The other day I was driving home with my two boys after a wonderful day at my sister's pool. I had a CD in that my other sister had made for us with 'kid-friendly' music (oldies, classics, etc..) From the back seat I could hear my 8 year old say to my 5 year old, "This song is about s'mores. Isn't that silly?"
Instantly I was having a fit of convulsions and barely able to see for the sea of tears streaming out of my eyes. My son, "Mummy, what's so funny? Mummy, you're going to get into a car accident, stop laughing."
Are you wondering what the song was?... ready?... Dean Martin's 'That's Amore'!!! Or, as my son heard it, "That's a S'more". I LOVE it! I can't make this stuff up!!
Well now it only stands to reason that since this happened I have had s'mores on the brain. Like it really takes much to get my mind to focus on sweets.
Just a few short hours ago the hubs and I indulged in a s'more each (using about 1/2 the chocolate one normally uses). Now, the remaining chocolate is calling me from the kitchen. I refuse to listen! I will instead head off to take a shower and when I come out I will wrap up my children's church lesson for the morning. (Just found out a couple of days ago that I was needed to fill in.)
Sorry chocolate - only one visit from me today. I'm sure I'll be back for another brief visit soon - but don't be so pushy!! Rationing is good!
Hope you're all having a great weekend!!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Week 35
So last night I was thinking (it happens!).. Looking over the past 7-8 months I have come to the conclusion that as the months have gone on I've lost my passion, or it may be more aptly put to say, my direction for my "it's time" life change.
Each year I choose a word or phrase to sum up my goal for the year. This year I had chosen "It's Time". Since becoming a wife and mother the vast majority of my attention and efforts have gone to my husband and boys. Sound familiar anyone? Then with school, Scouts and of course church there was just nothing left for me. I always felt tired and run down. If anyone asked what I wanted, I never had an answer. I never allowed myself to think on my needs or desires. I wanted this to be the year I began adding myself back into the equation.
If I don't take care of myself, how can I do anything else well? If I do not take care of myself I get in the way of what the Lord would have me do. It's easy to confuse selflessness with neglect of oneself. I had in fact been neglecting myself to the detriment of all of those around me; even if they did not realize it. And let me be clear, I did this to myself. No blame game here.
So here I am 8 months into the journey and 40 pounds lighter (yeah!).. But I've become a bit stagnant. The weight isn't dropping off - but hey, I'm not gaining either. I haven't been making any strides toward my goals or improving myself in other areas. Can't say that I've been really spending any time on myself. And what I've been giving to the Lord this summer has really been sloppy seconds at best!
I need a revival!! I need to get out of this funk!! I'm sick of this 'blahhh' feeling. My mind runs at a thousand, no, make that a million thoughts per minute, but it gets me nowhere. I need to focus. I need to write out some new goals.
YES - that's it! I need to rewrite my goals!! Maybe this is something that should be done every 6 months or so. Let's face it, a lot can happen in 6 months and that may be the perfect time to reevaluate where I've been and where I'm going.
There it is. My goal for the week. I will rewrite my goals and objectives through the end of the year. At that time, I'll need to write new goals (and come up with a new word/phrase for 2011).
Have any of you faced this? A season of 'blahhh'. Lost your focus/determination? What helped you to get back on track? Remember, this isn't a race or a diet. This is permanent. A total life change.
It's time to do the laundry. The mountain never lets me lose sight of that task :)
Have a great week everyone!!
Each year I choose a word or phrase to sum up my goal for the year. This year I had chosen "It's Time". Since becoming a wife and mother the vast majority of my attention and efforts have gone to my husband and boys. Sound familiar anyone? Then with school, Scouts and of course church there was just nothing left for me. I always felt tired and run down. If anyone asked what I wanted, I never had an answer. I never allowed myself to think on my needs or desires. I wanted this to be the year I began adding myself back into the equation.
If I don't take care of myself, how can I do anything else well? If I do not take care of myself I get in the way of what the Lord would have me do. It's easy to confuse selflessness with neglect of oneself. I had in fact been neglecting myself to the detriment of all of those around me; even if they did not realize it. And let me be clear, I did this to myself. No blame game here.
