I lost another 2 lbs. this week. I was hoping since last weeks was kind of small this one would be a bit bigger and I'm happy with 2 lbs. That makes a total of 10.4 lost so far. I began on March 22, so I'm just over a month now and still going strong. I'm also excited about my loss this week because we were very busy and travelling and food was not easy for me at all. I really had to work at times to eat the right things, but in the end it was well worth it.
P.S. I have begun using mobile.weightwatchers.com (only works if you have internet on your phone) and it's made things much easier when I'm out.
I also updated my weight loss ticker. I changed the goals from WW to mine. My 1st one was 10 lbs. by Josh's graduation. I've now met that one, so my next one is 15 by the time we leave for vacation in 3 weeks. I have my goals set according to events. You can go to THIS POST and scroll to the bottom to see a list of my goals.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Wheres and Whats
Things have benn CARAZY here lately! We left on Wednesday evening and returned Friday from Ft. Benning, GA. We were there seeing my step-son for the first time in 4 months. We went to his "Turning Blue" ceremony, that's where he got his infantry chord and then on Friday we went to his graduation from Army Basic Training. I am officially the very proud step-Mom of a United States Army soldier! It was just amazing and I'll put up a whole post about it soon.
Saturday I headed out to our women's retreat only to stay for two hours before we all headed home do to the impending stormy weather. Then I headed out to take the girls to have their dance recital pictures taken (boy was their Daddy excited that he wasn't the one that had to do this). They looked so pretty and grown. They love their costumes this time and they are actually in two dances. Their recitals are amazing. This one is themed around the life of Moses.
I have a crazy work week ahead trying to finally catch everything up, then a meeting with my boss on Thursday. Please pray for God's favor and that Patrick and I will have some answers from the Lord regarding my job, prior to the meeting.
We will also have our last week of co-op this week. It's very bitter-sweet. I'm ready for a lighter schedule, but we have made the decision not to return to co-op next year. We are a bit sad, but I'm so ready for a more laid back year.
That's what's going on with us for the moment. I'll be weighing in the morning, so I'll post an update sometime tomorrow. Hope you all have a great week!
Saturday I headed out to our women's retreat only to stay for two hours before we all headed home do to the impending stormy weather. Then I headed out to take the girls to have their dance recital pictures taken (boy was their Daddy excited that he wasn't the one that had to do this). They looked so pretty and grown. They love their costumes this time and they are actually in two dances. Their recitals are amazing. This one is themed around the life of Moses.
I have a crazy work week ahead trying to finally catch everything up, then a meeting with my boss on Thursday. Please pray for God's favor and that Patrick and I will have some answers from the Lord regarding my job, prior to the meeting.
We will also have our last week of co-op this week. It's very bitter-sweet. I'm ready for a lighter schedule, but we have made the decision not to return to co-op next year. We are a bit sad, but I'm so ready for a more laid back year.
That's what's going on with us for the moment. I'll be weighing in the morning, so I'll post an update sometime tomorrow. Hope you all have a great week!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
1st Goal
Technically I do not weigh until Monday, but I had a mini-goal set for myself. I wanted to have lost 10 lbs. by today or tomorrow. After Monday's weigh-in I wasn't sure I was going to make it, but for kicks, I went ahead and weighed this morning and I DID IT!!!! I've lost my 1st 10 lbs. and met a goal I set for myself. Yay Me!!!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Some Down Time.....
