May Fitness Challenges

MAY FITNESS CHALLENGES


NUTRITION CHALLENGES

1. I will eat more fruit.
2. I will start food journaling (again).
3. I will drink more water.
4. I will try at least one new diet friendly recipe this month.
5. I will work on decreasing my sodium intake.


FITNESS CHALLENGES

1. I will work out 2520 minutes this month.
2. I will burn 25,000 calories this month.
3. I will go to the gym at least 14 days this month.
4. I will exercise daily
5. I will try out the sauna at the gym.


SPIRITUAL / EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES

1. I will read Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua.
2. I will finish "What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops" Devotional by Laura Story.
3. I will pray more.
4. I will take one day/night each week for me to regroup and relax.
5. I will blog daily.

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. - John 6:35 KJV

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

Beginning Month Five With a Positive Attitude

Here we are at the beginning of month 5.  I am still amazed that I have stuck with it this long.  I am proud of myself.  Even when I haven't done my best, I still haven't given up.  This month I feel refreshed and I am ready to go again.


I have mapped out my fitness challenges for the month.  Most of which are repeats from last month, but that is ok.  I have come to adopt the philosphy "It's not failure unless you stop trying."  There will be ups and downs throughout the journey.  There will be times when you feel like you want to quit because things don't go the way you think they should.  Those are normal, human reactions.  The important thing is that you do not give up. It's ok to have those human moments, but you get back up and go on your way.  You will have times when you stumble, but you get back up again.


I ask that everyone continue to pray for me. I would love to see a weight loss of at least 5 lbs this month.  It isn't a numbers game though.  I will feel accomplished as long as I keep moving! Keep moving forward!

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. - John 6:35 KJV

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

Month 4 Review

As I write this month 4 has come to a close.   We are beginning month 5 now.  I didn't do so well with my goals for this month, but honestly it has been for lack of desire on my part.  Life has been very rough this month.  Getting to the gym has been difficult.  I know I can walk around the neighborhood, but it doesn't hold the same appeal as the gym.  With the gym I am rewarded with hot tub time and a nice long shower after I slay The Beast! Now for the accountability part. Let's look at what I completed vs. what I didn't.

APRIL FITNESS CHALLENGES

NUTRITION CHALLENGES

1. COMPLETED -  I will eat more fruit.  (I have eaten more fruit this month. Most days I try to have at least two servings of fruit!)
2. I will start food journaling (again). (I dabbled a little with my journaling, but didn't do it every day.)
3. COMPLETED - I will drink more water. (I drank more water, but still need to increase my intake.)
4. I will try at least one new diet friendly recipe this month.
5. I will work on decreasing my sodium intake.


FITNESS CHALLENGES

1. I will work out 2520 minutes this month. (This goal is only realistic if I can get to the gym like I need to.)
2. I will burn 25,000 calories this month. (Didn't chart this month, but I didn't make my goal)
3. I will go to the gym at least 21 days this month. (fail)
4. I will do weekly body tests on Wii Fit. (My children have relocated (READ: LOST) my WiiFit disc so I can't use it.)
5. I will try out the sauna at the gym. (I haven't completed this one yet. Maybe month will be the sauna month!)


SPIRITUAL / EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES

1. I will finish Genesis and Exodus. I will also read through Leviticus and Numbers. (I completed Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus. I will complete Numbers in month 5)
2. I will finish "What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops" Devotional by Laura Story.
3. I will pray more. (I will continue working to increase my prayer life)
4. COMPLETED - I will take one day/night each week for me to regroup and relax.5. I will blog daily.

I hit a rough spot this month and had to dig myself out of it. I am ready to go again. Next month will be better.

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

What A Difference A Year Makes

April 2011 was my heaviest recorded weight mark at 360 lbs. My diabetes was completely out of control even in September 2011 with my levels running well into the mid to upper 300s most of the time. My A1C level was 12.5-13.0. I was sad, depressed and hopeless. In the midst of my adoption with the youngest two, I was discussing my wishes for my kids when I was gone. I was at such a low point and it just seemed to keep getting worse. I felt like I was too far gone and the more I thought about it the worse I felt.

I am about to complete month 4 of my weight loss journey and I am completely amazed what 4 months will do. February I did my first A1C in years. It was 6.0. I couldnt believe it. The home tests come in packs of two so I did the second test tonight. It's only been 2 months (thought it had been 3) and my levels have dropped again.

