My Week: Thursday

I’ve never addressed the water intake but I have a wonderful 24oz Starbucks (duh!) cold cup and I drink about 4 or 5 refills of it each work day. At home I only drink water and if I work out I easily go through a water bottle or 2. So yeah, I love water and so does my body!

Thursday

7:15- I roll around and realize the boys are up and Davy is still here- victory! I lay in silence and listen to the boy’s conversation…Moses informs Davy the difference between how Mommy and Daddy go peepee and I slightly die inside.

7:15-8:15- I’ve been craving a smoothie so I whip one up first thing.

Berry Green smoothie: 1 frozen banana, handful of blueberries, two strawberries, blueberry greek yogurt, ½ cup skim milk, large handful of spinach. Throw it all in the blender and breakfast is served! Note: using a brown frozen banana adds extra chill and so much more sweetness because of how ripe it is. Anytime my banans turn brownish I throw them in the freezer for smoothies or banana bread. To peel simply heat in microwave 30 seconds and it’s soft enough to pull off). I sit in the freezer while I continue to get ready. Moses wants a smoothie too but only drinks about two sips of it before giving it back to me. He wants just to want!

8:30- While driving to school I remind Moses that he gets a popsicle after school if he behaves today because after yesterday’s melt down at school he didn’t get any treats. He ensures he’ll have a GREAT day!

10am- my stomach is a little upset; not sure if it’s all the dairy or the spinach or what but I’m in no mood to eat.

12:15- I eat a frozen Smart One spicy Thai peanut chicken noodle thing because I’m hungry and I’m hoping it will just make whatever’s wrong go away. I took a short lunch at my desk which was way too short. I eat a Dove chocolate because I’m in denial lunch is over.

3pm- Just feeling crappy and bored and like I want to eat something naughty. This ALWAYS happens to me on Thursdays and Fridays because I’m ready for the weekend and think that will make it all better.

      Snack: Mini bag of popcorn and another Dove. Blah…I want a cupcake!

6:15pm- The boys are happy because my MIL is coming over for dinner AND we are going on a movie date after we eat!

Food: Skinny Taste Jalapeño Popper Chicken with a side of roasted red potatoes and salad. I put ½ of a red potato on my plate (just to taste it but not indulge) but mostly fill it with lots of salad and a small piece of chicken. Not going to lie, the chicken is amazing!

8:00pm- Oh hi, worst decision of the week. Here I am on a date wanting something sweet and we are at the Publix bakery. I get a frosted cookie that I know is a terrible idea but I do it anyways. It taste amazing but about an hour later I realize it wasn’t worth it and make a mental note this unsatisfied feeling is greater than the one I had thinking that a cookie would make me satisfied. I work too hard to let these things trip me up. I forgive myself and move on because it’s too late but lesson learned.

11:00pm- the movie was long (Hunger Games; Hubs read the series but had yet to see the movie…he loved it) and we’re exhausted.

My Week: Tuesday

Tuesday

7:15- Moses comes in our room and cries when he realizes Daddy’s gone to work. This new position is an adjustment for all of us.

7:15-8:00- We quickly realize the power is out so it’s a strange morning. No TV or hair straightener or standing with the fridge open; I get hot quick and we’re out the door early.

8:20- Since I’m early I figure I’ll get my Publix shopping out of the way; the store is practically empty and although my cart is loaded full it only took 25 minutes. I have already browsed Skinny Taste as well as my pantry and picked out meals for this week; I’ve been trying to spend around $75 a week on groceries so I’m cutting down on extras and keeping to the list. I always do a couple chicken dishes mixed with a shrimp or beef dish to keep Davy happy.

Staples in my cart are: Strawberries, bananas, apples, oranges, mangos (have been on sale lately), bell peppers, onion, spinach, frozen broccoli, Board’s Head Everroast chicken, shredded cheddar for my boys, bread, greek yogurt and regular yogurt, eggs, egg whites. These foods make up breakfast and lunches as well as snacks.

Dinners normally call for a mix of: yellow rice, beans, sweet potatoes, brown rice, panko or Italian bread crumbs, squash, various seasonings or sauces I have at home.

I spend $90 at Publix and I know I still need to do another dry run at lunch…crap! Not on budget!