for me! Last night I had plans to teach a friend to make a pillowcase dress. I decided to leave home early and get a few things done that I'd been wanting to do. First I went and I got my very first pedicure. Most of it was lovely. I do think the massage chair was a little harsh and made my muscles sore and at one point I thought the salt scrub was taking even my good skin off. Other than that I was thrilled, especially with the results. I wear flip-flops all summer and the older I get the dryer my skin seems to get (I do drink a lot of water and no I don't moisturize nearly often enough). I then grabbed a quick supper and ran to Hobby Lobby for some things we needed for "class". From there I went on to the dress project. Her dress turned out really cute and I think she's confident that she can do it again. For a long time I've been eyeing the watches at Cracker Barrell. They are bracelet watches with interchangeable bands. Well on Easter Sunday I realized the battery had died on my other watch. It had seen much better days, so I decided to get a new one. I went last night and got the watch face and two bands, one has black and clear beads and the other has cream and brown. I can't wait to get some more options. There was a kind of creepy man outside and it was dark, so two very kind men escorted me out. Then I went to the tanning bed for the first time this year and came home. I was out for almost 6 hours! It was a nice relaxing time. Now to get back to the real world and get some major things accomplished around here.
Disclaimer ~ I know people have varying opinions of tanning beds. I understand those concerns. As a matter of fact I do not tan every year, even though I can go free because of my job. However, I am very fair complected and we are going to the beach in a few weeks. If I don't go to the tanning bed and very slowly work my way up to a base tan, I will burn badly while we are on vacation. Even with a base tan I'll still have to slather the sunscreen on almost constantly. I'll probably go a few times a week for about a month and then stop. I don't enjoy it, but have found for me, it's necessary if I'm going to be spending a ton of time in the sun.
Disclaimer ~ I know people have varying opinions of tanning beds. I understand those concerns. As a matter of fact I do not tan every year, even though I can go free because of my job. However, I am very fair complected and we are going to the beach in a few weeks. If I don't go to the tanning bed and very slowly work my way up to a base tan, I will burn badly while we are on vacation. Even with a base tan I'll still have to slather the sunscreen on almost constantly. I'll probably go a few times a week for about a month and then stop. I don't enjoy it, but have found for me, it's necessary if I'm going to be spending a ton of time in the sun.
Monday, April 19, 2010
WW Weigh-in #3
I lost .8 lbs. this week. I'm now down 8.4 lbs. in 3 weeks. I didn't expect a big loss this week since I'd had two big losses in a row. I should settle in to a norm over the next few weeks. We'll see. The eating is still going very well for me. I have to work a little harder to get all my dairy in and make sure I'm getting all of my fruits and veggies every day. I get the fruits and veggies most days, but had a couple this week that I didn't quite make it. I also wasn't great for a couple of days about drinking enough. Thankfully, with the tracking I saw my shortcomings and was quick to correct them. We have a crazy week this week, so I'm working to plan well enough that it won't throw me off track. Hope you all have a great week!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
What the deal is......
Well, I've been ridiculously busy lately, but the bottom line is that I've been super-unorganized and not managing my time well at all!!!! I've spent way too much time on the computer, blogging, emailing, twittering, but especially Facebooking. So, I'm on a Facebook hiatus at the moment and I'm not sure yet when it's going to end. I'm thinking at least two weeks, but possibly more. I'm actually even taking a break from homeschooling for those two weeks as well. We school through most of the year, so if we need a random break we have room to take it. During this two week time period I am going to be working on getting my things for my job completely caught up and work out a new system that should help avoid things crumbling around me the way that I have over the last several months. My children are going to be catching up on housework that they have gotten very lazy about. They are supposed to do a minimal amount of laundry each day (that I fold) and then my hubby catches up the rest on the weekend (I KNOW!!! He's such a gift!). Well, they have been completely lax about this and I have allowed it. They are also going to be working to do a preliminary clean out of their rooms (I will eventually follow up with a MAJOR clean out and reorganization). At the end of the two week time period, they will get back on track with school (I will also be taking the time to structure that a bit better) and I will begin catching up on some major projects in the house. So, I may just extend my FB hiatus. I miss it. I love Facebook. It seems like a window to the outside world at times, but I love my family more and it has been standing between myself and the things God has given me to do.
My point is this. I'll still be reading blogs and I'll still be blogging, but it may not be as frequent as it has been and I probably won't be doing much commenting or contest entering. I still value all 5 of my readers (LOL) and I love reading blogs, but I have to make the main thing the main thing, you know what I mean?
