I'm Baaack!

Wow, that was quite the hiatus!  I've decided to start blogging again to keep our friends and family up to date.  I have Facebook, but I don't post on there too often and this way I can elaborate more instead of a huge long post on Facebook.  So I'm just going to start fresh. So without further adieu, here is what has been going on recently with our family!

For those close to us, you know our 3 year old, Jasmine, is a handful.  Yes, she is a threenager, but for a while there I was convinced she had ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder).  I KNEW she was acting out just to push my buttons.  I was going CRAZY!!!  Tony kept telling me she was just being 3, but I wasn't buyin' it.  My relationship with my daughter was getting toxic.  I didn't hate her, but most days I didn't like her.  I yelled all the time, I was stressed, and honestly, I've had 2 major breakdowns (one to the point that Tony had to come home from an open house because I could not move).  This quote from The Explosive Child pretty much sums up how I was feeling, my daughter "has caused me to act in ways in which I never thought myself capable.  I'm emotionally spent.  I can't keep living like this."  Something had to change.

So I asked on our neighborhood Facebook page for recommendations for child therapists that work with ODD.  A fabulous lady, Sarah Green, commented that she runs Heartlight Services.  She offers free consultations so I thought let's give it a try.  Jasmine and I met her and her immediate response was that Jasmine doesn't have ODD, but she's actually just very sensitive.  She named a few characteristics of sensitive kids and it was basically exactly Jasmine's personality.  After 10 minutes with her, I knew Sarah could help us.  She was going to be out of the country for more training, so we had to wait a couple weeks before we could do an IN HOME parent coaching session.  She gave me the name of a book to read, The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis, to start reading until our session.  I read it and another book a friend suggested, The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene. Currently I am reading another book, Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka.  With implementing parenting methods from each of these books, I am happy to report my relationship with Jasmine is 1000% percent better.  Is it perfect?  Not by a long shot.  There are times I yell and honestly even times when I still spank, but I am improving, and I understand my daughter better.  Understanding why she behaves the way she does has drastically helped me.  So for those of you who have a strong willed, spirited, explosive or whatever adjective you want to use child, I HIGHLY recommend these books and if you live in the area, call Sarah.  If I hadn't met her, I could still be emotionally frenzied and at my wits end.  But now I am calmer.  Which for my high strung self, says a lot.  Until next time!  

Zoo Day

The girls were hit with the horrendous stomach bug this week.  Thankfully, they were all better to spend the day at the zoo celebrating Brianna's (my niece) 3rd birthday today. 

Watching the otters

Watching turtles and the 

crocodile look a like thing

 

Jasmine's 2nd Birthday

Last Wednesday our baby girl turned 2!!!  Can you believe it?  The day started out pretty chill.  Her cousins  came over and Daddy started a new tradition and took her to breakfast to IHOP, just the two of them.  After nap, we went to Going Bonkers and they played for hours!  We all had a ton of fun there!  I'm seriously considering getting a season pass for me and the girls.  Here are some pictures of the day.  My amazing sister, Krysten, made the cake.  Jasmine LOVES minions! 

 

Jasmine and Daddy going down the slide

Gabby and Daddy going down the slide

Whack a Mole

Time for cake!

Banana!

 

 

Final Weigh In

This past week was the final weigh in for the Biggest Loser weight loss challenge.  I worked really hard because I really wanted to win.  Here is where I ended for this 6 week challenge:

Weight:  127.6 - 3.5% weekly loss - 7.94% total loss
Waist:  31.5 inches - 0 weekly loss - 2.5 inch total loss
Neck:  11.25 inches - .25 inch weekly loss - .75 inch total loss
Hips:  36 inches - 1.5 inch weekly loss - 2 inch total loss

So with my current weight, I'm now in the normal weight range for my height.  Hooray!!!  And I'm so happy I FINALLY lost some inches in the hips!  Now, as far as how I did in the weight loss competition....I WON!!!  WOO HOO!  It took me 4 rounds to finally win something, but I did it!  The next one will start the first week of January, so if you want in, let me know!  Have a great week!

