Been a while!!!

I really wish I had more time to write down my thoughts. But, here I am. So many things to get in this post. First off, I had a little bit of a hiccup in my workouts when I got sick in mid November, but I recovered faster then I expected and I believe it was because of my workouts. But, unfortunately between getting sick for a duration of about 2 weeks, and still having a lingering cough for another 2 weeks. I ended up taking a hiatus from working out. Not that I didn't try on 4 diffrent occasions to get back to it but needless to say I have allot of catching up to do. The school semester was a busy one, but I succeeded I ended up with a B for Business Law and an A for Small Business. It was a very successful semester, I'm so proud. In doing that I was able to resolve paying back my work what I owed for Tuition Reimbursement, so I will not need to deal that fiasco anymore.
I'm really pleased with how the year has turned out. I really have a great life and feel blessed for everything I have.
I've been in contact with our mortgage consultant and he said that it's coming closer for us to apply for a house. I am really hoping good things for us next year. I've been seeing all these great buys on houses, and some our even looking like such a wonderful place to live. I'm trying to be patience, but I think the ornament I bought this year for the tree really said's it all HOPE. I really hope it happens.
Other then that. I tried to apply for a couple of positions with my company, but the one that was the most sad is the QA position I applied for. I had the interview and from what I heard I impressed them but it was just no quite good enough. I kind of new that coming out of the interview, but I still felt like I had a shot at a second interview. Oh well! I did feel fortunate enough to have a job. I've started listening to the news allot more. I love NPR I get a lot of news quickly and I feel like I know a lot more then I did the day before.
I also have found myself into reading books. I feel that any reading is better than nothing. I would of went to bed much earlier last night but I was finishing my latest library book. Prosecuting Casey Anthony. I was so invested in the case and trial that I felt it was good for me to read the book. I have another one I have to read and I'm trying to get in as much reading as I can for this short window of time because classes start again on January 9Th. I have this semester coming up: Macroeconomics ( hoping to like it more) and Exceptional Customer Service which should only help with my jobs to come.
I also got into a new drama series that I absolutely love, it is Desperate Housewives!!! I highly recommend watching the series, I'm bummed their ending new year. But, I will always have the episodes dear to my heart and now I can watch it on Sunday nights!!
Besides that my whole attitude about Christmas is different this year. I'm very excited and looking forward to the future!!
Here's to a Healthy and Happy New Year for all my friends!!

20 pounds!

I have lost 20 lbs so far, and feeling great. I'm almost up to 5 months of working out. It's a process that I have to be very patient with. It takes about 5 months to lose 20 lbs. then I know I have a ways to go. I can be really good through the holidays I might be able to say I weigh 190 which would be awesome!!!
I'm so excited for the months ahead, I know during the cold times, I'm going to continue to workout so I can say on my birthday I lost 65 lbs all by myself, It's a big one I turn the big 3-0 . I can't even believe it. I have to say getting in shape is really tough but completly worth it, I'm wearing size 18 in pants again. And hoping to get down to a size 10 by next year. If I lose that much weight I don't see how I couldn't get to that. I know my goal is far away. But, i'm taking small steps towards that each day.
I feel confident that I can do it I just have to stay focus, motivated and strong. I have implementing weight lifting, cardio and ab crunches and stretches to my workouts. I've been trying to recently increase weight with the lifting. I do several arm excersises and leg excersises which I can see the results finally paying off. I am at the point where if I don't go atleast 5 days out of the week or get atleast 7 hours in total I am down and I tend to have something of my body hurt. I am just continuing down the path of a thinner me and couldn't be more pleased.
Here's to working out and staying in shape!!!

Kick off to September/Labor Day!!