On a side note. I am still hanging in there with Weight Watchers and it's going really well. My 3rd weigh in will be this Monday and I will let you all know how I do. I do not anticipate a weight loss as big as I've been having because I usually slow down by the third week or so.
My point is this. I'll still be reading blogs and I'll still be blogging, but it may not be as frequent as it has been and I probably won't be doing much commenting or contest entering. I still value all 5 of my readers (LOL) and I love reading blogs, but I have to make the main thing the main thing, you know what I mean?
On a side note. I am still hanging in there with Weight Watchers and it's going really well. My 3rd weigh in will be this Monday and I will let you all know how I do. I do not anticipate a weight loss as big as I've been having because I usually slow down by the third week or so.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
CRAZY BUSY!!!
I just thought I'd give you all a glimpse into why I often look like I'm running around like a chicken with their head cut off. This week is busier than usual, but still......Here are all of the "EXTRA" things I have to do. You know, outside of the homeschooling, working from home, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, bill paying, Little Praisers lesson planning that goes on in my day to day Hum-Drum existence (Do people seriously think we have time for bon-bons and TV?).
Monday ~ Home during the day, baseball game at 6:00 pm
Tuesday ~ Home during the day, Out to the movies with my family at 6:00 pm (I won tickets!)
Wednesday ~ Play date after lunch with a friend and her children while they are out of school for spring break, 4:30 meeting, church at 6:30 (we won't get home until 9 or 9:30)
Thursday ~ 8:20 co-op; 1:30 dance and I usually run errands before we come home (This is our only evening at home this week, but there is talk of a baseball practice that night)
Friday ~ 10:30 Help at buying club pick-up 1:00??? another playdate with a friend of my daughters; Another evening ballgame
Saturday ~ Early morning ballgame; should be an afternoon at home; an evening birthday party and bonfire
Sunday ~ church and lunch at Mom's (We actually may have to cancel out on lunch just to have some time at home to rest and clean)
Next week is almost as bad, especially since we will be travelling to see my step-son graduate from Basic Training. I'm tired just thinking about it!
Monday ~ Home during the day, baseball game at 6:00 pm
Tuesday ~ Home during the day, Out to the movies with my family at 6:00 pm (I won tickets!)
Wednesday ~ Play date after lunch with a friend and her children while they are out of school for spring break, 4:30 meeting, church at 6:30 (we won't get home until 9 or 9:30)
Thursday ~ 8:20 co-op; 1:30 dance and I usually run errands before we come home (This is our only evening at home this week, but there is talk of a baseball practice that night)
Friday ~ 10:30 Help at buying club pick-up 1:00??? another playdate with a friend of my daughters; Another evening ballgame
Saturday ~ Early morning ballgame; should be an afternoon at home; an evening birthday party and bonfire
Sunday ~ church and lunch at Mom's (We actually may have to cancel out on lunch just to have some time at home to rest and clean)
Next week is almost as bad, especially since we will be travelling to see my step-son graduate from Basic Training. I'm tired just thinking about it!
Monday, April 12, 2010
WW Weigh-in Week 2
Updated to add: I have placed a weight loss ticker on my sidebar. I'm going to be putting one small goal at a time on there. I'm not sure yet what the long term goal is, so I'm just going to be going with baby step goals and we'll see what the larger ones are as I go. However, the long term goal is not about the numbers, but about a healthier life for me and my family.
I had my 2nd weigh in this morning and I lost 3 more lbs. That makes my total for the last two weeks 7.6. The first time I ever did WW (8 yrs. ago) I lost 8 lbs. in the first two weeks then my weight loss slowed down to 1-2 lbs. per week. That time I lost a total of 20 lbs. in 10 weeks, which puts the average at 2 lbs. per week. That's really what WW considers a healthy weight loss. So, I'm not expecting huge numbers every week, but I'm certainly excited to have had such a great start.
