The Crazy Crabb

So....who is living this life afterall?

2012-02-05T23:48:00.000-05:00

I have some really great news for me. Me. And hopefully for my family and friends as well. I had to make a very hard decision to walk away from a job that I loved (that was about to change drastically for me) in order to prioritize my life...again. I really struggle with making ME a priority. But I have gained so much weight since this summer, and am at an all time high (pre or post pregnancy) weight. I could scream, because it all just fits into me not thinking of myself through all of the stress and aggrivation that life brings to me. I can't wait to just get myself organized and ready to be a full time part of my family again. It's like the last 15 months just flew by, and I am back home from a long trip away. Routines are different, the way my kids respond to things are different....and my wonderful husband picked up every peice he needed to to allow for me to work as hard as I did. IIIIIII"MMMM BAAACCCCKKK!!

I can't focus just on losing a certain number of pounds...but I can focus on one thing at a time to make me healthier. One thing each week to make me healthier than I was the week before....sounds simple enough....

boy it's been a while

2012-01-21T09:25:00.000-05:00

When I look at the accomplishments I have had over the last year, none of them are related to my health. My role working for a business in my hometown has been grueling at times emotionally and in time spent (based on my expectations of working part time) I have recently needed to make tough decisions in order to be home with my children more, and have more time to try to get myself healthy. Our home is in better organization shape than it once was,but could most certainly use some TLC. Thankfully, I have some options to work from home or not to work at all. I am very excited for what reducing (or removing) my working hours will do for my family, but I will be missing my job and coworkers very much. I am looking forward to blogging a little more, and learning again from the blogs that I followed before (and some new ones I am sure) how to get back to a healthy balance of God, Family, Friends and work. This time, in that order.

Last week 's catch up

2010-09-20T09:08:00.001-04:00

Hey there!

Last week I didn't post my weight. I stayed the same based on the scale at my ww meeting. The scale at my house is different from the one at the meeting, so I have decided to use that one to track my weight loss. This week, I made much better food choices for the first four days...then we had a whole lot of parties going on...and I did not fair as well...I weigh in tonight, and will see how I do.

I want to lose the weight so badly, I just can't afford to do cook for a party for 40-50 people and keep it healthy. It's impossible on our budget. This makes it hard to eat healthy after I have been up late and am exhausted. Anyone have ideas on how to fight the stress/tired eating during a party preparation?

The holidays are fast approaching, and I am looking for healthy alternatives to the traditional sides for meals.... if you don't want to post the recipe on here, please feel free to email me at crabb.family@yahoo.com.

I was told you can have excuses, or you can have success....but you can't have both. It's time for me to really step up.

Take care,

~Nyky

One more pound I am thankful is gone!

2010-09-06T23:37:00.000-04:00

It was nice to see that I lost a pound this week. In retrospect, I had a few slip-ups, but I stayed more hydrated, ate better (most meals) and was much more active and on my feet! Considering my husband was away much of the week, I am excited. I have been chatting with a few people back and forth, and that has really helped me when going through the day! (thanks for the posts and emails...keep them coming if you can!)

I am someone that needs constant feedback in all areas of my life. It's a good trait in some ways, especially because it makes me more sensitive to giving feedback/encouragement on a frequent basis to others, but it's bad because not everyone wants to hold someone's hand in the process of life. My insecurities get the best of me most times where food and eating is concerned. I am hoping to accept that weight loss is a slow process, and I am the person who really needs to motivate me, not others.

There were a group of ladies I got together with this weekend to make meals for people who are ill or have had problems and need a little 'lift' if you will. It's something that I happened to organize with ladies from a group I am involved in (a 'life group) every other week) We made over 30 meals and desserts for people, and we had such a great time! We actually planned a date for October already! Why is it that I LOVE to motivate others, but I can't seem to get motivated myself? hmmm...I am going to work on that one this week. If you want to feel a team spirit environment, try something like that evening. We all brought different ingredients, and made lots and lots of food for OTHERS...(At least I got to make and smell the food, right?)

Take care,
~Nyky

So if I lost this week....

2010-09-04T22:35:00.000-04:00

I DID NOT DESERVE IT. I ate like I haven't eaten in a long time last night. Pizza and ice cream and more food galore! My husband got home from a long week away. The kids had been terrible for me honestly, and I was just sick of being stressed out. I wonder what it is about eating that makes me feel SO incredibly comforted that I can't stop doing this....and where can I get that feeling without the calories?

