Monday, September 27, 2010

Exciting New Competition!

So this is Friday's post I never posted it...
I have done my weigh in drum roll please.......146.9!!!  Yay!  I love it.  So 21.9 lbs to go to reach my goal weight.  I finally convinced my hubby to be in a little fun competition.  To lose 20 lbs by Dec.6, which is his birthday.  I am feeling great today already.  Woke up at 6am and did Zumba, thanks to an awesome friend!!!  I am now planning how I am going to stay moving and what I should eat for the next 10.5 weeks! This is gonna be awesome and I WILL beat my husband!!!  He is really good at competition and usually wins.  But he needs to move over because the weight loss champion is here.  =) 

This is what I am adding to it...
Well my good friend and her husband have joined our competition.  I think it helps motivate me to try harder so this is going to be fun. I do have one concern.  I always feels great at 125 lbs and my goal is to get back there.  But, I am afraid my hips spread again with this last baby. I guess we will see when I get closer to my goal weight.  If so I might have to stop because I would look pretty silly being a toothpick with big hips..no really, I have super skinny legs and thighs so that would be funny! 

Here's a bit of a problem I am having with motivations these days.  It is raining which means I have less energy and feel a little on the down side.  I don't do well in the winter.  I have been attempting to get up at 6am and exercising.  That is happening less and less everyday.  I already struggle as a morning person and now with the weather.  I am not sure how to get more motivation for that.  I can not ask my husband because he works long hard hours. Asking him to loose an extra hour of sleep would just be mean.

I have been busy doing my never ending to do list.  Just the odds and ends that need to get done.  Go to goodwill, drop off dishes at SIL's house, etc.  I already have a busload of housework and children to manage.  I am feeling pretty crazy here.  But I can say that things around here are a lot more mellow.  There is more of a routine and that's great.  The baby is in a transition of not being a baby to being a toddler.  I try working on words and sounds and body parts but he doesn't seem to be learning most of it. Even though I know he is learning most of it and keeping it, it is hard to figure out what to do with him! 

My week consists of housecleaning, grocery shopping, cheer practice, counseling appt, and knocking at least 5 things off my list.  What does your week look like?

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Day 35, or is it day 36?

I am not counting these days to healthy, I guess.  I am feeling good about how far I come.  Some days I am hard on myself about not "being better" at it. But I am proud.  I successfully turn down the sweets my husband offers me...except last night ;).   I ate a very small piece of pie that he bought.  I felt I deserved it.  I continue to use veggies in anything I can, in any way I can.  hehe.  I have been successful at getting all the older kids to like something healthy TWICE this week!!!  This is a huge accomplishment because I have 2 extremely picky eaters and one who just doesn't like "new" stuff.  I have been food processing veggies and putting them in turkey meatloaf, spaghetti sauce and anything else that looks like it could "hide" something.  We ate Israeli cous cous with an assortment of healthy  "things" in it last night and they loved it.  It definitely put a smile on my face. 

My biggest struggle is to stay moving. I get stuck on the computer or just want to sit down after doing chores..how do I pry myself up???  It is a self-discipline thing, I know, I know.  And getting up at 6 is working about half the week.  Sometimes my alarm doesn't go off and sometimes I press snooze and then off and never get up.  I knew this would be hard for me.  I have always been a night owl and far from a morning person.  I would do these things during nap except that it's finally me time and I really want to read the bible and pray during that time and I don't feel that should be given up for a little exercise. 

So, progress is slow but I feel I am giving a good effort.  And very very slowly I am seeing a drop in weight. 

Friday, September 17, 2010

100 days to Healthy

It's Friday, which means you get to know how much I weigh.  147.2 was the number I saw.  Not really too much progress but good motivation to just keep going.  I ran today at 6am and it was great.  I think I ran a little over a mile and walked back.  As I get more and more comfortable I will run a tad more.  There is definetly motivation out there at 6am.  Every other person out there was super fit!  And trust me at 6 am there are lots of others! 

A goal for the next week is to see if I can keep moving in those pockets of time where you have 10 min to do nothing.  I want to do jumping jacks or pushups or crunches, etc.  Lets see how much that helps.  My biggest dillemma is eating dinner.  I cant make super super healthy dinner for my family.  I have far to many picky eaters that I dont want to torture every night.  I have remained at a smaller portion size and pile on more of the veggies than anyone else.  I really shouldn't be hard on myself.