Weeks 4 & 5

Last week was a little crazy with Thanksgiving, so I forgot to post.  AND I forgot to take measurements this week and last week, so I'll have to update that next week.  Here are my weight stats for the past 2 weeks:

Week 4:  133.2 pounds-.89% weekly loss-3.9% total loss
Week 5:  132.2 pounds-.75% weekly loss-4.62% total loss

Not too shabby.  I'm almost to my second reward goal of 130! 

Week #3

Sorry I didn't post yesterday.  Here are my stats as of this week:

Weight: 134.4-.74% weekly loss-3.03% total loss
Waist: 31 inches-1.5 inch weekly loss-3 inch total loss
Hips: 37.5 inches-no weekly loss-1/2 inch total loss
Neck: 11.5 inches-no weekly loss-1/2 inch total loss

I am a little bummed I only lost inches in my waist, but I'm trying not to dwell on that too much because I am still losing.  Have a great week!

Week #2

Here are my stats for this weigh in:

Weight: 135.4 pounds-1.02% weekly loss-2.31% total loss
Waist: 33.5 inches-no weekly loss-1/2 inch loss total
Neck: 11.5 inches-no weekly loss-1/2 inch loss total
Hips: 37.5 inches-no weekly loss-1/2 inch loss total

So no loss in inches, but a small loss in weight.  A loss is a loss right? 

I've read before that the less you eat of something, the less you will crave it.  I never believed that because how could I possibly not crave chocolate?  Well, it turns out it's totally true!  Tuesday is my designated cheat day and I can eat whatever I want.  I chose Tuesday because Tony plays basketball on Tuesday nights, so after the girls go to bed, I have some quality time with myself and I catch up on all my recorded shows.  Although I almost always watch Gilmore Girls.  Well, in the past, I would open a bag of Doritos, a box of Swiss Cake Rolls, and a carton of juice and let loose.  However, the past couple of weeks I have been trying so hard not to eat those things so last night when I went to the store, I grabbed a bag of Doritos and then thought to myself, "I don't even want these" and put it back on the shelf.  I even bought a bag of sliced apples!  For those that know me well, know that I would NEVER buy sliced apples instead of chips.  Then when Tony left I didn't even want the snack cakes!  It was so amazing!  I did eat a cookie from Chick Fil A, but I ate it slowly instead of demolishing it in 2 minutes.  Progress my friends!  See you next week!

Week #1

Good morning and Happy Halloween!!!  I had a good week!  Here are my stats as of today:

Weight: 136.8 pounds-a 1.3% loss
Waist: 33.5 inches-1/2 inch loss
Neck: 11.5 inches-1/2 inch loss
Hips:  37.5 inches-1/2 inch loss

I'm pretty proud of myself right now.  I've been working out diligently, however I did take yesterday off, but the girls and I went on a walk for about 30 minutes, so I was still moving.  I know I've been working hard, but I do want to give credit where credit is due.  I was doing some research on natural appetite suppressants (because overeating was my main problem).  I found that a lot of people had success with Raspberry Ketones, a product Dr. Oz approves of.  I'm not a Dr. Oz fan, so I had no idea about this until last week.  The reviews were hit and miss. You could tell some were fake reviews, but others you knew they were people who actually bought and used the product.  I like that it's a natural ingredient and not a bunch of chemicals mixed together, so I figured I would give them a shot.  The bottle says to take one capsule daily, which is equivalent to 4 pounds of raspberries...there's no way I'll eat 4 pounds of raspberries every day, let alone have the budget for that, so popping a pill a day seemed reasonable to me.  I however, I take 2 pills a day.  I take them in the morning when I first wake up and I cannot believe how much I DON'T eat now.  Ask Tony...he thinks I'm starving myself and I joke with him that I am, but it's really these pills that are doing it, and I'm okay with that.   