It was a busy holiday weekend this year at the Heule household. On Friday Cynthia and her girls came over to see Hayden it had been over a year since they seen him last time. Cynthia and I hung out for a little bit and enjoyed the evening just chatting and catching up, it had been since April that we got together. We had a great time!!
On Saturday morning, Erik and I headed out and went to several different places, we had to get our Fall shopping in for Hayden. He needed pants, shirts, jacket, boots and socks. WE went to Once Upon A Child and Kohls to complete his clothes shopping excursion. Later in the day, I framed all the pictures of Hayden in the nice frames I got at Cost-co. I also turned in my film, that I'm excited to see what's on it. I will be picking up after work today. We debated on buying a shredder and other items, but we have alot of other stuff to buy so we will have to come back to it and see. Erik and I both workout on Saturday night and by that point it was really late.
On Sunday morning Erik and I went to the State Fair with Hayden. We hadn't been out with Hayden yet this year on a busy place like the fair. Quite exhausting let me tell you, but we managed just fine. WE spent the whole day there, and met up with his friend from school and his wife and their daughter. Erik and I really had a great time and Hayden got to see a bunch of animals: pigs, goats, ducks, rooster, horses and sheep etc. Hayden went on rides for the first time, and he really enjoyed that. By the time we got home from the fun filled day of eating bad food and lots of walking we were sore and tired. I ended up going to bed around 8:30.
On Monday we planned on going to my parents for dinner, we went out to eat to get some breakfast and then later I headed to my parents house with Hayden, I ended up going to Target to purchase some regular shoes for Hayden. We had one pair their so cute, they have spiderman on them, but we had to get some dress shoes and one other pair of regular shoes, so I picked those up with my Mom, later we all hung out, and shortly after Erik came by, we all hung out for a bit, I ended up staying closer to 7, and was up way to late last night.
But, now it's back to school work and working out. Even though I enjoy having summers off, I enjoy Fall coming because my shows are on again: Survivior, American Next Top Model, Parenthood, Modern Family and any other show I want to watch. I know that Covert Affairs will be back along with Secret Life. I love The Secret Life of a American Teenager. It's such a gulity pleasure that I watch it. Well, another week starts now. I'm so excited are new computer will be here soon and the new Sims 3 Pets comes out next month along with Hayden's Birthday, I can't believe he's going to be 2!! He has so much personality. I just love him so much!! And, Dad and I have the concert on Oct 20th the Australain Pink Floyd Show. I am also looking forward to hoping doing baking this year with my parents and Hayden. Giving cookies to familes etc for Christmas.

My 5 Year Anniversary with Erik!!

We had the day off, we slept in and got up around 9 or so and had breakfast at The Original Pancake House, we had a nice breakfast had some amazing pancakes, they were on special they had raspberry syrup with a zest of lemon and they were lighter than pancakes actually. So good! great food!! Then we had to run errands. I bought tickets for a concert with my Dad on Oct 20Th the Pink Floyd Australian Show, we have great tickets, I'm super excited. We also bought Beth (my sister in law's gift) for her baby shower. We then went to lunch later at Yum! a really yuppie joint. After lunch we went over to pick out outfits for our day out, then we came home and hung out for a bit, later Hayden was home to see us, with my Mom and taking him for the night so we could go out to dinner and see a movie. WE were originally planning on going to Mannies and spending a ton of money and we had a reservation, but that changed and we decided to do something else, we went first to Koran Grill but it had allot of sushi etc, which I couldn't eat, so there wouldn't be a point of ordering from there, then we went to a steak house place but it was more family orientated so we left again and went to Red Stone, we ate on the balcony, we had some great food, I had steak with a baked potato and cooked asparagus, we also skipped the desert we were full. We started with our beer and appetizer so we got full. WE went to One Day after dinner. It was really good, but sad at the same time. After dinner we came back home and watch the start of Ghostbusters and then went to sleep. It was a wonderful day. Each year we read our vows to each other in the spot where we seen each other for the first time on the day we got married but we had to read them a day late, we were busy busy. My sister in law had her shower, my little newphew Lucas is due in about a month. So excited!

Summer Almost to a Close!

I first off have to say that this has been one of the best summers for me in a long time. I've been working out since the end of April. And now I'm finally see the results each month. I've lost a total of 18 lbs, I'm decreasing in my pants so fast that I feel theirs no reason to buy really nice jeans when I'm going to continue to drop down sizes. I have this vision of looking fabulous in whatever I put on, and I am working towards that goal slowly. I am thinking about when I can say that I'm down to my pre-pregnancy weight. It's been so long I've actually forgotten what my weight actually was. All I know is that when I get under the 200 mark it will feel so good. I'm feeling like it's really in my reach now, if I keep decreasing at a healthy 4 lbs-5 lbs lost each month then I will get down to the size I was in high school by next summer!! My ultimate goal was to be a size 10, which I don't think is out of reach now.