So, time to get moving with the kiddos so have a fabulous rest of your day.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Scheduling and Balancing Time

Now that school has started back up I can have a real schedule!  Not that I couldn't before but now there is less chance of a spontaneous event.  In the summer I must keep the children busy to not create conflict. So, when someone invites us last minute...we are there.

I have always been bad at writing a list or a schedule and sticking to it.  But I desperately need a schedule or I get crazy, haha.  So, now it is time to reinvent my schedule that changes every year due to life situations.  This year I am not working so that is fantastic and I see lots getting done.  But on the other hand budget is tighter.  This means not going a lot of places and shopping is to a minimum.  Which is fine by me.  The challenge is getting the house clean and taking care of a 1 yr old boy at the same time!  I have been getting up early to exercise and usually most mornings so far by 8:30 dishes are put away, kitchen is cleaned up for the most part, a load of laundry is washing(or drying if I am really on top of things), and 2 kids are off to school. That makes me proud!  Its the little things right? =)

Now is when I get confused.  I like to scrub out one room a day.  Do the dusting, vacuuming or mopping, put things in order, etc.  For a while I was doing that effectively in the summer because I had others eyes.  Now I have only the 1 yr old and 5 yr old. Most rooms don't take too long but the 5 yr old gets bored playing with the 1 yr old or she just wants me to do a million things with her....and how can you not do a million things with your own kid?! Sometimes things don't get done and then I feel guilty later.  I know, its silly.  I also like to jump on the computer for a little while sometime between 8am and 11 am.  But then again, I feel guilty that I am not spending more time with the kiddos. 

11am is now lunch time.  The 5 yr old needs to eat before getting on the bus.  We all eat lunch and then she is off.  I have been trying to get the little one down to nap at 12 every day.  This is a challenge some days.  But for the most part, it works.  Get this, on Monday, Thursday and Friday now, I will have ME time.  Of course being a mommy, this means I get to shower without interruption!!  I will also use this time to read the bible and pray because that really is my favorite time of day to do that.  I feel I get more out of it.  I am most awake at this time.  And if baby takes a long enough nap I might get other things done.  I am truly excited about this. 

Once 3 pm hits, craziness begins.  The oldest comes home and I am off to pick up the other 2 girls.  I waste about 30 min of my day doing this to avoid the conflicts on the bus.  When we get home I am busy helping with homework, finding all the things for dinner, monitoring everything going on.  Its crazy.  Then depending on what is going on we have dinner between 4 and 6.  Some days we have cheer and soccer.  Ick.  Those days I feel things don't get done all the way.  Then we run around and cart people where they need to go.  Then when we get back its shower and bath time, followed by bedtimes and finally get to relax.(Only if the kitchen is cleaned up).  Its a lot more mellow on days when there is nothing but still crazy enough haha.

The weekends are always different.  Of course Sunday mornings we have church until about 12:45.  Then lunch naps and errands.  Saturday I get a chance to clean my room.  It gets neglected most of the time because I can't leave the baby or all of the kids alone.  Whether it be fights or just having to help with things.

Being a mother is a great job.  I love what I do and wouldn't change it.  Some days I don't get to sit down at all and that's okay.  The memories my children have of me being there for them is what matters in the end.  I never thought I would be where I am at today, with a crazy schedule and a full house.  But I wouldn't change a thing! 

Time to go listen to music and watch the baby play air violin, and yes he knows he is doing it.  It is hilarious!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

I'm back in the real world

I really felt as if I was gone.  Last week started with a horrible loss of self control. One of my children is more difficult than others.  And with the stress of thinking of everything going on and with her actions, I lost it.  It's not something I am proud of but that's how last week began.  So with lack of sleep, an early morning counseling appt., and school beginning, my mind left!

 I have a daughter in 8th grade!  I am sad about the fact that she will indeed be in high school next year.  Do you have any idea how terrifying that is?!  My high school years were anything but pleasant.  I had no direction and just basically followed those in my neighborhood...bad idea!  So, when it comes to her I worry.  She probably gets too much direction from me.  No, she is a good kid and has a small group of decent friends.  She had a first this week, her first game to cheer at!  Her all time dream was to be a cheerleader.  I had no idea they had leagues for younger girls!!!  Her best friend happened to be a cheerleader and so this year she got to chase her dream.  I am truly proud, she has put her whole heart into this and given it her all.  This could be her only chance and she knows it. 

