyways I off to bed, hope I can sleep.

Last night....

.....I went to my weight watchers meeting last night...I lost 300 grams. Its not much but I'll take it. The week hasn't been the best, I had a slip at work and saving myself from landing on my ass I have somehow strained my back. For most of the week I have been having spasms in it that has left me in tears sometimes and unable to excersise as much as I would like. Thus my planning/tracking has been very hit and miss...thus just a small loss. Anyways next weigh in will be in two weeks time...so hopefully my back will inprove so I can get myself out and about and on the move.

Above is a pic of Shawn and Kylee....of course it was taken a lonnnnnnnnnnng time ago, aren't they cute?? I am doing up a srapbooking album for Kylee to take over to her when we fly over. It will start off as a newborn right throu to her wedding day. I was going to do this before the wedding so when she married all I had to do was hand her the album to put in her wedding pics....but I off course never got around to it.

Kylee and Stephen have settled into their house and loving it. After nearly a year of living with the in-laws and the previous 6 years in a poky 2 bedroom unit they are loving the luxury of their own space. A lot of work too be done on their garden, they already sick of the black mud they and their cat track in but they have made a start. Can't wait to get there...roll on August.

Shawn and Shaz have moved into their house and slowly getting themselves organised. Shawn is gobsmacked at how quickly Shaz has made their rental house a home....he is loving it. I went to court with him on Friday for his monthly meeting with the magristrate and his councellour....his urinalis showed a tiny rise but no big deal they said.....as long as his head is in the right space which it seems to be. I am proud of him and his improvement but he has a long way to go yet......my fingers are still crossed and I hope and pray that he can continue along the path he is on now without any relapses. He needs a job, he is actively trying/looking to find work, hopefully that will be the next thing that falls into place for him. I am helping him a fair bit buying them odds and ends and I just can't keep on doing it, he knows that, I know that. But I am proud of him...from where he was a few short months back to where he is now is outstanding.

weighed in......

Went to ww mmeting tonight for weigh in...yayyyyy happy to report a 1.1 loss. Was feeling a little apprehensive after my gain last week but having stuck to the plan and managing a few walks during the week paid off for me.

Been very quiet around here, been nowhere, done nothing....kids/grandies are all going great. I have booked tickets for Melbourne to visit Kylee, hubby and fly over on the 12th August, by then she will have a few days leave accumalated to spend with us.

Shawn and Shaz move into their house on wednesday....the owners wanted to paint it out for them. It doesn't look much from the outside, but to them its a castle and it will be their home!

Challenges.....

Shawn and the nearly 2 year old..Shayden

Monday night was weigh in night. I had had a good week, or so I thought, maybe not enough excersise during the week, but plenty on the weekend, stuck to my points but didn't drink enough water so I thought I'd do well. Nahhhhhhh I GAINED !!! Only .3 grams but none the less a gain. Was STUPID and come home and ate and drank....grrrrrrr a bad habit of mine I just have to change. Thats one challenge for me. Number 2 is keep on track without losing the plot for the rest of this week as number 3 challenge is to be back at goal or close to it anyways when we fly to Melbourne to see DD in August. I am going to do this!

Shayden and his 3 year old sister blowing out the candles

Shawn has had a few challenges given to him over the past weeks and I am proud to say he is taking them head on and meeting most of them! Thats not to say he is doing it easily, believe me he hasn't done it without slip-ups but he hasn't given in. Luckily his lady has stuck by him and Shawn is doing his best to overcome those demons of his.
On Saturday he had his access visit....his eldest son turns 2 this week.....so we had a birthday cake for him. Those kids are growing up so quickly...just wish they were all home and out of the darn situation they are in. Nothing more has been happening there...something has to soon surely...they were only taken into care for 2 years, that is up in a few months. Thats one of the reasons Shawn is trying his hardest to get his life on track.....coz if Hannah can't sort herself out Shawn wants to prove to them he can !! Ohhhh nearly forgot...him and his lady move into a rental this week....yep they have got themselves a house.
Anyways....off to do a bit more planning....a few challenges to meet this week...I want those "demon scales " to show a downward trend....
.......onwards and downwards.....

Day out

Had a lovely day today...I left home early this morning and travelled down to Manjimup and picked Mum up and went out visiting a few old haunts and then on for a lovely lunch.

Wandered around a old mill town we used to live in when I was a teenager reminenising and then Mum fed the kangaroo's and emu's. In the old deli while we had a coffee we found a old photo album and lo and behold found a picture of my late brother when he used to work there....that bought a few tears to the eyes. I really enjoyed the one on one hours with Mum today....going to make sure I do it again soon.

