Wednesday, May 9, 2012

It has been awhile!

Thanks to some encouragement from my avid readers, I felt I should post a little something here to let you know we are still alive!

Transitions are going pretty well overall. Jaxon is learning English, learning new songs, potty training, and starting to be picky on what he eats. Audrie is going through spurts of seeing my loving, sweet girl and moments of introducing a very mean girl. We are working on this.

Audrie has not returned to school yet, but is still taking her gymnastic class on Wednesdays.  We got a new swing set and the kids are loving playing on it! The weather has just been beautiful!

I have an adoptive friend/parent that just returned with her daughter. I have another adoptive friend/parent who will be traveling soon for her son and daughter. Prayers for the two families and their journey would be wonderful! 

This weekend is a very special weekend for us and our family:
Jerry's Grandma Evelyn is celebrating her 90th birthday
This week was also my Grandpa's birthday! He is celebrating in style with our savior. Miss you lots, Grandpa!
It is Mother's Day - Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful moms!
There is a very special girl (Makayla) graduating from High School in Nebraska.
Audrie is celebrating her 4th birthday!
Taylor is celebrating her 16th birthday!
Grandma Sharon is celebrating her birthday... won't list the #... LOVE YA!
Aunt Nancy is also celebrating her birthday!
Friday night is OCC graduation!


So, as you can probably guess, it is going to be a busy weekend. Unfortunately, we cannot travel to Nebraska as we had hoped, but will be there in spirit. So, Thursday, I spend some time with family friends and birthday party it up. Friday night... Graduation and spending some time with friends! Saturday, BIRTHDAY PARTIES all day long! Sunday, Mother's Day/Birthday Party!

Thanks for reading! My apologies for not posting more on the blog, but working from home full-time, and spending all evening alone with the kids, leaves not much time for blog posting.

We are contemplating life changing decisions around our circle, so prayers for guidance on big decisions would be also appreciated.


 I am continuing on the 17 day diet. I have not really talked about it to most, but my friend inspired me to share a little about it. I started the second week in January. The plan is limited carbs (only fruits), but unlimited lean protein, and cleansing veggies for 17 days. This is to prepare the body for weight loss. The next 17 days involve a rotation of cycle 1 and a diet that adds in health carbs (2 servings) before 2 pm. The next 17 days integrates more foods, and trains us how to eat healthily. Lastly, if you want to lose more weight, you return to cycle 2 and rotate 2 and 3 until you reach desired weight. You start out with 17 minutes of exercise daily, and slowly work toward doubling this amount.

What sold me on this plan:
1. You do not have to count, track, write down everything you eat. I know what I can and can't eat on each cycle, and have favorite recipes for each.

2. It is healthy. You eat very little (no) processed foods with additives. And very little added sugar. It is back to basics. Lean proteins, veggies, fruits... tasty!

3. It works. You see huge results in first couple of weeks, and continued results steadily through the cycles.

4. The maintenance plan is great! You pick a cycle and follow it during the week. On the weekends, you let yourself live. (Indulgence every day... no, but you can have the dessert you have been wanting....) Weekends is usually my struggle point, so this plan was appealing.

5. The only thing you have to pay for is the book and groceries. I downloaded the kindle version because I couldn't wait for it to come after hearing about it from friends. ($12)  You do not have ongoing fees, have to purchase prepared foods, or subscriptions. (YES, I am cheap.) I could not pay for two adoptions in less than 2 years if I wasn't.

Oh well... results, some of you already know this, but I am over 40 pounds down (after a little under 4 months). (45 tonight to be exact). I still have a way to go, but am feeling better about myself, my body, and my mind. I know through sharing her information this friend has helped others... so I decided to add a little too. If you are someone who is struggling with weight, doesn't mind cooking at home, and a little exercise... this is a great plan! If you are doing it or decide to do it... let me know, so we can share together!

I know a blog about Jaxon and she is talking about herself. Well... I am Jaxon's mom so deal with it.

Well, blog readers... have a great weekend!

Love,
The Mayhalls





Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Medical Updates...

Jaxon Medical Updates:

We have been to a Pediatric Dentist at Riley in Indianapolis for an evaluation. They have recommended a Deep Cleaning process to get him cleaned up and check for cavities under the plaque.

We have had a full evaluation completed out Grand Avenue Pediatric in Washington. She had positive news from initial evaluation. From test results, we have the following referrals/further investigations:

- Pediatric Endocrinologist due to elevated TSH levels

- Pediatric Urologist to check surgeries and discuss further needs

- Medical to kill of parasite found in stool sample

So, we have a few appointments coming up and started medications today!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Build a Bear



Today, we got to travel to Evansville to have two recalls and a lot of lights checked out on our truck. What was supposed to be an hour or two, turned into 4. Thank goodness we had them drop us off at the zoo!

Our extended warranty covered all but a deductible, so that is good! We spent 4 hours at the Evansville zoo, which is a long time in hills with mom pushing a stroller, but better than a waiting room at a dealership!

I did not bring a camera because I wasn't even thinking about taking pictures....just getting the truck fixed. BUT, we had a great time and finished with a visit to Build-a-Bear. Jaxon made a monkey named Monkey Butt and Audrie made a purple kitty named Meow.

Monkey Butt is Meow's Prince!

We picked up new nightlights on the way home (as this was to be Audrie's first night back in her room!)