I got everything out of the box and sat there for a good two minutes before I could bring myself to poke my finger. I still have horrible needle-phobia. I finally poked my finger and collected the blood, put the sample in the container and shook it for 5 seconds. Then I placed the test disk into the machine. I waited until it told me it was ready for the sample. I placed the sample on the disk and waited...it seemed like it took forever to give me the results. Once they showed I just sat there and stared at them. I know I am working hard and making changes to my lifestyle, but to see results still leaves me scratching my head saying "how'd that happen? SURELY, that's not what I seen!" Ten minutes later I placed everything in the box to throw away.....

Mini Progress Report

WEIGHT

April 2011 - 360
December 2012 - 326
January 2012 - 315
February 2012 - 308
March 2012 - 302
April 2012 - 298


DIABETES / A1C LEVELS

September 2011 - 12.5 - 13.0 (basing this on my blood sugar levels) / average level in upper 300s
February 2012 - 6.0 / average level being 120 ish
April 2012 - 5.3 / average level 92ish


I am still in awe of what happens when you decide to make changes. I praise God for those who have helped me along the way. This isn't the end, or even the middle point, but I am very impressed. I can see body changes without even trying to find them now. I look slimmer. My "rolls" are more like mini-rolls now. ;-) I will post April pics soon.

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:12-13 NKJV

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

April Measurements

Date: April 18, 2012
Weight: 298
Resting Heart Rate (See below for instructions): 88
Circumference Measurements (See below for instructions):
Waist: 61.5
Hips: 64
Thigh: 50.75
Chest: 52

Since I've continued to lose weight, and all of my measurements have went UP, I am going to assume that I measured wrong last time. I didn't think I would do nearly as well as I did this month. I know it's only 4 lbs, but I broke the 300 mark!!!! This journey is going slower than I would like it to, but it's moving so for that I am thankful.

Bye Bye 300

Since I believe this deserves a post all of it's own....

I BROKE THE 300 MARK!!!!!!

298!!!!

An Amazing Weekend

I had a great weekend.  Friday night, I went to Altrudas for a big salad.  I ordered a meal that I ate two bites of.  I am trying different things because I got tired of the same ole stuff.  Altrudas holds a speial place in my heart.  One of the families I used to nanny for introduced me to this little gold nugget almost 15 years ago.  After I met John, who loves Italian food, it became one of our favorite day places.  We actually spent our 6th month anniversary there. Oh young love! Can you imagine how different marriages would be if they still celebrated each  milestone like they do when they are dating? Anyway, it is a challenge to find something tha I like here because I have a huge dislike for ricotta cheese.  Well, they put it in almost everything.  When I first started going there I always got lasagna and just picked the cheese off.  Then I switched to chicken parmasean.  It is delicious, but I am looking for something new.  My biggest challenge when I go to Altrudas is their garlic rolls.  They cover them in shaved garlic and a lake of butter.  I only ate 3-4 this time, where as I usually can eat 10 or more.  While this wasn't the best thing for me to eat, I think I did well since I was indulging a craving.


Saturday was pretty great too.  I went to the gym.  Afterwards, I went to Books-A-Million and bought a million books.  Ok, so I'm not funny.  I purchased a couple journals, a couple new pens and a couple books from their bargain bin.  I was also a good wife and got something for my groom.  I surprised him.  Again, if only we all thought about doing these things more as married people, we would be in a way different place.  I took some time to read some of the book I had been reading.  I couldn't have asked for a better afternoon out. 


Sunday was very surprising.  We went to church.  Instead of having to leave after a couple songs we made it all the way through praise and worship, offering and I got to hear about 5 minutes of the sermon.  John looked at me and asked if I had promised them lunch or something.  (In a desperate attempt to make my children behave one Sunday I promised them lunch if we made it all the way through service. I *knew* I wasn't going to have to make good on this promise...but it worked.)  Then, Mr. Isaiah woke up and decide it was party time.  He started cackling.  Shushing him didn't work, in fact it made him worse, so I left with him.  Landon assumed we were all leaving church so he followed me out to the foyer.  I sat the boys in a couple chairs and tried to listen to the sermon.  We also worked on tying Mr. Landon's shoes.  After about 5 minutes had passed John comes out with Sam and the girls.  Llama, Llama missed her mama.  I took the kids to the car and sent John back into service.  As parents who believe in pew parenting (keeping your children with you instead of sending them off to children's church), I couldn't tell you the last 5 times we actually made it through a whole service.  I honestly think it was one May Sunday morning two years ago before Isaiah made his grand entrance into our lives. We had a great day. 


