Yes..I am a slacker.....

Wow, it has really been a long time since I have blogged last...just not much to talk about. Same old story with me....no one reads this thing any longer anyway, so I feel like why bother. I have nothing to say..so this blog is now on a hiatus...maybe forever....

Spring is in the air....

And that totally puts a spring in my step....I have been so down in the dumps with winter...I am looking forward to Spring and Summer...we are planning a trip to Florida in June and it is so needed. The hubby and I are counting the days.

I know it has been a month since I last posted..but no news is good news and I have really not had anything to blog about. Everyone is doing good, with the exception of a recent death in the family. My husbands Grandmother passed away last Friday night...kind of unexpected but imminent...she was 97 years old and had lived a long and happy life. Regardless, it was still upsetting for everyone and the funeral yesterday was difficult...I know she is in a better place..and I only hope that when my time is up, that I too can live that long of a life and my children, family and friends will be as proud of me as we all were of Grandma Pete....

As it stands, at 41 years old....I feel less and less energetic then I did even 1 year ago....Working out as become such a chore to me...I got so lazy over the winter and getting back into the swing of things with healthy eating and exercise is really hard...I have gained 7 lbs and for the life of me, I just can't get rid of it...I try, then I over indulge in food and wine and the scale creeps back up..then I will drop a few and then it creeps back up again! It is so exasperating! Currently I am 115 lbs, 5 ft 2....and a 7 lb gain is very noticeable....So, I am going to hire a trainer at my gym...try to incorporate some new workouts for me, new diet plan...I think I have just reached a plateau and just running is not doing it anymore...I need to mix it up a little....

In other news....I have totally gotten hooked on The Hunger Games series...I read the first 2 books in 2 days each...and currently reading the 3rd...OMG...they are awesome and I can't wait to see the movie on March 23rd....Have any of you read the books? If not, you don't know what you are missing...I am also caught up with American Idol this year..there seems to be a lot of really good contenders this season, but it is way too early to tell who the front runners are going to be....

On the work-front...things have improved for me somewhat..."Mr. Burns" quit, kind of left me holding the bag, doing his job and my own right now...of course, no more pay for it....but, what can I expect...the good thing about it is my nerves are calmer then they have been in five years, no more stomach upsets or pain, so I know it was because of him and the stress I had to endure working with him...outside of the office, I had no problems with him, but he was a very difficult person to work with. Now, I still have stress, just a "better" kind, if there is such a thing..just from too much work and not enough time to get it all done. But..you can't have it all..if I could, I would be a stay at home Mom and Wife, working out during the day, keeping a much cleaner house, and cooking awesome meals for my family..ahhhhh, that would be the life....

Have a good rest of the week everyone and here is counting down the days until the weekend.....I am spending it sans kids, cleaning out our basement and working in the yard....let these 67 degree days continue.....Whoot! Whoot!

My Baby...he is no longer....

Today....I celebrate the 9th birthday of my youngest..Maxwell....oh, my how time has flown....I remember the beginning...down to the very moment he was conceived..the near loss of my pregnancy with him, not once, but twice...and his premature birth...how scared I was through it all...but how much I knew I loved him and wanted him...how much his Daddy, who at 39 years old, had never been a Father before...who thought he would never ever have a child, met me...fell in love instantly and we conceived this wonderful,funny, inspiring handsome little man....the little man that makes us laugh, when he begs to listen to the 50's channel in the car on XM radio...singing along to the Big Bopper, Jerry Lewis and the like...the same little man that goes to sleep at night..whose covers have to be "just so"...this pillow here and this one there and who is lullabied to sleep with his favorite Elvis CD softly coming from his own little boom box....and without fail..every single time, gets up again to tell me something, just one last thing, after I have already tucked him in...just like last night, to tell me you wanted a guitar for Christmas (and it is just now February..lol) and how you are going to dress all in black, and be in the talent show at school and sing Johnny Cash's I walk the line...your mind never stops working and I adore that about you...even though I may order you back to bed, I listen, I hear you....and I love you for it!

It is amazing to see how you have grown, to see what your interests are: You love your weekends at Grandma and Grandpa's...you are his little "butch" and you follow him everywhere...your 2nd home down there, especially in the Summer, you absolutely love...the fishing, the bike riding, the swimming..going to the Sprint Car Races with Grandpa...you are without a doubt, the light of their life...they can't stand to be without you...the same goes for me and your Dad...but those cherished weekends and Summers down at the lake, with your Grandparents are treasured times indeed and although I miss you on those weekends, and summer weeks, I know that the time you have to spend with them won't last forever...so those memories you will have and cherish one day...so, I let you go..and every time you come back, you seem to have grown up just a little more...