This week, we made the decision for me to go back to work part-time, and I am so excited for the regiment that a schedule (though be it part time) will make me have. Perhaps that will help me be better about not getting distracted by food.

Being busy an being productive are two different things I am coming to figure out. Busy is what three little kids bring you, and at the end of the day I eat. Being productive, on the other hand, gives me a sense of empowerment and I don't 'need' the extra food in my mouth. Working and having that little bit of time away from the kids might just be what I need to plan my meals, get my Bible study work done and keep my head above water.

I have been reading some really inspiring blogs lately, and hope to share some of the links soon. I hope you find something inspiring for you too!

~Nyky

I must need to be on a tight schedule....

2010-09-02T15:09:00.000-04:00

It's amazing how crazy this week has been with my husband gone on business. This is the first time that he has gone away for more than a day since we met 12 years ago. The kids have been terrible honestly, and we all can't wait to get him back! However, I have been on a great schedule (which with preschool and classes I am taking I have to be on time) with a real high momentum. It's a little off kilter from what we are used to, but I am eating breakfast on schedule, lunch is on schedule, dinner (on time) and then we are in bed at a decent hour.

As I am going to be transitioning to a part-time position where I will be working from home a lot and the office some of the time I work, it will be very important for my kids to have a regular schedule. We have one now, but it is pretty relaxed on timing. The kids 'natural clock' has always been between 9pm and 10pm for bed, and they wake up around 8 or 8:30. It's worked great so far. But it is time for change. Going to bed earlier and waking up earlier EVERYDAY, is going to be needed for the kids to be less disrupted by our work schedules. I am so excited about my new job. My future boss is someone I know from my church, and understands how important it is for me to be a Wife and mother first, and employee somewhere after that.

I am so thankful for the fact that I get to work from home too. This will allow me some quiet time while my husband Rob watches the kids, yet keep me close enough if they need their mommy.

I am in DESPERATE need of an exercise plan where I don't have to pay a gym membership. Hopefully I will get inspired for more exercise soon!

Take care,
~Nyky

Week 1 Weigh-in

2010-08-31T23:07:00.000-04:00

This week I lost a little over a pound! I am so glad that I just kind of took my time to make some better choices this week. I tried to get more hydrated (which I have a REAL problem doing for some reason). Having PCOS makes me insulin resistant and can slow down weight loss. Honestly, my eating habits leave MUCH to desire lately, so that is more likely the reason for the slower start. I interviewed this past week for two jobs. Both of them were great opportunities for me, with great personal rewards that could come from each. However, I was very stressed at the idea that one of them was about a 35 minute drive and Full time. The other is about a mile away from my house and part time. This opportunity could become full time at any point if I need it to. I am so thankful that at this point I feel like we will be ok with just the part time effort. My little kids need me to be around as much as possible, while my husband could use some back up here and there where bills are concerned. I decided to go with the part-time job. I am hoping that I can do better meal planning on my breaks, and maybe even get some exercising in.

Now all I have to do is get my house in order before I start in October!~ That is a whole other mess!

Take care,

~Nyky

Starting to get on a schedule

2010-08-23T22:30:00.000-04:00

I never thought I would say it, but I am glad for a new and more limiting schedule this fall. My kids will be going to preschool three days a week, which will allow me to keep more of a routine schedule for everyone. This will allow me to do the meal planning that I love to see on www.orgjunkie.com. It makes my life so much easier when I plan my meals out. If I decide to go back to the working world, I will need to have some sort of system in place to keep the peace in the house for sure!

Camp was GREAT....to everything but my waist!

2010-08-22T18:34:00.000-04:00

Just coming back from my favorite week of the year feels great. We are getting settled and ready for preschool to start for the kids. I spent much of the last week eating large amounts of very fattening foods....many planned and executed by me. I tried to do better than I did last year, which I did. I just didn't eat the way I should have. It's an incredibly busy week, and I had to scarf things down as I could sometimes.

I just find that stress (which is inevitable in the season of life that I am in) makes me eat. LIKE CRAZY! I have to get back on track, so I am going to do something that I never got the courage to do before....post pics as often as possible, and be accountable for my weight. Whether I go up or down.

In the past, I would get all wound up that I did not lose anything in a week, or that I gained a little bit at a time. Reality check: I am going to gain weight if I don't monitor at all. I was exercising in the beginning of the year, and it was great. I felt great, I looked better...and I let stress get in the way.

I will not make any profound promises to myself or anyone else that I will be super thin by a certain date. I just want to be healthier. So...here is the first pic. Starting weight of 229.4.

Life is like candy land right now....

