Yay!

 I am so excited to say that I have completed my General Education Courses in 13 months! I finished my hell-ish math course with a A and brought my GPA to a 3.8%!!! Yay me! Next week I start my Intro to Education class and I am so excited to start all my major courses!

I am loving....

 "When you have a positive frame of mind, you broadcast positive thoughts and feelings to the world around you."

Somethings that I love, or am in love with!

1. The scale continues to move down! I am so happy about this and hoping that I will hit the 160's in about a week! Also that I am reaching my 60 day mark, which means I have been committed for 2 months and now it just feels like normal for me to exercise each day...Did you know It takes about 10 days to start a new habit but 30 days to break an old one?

2. My new pair of running shoes! Reebok ZigTECS, I LOVE THEM! We went yesterday to try on a bunch of shoes, I wanted to find a pair in bright colors...bright colors make me happy. I found a pair that I really liked, I asked to try a pair on in my size, but the shoe guy broke my heart and said "Sorry these are kids shoes, and those colors are only offered to them" What? they look too big..so he brought me out the "Brightest pair he could find in my size" They were not bright...just white and pink or purple, I liked the style and support of the shoe just not the colors. So I tried on a few other brands that I heard good things about. None of which were as supportive...so I sat and watched my hubby try on a few pairs and tried to talk myself into either the white/pink or white/purple shoes...then the Shoe guys says "So you like those? Which color do you want?" I said "the Hot Orange and Hot pink ones the kids get" Being stubborn as I am, and he says, "well let me get a kids 7 which is the same as a women's 8 for you to try on...." They. fit. perfect! I was ecstatic, got home and ran in them and It was the best run I had since I started. I ran 13 min miles (which was a minute off from my previous) My shins hurt less and my feet landed better.  :)

3. My daughters, I always love them, but they are amazing little girls. They make me laugh all the time and are so special to me! I always make sure that they know how much I love them, and that they mean the world to me. Also, Miss Rylee has been doing good with the potty training and hasn't had a potty accident in two weeks...now to work on #2's

4. A little challenge..this week I want to drop 30 seconds off my run. Lets see if I can do it!

Cake Anyone?

 The Girls decided they wanted to have a baseball birthday cake for Chris for his birthday tomorrow. I thought this was a brilliant idea because 1. He loves baseball, and 2. his favorite cake is Chocolate with white frosting. Easy enough as well since I had round cake pans. I did a double layer cake with white whipped frosting and then did the stitching with red frosting...here is how I did it!

First Bake your cakes

 Then take them out of the pans to cool

On the bottom layer add some frosting so the cakes stick together. Put this layer in the fridge to let the frosting get cold.

 You will need some piping bags, tips and food coloring.

And an icing spatula.

 Spread out frosting in between layers

 Add the top layer...looks like a giant oreo!

 Dirty Ice the cake: this means use a thin layer of frosting to coat the cake and seal in any crumbs. Then place in fridge for an hour.

 Then add another thin layer of frosting to smooth. Place back in fridge for about 30 min.

 Using a template of the way I wanted the stitching to go used a toothpick to create a line in the frosting to follow.

 Red & green food coloring to make the stitching and "Grass"

 I still need to work on my free hand piping but its getting better!

 Side view of the base ball in "grass"

Hope you enjoyed this...This cake took 3 tall containers of Icing...I read that 2 tablespoons of frosting is 100 cals..looks like tomorrow when Its time to eat cake I will only be able to lick a very tiny piece! LOL Kidding, its a special occasion so I am allowed to have a small piece :) Happy Birthday Babe!

F-O-O-D!

Yesterday I received a couple messages from friends congratulating me on my  success so far and was asked what I eat. Its easy to burn out on certain staples we all know help us lose weight, I still eat a lot of foods that I used to, just not as much, this way I am not deprived of anything I like, I don't eat out unless its a special occasion and I just make sure to watch what I have. As for food I eat all the time:

  2 slices of Whole Wheat bread-120 cals

These Bagels-110

 Salad, Boiled eggs & Veggies,

 Grapes, 90 Cal Sugar Free Pudding

This Deli Fresh Lunch Meat is 45 cals for 6 slices of meat!

This Slim Fast is 190 Cals but it is energy. These are meant as meal replacements but I have one in the morning with toast, bagels or a Bowl of Cheerio's!

