Saturday thoughts

Great weekend thus far (not food wise)!  Our roof has been leaking for some time, but my husband took this past week off from work and he along with my brother, and then today some church folks, put a new roof on our home.  Thank you Lord for good family & friends, good weather, keeping everyone safe, and a husband who is an accountant by trade, but who rolls up his sleeves and does what needs to be done.  Amen.

Fighting the urge to stay up too late.
When I do this, I inevidably eat more!
No - not tonight.
Go to bed like a good girl.

It's time to hit the hay!!

Beautiful Blogger Award

I'd like to thank the academy...

Um, actually, I'd like to thank Sam at Beleive In Yourself for honoring me with this 'Beautiful Blogger Award'.  Thank you so much Sam! Not just for the award, but also for your wonderfully uplifting blog!

The rules that go along with this award are as follows:

1. Give this award to 7 bloggers. (hard as many I follow have already recieved this)

2. Share 7 things about myself you do not know.

I would like to bestow this award on the following blogtastic ladies (in random order):

"Weighty Blogs"

1. Ashley @ The Opposite of Thin  ( I can relate to a lot of what Ashley shares - especially her latest post about stress. She shares her very personal journey of working to become a mommy some day. I know all moms out there will cheer her on!!)

2. Natalia @ Embracing The Weight Loss Journey (Terrific blog about Natalia's journey to lose 150 pounds. Very inspiring!)

3. Heidi @ Believing in Me and Breaking Free (Fun, honest blog by this beautiful mom who shares tips, recipes and insight on her weight loss journey.)

4. Dawn @ Dawn's Rawsome Adventures (Hope this encourages you to make a new post my friend! I'd love to see you share your new challenges with the right diet for you.)

5. Margene @ Believing It's Possible (Wonderful blog about a couples journey to achieving their weight loss goals)

"Education Blog"

6. Katie & Katie @ ABC and 123 (Awesome cooperative learning blog for educating young children.)

"Ministry Blog"

7. Beth, Amanda & Melissa @ Living Proof Ministries (Love this blog by Beth Moore and her daughters ~ don't think she'll ever see the 'award' but hope you go there and feel encouraged.)

(Now add the 'award' to your blog and pay it forward. Please link back to me.  Thanks!!)

ABOUT ME

1. I would seriously love to try to do the couch to 5K program. (I've been reading about so many folks who started this during their journey, not after they've lost the weight, so why can't I?)  But... a) I do not have an iPod, b) don't know when I could possibly fit it in, c) not sure where I could run (maybe a local school).  When things quiet down (mayhem here with the hubs doing the roof) I will try to make this work.

2. My favorite female literary character is Josephine March  (Little Women).  Love her spunk, sentimentality and humor!  Favorite movie portrayal ~ June Allison in the 1949 version. (not super accurate to the book, but love it!)

3.  I'm the women's ministry team leader at our church.  The team and I organize/lead quarterly events, Bible studies and we held our first Ladies Retereat this past January.  I have been the speaker at two events and will be doing another this fall.  I love the Lord!

4. I've always wanted a 3rd child.  Due primarily to finances, we've stayed at two wonderful boys.  I adore them!!  I really hate it when people say, "Oh, you want your girl." when I say that I'd like a 3rd.  If the Lord had so blessed us, I would have been 100% happy with another boy (although a girl would have been fine too).

5. I have an irrational fear of...mold.  There, I said it.  It must be due to my love of food - it freaks me out to see it spoiled.

6. My favorite saying is - "Of those I like or admire, I can find no common denominator.  Of those I love, I can.  They make me laugh."  author unknown

7. I am in serious need of a haircut!!!

Week 21

.........

Sorry.  The above little delay was due to my doing a happy dance for writing "WEEK 21"!!  I am so proud of myself for heading into my 21st week of healthier living!
It's not been easy - as you've read from yesterdays post.  But there have been so many small victories, only a part of which has been the 35 pounds I have shed thus far.

I already touched on last week yesterday, so let's go straight into this week.  Don't wish to dwell on the past.

Feeling great today!!  Unfortunately, I didn't get breakfast in this morning as I had a super busy morning right from the get-go with lots of places to go and things to get done.  As soon as I did get to stop to eat however, I made great choices.  I started with a Jethro Bodine sized salad with Good Seasons dressing (made light - 1/2 the oil and more water).  Then followed that with two multigrain rice cakes (sounds yummy, eh? actually, they're really good!!) with reduced fat peanut butter and a little jam.  The jam satisfied my sweet craving - bonus!

