Lesson From a Three-Year-Old

Yes I said three-year-old. Somehow between Apple Blossom celebrations and Mother's Day picnics my baby girl turned three!

Carleigh May, you are so full of a zest for life. You live every day just like you eat a cookie or some other sweet treat you love--very slowly. You savor each bite, enjoy every morsel and what it has to offer. I pray that I can learn from you and take time to enjoy what life has to offer, what God has blessed us with each day. You truly are excited EVERY day with the rising of the sun, the green of the grass, the singing of the birds and the softness of our kitty's fur like it's your first time experiencing these every day occurrences.. Too often we rush to playdates or off to run errands and forget to enjoy the little moments. God created this amazing Earth with lavish colors, amazing flavors and infinite stars for us to adore. Thank you baby girl for reminding me to enjoy it!

Psalm 118:24

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!

I said "Yes"

My friend Jennifer over at Parenting Steps challenged our group of Mommy friends to "Be a 'Yes' Mom" for a week--say "yes" to something we normally wouldn't like ice cream for breakfast, crazy clothes, etc. I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I am not more of a "Yes" Mom, not at all. Growing up I thought I'd be this really cool spontaneous mom, but somehow I have turned into a crazy  mom who thrives on schedule and needs things to be "just-so." Huge messes from finger paints unnerve me, as do cookie crumbs everywhere or unexpected detours when trying to get from point A to point B. So when I read the challenge this morning on Facebook, part of me cringed, but that same part knew I HAD to do it. Initially I planned (keyword "plan") to just say yes to the kids playing in the water in the backyard. But this morning when the kids and I needed to walk to the Post Office to mail a package, Nicolaus asked if he could walk instead of riding in the stroller with his sister. I heard a voice in my head (ahem Jennifer) saying "Be a YES Mom!" So off we went, Carleigh in the single stroller and Nicolaus rushing ahead; skipping beside; squatting to pick up a rock, pine cone, or acorn. And do you know what...he pointed out fragrant peonies along the way I had never noticed, butterfly cocoons hangingon a porch, dewy honeysuckle climbing along a railing, a robin's egg fallen from its nest. You see, I normally click the two of them into the double stroller and power walk wherever we need to go like its my life's purpose. If I hadn't said "Yes," we would have missed a memorable morning. Andplusalso, I didn't bring my phone, so normally when I would have been tempted to instagram, FaceBook or text every little discovery, instead they're all ours and I wouldn't have it any other way. Especially in today's society when we are all so plugged in to social networks and our electronic devices, it is easy to let meaningful personal relationships and special moments pass us by. So I ask you, what are you missing by not saying "Yes?" By not following your children's footsteps for they are making discoveries every day?

Matthew 18:3 
3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

WW | Preschoolers on Parade

Take it off Monday

So I am not really sure what week this is in my quest to a healthier me. But do you know what? I don't really care because I reached my first goal! Yes! 10 pounds are gone! Now if only I could find the time to get that mani/pedi!

Weight loss this week: - 1 lbs
Weight loss to date: 10 lbs

Weight left to lose: 14 lbs

First Goal: 10 pounds (reached 4/6/2013)

• Reward: Mani/Pedicure

Second Goal: 15 pounds

• Reward: Massage
  

Final Goal: 20 pounds

• Reward: New Bag

Success:  Exercise, healthy eating, Slenderiix

Set-Backs: 

Exercise: Running on the treadmill and more Blogilates!

Take It off Monday | Week 10

I lost three pounds! Whoohoo! This brings my total weight loss back to 6 pounds. I had lost quite a bit while sick then gained most of it back on my recent road trip, so I am really happy. Additionally, I am wearing some clothes I haven't fit into in a while, so I think it is about time to take all my measurements and see how many inches I may have lost. Perhaps I'll give that another month.

This week was my first week using Slenderiix. And I totally noticed a difference in my appetite. I was not starving when I woke up, nor was I "snacky" during the day. I am continuing with Blogilates (Love!) as well as eating a low carb, low processed foods diet and drinking a ton of water. I'd love to hear how you are doing on your fitness goals and any tips and tricks keeping you motivated!

Weight loss this week: 3 lbs
Weight loss to date: 6 lbs

Weight left to lose: 14 lbs

First Goal: 10 pounds 

• Reward: Mani/Pedicure

Second Goal: 15 pounds

• Reward: Massage
  

Final Goal: 20 pounds

• Reward: New Bag

Success:  Exercise, healthy eating

Set-Backs: 

Exercise: Running on the treadmill and more Blogilates!

WW | Here Comes Spring!

Someone is VERY happy to see flowers on their way!

Take it off Monday | Week 9

This was a tough week for me! Not much weight loss going on, but I did manage to eat fairly well and get in almost all my workouts. I'm back at it today and am excited to start something brand new to go along with my overall fitness program. In college I became hooked on a fat loss supplement that was basically speed and swore I'd never use one again. Fast forward twelve years, two kids, and several extra inches around my middle. I was approached to try out a relatively new weight loss aide and have decided to give it a go. Slenderiix is 100% homeopathic and has none of the speedy chemicals in many other supplements. The company promotes healthy eating including organic fruits and veggies as well as hormone and antibiotic-free pasture raised meats which my family is already into. I'll be sure to include my thoughts and feedback specific to this aspect of my health and fitness goals. If you want to know more about Slenderiix, comment below or send me a personal message.