I've also cut out a TON of the crap food I used to eat.  I'm not buying the sugary cereals anymore (Captain Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, etc), eating Little Debbie snack cakes (man I love those swiss cake rolls), eating an entire bag of Doritos in one night (please don't judge me), I switched to skim milk from 2%, AND I think my biggest achievement of all is my Chick-fil-a addiction has been conquered.  I used to eat there probably 3-4 times a week, but I haven't in at least 2, maybe even 3.  I haven't completely cut out soda, but I am working on it.  I don't buy it to keep at the house, so if I have one, it's when we go out to eat.  I had one at dinner on Friday night, but I haven't craved a Dr. Pepper, so I think I'm doing pretty good.  OH! And at our church trunk or treat on Saturday, I only ate 2 pieces of Gabby's candy and that's all I've had!  The "old Lauren" probably would have eaten her entire bucket by now. 

I think I've made some really good progress this week and I'm excited to keep seeing the numbers drop.  See ya next week!

I'm back!!!!

I know I've been MIA for a while now.  A couple people have asked me what happened and the honest truth is I just got lazy.  My weight loss is 100% nonexistent.  In fact, I've GAINED weight.  And a lot of it!  As of this morning I am 138.6 pounds.  BUT!  I've made a new resolution to lose the weight, slowly but surely. My new goal weight is to get down to 100 pounds (the weight I was when Tony and I got married) by 2014. That may sound like a really long time, but I know myself and I can't try to do it quickly or I will indulge in too many sweets and chips and then end up gaining 3 pounds in 1 day.  I'm also taking measurements now.  My waist is 34 inches, neck is 12 inches and hips are 38 inches.  These are the measurements My Fitness Pal asks for.  I love using this app to log my food and exercise. 

My food intake goal is 1,400 calories a day.  I will also be exercising at least 3 times a week, but I am not going to count the calories I burn as more calories I can eat. So more than likely I will intake a net of about 1,000-1,200 calories a day.  Now, if I keep up this calorie intake, I'll reach 100 pounds next summer, but I know myself, and I will have cheat days and bad days, so I doubt I'll reach it by then, which is why I'm giving myself until 2014. 

I am doing my friend's weight loss competition again (this is my 4th round).  It is 6 weeks long and the person with the most percentage of weight lost gets the pool of money we all pitched in.  Weigh in is every Wednesday, so I will be updating the blog by Thursday.  I'm planning on doing a before and after picture with each 6 weeks to track my progress.  Here are my before pictures for this 6 weeks:

In addition, I'm giving myself rewards when I hit a certain weight.  Here's what I've come up with: 

135-new earrings
130-new shirt
125-a health/fitness magazine subscription...any suggestions?
120-new jeans
115-massage
110-pedicure
105-2 new sets of workout clothes
100-NEW WARDROBE!!!



The more weight I lose, the more expensive the reward is.  I shop at Ross a lot, so clothes won't be too expensive, but I'm really excited! I will have to buy some clothes here and there as I lose more weight, but I won't go overboard.  I'm okay with wearing baggy clothes for a few months to save my money for the grand finale.  So that's my plan.  Happy weight losing!

Skinny Me Update

Clearly I'm not the best blogger in cyber space...my apologies.  BUT I have awesome news! I've lost more weight! I'm thrilled to announce I'm down to 121.8! Only 7 pounds to go!!! Insanity is getting a little easier...not a lot but a little. I love the results so far. I love having a buddy to work out with (shout out to Sarah!) every morning.  It really keeps me on track and motivated. She's already reached her goal weight so I'm even more motivated now to reach mine. My friend Mandy is doing another round of her weight loss competition.  Its 6 weeks and you weigh in every week and she calculates the percentage and posts it to the Facebook group. Its $25 and there's a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. If you want to be in the next group, let me know and I'll get you in contact with Mandy. The group is awesome and so supportive. I love it! The next round starts August 1 and payment is due by August 8 or you are dropped from the group.  Anyone can do it. You don't have to be here in Fort Worth. She adds you to the Facebook group and that's how we all communicate. Happy weight losing!!!