2010-08-09T15:40:00.000-04:00

one of my ginger buddies!

I am so excited about going to camp this year! I am the activities director for a camp for kids with chronic and/or severe skin disorders. It's the one place in this world I love more than anywhere. My kids have all spent their summers there, and the people are wonderful.

It's very time consuming to plan and test and execute some of the tasks that are needed to make the schedule run well. This year, I got the crazy idea that we should make a life sized Candy Land Game Board for camp. GREAT IDEA....but it's been really time consuming over the last 6 weeks. I have lived the construction of this game board, which I don't mind, but I have to get these ideas earlier. Every year I try to do better and better with the activities, and I cut it closer and closer to getting the job done!

A goal of mine is to start prioritizing my life again. I struggle with over committing to others, and under committing to ME. A couple of my friends have blogs that help them with accountability. I really was doing well when I posted regularly. Hopefully, when I start back with WW at the end of this month, and camp is over I can start managing my time and energy more efficiently.

Hope you enjoy some of the pictures!

This little guy makes me smile!

So it's been a while.....

2010-04-12T13:06:00.000-04:00

Hello out there!

It has been forever it seems since I blogged last. I am still stuck in the rut of not being able to make time for myself. Or, more to the point, I don't prioritize right. To be honest, I really haven't been able to do much more than gain and lose the same 4 pounds for months now.

I am hoping to change that starting this week. I have been toying with the idea of making this blog more of a forum for people to share their organizational ideas and their recipes for weight loss success. Hopefully, I can at least get some ideas from going back on the blogs that I had grown to love over the last few months.

Please check back soon for pics and updates on the family!

Take care,
~Nyky

30+ inches down...and great things are Happening!

2010-02-02T12:30:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Just a quick post to let you know I haven't given up! I am doing a great job with the exercise group that I started in the beginning of January. I lost 30 inches in the two week boot camp that we did! yes...30! I gained a pound in the process, but I feel stronger and look better than I have in a VERY, Very long time. So glad I did it. I encourage anyone that wants to lose weight to get a support system going. It makes me want to get up and get out of the house to exercise 3 days a week.

I will post again later today (hopefully....) I will let you know what great things have been happening around me lately.

Take care,
Nyky

Boot Camp Day 8 (Feeling great?)

2010-01-13T23:14:00.000-05:00

This morning was really tough for me to get out of bed. I am tired and have been under some emotional stress as well. But the girls from this boot camp are so great that I just did not want to miss a day. We did lots of different exercises and had fun like always, and I got through it (after griping a few times) Above you will see a picture of my Dad, who passed away on April 10th, 2009...just one week shy of a month after this picture was taken from a heart attack/blockages. It was also my daughter's 1st birthday. I need to keep getting up and exercising each morning. My brother's wedding was a great way for all of us to be together one last time...I miss my parents so much right now. I can't do this to my kids.

I am so glad that I have a network of women around me to help me get through. We are going to be doing a weight loss study for 9 weeks that tackles the emotional end of eating. I will post the book info when I have it in my hands. Maybe this could help others too.

My son, Jack, who is 3 has been playing video games (specifically mario kart) for the Wii, and is REALLY good at it. I don't want him playing all the time, but it has really REALLY calmed down the behavior issues that he has been having lately. Any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Hope you all had a great day!
~Nyky

Looking past boot camp

2010-01-12T15:03:00.003-05:00

What if I could transform myself, my body, my life, my mark on my kids life? Like a butterfly? (I don't mean to be corny...but it would be a drastic transformation on my part)

I am SO excited about the opportunity that getting healthier is providing me. I am going to join Pudget's 30 day Challenge, and I am going to continue working out with the group from my boot camp three hours a week. I was also asked to consider running a race in November that is 9 MILES long... It's call the Run for the Diamonds. I can't imagine doing that.

Pudget is going to do a 1/2 marathon in April, and is working so hard to get there...and to think at this time last year she was only a few pounds lighter than I am now. Makes me think. I am hearing what if I fail?, what if others WANT me to fail? and other nonsense that keeps me in this fight for my body.

I have been overweight for most of my life. I remember when I gained 20lbs after spending a big majority of my summer with my grandmother. My parents were overwhelmed with my mother's illness (she was sick quite a long time before her death). I think I was about 9 or 10 at the time. The trauma of being away from my parents, and thinking that my mom was going to die are still with me. I feel like I have to overcome more than just eating better. The emotions are what get me every time. Why can't I do this? I don't have to win...I just have to participate to win in this situation, right?