I had a GREAT weekend, but food wise I knew it was going to be interesting. We had a retreat to go to on Friday night and Saturday and my son's birthday was Sunday. I was unsure how I would do when the menu was not within my control or when there were many desirable high fat foods available. I was very excited to realize that at the retreat if I just made good choices I could eat well and remain well within my points range. The first night we had spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and chocolate cake. I had a small serving of spaghetti (probably half of what I would have normally eaten), I ate two bits of the crust on my bread (those parts did not have butter on them) and I had two salads. I took plenty of my own snacks (fun size milky way (2pts.) Nutty Bar (3 pts.) and a few other things, so I turned down the cake and decided if I needed something sweet I'd go for one of my snacks later, but I never did. We had to leave for a few hours for my son's first baseball game of the year (they won and he recieved the game ball for scoring1 run and 2 RBIs), so I was able to grab breakfast from home. For lunch we had sub sandwiches. I mad wise choices about what I put on my sandwhich, I avoided chips and pies and instead had another salad and fruit for dessert (I really love fruit anyway!). I was excited to realize that even in situations that are beyond my control, I can make good choices and have healthy meals. I also found a new Salad dressing that I LOVED and was pretty good on the calories. It's Kraft Sundried Tomato Vinagrette, YUM! I will be bringing some of that home as soon as I next hit the grocery store.
On to my son's birthday. I had initially thought that I would be very cautious for that meal, trying to fill up on veggies and lean meat, but in the end I decided (after a discussion with my sweet, VERY supportive husband) that if this really is a lifestyle change I have to make decisions that will make sense for life and avoiding things that I LOVE while everyone else is splurging for a special occasion will quickly make me feel more deprived than is practical. So, I just carefully watched my portions, I ate a very low point breakfast, and I was able to do really well. I ate a good size burrito with chicken, veggies, cheese, sour cream and sausage on it as my main entree, then I had a very small serving of mexican lasagna (it was so YUMMY, I will be trying to figure out how to make it in a healthy way!) and some seven layer dip with tortilla chips. I realized before I finished that I was feeling VERY stuffed, I even gave over half of my chips away. I just could not finish. When it came time for dessert I allowed myself one piece of cookie cake (about the size of a small brownie) and about a Tbsp. of ice cream, so I had foods that I really enjoyed, but I was cautious with my portions and made sure that the primary part of my meal was very healthy and it worked out great.
I have to say that typically the first two weeks of any major food change are usually the hardest, but this has been so easy for me. I know that is because God is guiding me through this process! I could not do this without Him. I encourage you to go to Him with the desires of your heart and ask for what you need. Ask Him to curb your appetite, to give you the desire for foods that are good for your body, for the ability to avoid temptation, etc. He desires for us to be healthy, to not be gluttonous. His Word says in 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for LIFE and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. If he has given us everything that pertains to life then He is certainly willing to give use everything we need to attain good health and to take care of these bodies that He has given us. Don't leave Him out of the process.
*Another Update: I think I've finally decided on some long term goals. I'm really hoping for around 8 lbs. per month, but don't think that's realistic, so I've scaled back. Here are my goals:
10 lbs. lost by April 22nd (my step-sons Basic Training Graduation)
15 lbs. lost by May 16th (Beach vacation)
25 lbs. lost by July 7th (Our church's kids camp)
30 lbs. lost by September 1st (Our 15th anniversary)
50 lbs. lost by Christmas
60 lbs. lost by March 29 (1 year WW anniversary)
That would get me to a size that I feel like I can easily find clothes that I love and a weight that I was pretty comfortable with. I'd really like to lose 17 more lbs. than that, but I'm not sure it's feasable. We'll see. This averages out to about 5 lbs. lost per month, which feels doable to me. I'll not be beating myself up if I don't achieve all of these numbers in this time frame. Frankly I'm not sure what my body will do, if I'll hit plateaus, lose weight at a slower rate than 1.5 lbs. per week, etc. We'll just see where the Lord takes me on this journey. Once I get into more of a rhythm I may adjust these, but it's a great starting point.