 Light Ranch and Free French are 45 cals for 2 tablespoons. This Butter Spray is 0 cals, 0 Fat and 0 carbs!

 This mayo is lite and only 20 cals for each tablespoon.

 If you like Ice Cream Check out Skinny cow, these Fudge bars are only 50 cals a stick, and they are a good portion, I thought they would be smaller but they aren't.

We eat a lot of boneless, skinless chicken breast, in tacos, chicken and rice, grilled or some with a splash of soy sauce.
If I am making something that calls for ground beef I substitute it with ground turkey....taste the same!

 100 cal snacks are easy and you dont have to worry about counting out pieces! Granola bars as these are 90 cals and easy for on the run!






This granola is good in vanilla yogurt!

There are days where I feel like I have been eating all day and still don't reach my caloric intake. According to Sparkpeople.com I am allowed 1300-1700 cals a day, they also give me set ranges for carbs, fats and proteins. If you haven't checked out their website yet you should! They even have babyfit.com for all you preggos!



 

7 weeks gone

    It has been 7 weeks since I started losing. Today I weighed myself and I have lost a total of 16 lbs. Sitting steady at 173 lbs. I am challenging myself to lose 2 lbs next week. I decided to measure myself again since I haven't done this in about a month and look back at my starting measurements. I kept thinking that sure the weight was coming off but to me I didn't look any different, everyone kept telling me I was looking great but I just couldn't see it, until this morning when I looked back at my starting numbers. To date I have lost a total of 13 1/2 inches! 7 1/2 in my legs alone, 3 inches in my waist and 2 in my hips!!! I have only lost 1 inch in my arms but I just started working on those in the last 2 weeks.  I have taken before pictures, and pictures at my first goal but I am not ready to post those yet...Maybe after I hit my second goal!

decision is only wishful thinking until you take that first irreversible step.

"You can tell yourself that you have already decided, that nothing now can stop you, but if that step backwards is so much safer than steps forwards, what will hold you true to your path when the going gets tough? Sometimes, the right thing to do is to take that first irreversible step, the one after which you cannot go back. And now, for you, is one of those times." - My FB Msg from God. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Whether its from God or not, it is true.  You will never get anywhere standing still or taking one step forward and two steps back, even if the process is slow, and tiring always take two steps forward, that way if you do fall back a step you are still one step ahead! "A goal without a plan is just a wish" - Anonymous I decided to re-vamp my goals with my weight-loss. There were things I added, kept the same and some with a little more detail. I decided to write these out, print them and post them in my Corner of Me. That way I can keep my eye on the prize and when temptation or lack of motivation arise I am able to see what I want to achieve.   These may be easy and small goals to most, but to me they are what I want. Goals: 1.    Lose 15 lbs in 90 days (reached on 2/9/11, 50 days early) §  Walk/run a mile in 12 min. - Currently at 12:45 §  Remove “stupid stress” from my life - still working on it §  Feel more energized-getting there! 2.     Lose another 15 lbs by 4/30/11 (My B-day 159 lbs) §  Fit into size 9 jeans §  Feel more confident §  Be at pre-pregnancy weight. (160 lbs) I also want to hit the batting cages and improve my swing and be able to actually hit a ball, maybe play some softball with Chris??---if you've ever seen me play you would know that I really need to work on this, and I want to..to be confident at the plate would totally rock my socks! 3.    Lose another 15 lbs by 7/4/11 (Independence Day & Chris and I's 7 year anniversary, 144 lbs) §  Feel good in a swim suit §  Run 10 min miles §  Register for a Fall 5k with Chris 4.    Lose the last 5 lbs to complete my 50 lb goal by 8/1/11 (139 lbs) §  Run a 5k §  Be confident in my own skin and feel sexy- yes even moms want to feel this way! §  Challenge myself to lose another 5 lbs in a month. (134 lbs) §  Continue to work out and eat healthy…this is my way of life!!!

What are some goals that are important to you? They don't have to be weight-loss goals but just goals about your life and who you want to be!

Needing something?

Today I logged on to sparkpeople.com since I haven't been on in a while to update my goals and I decided to buy a copy of The Spark, I have heard really good things about this book and I bought it to read on my kindle for less than 9.00. I also got a free subscription to a magazine, and some other freebies to make the most out of the book and the website. I am excited to start reading. Anyways, while I was logged in I went to check in on my groups. One of them is my mom to preschoolers trying to lose it group and They had posted a pic that I found to be really motivating. No matter where you are in life, what your goals are this picture will reach out to you!