Thinking....
~Nyky

Day 6 of Boot Camp and Fundraiser for the House of Hope

2010-01-11T15:32:00.002-05:00

Hey there everyone! I survived the 6th day of Boot Camp and I still love it! I weigh in at weight watchers tonight...so cross your fingers for me! We are doing such wonderful things like yoga, pilates, aerobics (to 80's music!) and learning about each other. I can't wait to be part of this group long term. I feel genuine love from the ladies in the group so far.

Jessica from pudget 1 and I are putting together a benefit for our local chapter of the House of Hope in Danville, Pa. You can check out the House of Hope website by clicking on the name. If anyone makes, sells or has items we can auction off to benefit these great girls that would be great!

Hope you are all having a great day!

Take care,
~Nyky

"Weak" one down....;)

2010-01-10T22:14:00.002-05:00

I will be 30 years old one month from today!

This is a picture of my husband and I last year at this time (I was about 5 months pregnant). I know that I was pregnant...but that jacket still fits me and I have a seven month old. I really need to lose the weight.

I hope that I can start strong in my weight loss journey. I worked so hard all week, and I took a sneak peak at the scale and GAINED! GAINED! If I took a bite I wrote it down in my tracker. Why did that happen??? But I feel better so I have to take that into consideration. So sorry that I did not keep blogging last week. We had internet/modem issues that did not allow me to get on the internet for a few days. Days 4 and 5 of the boot camp went great! Something about getting my body moving, getting out of the house everyday, and being on a schedule felt so good! Tomorrow starts week two! Wish me luck...:o)

Boot Camp Day 3 (I survived!)

2010-01-06T22:54:00.004-05:00

Ok...so this picture is what my "fat" and my "other fat" was doing today during jumping jacks. I was jumping and doing all the right things, and my belly kept slapping (which is the only word that i can use...which stinks) against my body. Just like two cars on the street...my belly and my hip area should not be connected by a bumper!

We did aerobics and self defense among other things today...and we are ALL SORE! But in a good way. I have to have my body fat tested with calipers tomorrow...eek! I am ready for it though. I know how gross I felt after the jumping jacks today, and I want to remember that feeling for a while. Long enough to fix it. For those of you that have been through this, do you have any techniques/tricks that kept you motivated?

I will say that i have had more energy the last few days. But I am sure that you are thinking...something like it's just the first week...(me too a little). I just pray that it works out that I can keep motivated.

More importantly, my depression level is really decreasing with the exercise. I have anxiety issues that keep me from being motivated...this boot camp has really helped.

Have a great night!
~Nyky

Boot Camp Day 2

2010-01-05T22:03:00.005-05:00

What a beautiful picture of a delicate flower. I felt so "fragile" while doing our boot camp today. Like if I kept going at points during the exercising that I would break. I just haven't pushed myself in a long while...(too long). We had a kick boxing instructor come and we really worked hard! I felt so out of shape and realized how much my body was NOT used to moving. It bothered me enough that I started to tear up and bawl when I saw a woman in her sixties doing all of the exercises and I had to take a break for water. My endurance just isn't there....YET. I know that I have such potential to dance and play with my kids. I have the chance still to get to a healthy weight, and look good. But most of all...i can FEEL good again. My friend's husband posted a pic of her after an incredibly successful year of weight loss that said "my hot wife" the other day. How wonderful did she feel after that? I want my husband to feel that way about me too. I know he loves me and is attracted to me, but I want him to be that proud too.

This boot camp is going to be a struggle to get through for me, but I feel so revived by all the stretching and dancing and kick boxing. It's such a great thing to have other people there with you who have the same goals. One of the instructors has lost over 100lbs and really looks good. I worry about the loose skin that can occur from a lot of weight loss like I have to make. She said something to the effect that she would much rather have the loose skin than the heart disease. Boy do I understand that. As my birthday approaches in Feb, I am more and more angry and frustrated with my parents for leaving me so soon. I WILL NOT DO THAT TO MY KIDS! Not by life choices anyway.

Enjoy this pic of my daughter...I am hoping she doesn't have to struggle with weight like I do!

I hope you are all having a great day!

Take care,
~Nyky

Boot Camp Day 1

2010-01-04T14:48:00.005-05:00

I am so blessed that there is a FREE boot camp offered at my church for the next two weeks. Five days a week! I am so lucky because we just are not in a financial position to be joining a gym (just yet...;o) I went this morning for 3 hours. We did regular stretching, we wogged around our gym, played volleyball, used an exercise ball (for the first time ever!), got weighed in, measured, and ended with yoga... and felt so loved while doing all of these things.