I had my 2nd weigh in this morning and I lost 3 more lbs. That makes my total for the last two weeks 7.6. The first time I ever did WW (8 yrs. ago) I lost 8 lbs. in the first two weeks then my weight loss slowed down to 1-2 lbs. per week. That time I lost a total of 20 lbs. in 10 weeks, which puts the average at 2 lbs. per week. That's really what WW considers a healthy weight loss. So, I'm not expecting huge numbers every week, but I'm certainly excited to have had such a great start.
I had a GREAT weekend, but food wise I knew it was going to be interesting. We had a retreat to go to on Friday night and Saturday and my son's birthday was Sunday. I was unsure how I would do when the menu was not within my control or when there were many desirable high fat foods available. I was very excited to realize that at the retreat if I just made good choices I could eat well and remain well within my points range. The first night we had spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and chocolate cake. I had a small serving of spaghetti (probably half of what I would have normally eaten), I ate two bits of the crust on my bread (those parts did not have butter on them) and I had two salads. I took plenty of my own snacks (fun size milky way (2pts.) Nutty Bar (3 pts.) and a few other things, so I turned down the cake and decided if I needed something sweet I'd go for one of my snacks later, but I never did. We had to leave for a few hours for my son's first baseball game of the year (they won and he recieved the game ball for scoring1 run and 2 RBIs), so I was able to grab breakfast from home. For lunch we had sub sandwiches. I mad wise choices about what I put on my sandwhich, I avoided chips and pies and instead had another salad and fruit for dessert (I really love fruit anyway!). I was excited to realize that even in situations that are beyond my control, I can make good choices and have healthy meals. I also found a new Salad dressing that I LOVED and was pretty good on the calories. It's Kraft Sundried Tomato Vinagrette, YUM! I will be bringing some of that home as soon as I next hit the grocery store.
On to my son's birthday. I had initially thought that I would be very cautious for that meal, trying to fill up on veggies and lean meat, but in the end I decided (after a discussion with my sweet, VERY supportive husband) that if this really is a lifestyle change I have to make decisions that will make sense for life and avoiding things that I LOVE while everyone else is splurging for a special occasion will quickly make me feel more deprived than is practical. So, I just carefully watched my portions, I ate a very low point breakfast, and I was able to do really well. I ate a good size burrito with chicken, veggies, cheese, sour cream and sausage on it as my main entree, then I had a very small serving of mexican lasagna (it was so YUMMY, I will be trying to figure out how to make it in a healthy way!) and some seven layer dip with tortilla chips. I realized before I finished that I was feeling VERY stuffed, I even gave over half of my chips away. I just could not finish. When it came time for dessert I allowed myself one piece of cookie cake (about the size of a small brownie) and about a Tbsp. of ice cream, so I had foods that I really enjoyed, but I was cautious with my portions and made sure that the primary part of my meal was very healthy and it worked out great.
I have to say that typically the first two weeks of any major food change are usually the hardest, but this has been so easy for me. I know that is because God is guiding me through this process! I could not do this without Him. I encourage you to go to Him with the desires of your heart and ask for what you need. Ask Him to curb your appetite, to give you the desire for foods that are good for your body, for the ability to avoid temptation, etc. He desires for us to be healthy, to not be gluttonous. His Word says in 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for LIFE and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. If he has given us everything that pertains to life then He is certainly willing to give use everything we need to attain good health and to take care of these bodies that He has given us. Don't leave Him out of the process.
*Another Update: I think I've finally decided on some long term goals. I'm really hoping for around 8 lbs. per month, but don't think that's realistic, so I've scaled back. Here are my goals:
10 lbs. lost by April 22nd (my step-sons Basic Training Graduation)
15 lbs. lost by May 16th (Beach vacation)
25 lbs. lost by July 7th (Our church's kids camp)
30 lbs. lost by September 1st (Our 15th anniversary)
50 lbs. lost by Christmas
60 lbs. lost by March 29 (1 year WW anniversary)
That would get me to a size that I feel like I can easily find clothes that I love and a weight that I was pretty comfortable with. I'd really like to lose 17 more lbs. than that, but I'm not sure it's feasable. We'll see. This averages out to about 5 lbs. lost per month, which feels doable to me. I'll not be beating myself up if I don't achieve all of these numbers in this time frame. Frankly I'm not sure what my body will do, if I'll hit plateaus, lose weight at a slower rate than 1.5 lbs. per week, etc. We'll just see where the Lord takes me on this journey. Once I get into more of a rhythm I may adjust these, but it's a great starting point.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Casually Feminine : The Mouth
The Family Revised is hosting Casually Feminine each week. This week the topic is the mouth.