After dropping off Mum, I quickly visited my sister, then rang my brother and asked if he had 10 minutes spare and drove up and put flowers on Dad's grave with him before heading home after a most enjoyable day.

ohhh last night was weigh in night.....goodbye to 1 kilo.....onwards and downwards.....

Mother's day....

Mother's day this weekend and I unfortunately I won't be seeing my mum. Tried to get a day off this week to travel down to Manjimup to see her but couldn't get the time off. We have been sooooo busy at work and I couldn't be spared....nice to know I am needed ehhhh? Thursday and today were frantic....long 11 hour days they were for me!! Monday looks like it will be the same.....but Tuesday I have been told I can have the day off and go see her. Mum was happy to hear that when I rang her tonight and told I wouldn't be down. Hopefully my brother and sister will be spending some time with her over the weekend.

At this stage I have Simon and Tracey travelling down with their clan of 4 so that'll be good. Paul and Tanya will no doubt pop in sometime too and who knows if I'll see Shawn. I spoke to him on the phone today...he and Shaz are still staying with friends but are now in Bunbury and not 30 minutes out of town...makes it easier for his appointments for his councelling/therapy. They still looking for a rental of their own....very hard to come by they are, but here's hoping they get lucky. Not sure how they are travelling....know Shawn is still drinking and using occassionaly and when he does he begins to doubt himself, hope he's strong enough to overcome these doubts as I know it puts pressure on their relationship.

Kylee and Stephen are moving into their own house today and tomorrow....excitement plus for them. All looks lovely from the pics I have seen.....can't wait to see it, we should be flying over in August sometime....by then they should have a few days holiday due to spend time with us.

Then yeah after that visit its home and start saving $$$$'s for Tassie....yes Nola we will be touring...seeing as much as we can...so I'll keep in contact.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY ALL ♥

I'm happy....

Yep...definetly happy, I've got my mojo back...I am feeling good. Have had a great 2 weeks and at weigh in tonight those demon scales were nice to me.....2.2 gone !!! Been a little naughty tonight and indulged with a few drinks and a few nibblies, BUT the day is planned for tomorrow, I am going to stay on track. When we go to Melbourne I WILL be very close to if not at goal....and when I get to goal then my goal will be to stay there ready for our Tassie trip!!

This week I am hoping to get a day off work....I want to go down to Manjimup and spend a day with mum. It's Mother's day over the weekend and I just won't have the time to do a trip down then. I have Shawn's kids here for an access visit on Saturday then on Sunday the others will be coming around so I want to enjoy that. I hope to take mum out to lunch then visit a few places we use to go when we were kids....and take some photo's. I bought a new beaut camera a few weeks back and I have had hardly used it...be nice to have a little play

Yawnnnnnnn its been a long day ...... bedtime for me.....nite nite.

One week down....

Yep its one week down and all's well. I have followed the plan 100% ....real proud of myself, been a angel I have!!! Should have been heading off to my meeting tonight but being a public holiday there is no meet, so another week to go before I can find out how I have gone. I could weigh on my scales...but nahhh I'll leave it to next Monday, that way I think I'll stay more focused.

Everything else is great, saw Shawn and Shaz on Saturday arvo, met him in town, they are happy and all his therapy is going well. He had court on Friday and his urinalis tests are showing that he has cut wayyyyyyy down on his cannabis use...well done Shawn. They are still living with a friend, no place of their own yet, neither of them have jobs.....Shaz is actively looking as is Shawn but he is finding it harder as he can only work certain days due to his therapy and councelling.

Kylee and Stephen are still waiting to move into their house, they should after an inspection from their bank have the keys next week. They have done their final inspection and all the things they wanted recified have been done.

We will fly over in a few months time and have a long weekend with them and have a look at the house...counting down already. Kylee also wants me, and a few others, to do an oversea's trip with her before she starts her family....she doesn't want to go to Bali again so is looking at Penang or Phuket. I would love to go having never been oversea's so am thinking about it thats for sure. This will be a good 12 months or so away yet....so plenty of time to think.

Our next trip, after our brief visit to Kylee, will be another camping trip....it will be with some good friends of ours (who we travelled with in the NT) driving across the nullabour and heading over to tour Tassie....that will be in February next year..thats not all that far away, time sure is flying by.

Don't you quit !!

This was my mantra when I first began weight watchers back in 2005...and one of the reasons I made goal in early 2007 I think.

When you've eaten too much and you can't write it down,

And you feel like the biggest failure in town,

When you want to give up just because you gave in, and forget all about being healthy and thin,

So what your're over your points a bit,

Its your next move that counts...

So DON'T YOU QUIT !

Its the moment of truth, its an attitude change

It's learning the skills to get back in your range.