9am- At work I make a bowl of greek yogurt with slices strawberries and blueberries; it tastes awesome! I have some coffee later on but only half a cup. I don’t need coffee to function so sometimes it’s just for flavor.

12:15- I’m still not that hungry so I eat a banana before heading to Wal Mart. I hate Wal Mart but you can’t beat their prices of some dry food or brand name things so it’s my go to maybe once a week. Blah, not nearly as fun as Target!

Food:  I eat some sliced lunch meat, sliced bell peppers, and blueberries because I’m hungry but not starving and I need something quick as I’ve already started to work again. Fun fact: you don’t need bread or other dry starchy carb thing with every lunch; fresh food is satisfying especially when you slice it all before you sit down and have a big spread to pick from.

3pm- Hmmm here comes 3pm hunger. I want something fun so I check the points on this new organic cinnamon crunch cereal I bought and it’s only 3 points for 1 cp! Waa hoo hello bowl of cereal for snack!

5:45- Feeling hungry but there is no way I’m eating; dinner is soon! I’m low on my points today but I feel like I’ve been eating…soon it’s 6pm and I’m out the door.

6:15pm- Unload all the food and start dinner. The boys get home (waa hoo) and we play and cook.

7:00pm- Dinner: Grilled flank steak with a black bean, tomatoes, and corn (fiesta flavor) salsa (Skinny Taste) with a side of yellow rice. Its yum and the flavors are great so no cheese or sour cream needed!

7:15-8:00pm- Play time! We do some memory games and goof off; in between I’m prepping the sausage egg mcmuffins I’m making for Davy for his breakfasts. He needs something fast in the mornings and a twitter friend gave me her recipe. They were super easy and I’m already thinking of ways I have make them Weight Watcher friendly.

8:00pm- I snuggle with Moses and read a few books before bed.

8:15-9:00pm- Me and Hubs kick it on the couch. We are half watching TV, half talking, and I’m dicing fruit for the popsicles I’m making.

9:00-10pm- I get on the treadmill and watch TV while Davy plays video games then unwinds with TV. He’s exhausted and heads to bed by 9:30. I finish my 2.5 mile run and stretch on the floor while finishing my show before cleaning up and heading to bed…I’m shutting down by 10:30pm.

My Week: Monday

If you're sick of hearing about exercising, eating right, and losing weight, then press the back button and run away! While my Weight Watcher journey has sort of taken over the blog these last few months it doesn’t mean that’s all I’m focused on; my boys, house, work, family, and social life are still very much a part of the daily happenings. I thought it would be fun to share a glimpse into my week and how I’m juggling (not mastering) it all.

Monday

7am- waking up to the alarm; Davy is already gone for work.

7:15-8:15- laying out clothes for Moses, doing my makeup & hair, and figuring out what to wear and what to pack for lunch. I bring my bathroom box into the living room to get ready so I have time to talk with Moses and be present in his morning. He of course is eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while watching a movie. If we have a banana he will ask for that first and breakfast is always accompanied with a glass of milk.

Food: I had time to make a fried egg and a slice of toast w/ 1 tsp of butter; it was a 5 point breakfast but very satisfying and tasty!

9am- At work I get a cup of coffee w/1 point of creamer.

10:30- I’m hungry but I’m busy so I just keep working

12:00- I’m too hungry to focus and I hate that I’ve waited this long…mistake! I’m staying in for lunch but realize throwing off my normal Monday lunchtime grocery shopping routine was a bad idea. I like to get out for lunch but today I’ll just sit around.

Food: I eat a Smart Ones quesadilla for 5 pts with a side of sliced bell peppers.  I finish and I’m still hungry and I know it’s because I didn’t have a snack. I decide to eat my 3 pt Greek yogurt too then its back to work.

3pm- I’m hungry, as I always am at this time. Today I know the plan is to work out hard so I want something that’s going to satisfy. I eat an individual cottage cheese (2%) an individual unsweetened pure applesauce (0 pts!) and a Dove mini chocolate. This week I discovered all of the Dove bites are 5 for 6 points (around 1 point each) so I’ve picked up the caramel filled milk chocolate ones as well as my traditional dark! I love BOGO; thanks for the heads up Tamera!

4:30pm- my mouth is bored therefore I’m “hungry”; I fill up my 24 oz cup with yet another glass of cold water and chew a piece of gum. I look over my points and get excited that I have enough points to have a good dinner and maybe another Dove; I remind myself that I don’t need to eat. Chill out Caroline, its just food.