Then there is the 4th grader.  She is an athlete, a book reader, and a strong-willed child (that's what they call them nowadays).  School started great for her. She got into a class with some great kids.  And I love her teacher already.  Her 10th birthday was this week also.  She got to invite a few friends over for the party and she had a blast.  Being the center of attention is a thrill for her and she got to do it for 4 hours!  She was definitely spoiled this birthday.  She also got to show off her athletic abilities.  Her first soccer game was Saturday and they won 5 to 2 or something like that!  They did great as a team.  I was so proud that she got in there and didn't give up when she fell (twice).

My baby girl had a first this week also.  She had her first day of Kindergarten.  How exciting but oh so sad.  She never went to preschool or daycare (ok, a brief period when she was 1).  She is extremely shy and just wants to be with me most of the time. You should have seen her, soooo excited.  Then when the kids lined up and the teacher started walking to the room, she panicked and wouldn't budge.  Fortunately the parents got to go in the first day. But she did great in the end.  I wasn't expecting it to be hard for me to let her go. My attitude going in was... I have done this before, it will be easy.  But when your daughter is clinging to you and doesn't want you leaving, that thought changes!  Then on Friday was her first day riding the bus.  I kept thinking of how I was going to get her on the bus without clinging or crying.  She hopped right on!!!!  And then she waved!!!  I teared up.  My baby girl has now entered a world of influence and learning.  I am feeling bittersweet about all this. 

Then comes my boy.  He is now 1 yr old!  He is almost walking too.  His birthday was great.  But he was terrified of the birthday song.  I think he was simply overwhelmed with people and the fact that it was loud.  He is starting to talk more.  He says Mama, Dada, sissa(sister), issy(fishy), tat(cat), hayee(haylee), and his new one....i see you!!!  Yes, we play peekaboo all the time and that's what he gained from it.  I melted when he said this one.  He loves to sing and now dance.  The dancing part is hilarious, if you can imagine a baby sitting and dancing.  He quit singing our beloved  "la la lullaby la la lullaby" song :(.  But he does still sing. And he is now giving opened mouth kisses =P.

So, lots of firsts and a crazy week.  But it was great.  I am proud of my babies.  They grow up too quickly.  But I am looking forward to the challenges and all the firsts they have left. 

Friday, September 10, 2010

Ugh...

So I have been super super busy this week.  But as I promised I weighed myself today.  Not a happy number.  150.3..this is creeping on me. So, I ate pretty well, but no excersize. But I have been so stressed and busy you think it wouldn't have mattered.  It could be many things and why am I stressing over 2 lbs. haha.  Life is starting to even out again and I am back on the train!!!  Sorry such a short note today but have to finish a few things and jump in the shower!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

82 days left

Feeling awesome here.  My clothes were a tad loose yesterday.  I haven't lost a huge amount of weight yet but I think working out has tightened my body.  Haha, that sounds funny.  I am craving a workout today even though I gave myself the day off.  So after I drop off the kids to go camping with Poppa and Nana...guess what I'm doing?  =D 

I am struggling today though.  I am craving chocolate.  BIG time.  I am a chocolate lover and just can't imagine life without it.  Years ago when I lost some weight I would buy a dark chocolate bar.  I would eat one square a night as a treat. But I am afraid if I buy one today I will eat the whole thing. I really don't want that guilty feeling.  Besides, that 2 lbs. I have lost is great incentive to keep going towards my goal. 

Funny how even just 2 lbs. can be a motivator. I read another blog, "Simply Bloom"  she put it in great perspective for me today.  Think of that weight in butter!!!  That's right 2 whole lbs  of butter that I have lost!  =D

Friday, September 3, 2010

Weight and Thanks

Well its Friday and like I promised here is my weight.  148.3.  This is on my bathroom scale.  I am hoping to get to 125.  With these #'s I need to lose 23.3 lbs!  I can do it.  And since my week of cleaning out my cabinets is almost over...healthy food here I come!  I have gotten up at 6am 3 or 4 times this week. I have done a workout everyday.  My muscles feel it and that feels good.  I feel great, a little tired though. Saturdays will be my day off but I will probably still try and do some sort of moving around.  Don't want to catch the lazy bug!