This week, we have scheduled dates with each of our children.  I am looking forward to spending some one-on-one time with them.  Sam had his date on Thursday.  We went to the movies.  This week John is taking Isaiah to the bounce house and Landon bowling and I will be taking the girls to see Chimpanzee on Friday and Saturday.  Jewel-Anne has developed a huge love of "Muntees" (monkeys) so I know she will love this movie.  It's going to be a great week.


A friend of mine as issue a challenge to a group of my friends.  Sixty miles in thirty days.  Today is day 1.  I will be keeping track of my progress here.  The thought of this challenge makes me very tired, bur ir's just what I need to kick myself back into gear. 

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:12-13 NKJV

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

All Because of You

Dearest Jeremiah,

Today is your three month angelversary.  I find it so very hard to live each day without thinking about how you should still be growing in my belly.  Very soon we would've been finding out that you were indeed a boy. Your brothers and sisters would help us pick out a new crib, clothes, and toys for you.  I can just imagine them getting to hold you for the first time.  I know they would've wanted to hold you all the time. 


I struggle to come to terms with the fact that there are so many things I will never get to experience with you. I will never feel your tiny body rest against my chest.  I will never get to see your first steps, hear your first words, see you live life.  No wedding day.  No first kiss. 


Oh but what I gained! I got to see you.  I held you.  I kissed you.  Even though it was sad, I was able to bury you with grace and dignity that you deserved.  Daddy dug your grave and placed your precious little coffin into the ground.  We cried together.  We celebrated your life and thanked God for giving you to us. "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.  Praise be unto the Lord." 

All Because of You  
By Lisa Eastman 
April 13, 2012

Because of you, my precious Jeremiah David, I am Mama to eleven,
Because of you, my heart grew bigger,
Because of you, I realized just how much God loves me,
All because of you.

Because of you, my heart is healing,
Because of you, I weep with joy,
Because of you, I look forward to tomorrow for it brings me closer to you,
All because of you.

Because of you, we have one more reason to look forward to Heaven
Because of you, Heaven is sweeter
Because of you, the angels rejoice
All because of you.

Because of you, on January morning my life changed forever,
Because of you, I realize just how much of a gift each day really is,
Because of you, I learned to love life again.
All bcause of you.


Love you forever,

Mama

A Low Point

Tonight I was on my way to the gym.  After a phone call I sat in tears and decided that the gym could wait.  I honestly don't think I would've done any good there tonight.  This call threw me for a loop. I left feeling very hurt that turned into anger and back into hurt again. Now I am going between hurt and numb. Tomorrow may be a better day, but getting there is a feat that seems to big right now. So I will lie down and hope sleep finds me. I am ready for this day to be over.

Crunch Time

Yesterday, I returned to the gym.  Finances have been tight and life has gotten in the way of going like I want to.  I have been eating at home, which makes  I haven't been working out at all this month.  I am supposed to go back to clinic for a refill next week, but I have some extra pills (get 30 but only use 28 before returning to clinic) so I will wait the additional week to weigh in.   I despise weigh in week. 


For the next two weeks I will go back to my salad "fast".  I will go to the gym (hopefully) every day and get back into my routine.  Missing the last couple weeks of working out has made me revert to my weak mind and body.  I don't WANT to be at the gym.  My mind isn't focused as it was.  It is more of a struggle to stay on it.  My whole body hurts while I'm on The Beast.  My balance needs work also.  Last night I made it about 15- 20 minutes before I couldn't take it anymore.  On the nights that I go with Stephanie my goal is to spend 30 minutes on The Beast before I get off.  The nights I go alone my goal is an hour.  Tonight is an alone night so I am curious to see how long I can push myself.  If I get a chance I want to upload some new music to my MP3 player.  New music provides more of a distraction.  I prefer to go to the gym in the morning because that is when I have the most energy, but with John's work schedule right now that just isn't possible.


I have noticed that even with the shots, I do not have very much energy.  I have been delaying increasing my pills because that means spending even more money on them, but I think I may have to.  I am still thinking about it though.  I am still trying to decide if it's more of a will-power thing (meaning if I get my emotional stuff dealt with I'll be fine) or if it's true that the meds aren't working as well and truly warrants a medication increase.  I do know that when I stop exercising I don't feel as well so it effects EVERYTHING!


This morning John is working a double so he won't be home until it's time for me to leave.  We have started a new routine this week.  We got up an had breakfast.  While the kids were eating (I am still not a breakfast person) we read some chapters in Genesis.  We read about Esau and Jacob.  That brought up a great discussion with Sam.  We talked about how important being the oldest son was back in Bible times.  He really liked that and said he thought we should still do that today as well.  LOL.  Sam has finished his morning chores and is enjoying some free time while Landon refuses to do his chores.  Then it's school work and lunch.  I am determined to make the most of this day.