This whole week is going to be out of the norm.  My husband is stripping and re-roofing our house.  This means kids have to stay in and company will be coming 1/2 way through the week to help.  Good stuff - just different.  But life is never 'status quo' is it?  I have plans for these challenges (feeding people who may not be so stoked about a veggie burger and such) and I'm not the least bit worried.

Visited with the cc today.  It went fine.  I have an assignment for the next few weeks to track what stresses me.  Specifically, to try to be mindful of negative thoughts that run through my head or negative things I tell myself.  Note pad is opened and on the top of my desk.  This should be interesting!  Anyone else out there feeling stressed?  Umm.... may be easier to ask, 'is anyone not feeling stressed'.. right?  She's supposed to give me some strategies that will help.  I'll keep you posted in case anyone else could benefit.

One of the sources of stress is that I've been looking for a job for a few months with no success.  I've been home with my boys for over 6 years.  Trying to return to the work force isn't easy.  I'm looking for specific hours that fit our lives.  But prospective employers aren't impressed with my 6 years out of the office environment even though my computer skills have stayed current.  I've been doing home childcare (licensed) for almost 2 years, but all of my kids go to Kindergarten next year.  Trying to decide whether I should leave the house for work or try to get more kids.  I kind of like the idea of getting out....
Prayer Request: Please pray God will guide me to the right job for me and my family whether it be in or out of the home and that I will have the discerment to know His will from my own.

I have not been exercising at all practically.  I hate this!  I soooo want to change this.  It just seems I'm always too busy.  I need to make a concerted effort to change this.  Dawn - I too wish we lived closer together so we could go walking!!  I need to start a walking club.  But when can I commit to going?  Hmm... seems I've just given myself another assignment.  I like assignments.

Considering my battle with sugar treats last week, I was happy to see that the scale stayed the same this week.  No complaints.  I'd love to see a 2 pound loss next week though. Let's see if I can accomplish that.

Goals for this week, week 21. Ahhh I said it again!!
(every week goals)
drink 8 glasses of water
sleep 8 hours a night
track my food and eat within my ranges
quiet time with the Lord
(added goals)
EXERCISE!  Possibly establish a walking club
paint classroom
clean out boys drawers of winter clothes and add summer ones
do the same for the hubs and I
decide if I'm continuing with childcare next year

Quick shout out to my new "followers" - THANKS LADIES!!!

I hope you all have a great week!!
It's time to start cleaning off my desk.

Danger - Slippery Slope Ahead!

Terrible!  Just terrible!!!
That's how I've been eating lately.
Typically, each day starts great!  Healthy breakfast, fruit for snack... even lunch is good.  Then it starts.  The afternoon triangle (dum dum dum..).
"I'll just have a rice cake with some low fat peanut butter", I'll tell myself.  "A 100 calorie pack will do the trick"... "I think a Luna bar will really hold me until dinner." (now we're talking about 350 calories consumed here people!)
Then I'll eat dinner.  Dinner is fine.  I'm pretty good at the point with fixing healthy meals.
But then, night time eating kicks in.  "Gotta go pop my nightly popcorn".  This is fine.  "Hmm... Now I need a sweet.  I'll have a WW 100 calorie icecreamonastick."  "Tea time.  Gotta end the night with a cup of tea..... And a biscotti to go with it."
Are you kidding me??!!!  What is up?  I kinda feel like I'm in one of the books like "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie"
"If You Give Diane A Morsel then she'll want....."
I really need to keep a short leash on this or else I'll be sliding down a slipper slope for sure!

Tomorrow is shopping day.  I'll be very strict with whats allowed into the house!!
I'm determined to up my water intake and have a salad with lunch and dinner each day to help curb my appetite.

It's Time to get the kiddos to bed and watch a movie with my husband.  I wonder what there is to snack on....

Thanks 'Timers'

Since I do not have everyones mailing address', I'll put what I would have handwritten in a card for each of you up here on this post.

Dear 'Timer' friends,

I can't thank you enough for your support as I endevor to improve my life, and consequently, that of my family.  Your kind, funny and informative comments mean so much to me!  I really appreciate your taking the time to read through my ramblings and leave feed back.
Many of you have taken the time also to sign on as 'followers'.  Who'd a ever thunk anyone would ever want to 'follow' my virtual scribblings??
This blog has been such a tremendous help to me as I've tried to make many changes, some small, some big, but all of them quite challenging.  But what truely makes this successful for me... What truely makes this such a big piece to my 'healthier life puzzle', is you.  All of you!!!
It never ceases to amaze me that my 'blog friends' (and Spark Friends), many of whom I've never personally met, have become such a big part of my success.  I feel like I have my very own cheering squad!
So thank you for your cheers, hoots and hoooooollllllaaaaaas!  Your support is .....