He has had his struggles in his short little live...his diagnosis with ADHD...and having to struggle his first two years in school while we tried to figure things out...how sometimes, our patience is stretched thin by his hyperactivity...his incessant talking, at home and in school...then there are mornings like today, his birthday...he is happy, taking his shower, singing Johnny Cash, I Walk The Line and Ring of Fire...just like the man in black himself..and I honestly laugh out loud at his innocence and his zest for life...and I realize, he is happy....and that sound, that laughter, his little voice truly resonates deep down in my soul...and I thank God for this little boy, and I hug him as he steps out of the shower, his wet little bony butt, with his towel wrapped snug and I breathe him in and wish time could stop...he is growing up too fast....he may no longer physically be a baby..but in my heart, my baby he will always be..

Happy Birthday Maxter....your Daddy and I love you to pieces...you are without a doubt a true Gift from God...and I can't wait to celebrate your birthday, tonight with your Birthday dinner at Red Lobster, your favorite restaurant and your family party at Grandma's and Grandpa's tomorrow.

You rock kiddo! Happy 9th Birthday!

February huh?

Wow...I can't believe that it is February already...and I admit, I have not been very good at keeping up with this here blog...Life has truly become so busy for me that blogging and I just don't mix much anymore. Besides...there has not been a whole lot to blog about...that is pretty much the same line I write with each blog post as of late, so I figured why bother....

My family and I are all doing well, so to speak...the kids are good, the hubby is good and I am doing just "ok"....I pretty much fell off the fitness wagon the entire month of January....so, I hope to get back in the swing of things this month. Last week, I worked out 4 times, ran 20.5 miles....only took 1 Body Pump class and I really need to focus on my strength training again...a year ago, I was "ripped" and I have totally lost all of the muscle tone I worked so hard for....I just have felt off for quite some time, health wise....I had some serious stomach issues last month as well...went to the doctor, thought maybe it was my gallbladder, had an ultrasound and blood work done and both came back fine...I was never given an alternative answer to my problem by the doctor other than "possible IBS"....so, I started taking Metamucil, upped my fiber, cut out alcohol ( I had gotten to where I was drinking a lot of wine-not on an alcoholic level..but enough I knew was not good for my body) and changed some of the foods I was eating. I had a strange fluttering sensation for over two weeks beneath my right rib cage and it was literally driving me nuts...and it scared me...as I had no idea what the heck it was...Never got an answer from the Doctor on that either..but, surprisingly, it has stopped as of Saturday. No idea what it was. I can't help but wonder if it stress/anxiety....I have been dealing with a lot...My oldest son got into a little bit of trouble, My Mom is homeless and refuses to move to Indiana to live with me.....as is my brother....Both of them are temporarily staying with her best friend but it is not a long term answer....On top of that my 16 year old niece (my brothers daughter) is pregnant...I am so worried about her and how she is going to cope, as her Mother is trash and worthless and my brother has pretty much checked out of the whole situation...Everything seems as if it is such a mess and I feel totally helpless...We have had car problems and had to buy a new car, so of course lots of stress went hand in hand with that...sigh....I just don't know....

Anyway, I am so ready for Spring..I think I have a serious case of the Winter Blues....things have got to start looking up!

Happy Birthday.....

Today is my 2nd oldest son's 18th birthday...my Gosh...where has the time gone? I can't believe he is now considered an "adult"....I am so very proud of him and love him so very much. I hate that I can't be with him today....as he lives with his dad 2 hours away...but, I called him this morning and wished him Happy Birthday...

He spent last Saturday night with me and we took him out to the Olive Garden to celebrate and had cake and ice cream when we got home...he is such a special and wonderful young man and I know that the life ahead of him is going to be a good one. He is hard working, caring and things only of others above and beyond himself.

He is going to do great things...I just know it! Happy Birthday my son!

Happy New Year Everyone....

Wow, another month has past since my last post...the holidays are officially over and we are headed into another year....and I plan on this being the best year ever! Regardless of the 12/21 prediction..lol. How many of you are believing in that hype?

With the New Year comes New Year's resolutions for a lot of people...and I usually make them myself...but not this year...this year I am going to be motivated to make some changes, for my overall well being, mind body and soul...not just to be "making resolutions".....I am going to live every day, to be the best person I can be and be grateful for every morning that I wake up...be more thankful for what I have and more motivated to achieve those things I don't......

I had a good Christmas with my kids this year....The two oldest drove up from Terre Haute and spent an evening with Keith and I and there younger 2 brothers... and we celebrated our Christmas with our gift exchange and a nice dinner out. They went home the next day and the two youngest went to their Dads and to the grandparents....Aaron to his Dad's, and Max to Keith's parents.

Keith and I also spent Christmas Eve with Max at Keith's parents and Christmas day..they were very generous to us as well as to Max....the best present I had was that it was actually warm enough Christmas day to go on a 5 mile run...it was awesome to be out in the country in Rockville Indiana, the sun was shining...it was chilly, but very exhilarating....I loved it! As well as the Monday after Christmas, I was able to run outside again, another 5 miles and I was grateful for that opportunity...I have never ran outside in December before.