Psalm 139:4
For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
I think that verse says it all in regards to our speech. The Lord here's everything that we say (and knows our thoughts) if it wouldn't please Him don't say it!
Psalm 35:28And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness, and of Your praise all the day long.
So the words that should be coming out of our mouths should honor the Father and bring glory to Him.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and Life are in the power of the tongue.....
So ask yourself before you speak, am I speaking death or life to this person? How are my words going to make them feel? Can I phrase this in a more positive way? Am I speaking out of love or irritation?
You can read more of what the Word says about how we should speak HERE.
Now as far as appearance is concerned....I'm definitely a lipstick wearer, but I also like chapstick and lipgloss. I like things that make my lips feel moisturized. For a long time I felt like I had to choose one or the other until I found Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers. I LOVE it!!! They even a bit of mintiness to them, so they feel like chapstick, but they have color to them. You should definitely try them out. They're also easy to put on like chapstick without a mirror.
Also, as the little dot says, Burt's Bees are natural, so no yuckiness in there. Which is great, I often cringe at the thought of what is in lipstick, not only are we putting it on our faces, but we are ingesting some of it too. YUCK! If you want to see all of their colors you can check them out HERE.
Now to get back to my children, who seem to be arguing at the moment........Lord help me to control my tongue!
Psalm 139:4
For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
I think that verse says it all in regards to our speech. The Lord here's everything that we say (and knows our thoughts) if it wouldn't please Him don't say it!
Psalm 35:28And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness, and of Your praise all the day long.
So the words that should be coming out of our mouths should honor the Father and bring glory to Him.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and Life are in the power of the tongue.....
So ask yourself before you speak, am I speaking death or life to this person? How are my words going to make them feel? Can I phrase this in a more positive way? Am I speaking out of love or irritation?
You can read more of what the Word says about how we should speak HERE.
Now as far as appearance is concerned....I'm definitely a lipstick wearer, but I also like chapstick and lipgloss. I like things that make my lips feel moisturized. For a long time I felt like I had to choose one or the other until I found Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers. I LOVE it!!! They even a bit of mintiness to them, so they feel like chapstick, but they have color to them. You should definitely try them out. They're also easy to put on like chapstick without a mirror.
Also, as the little dot says, Burt's Bees are natural, so no yuckiness in there. Which is great, I often cringe at the thought of what is in lipstick, not only are we putting it on our faces, but we are ingesting some of it too. YUCK! If you want to see all of their colors you can check them out HERE.
Now to get back to my children, who seem to be arguing at the moment........Lord help me to control my tongue!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
BLECCCCHHHH!!!!
That's the kind of day I had yesterday and I do not care to repeat it. I would love for some things to change, don't know if they will, but it would be really nice. I'm tired of spinning my wheels and tired of my faults being pointed out. Just in case anyone's considering telling me what's wrong with me......I alreday know. I'm not patient or compassionate enough at times, I'm a cruddy housekeeper, I'm very disorganized and horrible at time management, the list could go on and on, but just understand, I already know. I'm harder on myself about them then you could imagine. So, just don't tell me. Did I mention I already know.....
Yeah, this isn't a happy post, it also isn't very detailed. Largely because I just needed to get it off my chest, so it's more for my benefit than anyone else's, but maybe it proves yet again, that my life is not perfect. Just trying to be real. Most days are really good and I am blessed beyond measure, but some days are really yucky and I'm just glad His mercy's are new every morning and today is a brand new day and guess what?!?!?! Even as cruddy as my yesterday was.......I was still blessed and God was still good.