I didn't think I would ever do yoga again after a mishap at a yoga class in my early twenties....(yoga class was such a 'gas'...i am still embarrassed) But I did, and I liked it. I think what I like about this class so much is that it encompasses a lot of different elements, and keeps you busy. It did not feel like we were there for three hours, that is for sure!

Sooo...it's time to be accountable. I weighed 221.8lbs today when I went in. My measurments were taken of the following areas:

tricep
chest
bust
waist
hips
thigh
(I will post them later tonight along with a "before" picture!)
I was able to do 37 crunches in a minute
I was able to do 31 wall push ups

It's not easy to see those numbers. It's not easy to realize that I have had so much time to make this "weight" thing right. But I can't worry about that anymore. My kids deserve to have me at their 30th birthday parties. Something that my parents will not able to do for me in February. I would love to be under 200 for my birthday, but that is not going to happen for me I am sure. But 210 by 2/10 might!

If you too, are on a journey of your own, whether it be for weight loss or financial, I hope that you are able to find something that works for you to get through. I am praying that this boot camp will give me the "push" go get over the 33lb weight loss that I have had since I had my son in June of 09. I just can't do anymore on my own.

Take care,
~Nyky

Tupperware's Honey Southwest Roasted Pork

2010-01-03T11:24:00.002-05:00

This recipe was so tasty and EASY to make! The seasoning is the Southwest Chipotle seasoning by Tupperware. I try not to sell something that I wouldn't buy myself. So I tried this recipe, since the pack of seasoning was $6.50. I thought...it better be really good for that price....you only needed a tablespoon for the recipe. It will last quite a while. My husband even ate it (which is no small feat).

Let me know if you want the recipe!

~Nyky

Going to plan my meals for this week.

2010-01-03T11:17:00.002-05:00

We have a crazy week here at our house this week. I have to work 5 nights this week doing parties and my husband is working overtime with it being the "end of year" for his company. I see a lot of fast food in my future if i don't play my cards right. I signed up for a 30 day free trial of "Plan to Eat" off of Orgjunkie's blog. I haven't used it yet...and it's been a few weeks. I am going to try it today...and Orgjunkie is hosting a giveaway for a year's membership ($37 value) away on her site. Check it out!

I am looking for a healthy/lower fat version of beef stew. Anyone have an idea where I can find a good one?

OK 2010...Bring it!

2010-01-01T23:17:00.002-05:00

I hope that this message finds everyone well and rested in the beginning of the year!

Two years ago...at about this time, I got the phone call that my mother, who was in hospice care, died. My poor dad fell asleep after watching every breath she took for over a week. The nurse said that so often, those who are dying wait until no one is looking/hovering to let go. Last year, I was pregnant with my third child, and was so worried about my dad's emotions I did ok. This year, since Dad is gone too....not a great day. I over ate (horribly) and feel so blue.

Why am I telling you this? Because like so many of us struggling with weight issues, there is always a reason for me to overeat. NOT ANYMORE! I am hoping that through the support of other bloggers, and from my friends, that I can overcome this "need" to eat all the time. I really do feel a rush of pleasure when I have something in my mouth that is salty or sweet. I am interested in how other people overcome this issue. So if you know of another blog about weight loss or coping...let me know.

My husband and I have been on a reorganizing tirade for the last two weeks and it feels GREAT to get in some kind of order. We have so much clutter surrounding us that it is hard to feel like we are done but it is getting better!

Take Care,
~Nyky

Merry CHRISTmas!

2009-12-24T16:38:00.002-05:00

Hey there ladies (and gents I suppose)~

I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas, and let you know that no matter what you bought, how you wrapped it, who got it, etc. The reason for the season is Christ. Don't sweat the small stuff like the prices of your gifts. Just realize how wonderful it is that you have the privilege of having a computer, or basic needs met.

I know what it is like to be stressed and on a budget...but it doesn't matter. what matters is family. I pray all of you spend time with yours this season (blood relation or not).

Looking forward to our New Years Eve party with friends that have been like family (bickering and all) throughout the years...wouldn't give that up for the world.

What are you guys doing for New Years?

Glad Tidings,
~Nyky

983 unread messages...what the heck!?!

2009-12-20T23:09:00.001-05:00

...just a quick blurb as I am still in process of de-cluttering. I just notice that my email had 983 unread messages (mostly facebook updates and such). Watch out world...I am sorting things out! I can't wait for 2010 and getting myself organized and ready to be a better child of Christ, Wife, Mother, Worker, Friend, etc!