Last year for 2011 I made a goal to run 1000 miles for the year...unfortunately, I fell short; I ended my year with 923.35 miles...:( Oh, well...that is above and beyond 2010 so I guess I should be proud...41 years old and over 900 miles in a year...that is a lot of time spent pounding the pavement and on a treadmill...So, again, I will make the goal to meet that 1000 miles for the year 2012...along with running another 5 k in April, a 10 k at some point and the Indy half Marathon in May...and maybe, just maybe....I will be motivated enough to train for a full marathon sometime late this fall. That distance really intimidates me, but it is something I must check off my bucket list, as I am not getting any younger...

I am going to amp up my fitness to an entire other level....no less than 5 workouts a week and increase my strength training...with 4 kids-six pack abs have been almost impossible to acquire, but I feel if I get with a trainer this year, increase improving my core strength, change my supplements, and tweak my diet (no refined sugars/carbs-especially wine-boo), then I will have my dream abs by the time we go to Florida this June...I am ready to kick start it.

How about you? What are you looking forward to achieving this new year?

The most delicious cake ever!!!

I never post recipes on my blog....especially when it comes to food that is "not so good for you"...lol....but I love making treats for my family..when I do, I may have just a bite or two.....no more no less, leaving it for the kids and hubby to enjoy. A few days ago, I stumbled across this recipe on a blog...howsweeteats.com...I just love her blog, she is downright hilarious and has some amazing recipes....

Anyway, the recipe is for a chocolate cake and it is without a doubt, the most moist and delectable chocolate cake I have ever, ever, ever put into my mouth...even hubby, who is a cake connoisseur, and very seldom eats anything chocolate said it was the best he had ever had...amazing!

So, here is the recipe:

1 box Devils food cake mix
1 20 oz can apple pie filling
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla flavoring

Combine all ingredients, mix for 2 1/2 minutes (I used a hand mixer) and pour into a 9 x 13 greased and floured baking pan. The mixture will be thick, so don't panic...

Bake according to pkg directions...I baked at 350 for 38 minutes....and then after it cooled, I frosted with regular canned chocolate frosting...in a few words.."To Die For".....

It was so hard for me to stop with two bites....so, if you are looking for a dessert that is quick and easy, taste delicious...and have everyone literally fighting to get the last piece..go..bake this now!

Enjoy!
Dixie

Total Running Miles for the year...thus far....

841...that is the number of miles I have ran this far. I so wanted to hit 1000 for the year, but I am going to fall short..:(

I am sure I will be over 900...but, I had a couple of not so stellar months...on average 18-20 miles a week is pretty good....

I could hang it up right now..be pleased that I have run as much as I have..but, I won't....maybe I can hit a 100 for the month of December....that would be pretty sweet.....let it be my highest mileage month...as it is, I am well ahead of where I was last year....by around 150 miles....so, I will take it...I feel pretty darn good about it too!

Almost December......

Wow, hard to believe today is the last day of November..where the heck did this month go? And again...a week since my last post. I have just been busy,ya'll..no, seriously...one day has blurred into the next and I feel like my life is passing by at warp speed...anyways, Thanksgiving at my house was quite the success...although, Mama here was one tired cookie once all was said and done....I cooked for two days straight and Thanksgiving evening, after everyone left, all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch in my comfy robe, with a glass of wine and a piece of pie in one hand and the t.v. remote in the other. Needless to say, I gained 5 lbs from all the "sampling" I did when I was cooking....I am usually very diligent about my diet, with one treat meal a week, but I threw everything, even exercise out the window last week and pretty much pushed the self-destruct button on my fitness and healthy eating regime...but, although I kind of fell of the wagon, I hopped right back on this week and I am already down 3 lbs of the 5...I ran six miles on Monday, and had planned on a full body weight sesh..but, jeez Louise...that gym was packed with all the guilty over eaters in Lafayette and finding a space to squeeze into to work with the weights was nare impossible....so, after a few minutes of huffing and puffing, walking around and getting exasperated waiting on the meat heads and gym bunnies to get done, I threw in the towel and came home...

Last night, we had our first snow "storm"...of the winter season here in Indiana and although it was really not that bad, the roads were not in the best condition, and several accidents had already been reported before I left for work at 5 pm, so the hubby advised me that it would be in my best interest to get my little fanny home, so that is what I did....so tonight, since the sun is shining and all the snow has melted, I am headed to the gym...my plan is 4.5 miles on the tread mill, 15 on the eliptical, 15 min abs, 45 minutes for weights....a good solid 2 hour workout...and here is hoping to finding the space to get this accomplished.