I'm clinging to the words of this song today. Maybe someone else needed it too.....
Yeah, this isn't a happy post, it also isn't very detailed. Largely because I just needed to get it off my chest, so it's more for my benefit than anyone else's, but maybe it proves yet again, that my life is not perfect. Just trying to be real. Most days are really good and I am blessed beyond measure, but some days are really yucky and I'm just glad His mercy's are new every morning and today is a brand new day and guess what?!?!?! Even as cruddy as my yesterday was.......I was still blessed and God was still good.
I'm clinging to the words of this song today. Maybe someone else needed it too.....
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Weight Watchers Online
I have been using WW online for a little over a week now. In the past I have gone to the meetings, but just wasn't ready for it to be a long term commitment. The 1st time I used WW I had just had my son and we were BROKE! I just could not afford the extra $40 a month. The other times, I just had a hard time getting to the meetings or my heart wasn't really in it. Each time I have stopped I have gained back more than I lost. I understand that happens no matter how you lose weight, it's the whloe yo-yo dieting thing. So, I was determined to wait to do something else until I felt like I was ready for a lifestyle change that would last a lifetime. The one thing that I did have to resolve myself too, is if I want to lose weight and keep it off, I will have to track my eating probably for the rest of my life, as easy as the online tools are to use, I'm okay with that. The last two years we've really been trying to eat a lot healthier, so we've made enough changes that I finally felt it was doable. I determined that if I could do it without buying all the specialized gimmicky weight loss foods then maybe I wouldn't quit because of money, if I could do it online it's also cheaper and I wouldn't quit because I didn't have time and if I would focus on low point breakfast, lunch and snacks, we could still have or normal suppers. I pretty much wanted to do it with as little thought and time investment as possible. I also figured out that I need to do things in baby steps. I have not started regular excercise yet. I decided to get into a good groove with the eating and then add the excercise. I think I tend to try to do everything at once and overwhelm myself. I also have never done WW with anyone that I knew. I would go to meetings and see all these people in groups that were already friends and on the journey together. I was thinking I would do really well if I had some friends doing it too.
So, I have two friends that are also on the program and at least 4 other friends that are considering it. One of my friends emails me each week and we report how much we lost and we share tips. The other of my friends and I email multiple times a week letting each other know how we've done on points, what we've been eating, what's working, what's not and then of course weight lost. It's great. Having someone to talk to about it will make it much more difficult to allow it to just fall by the wayside. I'm also kind of competitive, not that I must win, but if my friends are doing well, then I need to do well too, especially since I've been encouraging others to join us.
Anyway, WW is having free registration right now. You can get 3 months of the online program for a total of $55, then each month after that it will be around $18 per month. The online program helps you track your weight, food, excercise, etc. There are free recipes, excercise ideas with videos of how to do them and MUCH more. I am LOVING it and I'm doing GREAT. I've had no problem staying within my points and last week I didn't use ANY of my extra points for the week, even with the holiday. ANNNNNNNDDDDDD I lost 4.6 lbs.! That was my 1st week, so that's always a big week, then it tends to eventually slow down to a lb. or 2 a week and I'm completely great with that. I know I didn't gain this weight quickly and if I want a permanent solution I'm not going to lose it all quickly. I also don't have some pre-conceived notion of looking like a teenager when I'm done. I was almost 19 when I got married and 21 when I had my girls, so I don't really know what my body will do as a 30-something Mom, so we'll just see and I'll be happy with healthy (and no longer shopping in plus-sizes would be lovely!). I will try to update each Monday about how it's going and if you've been thinking about it......jump on the wagon and let's do it together!