No matter what you are trying to accomplish, remember, Don't Stop Trying! You will never reach your destination if you don't try!

I think I will print this out and put it in my Corner of ME :) ! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Next week I am starting a new Challenge...want to join me?

"..The difference between try and triumph is just a little UMPH!..."

Life Changes....

Its crazy to see how much changes in 6 months, 1 year...5 years...7 years.. Almost 7 years ago I met the love of my life...I knew shortly after dating that he was the one for me...for him it took a little longer. 7 years later we are married with 2 beautiful little girls and living our lives the way we want. We have an extremely awesome and unique relationship, anything life gives us we make the best out of, together we can do anything! He is my rock and is there to support me, pick me up when I fall, and love me for who I am.  Its funny to sit and think where we were 6 years ago...even 6 months ago. We continue to grow together and more in love with each other everyday.

I decided last year that I would go back to school and get my degree in early childhood education, I started from scratch with no credits to transfer...a year later I am finished with my General Education courses and in a week I start my Major Courses, my first 2 are Into to Education and Childhood Development. I am so excited to start these classes! I am extremely proud of my accomplishments.

Now that I have school under my belt I decided to take this year to focus on myself and what I want in my life. Last year was a rough year in finding myself again, who I wanted to be and my image of who I was were two different people. I had to remember who I was before children and I learned that I am no longer that person, I am now a person with more responsibilities and my actions affect my children. I have to select who I want around them, not to just please myself. I've always had close friends but after High School we all went our separate ways, there are not many of those friends that have children or live here still so finding new friends was a challenge, even though I found some I thought I could be life long friends, didn't turn out to be all glamorous like in the T.V shows. People seem to feel entitled to you, then they become jealous and their feelings get involved. People feel like they need to take sides and push one another away...that's not for me.
So this year is about me taking care of myself, my daughters and my husband, whats best for us. I realized that whats most important to me seem to take a back seat last year, I lost my focus on what I wanted...I forgot what I needed instead of what I wanted.

Now that I have taken over my life again, stepped away from all the drama and isolated myself from anything negative, my life is easy again. I can do whatever I want and not worry about anyone else. I joke with Chris that once again I have no friends and I am a loser that sits at home, but honestly its nice, I have always been independent and I thrive off my indepdency. Sure its nice to see a friend here and there and catch up every once in a while, but its less stressful. For a long while I kept one girl that was still mixed in it on my Facebook friends list, she was always nice to me and a sweet girl, I didn't want to hurt her feelings by deleting her (after all we all know how a facebook break up hurts more than a real one! LOL)  but after so much whining, how she is doomed for all eternity, and the fake-ness I had to remove her...I also blocked a lot of people so that I couldn't see the drama anymore...I pretty much cut off everything from any way, shape or form. I just couldn't be involved anymore. It was tiring. I don't have to worry about whose upset today, why she doesn't like her....ect. I feel like I can breath again.

♥ Valentine's Day ♥

 Yesterday was probably the best Valentines Day EVER! I reached My Challenge Goal on Sat. from The Glamour Glory blog, That was a awesome challenge and really got me to push myself. Everyday I worked out a little bit longer than normal and ended up burning 600-800 cals a day. I totally fell in love with Zumba and look forward to doing it....I really want to get the Zumba Wii game and see if its just as awesome!

I told Chris I wanted a new Orchid for Valentine's instead of a bouquet of roses...or any other flower for that matter. And he bought me a beautiful Yellow and Pink orchid! It has a few flowers on it now but a lot of buds!!! I cant wait for them all to open! This year we both did something out of the ordinary but It was what I wanted and I didn't even tell him (I really think we have ESP....Because last weekend I was thinking in my head that I would rather he wrote me a letter instead of getting me a stupid 5.00 generic card)  WELL he did just that and wrote me the sweetest letter ever, and it basically said the same thing that I wrote in my homemade card :) We both talked about how we have a unique relationship and how its not like the typical relationship....we have something special that most cannot compare to. But that is why we are so in love with each other.

Students rushing the court!