Its telling yourself "You've done great up til now, you can take on this challenge and beat it somehow"

Its part of your journey toward reaching your goal,

You're gonna make it, just stay in control.

To stumble and fall is not a disgrace, if you summon up the will to get back in the race.

But, of the strugglers when losing their grip,

Just throw in the towel and continue to slip,

And learn too late when the damage is done, that the

race wasn't over....they could have still won.

Lifestyle change can be awkward and slow,

but facing each challenge will help you grow.

Sucess is failure turned inside out,

the silver tint in a cloud of doubt.

When you're pushing to the brink, just refuse to submit,

If you bite, you write it....

But

DON'T YOU QUIT !!

I went back to my meeting for the first time since the beginning of February last night and for the first time in heck knows when I actually stayed and listened to the lecture....and it must have been an omen as it was all about "getting back on track"

The scales weren't nice, as I knew they wouldn't be ..... since my last meeting at the beginning of February I have put on 8.5 kilo's....soooooo that makes it 14 kilo's I have to lose to get back into my goal range.

I will do it....I have to do it, I want to do it....I AM going to do it !!

Shawn had his access visit out here on Sunday, it was his youngest son Kaleb's 1st birthday during the week.....haven't they all grown? It was a great visit...but 2 hours is just not long enough.

Back again...

Last night we took Kylee and Stephen to the airport, they caught the red-eye flight back to Melbourne. I miss them already. They had a busy day today, they were seeing the builders of their house....they were hoping to move in while they were still on holidays but apparently all won't be ready for 3 more weeks yet. Very disappointing for them, it was meant to be ready in December.....but ahhh well they have waited this long. They living with Stephen's parents, thay were only meant to be there for 6 months but its been 9 months now......and from what I have heard it hasn't been easy !!!!!!

Today I went back onto weight watchers...I really need to rein myself in. I feel bloody awful and looking at myself in the mirror I am disgusted with myself. I will go to the meeting on Monday evening.

The wedding is over, Shawn is happy and content, only worry I really have is hubby and these damn headaches he is getting....wish he would hurry up and get to the doctor and find out what is going in. Ted says it is stemming from his neck, but I don't care...his Dad died of tumours on his brain and I am worried, the headaches have been getting worse and more frequent. I went to the doctors tonight, I just had to have a check up, need to have bloods taken on Saturday morning to see how all my hormone/thyroid levels are going.

Have posted a few more pics of the wedding....these the photographer took.....some absolutely awesome pics were taken....wish I could show you them all.

My favourite pics

This is Paul and myself watching the kids as they strutted their stuff down the ailse.

A pic I took of Kylee as the photograher was organising her for pics.

This is Kylee thanking her Dad before we left for the wedding.

These are my favourite pics of the wedding....

Today I am off to the airport to pick the happy couple up as they fly in from their honeymoon in Bali....they from the sounds of it have had a great time. The only disappointment I have heard about is not being able to go parasailing as she was told she was too fat!! Bloody hell nothing like being told ....darn rude I thought!!

Thankfully easter is over....I have done nothing but eat and am really starting to feel like a whale out of water!! Hopped on the scales and I am 10 kilo's over the top of of my goal range. Its time I put the brakes on and started getting my shit together again.

I go back to weight watchers on the 19th April...but need to stabalise myself before then.

Anyways best go get myself organised and get ready to head off to Perth...meeting up with a girlfriend at one of the shopping centres for lunch before going to the airport.

More wedding pics

As promised here are a few more pics....

I am still coming down from the high of the wedding.....actually feel quite deflated now its all over, the day just was not long enough. So much time, effort and planning and now its all over.

But at least all the pressure is off of me and I am now starting to get myself back on track...hubby was right ehhhh? I am back eating sensibley and not even wanting all the junk I was craving and eating leading up to the wedding.

Shawn rang me today, him and Shaz applied to homeswest for rent assistance and received notice today that they would get help. They are looking at a house tomorrow, a private rental. Shawn is quite excited about it as since he has been with Shaz they have shared houses with friends.....never been alone with Shaz in a home before.

Kylee and Stephen are having a ball in Bali....tomorrow they are off riding elephants and planning to go white water rafting. She recons they'll come back 5 kilo's lighter too....the weather is so humid, all they are doing is sweating !!

Kylee's wedding day

Kylee got married on Saturday.....

The day started early with hair and make-up ladies arriving early, Nat the hairdresser was here at 8am as Kylee's hair extensions had to be curled and fitted, 3 bridesmaids to be prettied up and of course me !!

We sat around on the patio drinking and eating as we were all tarted up...a great time was had by us all.