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:12-13 NKJV

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

There are a few major things that I am dealing with right now.  I would grately appreciate your prayers.  I hope all is well with you and yours.  I love blog comments so if you're reading this please take a moment to let me know you are thinking about me. 

Another Blessing

Yesterday, I was honored to attend the baptism of Baby C.  His mama and grandmother are very sweet friends of mine.  I am so proud of my friend.  She's risen above so many obstacles and faced so many challenges.  She continues to impress me.  Most mama's her age aren't worried about their children's spiritual well-being.  She is in college and is making decisions so she can provide a good life for her child. I am so very proud of her.  I love her more than she knows.


I have hit that stage where Isaiah's almost 2.  My baby fever is kicking into overdrive.  I would gladly accept another blessing right now if God would send it to us.  Now isn't even really what I am talking about, though.  When you have battled with infertility, miscarriages and have been burnt through the adoption process, the subject of having more children is always a sore subject.  I know that right now obviously isn't the time to have more kids.  I would just like to know that God definitely has more lined up for us down the road.  I have a friend who has had people just give children to her.  She is one of the most strong, amazing people I know.  She fights for these kids with everything she has within her.  I am very blessed to call her friend. 


Sometimes I wish God would allow me to see His roadmap for my life.  Everything I have ever gotten has been a huge fight or power struggle.  It has made me a stronger person so I am thankful for that.  I just have so many questions.  I wish God would clearly speak and said, "There are more children in you future and this is what you need to do to get them."  It's not just a child thing either.  There are a few other areas in my life which I wish I could see that roadmap.  Dealing with my children is one of them. There are times when I wish I could have a glimpse into their hearts to see what is troubling them.  If I could then I would know how to help them more. 


With other areas it would be nice to know if God really intends for me to keep fighting or when it is time to let go.  If I let go, what lies on the other side of letting go?  I am one of the most stubborn people I know.  Sometimes this is very beneficial - like when fighting for my kids or this journey to a healthier me.  Other times I know I spend time fighting to keep that which God means for me to let go of for fear I am not supposed to let go of it.  Or I will refuse a blessing for fear of losing it. 


This is where I am right now emotionally.  This is my new spiritual goal.  I want to get closer to God so I can hear Him speak to me.  I know He isn't sitting in Heaven intentionally playing with my emotions.  I know I am the reason I can't hear His voice more clearly.  I once heard a quote that said "Sometimes God grows quiet so we will be still."  I am on the search to find a Bible reading partner. Someone who will read along with me and then we can discuss what we read.  I need someone to help keep me on track.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - Galatians 6:9

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

He is Risen

(The song above is, perhaps, my most favorite Easter song. Please take a quiet moment to enjoy it. )

Today is the day that Christians join together to celebrate the ressurrection of our Savior! As Christians we should celebrate this event all year long. It isn't about the bunny. It isn't about the eggs. It is about the promise our risen Savior brought. Even though His followers knew that He couldn't lie, I have to wonder if there was anyone who secretly wondered if He really would rise. Rising from DEATH was as common as virgin birth. Imagine the surprise, of running to the tomb to find that it was empty! Praise God for that empty tomb.



Today I will be going to church to watch my favorite "nephew" get baptized/dedicated today. I need to schedule the babies' dedication...Then I will come home to dye eggs with the kids, do our egg hunt and celebrate John's birthday. Instead of the traditional easter meal, we will be grilling. Yum!


I want to encourage you to go to church today. Take the time to hear the wonderous news about our risen Savior! Allow your life to be changed forever!


Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

Broken

Sometimes it hurts to be so close to the pain,
When I know the one who loves me most
Could make it all change
Sometimes I'm lost in the land of questioning
And I rub together timesless truths
Like flint and stone in the rain
And I don't understand where you are in all this
Still I wait and hope and pray and wish

And I won't be persuaded
Still I will believe beyond what I can see
No, I won't be persuaded
Not after all that we've been through
I won't turn my back on you
What would I hold
If not this simple thread
Cords of mercy bound together
Whit you on the other end
What can I do
When I cannot see your hands
That keep reaching out as if
You're never far from where I stand
But I don't understand where you are in all this
Still I remind myself to trust in you
'Cause I know what love is

Oh, I know you love me so
Still I get so tired sometimes
Won't you lift me up my love

I must admit that I am having a real problem this week with my blog signature scripture from last month.  I am facing some major personal challenge right now.  It is hard to see the good in this situation that I am facing.  It makes me question what God's plan is in this situation.  It seems that nothing about this could be God's will.  Do you ever find yourself looking at a situation wondering how He could possibly understand the pain and heartache of xyz?  I know I do.  I understand that the Bible teaches us that there is nothing we will ever face, or a step we will ever take that God has not already gone through.  I really don't mean to sound unchristian.  I just want to be real.  God is bigger than any problem I will ever face. This issue isn't too big for Him. 