6:15pm- I walk in the door to find my boys aren’t home so I slowly get ready for the gym and look over my new magazine (Women’s Health) that’s just arrived. I scored an entire year subscription for $4 and it’s a fun treat to have around the house. I hate that I don’t see the boys before the gym because we normally have this time together.

6:45pm- I hate you conditioning class, but I love ya! This class is non stop weight lifting, squats, leg lifts, pushups, blah blah blah I hate it! BUT the instructor is crazy awesome and I push through knowing it’s doing my body good.

7:45pm- Hello Zumba! The happiest workout you will ever do; my instructor is a few inches short of five feet tall with a personality everyone needs on a Monday. We dance, get a little dirty, and sweat! I normally never do the classes back to back so today I’m exhausted and leave the class a few minutes early.

9pm- Hello Hubs and hello evening! Davy is about to start his working at home and I find something QUICK to eat.

Food: 2 slices of bread (4 pts which I don’t think is worth it but I have 9 points for dinner and so I splurge) I fried egg, ¼ an avocado, a slice of tomato, and just enough honey mustard to wet my bread. If it wasn’t so late I may want chocolate or more food but this was a fuel dinner, not really an enjoyable meal time.

9:40- 10:45 Time for a shower because I stink!! I’m tired today and I know Davy is not too far behind me to bed. I read over my magazine and wait for Davy to get in bed. I love that there is no distractions in bed except each other so we talk and catch up on our day then catch up on our dreams.

The most important thing for me is that I’m fitting exercising and eating healthy into my life, not letting it take over. It’s now more of a priority but it doesn’t mean that’s all I am; having a perfect body but no one to share the weekends with simply isn’t worth it to me! Today will be the longest amount of time I spend away from the boys all week. Tuesday, I’m ready for you!

Geraldine Hoff, daisy dukes, and weight loss.

This post is for anyone who has struggled losing weight, especially those who love food like a best friend. The thought of giving up my daily indulgences was really scary; but I need sweets, I can’t live without sweets I told myself. Weight Watchers will work because I’ll just eat vegetables and sugar all time because there is no way on earth to live life without masses amounts of sweets. My words may have a humorous tone but I’m completely serious. I am was addicted….I was addicted….I am no longer addicted…the addiction has been broken (Philippians 4:13). Not until my lovely mother kindly pointed out to me a couple weeks ago I’m an emotionally changed person. No longer do I get stabby and angry when I don’t have a sweet in my hand exactly 15 minutes after finishing a meal. No longer do I jump in my car at lunch and hit up the nearest sugar joint. I’m free from my sweets addiction…it no longer controls me! No more! Yes of course I still like sweets and still enjoy eating them but most days I get by with 1 or 2 bite size dark chocolate Dove miniatures. I’ve never been so strongly addicted to anything else in my life but I’m assuming this is what it feels like to overcome any addiction; freeing, strong, happy. Kind of like Geraldine Hoff flexing her bicep showing the world she CAN do it (Philippians 4:13).

I’ve lost 19.5 pounds since embarrassingly stepping on that scale at Weight Watchers 3 months ago. The #3 challenge on The 25 seemed so scary and now it seems obtainable. I’m half a pound away from reaching that goal and it’s only May! Do you know what that means? I have over half the year left to continue to get healthy and get my body in the kind of shape I desire. 

Remember how I said I want to be healthy and happy about the way I look? I’m getting there…and it feels wonderful. But with everything self-consuming comes a consequence; walking the fine line between getting healthy and happy and getting too consumed with outward appearance that my vanity balloon explodes. While it takes building self confidence to push through this journey it can quickly turn into an obsession about how I look. Yes I’m looking at my body for results of the weight loss but I don’t want it to ever turn into an obsession. I’m transparent on here (duh, it’s the internet, ya’ll) but ask me about my weight in person and watch my face turn red. It’s extremely awkward to talk about yourself and more specifically the thing you struggle with the most; it’s just the new hair highlights, it’s just instagram, it’s just this shirt, it’s just anything but kindly accepting the compliment. Basically thank you to everyone who has been kind during my changing look but you’ll never catch me in a crop top and daisy dukes!

I’m thinking a before and after picture once I hit this goal so if you have any particularly unflattering picture of me around the holidays last year or really anything in the last year I would love a copy!