We went to dinner at a new restaurant in our town, It was good, but still has room to grow. Their food was ok, and the service was good. After dinner we came back home, Chris' parents watched the girls and we went to the KSU Vs. KU basketball game, which is a big rival game and the Sunflower Showdown.. We kicked KU's butt!!! It was such an awesome exciting game and the best way I could have asked to spend my valentines! SO MUCH FUN!!!

One Down!

I have exciting news!!!! 40 days ago I started my weight loss journey. I weighted in at 189 lbs. Today, I hit 174 lbs, I am down 15  lbs which is WAS my First goal!!!  

I hit my First Goal!!!! in 40 days!

I am so excited and so proud of myself! I decided to make my next goal 10 more lbs by my birthday...April 30th. (80 days) If I am able to reach this goal, which I have full confidence that I will, I will be at my pre-pregnancy weight, and Half way to my ultimate goal of -50lbs! Thank you to all my followers and Friends for your support, encouragement, motivation and advice! You are helping me achieve my goals!

Over the Plateau

From Google Images

Yesterday was my first day trying Zumba...it was a lot of fun, but there were a few things I wish were a little better. The host  Alberto Beto Perez is very enthusiastic, and seems to have a lot of fun but he doesn't seem to have a lot of dance etiquette that I am used to. There is no count into the next step, and sometimes they transition into a new step without warning. I'm sure the more I do it and remember the steps and routine the better it will be, but it just annoys me since I have a background in Dance. Other than that small downfall I love it and its fun and goes pretty fast which is great. The Dvd's are about 40-50 min each, and also has a 20 min dvd for days where there's not a lot of time to workout.  


So for the good part.....I have plateaued for 3 weeks at 176.6 lbs, after my zumba "try out" yesterday I weighed myself this morning and I am at 175.2....that's 1.4 lbs in one day! I am so excited to see that change! So for my current challenge....3 lbs                                                                       by Valentines day I only need to lose 1.6 more lbs!!! 
Current weight loss to date: 13.4 lbs!

Challenge?

A blogFriend of mine has posted an awesome Challenge...and I am totally in. There is no big grand prize to be won, except the feeling of accomplishment! Her name is Reyna, and her blog Glamour Glory is where you can find the Challenge and sign up if you are wanting to take part. Just click her link and leave her a "I'm In" comment! Then at the end of the challenge comment a link to your blog with your results....

So what is the Challenege? Lose 3 lbs in 10 days....by Valentines day. 
Here is what she wants you to try:

1. Workout at least 5 times this week for at least 30 minutes. 
2. If you already exercise then I want you to add 10 more intense minutes to your cardio. If you run for 30, then run for 40. If you do 5 miles, add 10 more minutes to whatever time you have. If you don't do anything then do #1. You get the picture. 
3. Trade one regular meal for a salad every day. If you have 3 main meals & 2 snacks, trade either your lunch or dinner for a salad. Preferably your dinner. 
4. Trade a fattening snack, like chips, or a Snickers bar for something healthier like: Rice Snacks, veggies, fruit, or yogurt. 
5. Drink not just 8, but 9-10 glasses of water every day. Keep track on a little notepad if you need to. 
6. Last but not least, do not eat anything that is obviously not at all healthy like: Burgers, fries, pizza, chinese, ice cream, drive thru tacos/burritos, cokes, chiops, or any fried foods such as KFC chicken. Even if they say low fat, fat free, low carb.

My beginning weight for this challenge is 176.6 lbs. see you in 10 days for results!!!

House of Little Terror Suspects (Pic Heavy)

If I had my child to raise over again
I'd build self-esteem first and the house later
I'd finger paint more and point the finger less
I would do less correcting and more connecting
I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes
I would care to know less and know to care more
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites
I'd stop playing serious and seriously play
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars
I'd do more hugging and less tugging
I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often
I would be firm less often and affirm much more
I'd model less about the love of power
And more about the power of love. 

~Diane Loomans

I try to savor every moment with my girls, I try to lead by example, and see the world as they do with them. I try to discover new things with them, and allow them to plan the day. If they want to do crafts that day we do, if they want to just hang out and watch movies, we do. They are only young once so why not? Why not make the best out of these 5-6 short years they have before school starts and consumes their days. I want to make memories for them, after all that is the best thing we all remember once we are grown.