So here I am 8 months into the journey and 40 pounds lighter (yeah!).. But I've become a bit stagnant. The weight isn't dropping off - but hey, I'm not gaining either. I haven't been making any strides toward my goals or improving myself in other areas. Can't say that I've been really spending any time on myself. And what I've been giving to the Lord this summer has really been sloppy seconds at best!
I need a revival!! I need to get out of this funk!! I'm sick of this 'blahhh' feeling. My mind runs at a thousand, no, make that a million thoughts per minute, but it gets me nowhere. I need to focus. I need to write out some new goals.
YES - that's it! I need to rewrite my goals!! Maybe this is something that should be done every 6 months or so. Let's face it, a lot can happen in 6 months and that may be the perfect time to reevaluate where I've been and where I'm going.
There it is. My goal for the week. I will rewrite my goals and objectives through the end of the year. At that time, I'll need to write new goals (and come up with a new word/phrase for 2011).
Have any of you faced this? A season of 'blahhh'. Lost your focus/determination? What helped you to get back on track? Remember, this isn't a race or a diet. This is permanent. A total life change.
It's time to do the laundry. The mountain never lets me lose sight of that task :)
Have a great week everyone!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Week 34 - WooHoo!
Last Thursday I went to a meeting that I had been invited to by my sister-in-law's sister (well that's a mouthful, especially when I've known her since I was 13 so she's more like family herself). She has lost 64 pounds with WW and kept it off for like a year now!! Amazing, hugh?! So she and another gal got together and invited some gals to come to another woman's home to talk about health and nutrition. Oh, and some material motivation!! I've started in on round two and here's how it goes...
We'll meet 5 times over an 8 week period. We will weigh in (only one person will see our weight, phew) each of those 5 nights. Each evening will have a topic based on health and wellness. We will not follow any set program - some people are on WW, some use an on-line tool like Sparkpeople and others are just doing their own thing. At the end of the 8 weeks the person who's lost the largest % of body weight will win a cash prize! (2nd and 3rd do as well) Here's the really amazing part - the fee is just a one time payment of $20 per person. So the gals running it are doing it for free!! Can you imagine anyone doing anything for free these days? How cool!!!
Also, a lot of the gals are Christian wich is so nice because I won't have people look at me like I'm odd when I keep quoting, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." No siree! Nope, they have plenty of other reasons to look at me like I'm odd, but that wont be the reason. : )
So we had yet another birthday this past weekend; my husbands. We had a great weekend with..um.. great food.. But seriously, I really did quite well. Yes, I had a piece of cake, but it was a small one (nothing to rival that ice cream from vacation that's for sure!!) I was also out moving quite a bit. But I am sad to say that I didn't get any cardio in : ( All in all I'd say I did ok last week.
What pray-tell was my scale going to reveal to me this morning? Bad week the prior week, not too bad this... It could go up down or sideways... Thankfully, amazingly, it went down!!! Down by 4 pounds!!!
Do you know what this means???????????
40 POUNDS LOST!!! Yippeeeee!!!
So how am I going to celebrate? Well honestly, I think the real celebration after so many tough weeks is the motivation it gave me to press on. I went right down stairs and did my 30 minutes of cardio (to which I added weights might I add), and my eating and water intake have been great! Praying these good vibes keep me truckin' on the healthy highway!!
This weeks goals:
I want to get in at least 3 x 30 minute cardio workouts and I really want to get back to getting my 8 - 8 oz glasses of water a day! I also want to improve my consistancy in tracking my food.
Prayer requests:
Continued ambition
Job
Women's Ministry activities (I head the Women's Ministry team at church and we're heading into our busy season - LOTS going on!! FYI - In the Massachusetts area? I'll be speaking at a fun women's event at our church on Sept. 24th @ 7pm Contact me for info!
It's time for me to fetch my little man a snack. Me too I think. I'm gonna try FiberOne's new 90 calorie bars. I'll let you know how they are.
I'm feeling great - hope you all are too!!!