I am heart broken.  I don't understand why God had to give us free will to hurt others.  As humans He knew we would screw it up so why do it at all?  I will never understand why people take pleasure in others' pain.  It doesn't make sense to me.  I was raised to do anything I could to help another person and I always try to help whenever I can.  I can remember when I was younger and was playing outside with friend how my Grandmother wouldn't allow me to buy an ice cream from the ice cream truck because all of my friends didn't have one.  Those friends never had a problem buying one if I didn't though.  To this day I won't eat/drink anything unless I have enough  for everyone.  I am trying to raise my children the same way.  I want them to be compassionate adults and that starts with compasionate children.


In the midst of all this brokenness, I was blessed to have my beloved Stephanie come to the gym with me last night.  That girl time was just what I needed to help soothe my soul.  I left feeling refreshed.  It was definitely a Godsend meeting for me. Girl, I love you.  I am so thankful for those people God's placed in my life to help me through times of brokenness.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - Galatians 6:9

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

THe Day That Should've Left Me in Stitches

This week has not had a great start for me.  Yesterday while preparing lunch for the kids I cut my finger.  I had a little helper that decided to come up and help me.  She grabbed the knife I was using. Instinctively,  I grabbed the knife from her blade first. She took that time to jerk it away from me and sliced my finger.  I thought I would need stitches, but was able to deal without them.  My finger still hurts pretty badly, though.

This weekend was birthdayfest in my family.  Landon's party was on Saturday.  Gatti's pizza and cake for lunch.   Sunday was my sister's birthday party.  Burger and fries for dinner.  I resisted the cake this time, though.  The next few months will definitely be full of temptation.  John's birthday is on Sunday.  Jewel-Anne's comes at the end of the month.  Isaiah's two weeks later. I get a month break before another round. Liana's is June 14th.  Mine falls on the 28th.  Sam's is in August. It's the Spring-Summer temptation.


Yesterday I stepped on WiiFit.  I haven't done that much since going to the gym.  It said I had lost 15 lbs in one week. (Um...no I haven't!) I redid it and it told me I'd lost 8.5 lbs in a week.  (again, no I didn't!)  Something is wrong with my balance board.  I need to call nintendo to see what can be done about it.  It was a very crazy day that I am very glad is over with!


For those who are reading my blog I would like to ask you to pray for me.  I have some personal stuff going on right now that I could really use the prayers.  Thank you!

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - Galatians 6:9

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

Forever and a Birthday

Three years ago today my life changed forever. It was the very first major thing our family celebrated since Mom had died. It was such a bitter sweet day. I spent the whole morning crying about what all she was missing. I tried to not be mad at her, but part of me was very angry that she decided to leave (like she really had control of it!) when all of this important stuff was going on.

As I walked into the court house I regained composer. I didn't want the boys to think I was upset with them. We waited for the longest while then it was our turn. We walked into the Judge's chambers. This judge was very cold. At one point I wondered if he was really going to grant our adoption or not. He did, though, and then gave the boys candy. Everyone said their congrats, we got our paperwork and then we left.

Today is not only the day that we celebrate our Forever Family anniversary, but it's also Landon's birthday. My baby who was only a year old when he came to us turns 6 today. The time really does fly. I am so happy God chose me to be his Mama. He is funny, smart, stubborn and so loving. I am so blessed.

Today always leaves me thinking back to the day when these two little fire crackers came crashing through the door of my life. "Are you my new mom?" my then 3 year old Sam asks. "Yes, I am!" I said with tears in my eyes. "Where is my new room and new toys??" Through the good days, bad ones and the inbetween I am so blessed to be chosen by God to be their mama.

Dear Sam and Landon,

I can't believe it's been 4 years since God blessed me with you two. We have been through so much during that time. Grammie is watching over you today and always. She is so proud of the young men you've become. You guys are amazing. You make my world a better place. I pray that you will one day know just how much I love you. Now let's go to the park! ;-)

Love,

Mama