Feel free to share how you are "de-cluttering" for the new year!

Take care,

~Nyky

decluttering as we speak

2009-12-19T14:04:00.002-05:00

I am so happy to report that my husband has been thrilled by my idea of de-cluttering the house! We are in a snowy town right now, so we are spending the day together de-cluttering before a wonderful dinner theater (if it doesn't snow too much). We are hoping to have the house almost done (and more presentable) by tonight!

Clutter bugs

2009-12-17T13:33:00.006-05:00

I did not realize how the "Holiday Blues" and just general disorganization have taken over like "clutter-bugs" in my home. You will get to see a few of my many organizational messes. This makes me so uncomfortable to admit to my terribly embarassing faults...my house is cleaned regularly...but I clutter it up so quickly. I am in process for a transformation both internally and externally for 2010...so I figured I would just take the leap, ask for suggestions, and put it out there for everyone to see. Feel free to email me anytime with questions and/or suggestions at thecrazycrabb@yahoo.com

Offer for my guests....

2009-12-17T10:03:00.003-05:00

As I have posted before....I sell Tupperware. Right now, there are GREAT sales going on that I would like to share with you! Anyone who spends $50 or more on my tupperware site between now and Dec 25th will get a $5 e-certificate from me for your next purchase. If you spend $100 I will give you $10 and so on..check out Pudget's weight loss blog today for more incentives I am giving! You can also see the healthy recipes you can make with the Quick Chef and Stack Cooker recipes Jessica has made this week!

Goal for the week...de-cluttering the house

2009-12-15T23:00:00.000-05:00

Hi there!

This week I am going to de-clutter my home. This is a big step for me, because I have this terrible problem of keeping everything like it's a family heirloom. Until recently, I had the food pick from the hamburger I ate the night my husband and I got engaged. (Don't get too grossed out...it wasn't the burger hehe)

I plan on using some of the tips that I got from orgjunkie and from Martha Stewart's website. The idea of getting on track and being more organized has really helped my anxiety as of late. I can't tell you how many times I would lay in bed at night after being "down" all day, to heart palpitations about things I did not get done that day. It is crazy to think of how much time I have spent in the past stressing about things that can be done.

Weight loss in 2010 is a big deal for me. I really want to be healthier for my kids and for my husband (and myself I suppose). It is going to take support from some of the blogs that I have found (like Pudget1 and 266) I am so glad that I have started this blog so that people can network with each other. Parenting, overeating, anxiety, and other things in my life are so similar to what I have been seeing on other blogs. I can't wait to mesh them in here for everyone to see!

Have a great night!

~Nyky

Check out pudget1 today

2009-12-14T14:33:00.000-05:00

Hey guys~

I am giving an incentive for buying the stack cooker set on pudget1 this week! Check it out. Anyone who hosts an online party with $125 in sales or more between now and January 15th will also get a $10 e-certificate to my Tupperware site!

Orders are still good for Christmas delivery in many states until the 18th!

Check out Pudget1 either way, she is very honest in her struggle with losing weight and keeping it off!

Menu Planning Monday~ and another great idea I saw on Orgjunkie

2009-12-14T13:45:00.000-05:00

Hello there!

My menu for this week is as follows

Monday - Out to dinner with friends (ww friendly Applebee's)
Tuesday- Turkey Meatloaf, potatoes, veggie
Wednesday- (from the sneaky chef book) power packed bagel pizzas (english muffins)
Thursday- taco salad for me/ spaghetti for the kids and hubby
Friday- chicken cutlets, veggies and potatoes
Saturday- company is coming over~So I will make the sneaky chef's lasagna w/salad&bread
Sunday- grilled cheese night (busy day and the kids love it because I cut out peices of the bread to look like sponge bob and put two choc chips on for eyes. (hey it works)

On orgjunkie I saw an article about keeping a family binder with all the important papers, invites, and phone numbers you frequently use. I have such clutter in my kitchen and living room all the time. I have actually wanted to get rid of our entertainment center so that we would not clutter it up anymore. This is a great idea, and I am going to try it. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

http://orgjunkie.com/2009/12/using-a-family-binder-to-stay-organized.html/comment-page-1#comment-36302

THIS is why I eat...

2009-12-13T15:14:00.000-05:00

This is the time of year that I see many of my friends spending time with their brothers and sisters and extended family. Whether it be baking cookies, playing games, having dinner, or whatever...they do it together.