The next thing is school is starting next week, and it will be another adjustment but I'm looking forward to the next semester after that Erik and I have decided that what's right for the family is if I drop down to one class a semester, at least for the time being. I have 2 Accounting, 2 economic and 4 math classes left, and I can't see being success in taking on 2 of those each semester and getting everything else done. Erik was able to find a degree plan tailored to what he really wanted to teach, special education, the two classes I'm taking this semester will pay off the remainder of what I owe Medica as well about the tuition reimbursement issue.

I also feel like I've had lots of time with Hayden this summer, he's growing so wonderfully and he's got such a big personality. I love him so much, I can't believe he's going to be 2 soon!!

I'm looking forward to going to the Twins game with my Dad this Thursday, and next Friday Erik and I celebrate our 5 year Anniversary, We are planning something very special. The next day is Beth's baby shower, my nephew will be due any day now. And, one of my best friends is getting married September 17Th, and has invited Erik and I to stay two night in a bed and breakfast in Red Wing, I'm excited. I'm hoping that I look good in the dress I bought months ago for the occasion. I'm really trying to fit back into my clothes that I haven't worn for so long. So excited!! And to buy new things as well. And, all I know the fall is going to go as fast as the summer went.

But, I have to say this year has been good to me so far. I've been healthy this year. And, I couldn't be happier isn't helping me get in shape. I crave to workout now, if I don't I get really restless and can't sleep very good. I'm feeling positive about the changes I'm making and I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere with my weight!! life is good.

Things are looking up!!

It finally happend, I was approved for a credit card, I can finally build my credit it's only a 300 dollar balance but I can finally work towards a better credit score so Erik and I can hopefully move out next summer of our apartment, we really wanted a townhouse.

I have been working out 5 days a week for an 1 hour 1/2 I really feel a difference because I'm actuall eager to workout, and even if I'm tired prior to going, I end up having so much engery. My body craves it now. I'm making better food choices and more aware of how many calories I'm consuming.

I am also happy to say the whole Tution Reimbursement thing, I have a balance of under 700 dollars left, so even though I have a Pell Grant that I'm receiving I'm able to use my class towards it, I can't believe 6 months ago I was feeling like I could be fired or something. But, everything is good.

The other big news is that Hayden' is developing wonderfully. He loves saying Ball so I know that their will be more words to come we will just keep working with. His congitive skills are improving wonderfully and he's walking and even running now, I can't even believe it my boy turned 20 months yesterday. He's almost 2. We will be starting to potty training in the fall and getting a toddler bed.

Feeling Great!!

I have the most exciting news, I HAVE LOST 10 lbs since I started working out!! I have been working out at least 3-4 times a week. I'm currently doing 55 mins on the optical machine, which I burn about 600 calories at a time, plus I'm adding strength training and ab crunches in there.
I work out on average for about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
I watched my hubby change before my very eyes. He's 40 lbs lighter than he was last year. He's a slimmer man and he' looks really good.
We both want to take care ourselves and be healthy, and raise Hayden to be as well. We know us losing weight will take alot of work but were willing to do it. Obviously, because we know it's all worth it.
I really want to get this to stick this time and see results, it's very, very important. If anything I look at my little boy and see that I want to set a good example for him, and it's always important no matter what you have on your plate is to take time for yourself, and take care yourself, I'm so thankful that Erik is willing to make that happen for me to get my fitness needs in just as much as I have done for him all these years.

And so it happened.

I had a alot on my plate this semester, Erik had Math and Visual Arts, And I had International Business and Women's Health, the homework was constant and the stakes were high. I need to do well this semester. I wanted so badly to get A's. And it happened. I got them!!! I am so proud of myself. I have to say the only I sacrificed with all of this was not working out, but I really want to get a momentum going and hopefully reach my goal.
My papers each time were awesome. I was worried because for International Business. I had a usual assignment due every week and I didn't get it done because I found out that week my Grandma passed away and then it took a little bit to get back into the swing of things with Spring Break. But, I knew that Grandma would want me forge on, and so I did. I also ended up saying to myself during the time of April that I needed to get back to work, and so I did I've been working out consistently for almost 4 weeks. I am noticing an improvement already I have these pants that are 20W that were snug on me before, now their more loose and the 22's that I have are hanging on me so I almost can't where those no more, the one thing I need to do is get under the mark where I can wear my old clothes again, I have alot of 16 size pants it would be nice to get back into those!! One step at a time I guess.