Blog:  Free money wise, but costs time
Healthier food: $$$
CC fee: $20
Follower & Commenters: PRICELESS!!!

Blessings,
diane : )

Week 20

Hello folks!
Goodness, I am sorry for the lateness of my update!  It's been a busy few days for sure.

I again have to make this short and sweet as I'm squeezing this post in before seeing son #1 to the bus stop, son #2 to preschool and then making it back in time for my day care/preK enrichment kids. (gasping already)

So lets get right to the #'s, shall we?  After a not so hot (eating wise - but not terrible) weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to see a 1 pound drop!!  Do you know what this means my friends?????
35 pounds down!!!

Yippeee!!!!!!

New pair of jeans here I come!!  Actually, I still have the 25 pound reward awaiting me (hair cut) and the 30 pound reward (2 hours to myself) as well.  Tough trying to find a good hair dresser that doesn't charge $40 and up!!

Othat than that peeps - how about The Biggest Loser last night?  Hugh? Hugh?  Between Koli and Daris.  Who are ya voting for?  I really like all of the final 4 so it's a hard choice for me.
Are Mike and Ashley a couple?  Hmmmmm seems that way.  Way too cute!!!!

Ok, it's time to get these men off to school.  I'll write soon. Have a super great week all!!!

How'd You Know?

I've been having a tough week.  Hard to explain why... just has been.

Today, after running to the grocery store to pick up a few things I swung by the post office.  Doing good - this was my third stop this week!  We don't get mail delivery in these here parts and I usually only get to the PO once or twice a week.  Back to the story...
So I went to the PO and amidst all of the bills and junk mail there was a lovely yellow envelope.  Inside was a card.  It's a cartoon of someone climbing up a mountain reaching for a star.  The 'mountain' is seperated into sections each with a saying: "the hard work, the Energy, the Sweat, test of Character, the Heart..the Soul, the Challenge!" The message on top reads "...it's been a big, long climb..."  Inside, the person is atop the mountail holding a flag that says '#1' and now the mountains sayings are: "a true & noble star of life, Wonderful, oh yeh!, way way cool, Hero!, bravo bravo and way to go!"  The message inside - "& You deserve a Mountain of Praise!!"
Then on the left hand side there was a lovely handwritten message.

This thoughtful, wonderful card was sent to me by my dear friend Carol.  Let me just say now, I adore her!!  I know her through church and I am so thankful God has blessed me with Carol as a friend!!

This card was a much needed pick-me-up this week, and I am so appreciative!

So should my dear friend read this - THANK YOU!!!! 

And to anyone (including myself) who has been contemplating sending off a note, a card or placing a call to someone to let them know what they mean to you or to offer them congratulations, thank you, an 'I miss you' or what have you, go ahead and do it!!  For all you know, it may be the bright spark someone is in need of receiving!!

It's time for dinner.

Week 19

This past week was another great week of food choices, tracking and sleep!  Not so great with water and exercise. But this is a new week!

There's a shift going on in the way I think about food.  I have stopped mindless eating.  Before it was nothing for me to just reach in the cupboard or fridge and find a quick snack regardless of it's calories, fat nor nutritional value.  Now when I need a snack, I am so much more mindful.  I think about my ranges, and maybe even more importantly, I'm thinking about what the food has to offer.  What nutrients.  Is is a food that will be filling and satisfying in the long run...
Very cool change!!

Ok, to be honest, I'm tired. I'm writing this post late as I couldn't tear myself away from Dancing With The Stars.  Derek & Nicole were amazing!!  So one last comment prior to the 'weigh in'.

I ran out of peanut butter and so I went to buy some today.  Before I could find the reduced fat Jiff I found the reduced fat Stop & Shop brand.  When I did find Jiff I decided to compare labels.  Would you beleive that the store brand was the healthier choice?  They were the same for calories (190) and total fat (12), but the name brand had a 1/2 a gram more saturated fat.  The store had less carbs, a lot less sodium (140 mg) and was higher in protien (9 g).  But.. how does it taste?  Great!  So save yourself some cash, gain some nutrition and check out the store brands friends.