Although we do have a lot of good days with lots of fun and secret learning, there are the days where I believe the devil snuck in the night before and replace my girls with little terror suspects and they lost their ever lovin' minds I am lucky that those days are few and far between. Those are the challenging days, and are the ones that I have to prove that I am a parent. It is also a reminder of how I am raising my girls. As they get older those days become less frequent and I am thankful for that.

Speaking of growing up, Charleigh isn't the little toddler she once was. She is so incredibly smart and just absorbs so much. Some of the things she says or teaches me just baffles me, things that I did not know a 4 year old could understand. For that I have to Thank her Teachers at school. This school year has been so beneficial to her, she has learned so much already, She can completely write her name without having to tell her what letter comes next, She can count to 25 by herself, and loves to write. Her drawings are so much more detailed with eyebrows, ears, legs, feet, and hands instead of just a head with eyes and a mouth. She can draw shapes, and recognize her name, and her classmates names. Her vocabulary is amazing. Since her school is at our Church she learns lessons of the bible and God has become pretty predominate in our house, she knows who he is and what he expects of us. She loves talking about him and his angels, and tells me about their bible story that week. We have enrolled her into Pre-K for the upcoming school year and I cannot wait to see how much more she grows. I can't believe this October my sweet baby girl will be 5. It just doesn't seem right!

Rylee- My diva, and she doesn't come short of that title. Most people laugh, when I say she is a Diva, I don't think they fully comprehend that I am not joking. She is the pre-Madonna of toddlerhood. During Lunch she has to have the plate she wants...the right utensil or she wont eat. She has to have the sippy cup that she wants or she doesn't drink it. It's Rylee's world and we do as she says or havoc breaks loose. I know I could play the tough cop and not give in but sometimes its a loosing battle and We all know in order to have a smooth day we need to choose the right battles. Maybe its a blessing, for when she is older she will have high enough standards no boy can match her??? I can only hope! Rylee is a diva, but she is also the sweetest little thing (next to her big sis) she is Mommy's girl. and a spitfire! She has been asking about school since last semester, I think ever since seeing sissy go to school she has gotten the courage to want to go. So we have enrolled her into a one day preschool program at Charleigh's school for the upcoming school year!  I am excited for her to learn, and progress the way Char has! Speaking of progression, Rylee has tested out of speech....she has came so far and now she talks a lot, sometimes she wont stop talking. I can understand about 90% of the things she says, what I don't understand Charleigh does and kindly interprets. Which I think is very interesting and goes back to, Can babies understand each other? Hmm.

2 years ago

Not so little anymore :(

Sorry this is so long but it has been a long time since I have updated about them. They are amazing little girls and definitely keep life interesting. They are my world, I love them so much!

Haha

A little girl can be sweeter (and badder) oftener than anyone else in the world. She can jitter around, and stomp, and make funny noises that frazzle your nerves, yet just when you open your mouth she stands there demure with that special look in her eyes. A girl is Innocence playing in the mud, Beauty standing on its head, and Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot.

Alan Marshall Beck

Time for Change?

 For the past 3 weeks I have been sitting at 176. lbs. I have lost a total of 12 lbs and have hit a Plateau.  I think I need to amp up my training a bit. Or something needs to change!

This week I was supposed to progress to 3 min runs followed by 1 minute walks, However since I was sick last week I decided to start Tues. off with a 1/1 run/walk. Yesterday I went up to a 2/1 run/walk, and Sat. I was going to do my 3/1 run/walk. However, my calves are acting up again, and so is my knee. My Tues run felt good. Last nights run was ok in the beginning but after the 2nd set I could barley jog, let alone run. I don't understand how I can run fine one day but when I try to increase my running time My body doesn't agree. Maybe I'm not made to run...or maybe this is something I should try after I lose more weight? I don't know but it is Discouraging, I mentally want to push my self and do it but my body isn't allowing that. I guess fat girls really are not meant for running! LOL

So I'm wondering if its time to move to something else (Like the Zumba Dvd's??) instead of my runs...That would mean my Training would consist of M-W-F Walking 15 min, Yoga, Some weights and sit-ups T-T-S Zumba and weights, Oh I added some weights to my work out...I hate my arms so my Hubs gave me some things I can do with light hand weights to tone my arms. :)


Knowing that we have a trip planned for the end of summer I see that as a good goal date to get in the best shape as possible in 6 months! I want to keep going, I just need to figure out a way to get past this.

I want to look good in a swimsuit for this come late summer!