And, now that the semester is over I'm thinking about the summer and all the wonderful things to look foward too. And also that I need to get busy learning my Math, the plan is take it next semester so I need to keep pushing through, this up hill journey isn't over. I have more schooling and more grades that I have to work really hard for. I do feel at this moment I can accosphish anything. So here's to a great semester may I have more like this!!!

Hawaii is back on!!

OK, theirs been a lot of back and forth about this, but my Mother in law made this all possible. She bought the tickets for Erik and I, at some point we will have to pay her back for the ticket but for now their bought and we are going to Hawaii. Don't get me wrong I'm very excited!! I really want to believe that the trip will be great and it will be relaxing. This trip is happening on May 21st-29Th. I will be in a big suite with my Mother in law, nephew and my husband. Hayden will be staying here in MN with my parents. I'm so thankful my parents are taking him, it's a huge responsibility for them to take it on, and I'm so thankful they are agreeing to it, But, my parents have always tried to help me and make it where I can have opportunities.

The other hurdle was my work I was having trouble with my PTO and that with Hayden being sick a lot this year, I didn't have as much PTO as I needed I was short 1 1/2 days, I'm not happy about this but I have to take an occurrence for this, because I'm short on the time, even though I but in for time off over a year ago. It's frustrating that the company is starting to do that, I'm not sure why. But, at least I'm going they could of said if you go your fired. Which isn't an option.

Erik and I have enough spending money to have a very nice vacation, we are so excited to have this opportunity, Well Erik has been there twice when he was a kid, but this will be my first time.
I'm so excited, I'm making sure to pack my 35 mm camera to take pictures and the camcorder as well.

I have my swimming suit now and it's so cute now I just need a hat, sunglasses and a sundress!!
Only 30 days till the trip!!

YAY!!!

I will miss you Grandma!!

My Grandma passed away on March 2nd 2011. I really love her and miss her. Her name was Betty C. Seaburg and she was a young women always, I heard that she laughed her final day before she had a massive stroke and went into a coma. Even when she was in a lot of pain or couldn't breath she always smiled. She was 88 years old. She lived a full life and I was so sad to hear she was gone, she was so relisant in recovering from things. The last time I saw my Grandma was Nov 2009 after Hayden was born we went to Missouri to see Grandma and for Hayden and her to meet, she loved sleeping with him and I'm glad I got to do that. It made me sad to think I didn't talk to her more when she was here. I was always to busy and never had the time to call her. And because of that the last time I got to see her was when she was gone, laying with a blanket around her and eyes were closed.

I really miss her and love her. I am going to try to live my life full and keep in contact with people I care about always.