Did my good feelings pan out on the scale?  Yes!  Down 1 more pound for a grand total of 34 pounds lost!

My niece is coming for a visit at the end of the week. I'm looking forward to her visit very much - but where we will be working on ideas for her wedding cake, I just pray I don't eat out 'tests'!!  I'm really itchin' to reach that 35 pound loss!!

I hope you all have a great week and feel free to share any great finds you've come accross!!

It's time for my night cap (aka - tea).

Happy Mother's Day!!

Wishing you all a Happy Mother's Day!!

Decide what's 'worth it' to you in regards to your Mom's day celebration and then enjoy without guilt!!!

Feelings.. oh oh oh.. Feelings

From last fall through to the beginning of January I would go to bed each evening and wake up each morning so very aware of my growth. Physical growth that is. I felt as though I were expanding by the second. I felt like a BLOB.


It was depressing as you can imagine having those thoughts be the last to see me to sleep and the first to greet me each day.

The first thing I felt when I woke up this morning, 121 days after beginning my journey, was ribs. Mine to be exact - not a pile I had eaten last evening that were still sitting in the pit of my stomach waiting to be digested as would have been the case back in December.

I now feel slimmer. I feel good. I go to bed each night thinking of the good choices I've made and how the bed I share with my husband seems to have grown as we are now no longer squished for space. I awake each morning ready to go and not dreading having to roll my blobby self out of bed.

So much of life has to do with our attitude and how we feel. It's so great to feel good!!

How are you feeling? Is it time for a change, or are you feeling the rewards of the changes you've already made?

Please know - you CAN feel good!!!

It's time to pack my son's lunch.

Is Opportunity Knocking?

Sometimes we are met with a road block - a trial, maybe something that seems either miserable or all together insurmountable.

My challenge for myself and for all of you reading today is, take that trial and turn it into an opportunity to show others, and more importantly, yourself'; just what you're capable of!!

Matthew 19:26

It's time to get this day on the move and go seize an opportunity!

Week 18

I'd like to begin this week by sharing with you how encouraged I am simply by typing the heading of "Week 18". I am about to begin my 18th week of my new healthier life! Who'd a thunk it? Sure, I hoped I'd be able to keep this going and not have it just phases out in a few weeks as I typically do. But to be able to put in writing for the world to see, "Week 18"... AWESOME!! So if you've thought, or are thinking, that you can't make positive changes in your life, you CAN!! If I can, everyone can!!!


So week 17 was a terrific week in that I was back in the zone baby! After being somewhat.... derailed over the past several weeks brought on by sickness, it felt so good to be 100% back on the ball! (Literally - crunches on the exercise ball are great!)

Thankfully, even while sick I didn't just give up. It was more that I wasn't tracking all of my food and making sure that I was in my ranges for calories, fat, protein, carbs, etc... Even when you think you know where you're at as you eat through your day, there's nothing like seeing it in print to really keep you honest.

So I ate great and what's even better is that I feel terrific!! In fact, I even feel thinner! I haven't been able to say that for a while - even with last week’s great weight loss.

Speaking of weight loss - drum roll please. ........ The magic number on the scale today says: I'm down 2 more pounds for a grand total of 33 lbs. gone!!! Woo hoo!!


Today I get to visit my friend the cc. Haven't seen her in quite a while due to son #1 being sick. He's off to school today, hope he's up to making it through the whole day! Poor little man. Today I'm to talk about my weight. I would like to get to the bottom of why I have battled being over-weight my whole life. I've heard Dr. Phil and all the others say that it's due to not wanting to succeed, or being afraid or some such thing. I just can't see that in myself. It would really be great to finally discover if there's some sort of underlying issue. I've always been someone who wants find out a problem and then tackle it. I'm doing what I can with diet, but I'd like the mindset corrected once and for all friends!


Time to get this show on the road - so here are my goals for the week:


8 hours sleep

8 glasses of water

keep on tracking

get back on the exercise train!

daily quiet time (reading the Bible, prayer)

try a new healthy recipe

It's time to get my men ready for school. Have a great week everyone!!

What's Up?

My appetite has noticably decreased over the last few days.  I actually had to make myself eat more last night so I'd be in my ranges.
Is it a full moon?  Has the earth begun rotating in the opposite direction?  Did Paris Hilton shop at Wal-Mart?
This is most unlike me....

It's time to go check out our town green day. Have a great weekend everyone!