Skinny Me Week 7

I was a little over my calorie budget for the week.  As of this morning, my weight is down to 128. Yay!  Only 13 pounds to go!!!!

Date	Food	Exercise	Net	Difference	Running Total
6/25/2012	1140	122	1018	182	1018/1200
6/26/2012	1586	391	1195	5	2213/2400
6/27/2012	1500	403	1097	103	3310/3600
6/28/2012	1505	-	1505	-305	4815/4800
6/29/2012	1878	135	1743	-543	6558/6000
6/30/2012	1260	386	874	326	7432/7200
7/1/2012	1180	-	1180	20	8612/8400

Skinny Me Week 6

I can't believe I've been doing this for 6 weeks and have nothing to show for it.  So disappointing!  My weight as of this morning was 131.  A lot of my friends said it was because of my "visitor" so let's hope they're right and I'll drop some pounds when the visit is over! 

I joined a weight loss competition with a bunch of people.  We each pitched in $25 and at the end of 6 weeks, whoever has the most percentage of weight lost gets the pot of money.  We have a lot of people in the group so we have a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, which is fine by me!  Hopefully I'll get something.  The group is really awesome and we're so supportive of each other, which is crucial to have when losing weight. 

And, I've had to change my workout routine AGAIN!  Tony's work schedule doesn't really allow me to have set nights to do INSANITY with my friend, Sarah, so we've decided that instead of doing it twice a week in the evenings, we are going to do it EVERY morning at 6:30.  Today was the first day and it felt so good.  Even though the workout this morning seemed easier than the others, I was soooo tired! I took some before photos too.  I'm going to send INSANITY my before and after photos when the 60 day challenge is done so I can get my free t-shirt.  You work for that puppy!  If you're looking for a workout program, I HIGHLY recommend INSANITY.  No, they're not paying me to say this.  I've just already seen a huge improvement in my endurance since I've started it.  I may not have lost any weight yet, but I know I'm gaining muscle and I'm becoming healthier, and that's the overall goal. 

Here are my results and my before photos.  I didn't write down everything I ate last week, so some days are blank. 

Date	Food	Exercise	Net	Difference
6/18/2012	1188	-	1188	12
6/19/2012	1227	-	1227	-27
6/20/2012	-	-	-	-
6/21/2012	1285	402	883	317
6/22/2012	800	-	800	400
6/23/2012	-	-	-	-
6/24/2012	1005	-	1005	195

I REALLY hate this photo, but hopefully I'll look much better soon



A House of Order

I am so disorganized.  I like to think I'm organized, but I'm not.  Which is kinda weird because I LOVE making spreadsheets for things to keep track stuff, so you'd think that would transfer over into our home...nope.  I've been wanting to get organized for a while now.  We are moving into a house when our lease is up in February, and I'd like to make the move as less stressful as possible by purging what we don't need and organizing what we do.  But with 2 small children who depend on me and with EVERY room in the apartment needing to be done, the task seems impossible.  THEN I remembered my friend, Jo, cleans and organizes houses for a living.  So I called her up and she's coming over next month to help me with the task.  Our schedules won't allow us to do it sooner, which is okay.  I can get a head start so I'm not too embarrassed when she comes over.  And who wouldn't want to get organized with all the amazing ideas on Pinterest?  Speaking of Pinterest, thanks to this wonderful site, I am taking the 52 Weeks to an Organized Home Challenge!  It breaks up organizing your entire house into little steps each week so it's not so overwhelming.  The first week's challenge is the kitchen counters and sink.  I actually already did this project before I knew about the challenge, but I took it one step further.  Check out my before and after pictures.

I threw away old food that was in the white bowl, put the blender, silver canisters and bottle warmer in cabinets, and the spices on the back of the pantry door in an over the door shoe organizer (to be seen in a later post).

I put the microwave bottle sterilizer in a top cabinet because we just never use it.  I kept the spice rack out to hide the cord for the toaster oven.  I put the white bowl with treats in it and the butter dish on top of the toaster oven to save on counter space.