We'll meet 5 times over an 8 week period. We will weigh in (only one person will see our weight, phew) each of those 5 nights. Each evening will have a topic based on health and wellness. We will not follow any set program - some people are on WW, some use an on-line tool like Sparkpeople and others are just doing their own thing. At the end of the 8 weeks the person who's lost the largest % of body weight will win a cash prize! (2nd and 3rd do as well) Here's the really amazing part - the fee is just a one time payment of $20 per person. So the gals running it are doing it for free!! Can you imagine anyone doing anything for free these days? How cool!!!
Also, a lot of the gals are Christian wich is so nice because I won't have people look at me like I'm odd when I keep quoting, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." No siree! Nope, they have plenty of other reasons to look at me like I'm odd, but that wont be the reason. : )
So we had yet another birthday this past weekend; my husbands. We had a great weekend with..um.. great food.. But seriously, I really did quite well. Yes, I had a piece of cake, but it was a small one (nothing to rival that ice cream from vacation that's for sure!!) I was also out moving quite a bit. But I am sad to say that I didn't get any cardio in : ( All in all I'd say I did ok last week.
What pray-tell was my scale going to reveal to me this morning? Bad week the prior week, not too bad this... It could go up down or sideways... Thankfully, amazingly, it went down!!! Down by 4 pounds!!!
Do you know what this means???????????
40 POUNDS LOST!!! Yippeeeee!!!
So how am I going to celebrate? Well honestly, I think the real celebration after so many tough weeks is the motivation it gave me to press on. I went right down stairs and did my 30 minutes of cardio (to which I added weights might I add), and my eating and water intake have been great! Praying these good vibes keep me truckin' on the healthy highway!!
This weeks goals:
I want to get in at least 3 x 30 minute cardio workouts and I really want to get back to getting my 8 - 8 oz glasses of water a day! I also want to improve my consistancy in tracking my food.
Prayer requests:
Continued ambition
Job
Women's Ministry activities (I head the Women's Ministry team at church and we're heading into our busy season - LOTS going on!! FYI - In the Massachusetts area? I'll be speaking at a fun women's event at our church on Sept. 24th @ 7pm Contact me for info!
It's time for me to fetch my little man a snack. Me too I think. I'm gonna try FiberOne's new 90 calorie bars. I'll let you know how they are.
I'm feeling great - hope you all are too!!!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Week 33
THANK YOU to all of you for your support and encouragement as I've been battling these last few weeks to not allow myself to throw in the towel. Your encouragement really means so much to me!!
Last week was lots of fun!! We went up to New Hampshire with my sister and sister-in-law to take the kids to Storyland. The drive up wasn't too bad (except for the cramps in my legs as we had to squeeze bags under my legs due to lack of car space), especially by the time we got into the White Mountains (beautiful!!!!!!) ears poppin' and all. The weather was pretty terrific the whole time and even the motel we stayed in was great! (Seriously, a great motel - I can't say as I usually pair those two words together)
Storyland was lots of fun! There's nothing better than seeing your kids laughing and squealing and just having a blast!!! The nice thing for me was that it helped me to get tons of walking in.
The only non-terrific part was my food choices. On one hand, ya it was vacation. But on the other, I still could have enjoyed some treats without going whole hog. And I do mean whole hog!! Take a look at this:
Yup, that's me scarfing down a gallon and a half of ice cream in the billion calories chocolate and nut covered 'cone'. I will say, this was amazing!!!!!! But I felt like I had eaten incredibly delicious lead afterwards. Was it ok to have ice cream? Sure! But did I really need have that much? And the cone.. seriously?? (Ok, it was fabulous!!)
But hey, what's done is done. So what am I going to do to help myself going forward so I can get back on track and stop the whole pointless self-loathing thing? Well I tell ya, I've got a plan!!
My sister-in-law's sister has lost 60 pounds and looks amazing!! She and another gal have started a group that meets for five weeks (meeting every other week) at one of their homes where they have a talk about healthy living and do a weigh in. The cost is a onetime fee of $20. At the end of the 5 weeks cash prizes are awarded for those who have lost the greatest percentage of body fat. So, informative supportive classes and a contest? I'm there baby!! You don't have to follow any special program; it's about learning to lead a healthy life - not dieting (which I am superdeduper against 'diets'). Weigh in is this Thursday. Nervous about getting on the scale in front of someone, but excited to have new motivation!! I'll keep you posted on how it's going.
