40 by 40 - Jan 14 - Jan 20

This past week has been a struggle. Losing my dog stunk. The weather stunk for walking. This week was all about putting one foot in front of another. I read a interesting blog entry at Abundance Blog that talked about the power of little changes. I am still walking and wearing my pedometer. It is the start of my little change.

total steps walked - 59,088 steps - SAD

average number of steps - 8, 441 steps

total steps walked - 240,893 steps

ending weight - 235.5

More Heart Art

I decided to give yarn heart and tissue paper hearts a go. The Diva and I experimented with these.

I thought the tissue hearts were genius. They did take a long time to dry. This was a pretty easy project to do with kids. I love that it was with all stuff I had on hand. The other project, the yarn heart, once I got the raffia covered floral wire was an easier project to complete. It is possible with regular floral wire but the yarn really slips around.

This is a more advanced project for a child. Pictured below is the Diva's projects combined.

Directions for yarn heart and tissue paper heart were found at Family Chic Blog

Ode to Buzz

We had to put down our dog, Buzz, of 12 years yesterday. That is hard stuff. My kids wanted me to do a post on Buzz. Buzz was named after Buzz Lightyear from the movie "Toy Story". His Mom was Ariel and his brother was named Hercules.

Buzz as a Puppy

Buzz is a California dog and wasn't too thrilled when we moved to the Pacific Northwest with rain and snow. He didn't like his paws wet. Buzz was a lover. IF he loved you, you would get leaned on. Ever had 100 + pound dog lean on you. He usually had a special whine just for those he especially loved. Buzz was my Hubby's first dog as well as my kids. Buzz had lots of friends in the neighborhood. Buzz liked to go on rides except to the vet. His picture until a couple weeks ago was on our County Library Homepage. I had entered his picture in the library photo contest a couple of years back. The picture is below.

We couldn't of asked for a better family dog. He was the best darn dog in the world to us. He will be missed.

40 by 40 Jan 7-14th

As promised here is a little update. Here is all about my 40 by 40 project.I feel like the Post Office - Not snow or sleet will prevent me from getting my steps done. Though walking or pacing my house is pretty boring.

Steps walked: 82,100 steps

total steps walked this year -181,805 steps

weight on Jan 7 -239 lbs

weight on Jan 14 - 235 lbs- WAHOO!

Has anyone else seen or read Alison Sweeney's diet book called, "The Mommy Diet". I saw her being interviewed on the The Talk. Yeah, I got that kind of time - LOL

Heart Love

It is starting to look a lot like Valentine's around here. Hey, I grew up in Loveland, Colorado aka The Sweetheart City and my parent's anniversary is on Valentine's Day. It isn't too early to decorate day for this holiday. I wanted to make a Heart Garland. This is what I came up with.

This is knock off Martha. It was a lot harder than anticipated. I am "OK" with it

The Diva decorated my sliding door.

Book it 2011- January

I am a little late to this party. Check out what others are reading at Life as Mom for Book it 2011. The book for this month is The Happiness Project. I read this in December and my review is here. Check back to Life as a Mom on February 10th for posts from others reviewing The Happiness Project. I am doing the read what you want track this month for January. So far, I have read The Telling by Beverly Lewis and I am working on a couple other selections as well. I hope to share that on February 11th.

Here is my upcoming reading list and what I plan to read along with the Ladies as Part of Book it 2011.

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen - March 10
Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois - April 10
The Help by Kathryn Stockett - August 10
The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin - November 10

Just a little message

Chuckles just wanted to send out a little "I love you" message to his Nonna recovering from surgery and his Grandpa Frank who has been way under the weather.