It's a reminder to me that this Christmas it will just be my husband, kids and I for the day. I miss my parents so much. I have a sibling that lives across the country and won't be out here at all for the season, and I have a sibling who is in the process of moving and wants to be at their new house for the Holiday. We also have family that don't want to inconvenience their pets to make the trip over to our house for the day. I don't want my kids to learn about conditional love. I want them to have the security that they are more important than dogs!!!! UGH. We have three small kids that deserve to play with their toys on Christmas morning. I can't drag them all over just because some dog will get lonely without their master. I love my family no matter what, but it is not a good excuse to me to miss out on three wonderful babies. I am trying to fight the urge to just eat everything in sight. What do I do?

a trully CRAZY CRABB week

2009-12-11T14:39:00.000-05:00

This week I have been running around like a chicken after it's head was cut off. I hope that I can force myself to slow down a bit and enjoy what is left of this holiday season. Our tree is going up this Sunday!!! I know it's late, but we have had too much clutter to put it up at all, let alone in a safe place for the kids.

I did get my house at least mostly clean yesterday...I swear the "little things" that I found by joining the Coffee Girl group is great! make sure that you click on the link (after you have read this blog of course...hehe)

Have a great day...and take it one step at a time if you are trying to get yourself organized too!

Take care,

~Nyky

New Recruit this morning....cookie exchange tonight...

2009-12-10T16:49:00.000-05:00

Hey! Glad you stopped by to look at my blog.
Tonight I have to go to a cookie exchange at my church for ladies that went on a retreat this past fall. I love the ladies, and I can't wait to see them....but the cookie exchange could be really bad for my diet/lifestyle change. I LOVE COOKIES!

I did really well with points today, and I hope to do well tonight. I just really want to keep doing better and making better decisions with my eating. It gets so out of control very easily.

I am planning on joining a "boot camp" the first two weeks in January...hopefully that will go really well for me. I need to shed some weight to get re-motivated I think. Anyone who has a good idea for a workout video to ask "santa" for would be greatly appreciated.

Signing up another recruit today was great! I got to spend some time with a really neat person, and start a friendship too! I am almost at manager level where I will make money off of their sales. YEAH!

Cross your fingers for me tonight

Thanks Colleen for the best lowfat recipe yet!

2009-12-09T16:03:00.000-05:00

I made the best chicken salad sandwich today...that did not take me over my target range for ww today. I took chicken breasts and cooked them in the slow cooker yesterday afternoon and then refrigerated them overnight. I took my Quick Chef from Tupperware and actually made "crumbles" in less than 30 seconds with the chicken. I added apples to dice in there and 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup of Fat Free yogurt....it did not sound good to me but I used some salt and pepper and put it on a sandwich thin for lunch....YUM>..I made it even better by taking a THIN slice of cranberry sauce on the top. It added that little bit of flavor that I was missing. I can't wait to have it again tomorrow for lunch! (I will save the salisbury steak for another night!)

I enjoyed time with my really good friend at Subway tonight before a Tupperware party. I am really hoping to make this business go....I booked three more parties tonight...and may have found another recruit! I am so excited. Please pray it works out. I could use the extra money from my recruits...and I love what I sell! In that respect, things couldn't get any better...

Take care,
~Nyky

I have to get healthier...for these three beauties if nothing else

2009-12-08T21:10:00.000-05:00

Here is my tentative menu for the week. I will have at least a model to go by...and I have all the food I need for what I have planned. I am starting to plan for next week already. I have so many canned goods that I really need to plan around those items first....rather than let them go bad on my shelves.

Lunches
Wed- Rob and I will have Salisbury Steak frozen meals (mine with salad and/or veggies)
The kids will have PB&J
Thurs- We will all have grilled cheese and tomato soup
Friday- Left overs
Saturday- I will be off on a trip with the ladies from my church...rob and the kids will probably go to McDonald's.
Sunday- We will have turkey taco's (again...)

Dinners
Wed- I will make spaghetti for the family
Thurs- Chicken Salad (made with yogurt instead of mayo...and apples)
Friday- Mac and cheese and burgers for the family. I will have a veggie platter of sorts...
Saturday- Rob and the kids will have pizza and I will still be off galavanting with the ladies.
Sunday- I will make meat loaf, potatoes and veggies.

I have to start living healthier period. My husband (who is really amazing 99% of the time)...is such a picky eater that it makes me go crazy! I wish he could get past his "texture" issues and help me eat healthier. We are considering a membership to the gym. It's going to be finances that hold us back if we don't do it. We both feel the need to get more exercise. That is for sure!