Now, without further adieu...here are the pictures of me and the fam on Thanksgiving...I was so grateful and so thrilled to have all four of my boys together, my hubby and his parents....it truly filled my tired worn out heart with pure happiness.

The most wonderful juicy and moist stuffed turkey I do believe I have cooked...Paula Deen would have even been proud....along with just some of the side dishes...it truly was enough food for an army.



Not really sure what is going on in this picture..I do know they were watching the fooz ball....lol...not sure what Tim is doing with his mouth..but, I do know they were waiting on me to yell, "Come and get it"....

The aftermath....does this mean they enjoyed it? I would like to think so...lol.


Me, Justin and the Mother-in-law....(before Dinner I think)....

Tim and I...I look at this picture and can't believe I have a 21 year old son...

Max and Tim..he just loves his big brothers to pieces...

Max, Justin and Grandma....

Aaron, Tim and Justin...I think they were supposed to make goofy faces, but Tim was the only one that came through on that...lol..

Total posers these two....they crack me up!

They snuck this one in on me...taken I am sure right before they left me for the evening...Love you boys!!!!!


Well, now that I am sure I seriously bored all of you to death, I am going to wrap up this post...hope you enjoyed it, because it may be a day, a week, a month or more before you hear from me again...what with the wonderful holiday of Christmas around the corner (bah humbug)...and all the whirlwind of activity that entails, on top of that, I have to work every freaking day,plus try to maintain my fitness at least 4-5 days a week....blogging kind of takes a back seat...although I do try to stay up to date on reading all of my favorite bloggers....

Dixiechick...out....

Let the Holidays begin.....

It's hard to believe, but in exactly one week, I will be putting one of these on the table:


Where has this year gone? Seriously...I am not ready for the Holidays, for Winter...the cold and the snow...

I am looking forward to having my family together next Week....minus one kid. It is Aaron's fathers turn to have him for Thanksgiving, so it will just be my older two boys and my youngest, along with the hubby and his parents...I am planning to cook an entire feast, just like I did last year. I have next Wednesday off of work, and am in a debacle...I need to stay home and clean, start food prep and pick up my two oldest boys in Terre Haute, but my youngest son has a field trip that day to the Children's Museum in Indianapolis and I would like to go with him on that...so, I don't know what to do....there are just not enough hours in the day, not enough of me to go around...

Which has been causing some major stress....resulting in chest pain and tightness/shortness of breath that I have had going on since last Monday night...I couldn't sleep Monday night because of it..it got so bad at one point, I had the wits scared out of me...thinking I was having a heart attack....still have the constant pressure and tightness right now and I don't know what to do...go to the Dr/E.R or not go....maybe it is a chest cold, but I have no other symptoms of a cold, other than sinus drainage...in fact last night, I ran 4 miles in 36 minutes, walked another half mile, did 15 minutes on the eliptical and actually felt ok for a while....but, it is still there, along with pain in the middle of my back....I don't want to be a hypocondriac but I am really starting to get worried....

Moving on...life is still just as hectic and busy as ever....I honestly feel like I can never slow down....they are starting to lay people off here at work, so there are only two of us left here in the office...which makes it extremely busy, more so than usual....on top of my heavy work load that I already have, and my Manager, who is a complete jerk sometimes, loud and obnoxious...I would almost give anything to be one of the few left to be laid off....they did last year, laid me off...2 weeks before Christmas...I was devestated over it last year, but this year..I dont' think it would be so bad....I could use the break, use the rest from this place.

The hubby has been working a lot of overtime as well and has totally worn himself down...he gets short tempered and mean with me and the kids...and its only because of being over worked, stressed himself and he never gets enough sleep......that in itsef is a recipe for disaster....now, to top it off, he has the flu and has felt horrible the last couple of days....between the two of us, I swear we are falling apart...this getting older shit sucks!

For instance, I have totally not felt like working out the past month..I mean, I have...I have forced myself too, but my energy level is low and the desire to do so is just gone...poof! This week, I have worked out one time! Last night for an hour....since the Hubby is sick, I am not going tonight, so that I can take over kid and dinner duties...probably a good idea anyway, with this chest pain stuff I have going on. I just wish it would go away...I dont' like when things are out of sync with me...

I am so glad tomorrow is Friday though....I am ready to relax this weekend, finish reading this book I have been trying to get through for two months..as I want to go buy The Help and read it....I have heard it is really good and I am anxious to find out if it measures up to the hype...I also want to finish a show I have been watching on Netflix...Breaking Bad....if you haven't seen this series check it out...it is full of drama about the drug world....the drug cartel and a high school chemistry teacher named Walt, that finds out he has lung cancer and decides to cook meth to make money for his family before he dies....and he has a brother in law that is a DEA agent and he seriously gets in over his head...good stuff!

So, there you have it...the goings on in the life of Dixie....boring, huh? If I dont' post again for awhile, I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday/Holidays and count your blessings!