This week... sigh... I'm still trying to get back to the basics. It's hard quite frankly. It's a busy time of year (she types rolling her eyes knowing how ridiculous it sounds considering the whole summer has been busy). Time to get ready for back to school (my baby is going to Kindergarten and my big guy is off to 3rd grade!), all of the Women's Ministry activities are back in swing (more to come on this), still searching for what the Lord would have me do for work (please continue to pray).... But back to basics it must be!
What did the scale say this week you may wonder... Nothing.. Well actually it said "you stayed the same - try again next week". Ok, not actually. No worries, I don't think the scale is 'speaking to me', but I did stay the same. I'll take it. Better than a gain!
I hope you all have great weeks ahead making great choices!
It's time to get the boys ready and packed for a swimming day at the pool!
Last week was lots of fun!! We went up to New Hampshire with my sister and sister-in-law to take the kids to Storyland. The drive up wasn't too bad (except for the cramps in my legs as we had to squeeze bags under my legs due to lack of car space), especially by the time we got into the White Mountains (beautiful!!!!!!) ears poppin' and all. The weather was pretty terrific the whole time and even the motel we stayed in was great! (Seriously, a great motel - I can't say as I usually pair those two words together)
Storyland was lots of fun! There's nothing better than seeing your kids laughing and squealing and just having a blast!!! The nice thing for me was that it helped me to get tons of walking in.
The only non-terrific part was my food choices. On one hand, ya it was vacation. But on the other, I still could have enjoyed some treats without going whole hog. And I do mean whole hog!! Take a look at this:
Yup, that's me scarfing down a gallon and a half of ice cream in the billion calories chocolate and nut covered 'cone'. I will say, this was amazing!!!!!! But I felt like I had eaten incredibly delicious lead afterwards. Was it ok to have ice cream? Sure! But did I really need have that much? And the cone.. seriously?? (Ok, it was fabulous!!)
But hey, what's done is done. So what am I going to do to help myself going forward so I can get back on track and stop the whole pointless self-loathing thing? Well I tell ya, I've got a plan!!
My sister-in-law's sister has lost 60 pounds and looks amazing!! She and another gal have started a group that meets for five weeks (meeting every other week) at one of their homes where they have a talk about healthy living and do a weigh in. The cost is a onetime fee of $20. At the end of the 5 weeks cash prizes are awarded for those who have lost the greatest percentage of body fat. So, informative supportive classes and a contest? I'm there baby!! You don't have to follow any special program; it's about learning to lead a healthy life - not dieting (which I am superdeduper against 'diets'). Weigh in is this Thursday. Nervous about getting on the scale in front of someone, but excited to have new motivation!! I'll keep you posted on how it's going.
This week... sigh... I'm still trying to get back to the basics. It's hard quite frankly. It's a busy time of year (she types rolling her eyes knowing how ridiculous it sounds considering the whole summer has been busy). Time to get ready for back to school (my baby is going to Kindergarten and my big guy is off to 3rd grade!), all of the Women's Ministry activities are back in swing (more to come on this), still searching for what the Lord would have me do for work (please continue to pray).... But back to basics it must be!
What did the scale say this week you may wonder... Nothing.. Well actually it said "you stayed the same - try again next week". Ok, not actually. No worries, I don't think the scale is 'speaking to me', but I did stay the same. I'll take it. Better than a gain!
I hope you all have great weeks ahead making great choices!
It's time to get the boys ready and packed for a swimming day at the pool!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Going Down, Down, Down
It has been a downward spiral my friends with an upward climb on the scale.
I DO NOT want this to be like every attempt in the past with it lasting for a bit and then going right back to my old ways and getting bigger than ever!
I want to pick myself back up and not worry about the last few weeks, just look ahead.
I CAN do this!! I CAN.. And I WILL!!
Lord ~ Grant me the strength to get back to my healthy eating. Help remove temptation and more imporatantly, when temptation arises help me to stand up under it. Help me to be all that you call me to be. Thank you Father. amen.