This area didn't need much work.  I put the cords behind the cork board so they are out of sight unless we need to use them.  That's where we charge our cell phones and the tablet.  The knife block is also behind there, but you obviously had no idea.  Just an FYI-we keep the towel on the microwave handle because Gabby always took it off and ran away with it when we kept it on the oven handle.  Now it's out of reach for her grabby hands!

This area didn't need much done either.  I put all the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, put away all the bottles and put the monitors in the white basket that's on the bar.

 For the bar I just put away the clutter (newspapers and what was in the white basket) and put the monitor in the white basket.  We keep the basket on the bar and put things in it that don't belong in the kitchen and living room and when it's full, we take the basket around the house and put everything away. 

So this challenge wasn't too time consuming because I pretty much did it last week on my own.  I'm happy with it.  It looks a little weird having the counters more clear, but I know it looks MUCH better than even before I did it the first time.  I should have taken pictures of that.  The next challenge tackles kitchen drawers and cabinets.  I'll probably start that this week.  Are you going to take the 52 Weeks to an Organized Home Challenge too?

Skinny Me Week 5

I lost 2 pounds!  Woo hoo!  I'm 129 now.  Granted, its not where I really want to be right now-I've had a couple of set backs-but I'm determined to lose the weight before the end of the year.  I've been reading a book called Live Your Life for Half the Price and I read a good principle in it.  It said to look at every purchase in terms of how many hours you have to work to pay for it.  Granted, I don't have a paying job, but I can use this strategy for what I eat.  For example, a 12oz can of Dr. Pepper is 150 calories.  If I chose to drink that soda, I would have to walk 3.5mph for 40 minutes, just to work it off!  I think if I start looking at it like this, I'll be much more likely to stay on track...I hope.  I've enlisted Tony's help.  I told him to start asking me if I am going to walk to work off those cookies, soda, or whatever it is.  He was hesitant because I don't take people telling me what to do too  kindly, but I need the motivation.  I'm not trying to be model skinny.  My goal is to be thin and in shape.  In my early 20's, I was what Jillian Michaels calls "fat skinny."  I was skinny, but not in shape at all!  I just had a high metabolism.  Well, getting married and 2 kids later, my metabolism isn't what it used to be!  I've also decided on a FINAL weekly workout schedule. Here it is:
MWF: Slim in 6  Ab workout routine.  This is only about 13 minutes, but I can't commit to 45 minutes of exercise every day.  It's just not feasible with 2 small children, but I want to do something, so this seemed like a good fit for what I need.


T & TH-Insanity with my friend Sarah-woo hoo!  The last time I did Insanity, I burned over 400 calories.  Not bad at all!  But it kicks your butt!


Saturday-mow my mom's lawn.  I mowed her lawn last week and burned over 300 calories!  Granted I didn't realize her mower had the handle that self propels it and it hadn't been mowed in 2 weeks, so it took me an hour.  I know it won't take that long every week, but I figure if I don't use the self propel feature, it will take me about 30 minutes to do all of it.


I'm also going to stick to my slim fast shakes.  I haven't been doing that, and I NEED to.  I need to train myself to eat less, and better.  I've stopped buying sweets and snacks I like, so when I want something, I have to have a glass of water or a jell-o cup that's only 70 calories.  Luckily Tony and I don't like the same snacks so this won't be hard to do, plus it helps the grocery budget :)


Here are my results from this past week

Date	Food	Exercise	Net	Difference	Running Total
6/11/2012	909	-	909	291	909/1200
6/12/2012	1840	200	1640	-440	2549/2400
6/13/2012	1621	200	1421	-220	3970/3600
6/14/2012	1675	326	1349	-149	5319/4800
6/15/2012	2189	-	2189	-989	7508/6000
6/16/2012	1453	200	1253	-53	8761/7200
6/17/2012	1215	-	1215	-15	9976/8400

If you see me eating something I shouldn't be, feel free to take on Tony's challenge and ask me if I'm going to walk for 40 minutes to burn it off!  The more people I have bugging me, the more likely I am to stop!