Checking In

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth.  Just a lot going on and none of it knitting.  It'll probably be like this a lot over the summer.   Especially once we start traveling. I did think about taking out the dyes yesterday but I opted to get the laundry done instead since I didn't do it over the weekend.  Hoping to get to the dyeing today.  I also have an idea in my head for a tea cozy but we'll see....  Just hard to think about tea when it's 80 degrees outside.

The last day of school was last Thursday and we had an awards ceremony to attend.   Joe got his first certificate for the Commander's Reading Program.  He had to read 20 books during the quarter (I LOVE watching him learn to read!).  The Post Commander comes to the school at the end of each quarter and the kids get special pencils and certificates if they complete the requirements for their age group.  Daniel made the honor roll.... again.  Nothing new.  Until we saw his report card!  All A's and A+'s!!  Yeah, Daniel!

The boys had a combined birthday party on Saturday at the bowling ally on post.  Twenty little guest.   Wheeee.  ;-)  Actually, the kids were all great. It was just hard logistically trying to get the boys their own time to open presents, blow out candles, etc....  Joe's birthday isn't until the 28th of this month (he'll be six) and Daniel's is July 13th (he'll be 11), but they always miss out on a party because everyone goes home during the summer or moves so we did it early this year.

Then Father's Day filled our day Sunday.  I "built" Dan his own little Oasis on the balcony that is off of Joe's room (of all places).  He's always wanted a hammock, so I kicked it up a notch and went all out.  I'd placed an order with Oriental Trading for birthday party stuff and luau stuff to add to the decor but the package still isn't here.  Just my luck.  We had to run around on Friday night getting all the party supplies.  The kids didn't miss a beat and now I'll be set for next year. Dan wasted no time in testing out his new little hideout (a little fuzzy because I had to sneak and take it through the screen):

The weather has been STUNNING!  What a way to kick off Summer Vacation.  Nothing like a little sunshine to get me motivated to start working out again.  Dan and I lost 20 lbs each over the Spring.  German beer, food and winter finally caught up with us both so we had to get serious.  I took Oprah's advice and I think the number one reason we lost so easily was because we stopped eating after 7:30. We'd have a cup of tea or a glass of water. Took some getting used to but we stick to it now.   The weekends are free.  We've kept it off even though we lagged off on the exercise.  We're back at it though.  It's so easy for me to get up at 6am when the sun is shining and the birds are singing.  Another thing that's really helped is that we eat breakfast every day.   Have you tried turkey bacon?!  It's really great.  And it's only 35 calories per slice.  We usually have an egg, two slice of bacon and we split a Pillsbury bagel with a little fat free cream cheese on it.  Yummy.

Comments

[bets]

Hey- I happened to find agua fresca Koolaid flavors at the commissary on Monday, the envelope is on it's way, so it will be perfect on the "lanai". You can surprise him. Your yarn looks GREAT! Bets

[Donna]

Congratulations on the boys' acheivements and on you and your husband losing weight! I love the birthday pictures of your sons. They are handsome boys.

[Kerstin]

Our hammock is my favorite place to be. Love that shot you snuck! Hey, we just tried turkey bacon a few weekends ago for the first time. It's great! The nitrate-free one is the way to go but I can only find it at organic food shops. I made the mistake of buying some at our regular grocery and it was awful. I blame it on the nitrates. :) You'll get back to your knitting soon enough, I'm sure!

[Tracy]

Good for you both, makes you feel so much better doesn't it and yes I love turkey rashers too! I have mine with egg, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms piled up high. Great way to start the day, especially if you can spend it in a hammock! Happy birthday to the boys.

[caroline]

Happy Birthday to the boys! And how cute is that? A nesting Papa..Hee. so show us a picture of your skinny self, chica! we desperately need inspiration down here in bikini-land. Well. It would be bikini-land if it ever stopped raining. Hugs.

[Chery]

Your boys are gorgeous! Dan looks comfy sleeping in his hammock.

[Wool Winder]

Sounds like you finally got your warm weather. Have fun this summer. Can't wait to see pictures of your travels.

[Kim]

I completely understand the busy part.....it has been much the same here, with the end of school year stuff, college kids home etc. Twenty pounds......good girl!! What other tips from Oprah have you found to help?

[Kathleen]

20 lbs...I need to do that. Love the hammock. Does Dan approve of that picture? He's not faking it--he is passed out. :)

[Erica]

Congrats on the twenty pounds! What are you skin and bones now? You were pretty skinny when I saw you. :)

[Jessica]

I just started some socks with the beautiful yarn you sent to me. They are turning out great and the yarn is so soft. Thanks again.

[Mary-Heather]

Wow- 20 pounds- that's fantastic! That takes a lot of dedication. The balcony hammock is a great idea- what a relaxing nap spot.