I DO NOT want this to be like every attempt in the past with it lasting for a bit and then going right back to my old ways and getting bigger than ever!
I want to pick myself back up and not worry about the last few weeks, just look ahead.
I CAN do this!! I CAN.. And I WILL!!
Lord ~ Grant me the strength to get back to my healthy eating. Help remove temptation and more imporatantly, when temptation arises help me to stand up under it. Help me to be all that you call me to be. Thank you Father. amen.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Boston Creme Pie Cupcakes on the down low!
Be honest, your mouth is watering already, isn't it?!
As good as this looks, it tastes even better!!
Thank you so much Tracey for making these for me for my birthday and
for sharing your recipe with us all!!
Tracey's Boston Creme Pie Cupcakes:
Ingredients
1 pkg (2 layer size) of yellow cake mix (prepare using box directions... subsitituting Applesauce for oil (even subsitution) and using eggbeaters instead of eggs (1/4 C = 1 large egg).
1 cup cold milk (fat free is fine)
1 pkg vanilla instant pudding (fat free/sugar free)
1 1/2 cups thawed cool whip (fat free)
4 oz of semi sweet baking chocolate (Baker's Brand is is 4.5 grams of fat per oz)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
Spray 24 medium muffin cups and fill with 3 tbsp of cake mix. Cook as directed. Cool for 10 minutes in pan then put on wire rack to cool completely.
As the cupcakes are cooling, pour milk into a large bowl. Add pudding mix and beat with a wire whisk for 2 minutes. Let it stand 5 minutes to thicken. As pudding thickens, using a serrated knife, cut the cupcakes in half horizontally. Gently stir ½ cup of the whipped topping into pudding mix. Spoon about 1 TBSP of mix onto bottom half of each cupcake and cover with the top.
Microwave the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping and chocolate squares on HIGH for 1 minute, stir, then again for 30 seconds. Stir well for about a min until it thickens a little! Frost each cupcake with approx 1 tsp of chocolate mix (using the backside of the spoon works best).
Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving.
I just entered every ingredient onto a spreadsheet and according to my calculations, here's the skinny on these cupcakes:
Calories ~ 112
Fat ~ 2
Carbs ~ 21
Dietary Fiber ~ <1
Thank you again Tracey for these super yummy cupcakes!!
Week 31
Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend, I sure did!
Both Friday and Saturday we spent the whole day at my sister's pool. The weather was sunny and warm without being oppressive, which was lovely! There was lots of food!! My sister's neighbor made me some birthday Boston cream cup cakes which were absolutely delicious and guilt free (dontcha love it when those two forces combine?). I'll need to get the recipe from her and share it with you.
Our boys spent the night with Aunties and my husband took me out to dinner and then dancing... sort of. We went to dinner at one of my favorite restraints, Bertucci's. I'd love to tell you I had water and salad, but alas... I had two rolls (their rolls and dipping oil are the best ever!!) and then for dinner (I hope you don't gain anything just listening to this fatty dish I had) I had the tortellini and chicken gratinatti. Oh my!!! I will say that I was at least pleased to learn that I can't eat as much of this as I could have at this time last year. I did feel guilty eating it - but then I said to myself, "Hey, it's your birthday. Enjoy yourself and then move on." And move on we did to dancing... sort of..
My husband had found this event advertised on the state web site. It was a 1940's night at the Memorial hall a few towns away to benefit a local church. There was a 16 piece band, a picture girl, and a 'cigarette' girl (she really sold gum and candy). We were moved to floor seating since it was my birthday which was very nice of the organizer! Before we got married (it will be 10 years in December) we took dance lessons at Arthur Murrays. I LOVED it! So fun and great exercise!!! But after the introductory sessions and then the 1st package the rates became ridiculously expensive so we had to stop. So there we were with our 10 year old dance lessons on the dance floor with all of these folks who clearly hadn't let their lessons get stale. "Excuse me. .. Sorry... Pardon us..." was uttered by my husband time and time again as we tried to navigate the dance floor like fish trying to swim against the current. Yeah, after just one foxtrot I was feeling way too insecure to try to get out there again. :( But I still enjoyed listening to the band!! I love old music!!!