Kylee was as cool as a cucumber all day.....didn't have any nerves at all......can't say the same for me!! ohhhhhhhh thats right, she did have a moment of panic as just before we left for the wedding the sky got very overcast and a few spots of rain fell......but luckily no more rain was seen. I will post some more pics tomorrow.....but ohhhhh it was a lovely day.

The grandies, all 12 of them were great.....they did as we expected as went every which way...well the littler ones did. The little girls rose petals were thrown this way and that but not many landed on the red carpet. They certainly got the guests chuckling thats for sure.

The day flew by....but a fantastic time was had by all. A few little mishaps along the way, but all in all everything went smooothly. Ted had been on and off all week having migraines and he ended up with one later on in the night, we had to get my brother (who was mc for the night) to say a few words on his behalf when it came time to do his speech as the head was thumping too much to for him to say anything. He will HAVE to go and see someone, as I am quite worried about the frequency of them of late.

Shawn was so happy there, he was so proud of his sister, so happy to see his sister wed, and so proud to show his new lady love off...and of course so were his other 2 brothers. Speaking of Shawn, he did have court on the Friday before the wedding and yayyyyyy was accepted into the drug therapy program.

We have just had a phone call from Kylee and Stephen, they are safely in Bali, having flown there early this morning on their honeymoon, and having a wonderful time.

Okies....it is nite nite time for me, will post more pics tomorrow....

Its been all go....

Anne and me when she called in...

Kylee and some of her neices and nephews.

Its been all go here....

I finished work on Thursday afternoon and started preparing for the wedding.

Friday night we travelled up to Perth and picked up Kylee and since then it has been all go.

Hens night was saturday night, was a great night but Kylee and I were very tired so we didn't make it a late one. Sunday we had visitors and Monday it was run run run again. The wedding dress had to be taken into the drycleaners, Kylee had to have all her injections etc for travelling to Bali....hair, makeup and nails appointments and trial runs had to be organised.....and the list goes on.

Today was a early morning start to get to Perth airport again to pick up the groom to be....

And me...well I am tired, and stress eating. Since the week I bought my wedding outfit I have put on over 5 kilo's......sure hope those Trinny & Suzanne knickers are going to pull me in enough. My oroxine tabs for my thyroid had run out of date....so they weren't making things any easier for me....ahhhhhhhhh shit!! But I am sure things will turn out fine....won't they?

Its getting closer.....

.....the wedding I mean...but my weight hasn't got any closer to my goal. I have really been trying but to no avail. It got so bad the other night I caught a glimpse of myself in a shop mirror where hubby and I were shopping for his suit for the wedding...and I ended up crying on his shoulder, and asking him if I looked as bad as I thought I did in that mirror. But I do know my lack of losing hasn't been throu over - indulgence thou I must say too I haven't been totaly on track. Some of my problem has been lack of sleep due to a constant tickle in my throat and constant coughing....very annoying. And I have also been so lethargic, tired and been fighting constant hunger. After a call to the community nurse she asked me to check my oroxine packet (thyroid tablets) and check the use by date....would you believe they were out of date?? Anyways all sorted now and I am slowing getting myself out of the real downer I was feeling.
All else is going well on the home front, no stress at all with Shawn....we invited him out home for a bbq on Friday night so hubby could meet Shaz, his new lady. Wellllllll we had the best night with Shawn, it was a very pleasant evening with him and his lady. We are so pleased that he is trying so hard to sort his life out. While he admits he hasn't given up the drugs and the alochol up all together he does say he has cut down and we can really notice it. The change in him is unbelievable....I feel I am getting my son back . And Shaz (Sharon) was lovely but terrified that we would condemn her for being in a relationship with him seeing as she is in her 40's, a mother of 4, one being a son who is only a year younger than Shawn (and she is also a granma). Believe us we don't care one iota...she dotes on Shawn, as he does her, she supports him in every way and obviously since they have been together has helped turn his life around. As my daughter says "go cougar"!!
Today I had a phone call and it was from Anne and Peter on their way from Perth heading south on their camping holiday. They took some time to call in and meet me and hubby and have a cuppa with us....I was so happy to meet them both, a delightful couple. Safe travelling Anne and Peter. Yes I did take some pics....I will put them up at a later date. Tonight I have put up a pic of Shawn and Shaz.....the happiest I have seen him in a long time.
Dear daughter flies in next Friday and then we will have a week to the wedding and to finish all the organising. It has come around so quick. Although I am disappointed I did not get myself together and get closer to my goal weight for it....I am happy that I will look good in my gorgeous wedding outfit. Went shopping today and bought myself some "granny" Trinny and Suzanne knickers that pull and tuck everything in so that has helped my self-esteem. I think hubby hit the nail on the head when he said to me I had put TOO much pressure on myself and thats why I didn't succeed....