So, I have two friends that are also on the program and at least 4 other friends that are considering it. One of my friends emails me each week and we report how much we lost and we share tips. The other of my friends and I email multiple times a week letting each other know how we've done on points, what we've been eating, what's working, what's not and then of course weight lost. It's great. Having someone to talk to about it will make it much more difficult to allow it to just fall by the wayside. I'm also kind of competitive, not that I must win, but if my friends are doing well, then I need to do well too, especially since I've been encouraging others to join us.
Anyway, WW is having free registration right now. You can get 3 months of the online program for a total of $55, then each month after that it will be around $18 per month. The online program helps you track your weight, food, excercise, etc. There are free recipes, excercise ideas with videos of how to do them and MUCH more. I am LOVING it and I'm doing GREAT. I've had no problem staying within my points and last week I didn't use ANY of my extra points for the week, even with the holiday. ANNNNNNNDDDDDD I lost 4.6 lbs.! That was my 1st week, so that's always a big week, then it tends to eventually slow down to a lb. or 2 a week and I'm completely great with that. I know I didn't gain this weight quickly and if I want a permanent solution I'm not going to lose it all quickly. I also don't have some pre-conceived notion of looking like a teenager when I'm done. I was almost 19 when I got married and 21 when I had my girls, so I don't really know what my body will do as a 30-something Mom, so we'll just see and I'll be happy with healthy (and no longer shopping in plus-sizes would be lovely!). I will try to update each Monday about how it's going and if you've been thinking about it......jump on the wagon and let's do it together!
Monday, April 5, 2010
"Faux" Strawberry Milkshake
Here's a very healthy (and cheap) alternative to a strawberry milkshake.
8 oz. skim milk
6 oz. Strawberry lowfat yogurt
2 scoops Kal Stevia (you could use two packets of Truvia or whatever sweetener you prefer)
8 oz. ice
Put all of this in a blender and blend until smooth. It's very YUMMY and is 5 WW pts. It makes a lot, more than one glass for sure. You could freeze the leftovers to make popsicles or just drink it in a bigger cup. I didn't have light yogurt, but it would only be 4 pts. with light yogurt. The peach is really yummy, too!
Sometimes I just mix the yogurt, milk and one scoop of stevia (equal to about 1 tsp. or 1 packet of other sweeteners). It's good that way as well.
8 oz. skim milk
6 oz. Strawberry lowfat yogurt
2 scoops Kal Stevia (you could use two packets of Truvia or whatever sweetener you prefer)
8 oz. ice
Put all of this in a blender and blend until smooth. It's very YUMMY and is 5 WW pts. It makes a lot, more than one glass for sure. You could freeze the leftovers to make popsicles or just drink it in a bigger cup. I didn't have light yogurt, but it would only be 4 pts. with light yogurt. The peach is really yummy, too!
Sometimes I just mix the yogurt, milk and one scoop of stevia (equal to about 1 tsp. or 1 packet of other sweeteners). It's good that way as well.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Were You There
Were you there when they crucified my Lord
Were you there when they crucified my Lord
Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord
And were you there when they laid Him in the tomb
Were you there when they laid His precious body in the tomb
Sometimes it causes me to tremble, I cry and I tremble
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb
Were you there when He rose from the grave
Were you there when my Jesus rose from the grave
Sometimes it makes me want to shout
And I cry and I begin to tremble, I tremble
Were you there when He rose from the grave
Were you there when they crucified my Lord
Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord
And were you there when they laid Him in the tomb
Were you there when they laid His precious body in the tomb
Sometimes it causes me to tremble, I cry and I tremble
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb
Were you there when He rose from the grave
Were you there when my Jesus rose from the grave
Sometimes it makes me want to shout
And I cry and I begin to tremble, I tremble
Were you there when He rose from the grave
Friday, April 2, 2010
They'll Never Crucify Him Again
I heard this group a good bit growing up and at that time, and for a Southern gospel group, their songs were so relevant and moved me. I still often think of this song at Easter. It gives me chills and makes me cry about what they did to our Lord, but also at the amazing victory that occurred when he conquered the grave!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Easter Story Cookies
Easter Story Cookies by Rachel Keller
Begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter.
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN!
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