So what's the damage done after all of this birthday frivolity? 2 pounds.. ugh! 2 pound gain. I so want to say, oh well, it's a new week. But this is vacation week and we'll be going away for a few days. I'm hoping all of the walking around the amusement park will be a big help and I'm packing healthy snacks and breakfasts.
I said last week that I wanted to hit the 50 pound mark by the end of August. I just don't know if that's a reasonable goal. It would mean losing 12 pounds between now and then with vacation happening this week. Hmm...
I do need to give myself a little pat on the back for getting my exercise in last week. Even with all that was going on I did at least get my cardio in every other day! Also, let's hear it for non-scale-victories. I received many compliments from family who hadn't seen me in a few months as well as folks at church that I hadn't seen in a few weeks. I have to admit, it really is nice to know that the hard work is noticeable. I am posting a new picture as I've been slacking in this department. I may add a photo page to make it easier to see my progress.
So friends, how has your summer been going? Do you find it easier to stay on track during the summer or the other seasons? (I have to vote for the other seasons)
It's time to get ready to go shopping for our trip. Have a great week everyone!!
** Progress In Pictures page has been added!!
Both Friday and Saturday we spent the whole day at my sister's pool. The weather was sunny and warm without being oppressive, which was lovely! There was lots of food!! My sister's neighbor made me some birthday Boston cream cup cakes which were absolutely delicious and guilt free (dontcha love it when those two forces combine?). I'll need to get the recipe from her and share it with you.
Our boys spent the night with Aunties and my husband took me out to dinner and then dancing... sort of. We went to dinner at one of my favorite restraints, Bertucci's. I'd love to tell you I had water and salad, but alas... I had two rolls (their rolls and dipping oil are the best ever!!) and then for dinner (I hope you don't gain anything just listening to this fatty dish I had) I had the tortellini and chicken gratinatti. Oh my!!! I will say that I was at least pleased to learn that I can't eat as much of this as I could have at this time last year. I did feel guilty eating it - but then I said to myself, "Hey, it's your birthday. Enjoy yourself and then move on." And move on we did to dancing... sort of..
My husband had found this event advertised on the state web site. It was a 1940's night at the Memorial hall a few towns away to benefit a local church. There was a 16 piece band, a picture girl, and a 'cigarette' girl (she really sold gum and candy). We were moved to floor seating since it was my birthday which was very nice of the organizer! Before we got married (it will be 10 years in December) we took dance lessons at Arthur Murrays. I LOVED it! So fun and great exercise!!! But after the introductory sessions and then the 1st package the rates became ridiculously expensive so we had to stop. So there we were with our 10 year old dance lessons on the dance floor with all of these folks who clearly hadn't let their lessons get stale. "Excuse me. .. Sorry... Pardon us..." was uttered by my husband time and time again as we tried to navigate the dance floor like fish trying to swim against the current. Yeah, after just one foxtrot I was feeling way too insecure to try to get out there again. :( But I still enjoyed listening to the band!! I love old music!!!
So what's the damage done after all of this birthday frivolity? 2 pounds.. ugh! 2 pound gain. I so want to say, oh well, it's a new week. But this is vacation week and we'll be going away for a few days. I'm hoping all of the walking around the amusement park will be a big help and I'm packing healthy snacks and breakfasts.
I said last week that I wanted to hit the 50 pound mark by the end of August. I just don't know if that's a reasonable goal. It would mean losing 12 pounds between now and then with vacation happening this week. Hmm...
I do need to give myself a little pat on the back for getting my exercise in last week. Even with all that was going on I did at least get my cardio in every other day! Also, let's hear it for non-scale-victories. I received many compliments from family who hadn't seen me in a few months as well as folks at church that I hadn't seen in a few weeks. I have to admit, it really is nice to know that the hard work is noticeable. I am posting a new picture as I've been slacking in this department. I may add a photo page to make it easier to see my progress.
So friends, how has your summer been going? Do you find it easier to stay on track during the summer or the other seasons? (I have to vote for the other seasons)
It's time to get ready to go shopping for our trip. Have a great week everyone!!
** Progress In Pictures page has been added!!
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