I am hoping to get a few more recipes that would be "waist" friendly....check out www.pudget1.blogspot.com if you are looking for a great site for "overeaters"!

Take care,
~Nyky

Just found a great site with a MENU PLAN!

2009-12-07T23:21:00.001-05:00

check out orgjunkie.com...it is right up my alley with the menu planning and such!

planning my meals and creating a schedule

2009-12-07T22:03:00.000-05:00

OK....now I remember how much i liked planning my days so much. The stress relief of just knowing what (in theory) is coming next in my day was so nice! I thawed the meat, gave the kids their lunch and snacks in a rhythm that, of late, we didn't have. I really need to look at creating a flexible schedule for other things like cleaning and working to help reduce the stress level I currently have....I am hoping to find a blog to help me in that process as well.

I really started losing track of our daily routine when my dad died in April. I had things going pretty smoothly for the most part with just Jax and Jojo for a while. Jay came just shy of two months later...and boy was that throwing feul on the fire where our messed up routine was concerned.

I have found that the more organized I am...the better I handle chaos around me. I don't always have a back-up plan, but I do have some sort of structure to fall back on.

Off to plan meals and snacks for the rest of the week (in baby steps...)

Take care,
~Nyky

2009-12-07T13:02:00.000-05:00

So I decided today that I have to do some sort of meal planning to start getting myself under a livable schedule. I made extra pancakes for the kids and my hubby to save me time for the next few mornings. I use the Sneaky Chef cookbook all the time for them, which is where the recipe for the pancakes came from.

I am currently planning out my meals/snacks for us for the next week. It really worked for me in the past in many ways. Trying to lose weight is hard when you are rushed...so the planning ahead for points values is nice...and it gives me some room for the impulsive points later at night when my hunger controls me. and it helps me prepare the night before so that I have the kids eating healthier snacks and meals as well.

Tonight---turkey tacos...we all love them. I can use 1/2 lb of that meat to make a great meatloaf for Wednesday night. This is eliminating waste for me as well. I am so glad that I sell Tupperware! It really does make me feel better about eating left overs.

If anyone who sees this has ideas about meal planning, please let me know!

~Nyky

2009-12-06T20:20:00.000-05:00

Today was another crazy one for me. I really need to get some sort of schedule worked out with my family so that I can have more QUALITY time with the kids. I need an outlet for my stress/anxiety, and a way to get past it...which I am hoping this blog will help with. I spend quantity time with the kids right now, and not enough time working on me. I want my kids to look back on me being home and say it was a good thing, and that I can say I got them ready for kindergarten. I have been looking at orgjunkie! a lot this week...i think I am going to learn a lot from that site.

2009-12-05T19:49:00.001-05:00

Today I woke up to a cranky 5 month old who, for some reason, won't sleep through the night any longer! I had another vendor show today for my Tupperware. It went really well considering that it snowed and it is so close to Christmas. This time of year is really hard for me. My mom passed away after a long illness just about two years ago. I was pregnant with my now 20 month old daughter. Then, on my daughter's first birthday, we lost my father. I was pregnant with my youngest son. It's been almost 8 months and I still am in shock.

My wonderful husband works from home, and is extremely involved in the everyday life of our family. I thank God for that one. I don't know how I would do anything with those three keeping me so busy everyday. He has been very supportive with my TW business so far. I had four shows this week, and feel like I worked full-time hours honestly. I'm not used to being out and about so much though....it was kind of nice not to have to change the diapers...:0)

I decided to try to do something where I could pick my own hours and schedule, so that I did not feel the guilt of being away so much from the three of them. Our oldest, Jax, is 3. Our 20 month old, Jojo, is our daughter. We have Jay who is 5 months old (alright, close enough to 6 months i guess). We save tons of money on babysitting this way.

I hope to reach people through this blog who have hectic lives as well. I feel like networking is the best tool you can have/use in this process because so many of us are going through the same struggles of organizing and maintaining our lives. Staying on a budget and bringing in some sort of income at this point is necessary for our family. I am also trying to lose weight using Weight Watchers, and would love to hear back from anyone that has tips for me! Feel free to chime in at any time!

Take care,
~Nyky

2009-12-05T19:38:00.000-05:00

Hi! My name is Nyky Crabb. I am currently a "Stay-at-home" mom of three young kids. I am also trying to get my own Tupperware business going. Between pre-school, gymnastics, TW parties, and life in general....things get hectic. I plan on writing about life's daily struggles and how to manage/get through it all.