Love you Grandma, 1922-2011

Crazy, busy and full of goals

I know it's been a long time since I've updated, but I was honest that I'm not very good about keeping up on my journal at home, so this isn't any different. I mean to update but never have the time. Right now I should be working on homework as usual but I figured that I have everything under control and should give an update.
About 5 weeks ago I was in a dark place, frustrasted by the fact that not only was not collecting tution reimbursement but that I owed Medica back for it. I had the meeting this past Friday, they came to the conclusion that I owe them 1,200 and that I can use the program, for the leftover amount towards the amount I owe, but by the new year, I will have $100 taken out of my paycheck till it's paid off. I feel that now I'm trapped into taking another semester and I won't be able to take a break from it all. I guess I can juggle it now, but with Erik going to full time in the Fall, I'm not exactly sure how that's suppose to work.
A couple of weeks ago Erik hurt his back, their was no reason for why it was hurting and started chiropratic and physical therapy visits. With our insurance going up this year, he pays $30 each time he goes, which is twice a day, it's been adding up fast thank god we have the FSA account. Erik was not working for two weeks, and in the beginning of him hurting his back, I had to be home with him for 2 days. Erik is only working part time right now, and it's looking like no signs that he will return full time for a while. He also has this dispute with his work on Short term disabitly and how he doesn't qualify, but that they said it wouldn't be a problem, so what does that mean for us? Well, luckily we have money set aside, but the only thing is that was for are Hawaii trip which is looking like a distant memory. I'm not that upset about it because I knew with my Tution thing and Erik's back that it wasn't in the cards for us. Funny thing is Erik doesn't think so he's insisting we can, however I think I'm starting to get through to him and he's going to talk to his Mom about it. It's really expensive and we just don't have the funds, I'm a little annoyed that my mother in law would suggest this when she knows we don't have the money, especially our finincal situation. It's becoming appraent to me, I only wish Erik could see it.
In other news, Theres alot of stuff that I was holding off on until we got our money, that have money been accosphished. Hayden got his shoes. (he has double wide feet right now) We are really working with him to walk, He's getting stronger and stronger each day.
I was able to finally go on my shopping spree and buy myself a bunch of new shirts for work and some dress pants. It feels good to have a wider selection in my wardrobe.
I am as we speak getting matience done to my car, I have 60 thousand miles on it and needed to get it done and an oil change. That's something I've been waiting to do for months.
Erik and I this past weekend got ourselves some new frames and lens, we both have new stylish pair of glasses and we got our eye exams done.
About 3 weeks ago we got ourself a new mastress finally, we were disperatly needed one, the first night we got it we slept for hours and hours, we couldn't wait to go to the bed, that's still the case but we have to get stuff done.
We also did our Cost-co run and brough stuff in bulk that we needed, and we came across Wii or Playstation 3 Active, I love it, I've done 19 workouts so far and I'm feeling great! I haven't lost any pounds, but I can tell my clothes are looser and I feel better about myself. I workout Tues, Thurs, Saturday and Sunday, it works best for the fact Erik's got at school on Monday and Wednesday, and out with his buddies on Friday's. I'm hoping to lose 20 pounds atleast and be under 200 lbs. I then hopfully can lose another 20 lbs by the end of the summer so that's my goal to lose 40 lbs total by the fall!
In other news my classes are going great, I am trying to work up to 2 hours a day on stuff and then I end up having more free time on the weekends to hang out with Hayden, and in the small window of time we have in the evenings.
Today is a very busy day I have my biametric screening at 10 am for work here, and I have Hayden's 15 month appointment today, i'm glad Erik will be able to be there, and my car will hopefully be done today as well. I'm very excited to finally have that stuff done.
I can tell you that, right now I have a mild sore throat that I'm fighting, I really done feel the best today, I'm hoping it passes soon, I really dont' want to be sick again. I've been really trying to keep my stress level down.

2010 UP and DOWNS

It was an interesting 2010 indeed. Here's a recap:



January 2010- Hayden started daycare, the second week he went in to the ER and then was admitted to Children's for RSV, at that same time I was sick and missing alot of work to help take care Hayden and I. Hayden turned 3 months, we took pictures right at the end of the month. Was unsuccessful in my first month back to work, was unable to continue breastfeeding and pumping for Hayden.


February- Hayden and I went to the doctor several times to figure out why we weren't' getting better. I questioned for the first time his little sore that was on his bottom, what I thought could be a blister.


March- Was sick again, the stress of school was starting to get to me, and work was stressful.



April- Hayden turned 6 months, we took pictures again, only this time they didn't really turn out. Both Hayden and I struggled with colds throughout the spring. Also started to making other birth control arrangement, Depo wasn't working and started to get depressed. Hayden went to his first respiratory appointment with a specialist and got some treatment for his asthma and was diagnosed with Acid reflex.



May - Started to walking with my Mom again, and started a workout routine to get in shape. Successfully ended another semester of school. started to struggle paying daycare, and needed some help to get are feet up.



June- Placed IUD in and started to get in shape and working out. Continued to struggle feeling good, and was sick most of the month off and on with colds.



July- Hayden went to a dermatology specialist for his skin and the bump that continued to look like a blister. Had Hayden's pictures done again and they turned out great.



August- Started school again, Erik and I celebrated 4 years married. Hayden had an respiratory appointment finally and it wasn't well controlled asthma had to do some steroids once again.

September- Started to get frustrated about all the pressures, spent countless hours trying to juggle school, work, Hayden and time for myself.

October- Celebrated Hayden's 1 year birthday (with added drama) the day did arrive and went really well. Continued to work through issues with finances and daily stresses. Hayden had unexpected surgery of anal fistula removal. Recovered quite nicely- started to crawl and pull himself up on furniture the very next day!

November- Spent several hours coming in late almost 3 times a week with Hayden's recovery on his bottom (thank god for FMLA) Decided that I couldn't pass my Macroeconomics without failing and had to drop the class- a huge disappointment.

December- Completed the one class remaining successfully with a B, Got a huge breakthrough in getting an A on my Access Exam. The break from school went so fast with all the holidays!