So, I talked a bit about doing 101 goals and I started writing them and then stopped.  I guess that makes goal #1 to finish my goals.  =) 

I would like to leave you with some things I am thankful for.  I have been feeling negative this week so I am trying to focus on the positive.  These are in no particular order and I have many more thanks, these are just a few.

1.  The sun.  I desperately need sun or I get depressed and super tired.

2.  My husband.  He works hard for us.  I have the opportunity to be a stay at home mom because of this.  He puts up with so much at work and I don't know how he does it!

3.  Coffee.  I am not sure I really need it because I am usually still tired after drinking it.  But, the flavor and how it makes me pretend to be more awake haha. 

4.  Used baby clothes.  Silly, I know, but I have barely had to buy anything for my son and he has grown so quickly I cant imagine how much money we have saved.

5.  The Internet.  I have found great recipes that will save us money in the long run.  I have gotten great ideas for many things in my life. 

6. A bed.  I can't imagine not having one and I know there are people without one.  Mine is not even that great I just couldn't imagine sleeping anywhere else.

7.  My small group of friends. I don't like drama and that's what big groups of people have always brought me. 

8.  My van.  Without it I would be stuck at home.  It fits a huge amount of things or people and I never have to worry about room. 

9.  My kids.  Even though there are days I feel like escaping, I still appreciate them.  They keep me young.  Without them I would not have the challenge of being as responsible as I am with them.  And my life is never boring with them in it!

10.  My church.  I was worried I would not find a place I could feel completely comfortable at.  They have great opportunities, awesome pastoral staff, it's extremely friendly there and I could not ask for more.  God knew exactly what I needed and fulfilled my needs. 

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

The Calming Effect

Yesterday, I had a much needed massage.  My husband has been talking about doing this for weeks.  Finally, we got to go.  It felt sooooo good!  I have had one before this and have no idea why I did not make it a regular thing.  I have always been tense in my shoulders.  Here is the beautiful mistake I made before going.  I got up at 6 am and did a good workout with my Jillian Michaels dvd.  Then did breakfast and cleaned the house.  I then did "Bollywood Dance" on FitTV.  That was fabulous!  I felt awesome.  I wanted to workout all day.  But I have not done the dvd in a while and my muscles are sore now...should've waited for that massage till today, haha.  It did help though.  And the best part of the massage my husband decided we become members so that we get half off pricing.  =)  My next choice in massage will be deep tissue. 

On another note, I am glad that the baby is a tolerable teether.  The first 2 teeth came in without me even knowing he was teething!  The second 2 he did have a fever for a day but no crying.  I believe he is getting his 1 year molars.  His gums are swollen he has buckets of drool and looks like he feels "eh" parts of the day.  He has put EVERYTHING in his mouth since his hands could move that direction.  So, that is not a telltale sign for us.

I truly feel like I am getting healthier.  I feel better when I exercise now not the tired feeling after the first few days.  This weeks dinner menu hasn't been great simply because I was cooking up all the extra stuff in the cabinets and fridge so that I can clean everything out and start new.  I can not just waste anything.  But I have stuck to no eating after 8:30.  I have eaten a super healthy breakfast everyday.  I have managed to try and eat healthy lunches and snacks as well.  I have my coffee in the morning and water the rest of the day.  Sometimes, I sneak in a glass of superfood juice from Odwalla!  =)  I have decided that on non-rainy days I will walk Hanna to school and pick her up.  If its raining I will let her ride the bus or pick her up.  That is my goal for this whole school year!!!  I am excited.  It will be about a 30 min walk to and from in the morning and in the afternoon.  On top of a work out, I think I see a few lbs falling off all ready!  On Friday I am going to start weighing myself and posting the lbs on here, kind of as a motivational tool.  If I have to share the number with people then I sure want it to lower, right?!  As far as eating goes.  I am still in search of delicious recipes to try out on my family.  Over the last month or two I have managed to find a few good ones.  I think I am going to try one or two vegetarian meals a week also. When I do use meat I do try to use turkey or chicken only. My inlaws give us beef  and sausage sometimes and who can argue with free food?  I feel good about my healthiness.  Yeah, I am not perfect but I am trying and giving it my all for sure now!