Philippians 4:13- I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. 

too many shades of grey.

Remember when Facebook was your internet outlet only a few friends would see? And then that random cousin you see once a year friended you and you got to stalk all their pictures and pretend you knew each other deeper than you really do? And then your aunt joined and then your mom and then your grandma and you realized it was no longer an outlet? That everything you said was liked or commented on by your peers and you had to water it down so much so it became vanilla. So then you turned to Twitter as your outlet because it wasn’t catching on fast and old people certainly didn’t understand it so your outburst were safe. And then Twitter got more popular and people joined because they were bored and then they would tell other people what they would see on Twitter because they didn’t understand how to tweet and then all those people that were on Facebook started to get a Twitter and it started to become vanilla? Then finally you get on Instagram and take kooky pictures of yourself because it’s a safe place then too many people you know start following your picture grid then all the sudden your entire life is one big grey area.

I’m there.

And I hate it.

There needs to be separation of how I choose to outlet on the internet. For a while I had two Twitters; one for all my “mommy friends” I connected with through blogging and we could chat about poop and cloth diapers and husbands and private things we find perfectly ok to vomit onto the internet. Then my other Twitter was for more of my in real life friends to keep up with. Eventually it got too much and they were merged into one but as a consequence has made me edit my tweets.  

I need simplicity but I need separation.

I need an open outlet but I don’t want a censor button.

I love that friends at church come up to me and reference my blog.

I hate that in real life acquaintances talk to me like they know me based off of a few posts.

I love that I have met so many friends from having an open blog and twitter and although we are thousands of miles apart we are so much alike.

I hate when people comment on my social media but act like a stranger in person.

Separation. Censorship. Outlet. Freedom. Vanilla. Dark Chocolate.

But how?

Memory lane.

I’m sure if you feel any nostalgia towards the 1980’s and 90’s it’s due in part to seeing pictures and videos of the old TV shows and even better, home videos. We have a dozen or so from childhood that put our family in a VHS nutshell. Want to hear something really sad? I’ve never taken a legitimate home video of Moses. Yes I have a ton of 30 second to two minuet clips on the digital camera but as far as those movies you can sit down and watch…none, until this weekend. A co-worker heard Moses was playing Wee Ball this season and insisted I borrow her DVD recorder to capture the memories; oh my glorious moments on film! I did about 10 minutes of practice, 15 minutes of his game, and a 5 minuet Moses-in-the-moment filming and I loved it. I had the biggest smile while he sang and talked into the camera; he even unprompted reenacted one of my famous dance moves as a child…throwing yourself on the floor as dramatic as possible! It made me so heart happy to replay the video only moments after it happened because in a month, year, 5 years, 10 years, he won’t be the same Moses as he is in this very moment. There will be a time when I can’t precisely remember him at this age just as I have done with his first year of life but I can pull out this video and stroll down memory lane.

Life is so precious and Motherhood is such an honor.

March {The 25}

I definitely miss blogging. Life has been a mixed bagged of emotions lately so I’m happy to have accomplished a few more things on my list. I’m already two months behind on writing letters but plan to make up for it this coming month. I love being accountable to this list.

#3 Loose 20 pounds.

Welp, I’m down another 4 pounds this month putting the total at 14 pounds lost total! Just writing that made me smile because I’ve been struggling lately and I have to remember the overall goal takes time and daily determination. Somewhere in my mind I turned losing 10 pounds into a celebration and slowly started to slack on my point counting and accountability to the program. It’s hard to make good choices everyday but then I see the results, good or bad, during my weigh in Saturdays. My goals for April, track everything. Everything. Everything.

#9 Bake/Cook something new and challenging each month.

I am a fish eater! Thanks to some Twitter Mommy Friends I was encouraged to try Tilapia for the first time EVER and I actually really like it. I’ve made a fish taco recipe then mostly I’ve been slightly seasoning and lightly breading and baking it. It’s fast, it’s healthy, and it’s tasty! For $9 I can buy a bag that will last two meals; winning!

#11 Join a Women’s Bible study

This isn’t a Women’s bible study but it’s actually something I’m far more excited about so I’m counting it! We are now part of a Home Group at church! Home Group (HG) is a study focused on building Christian relationships while discussing that week’s sermon. To be honest Davy and I are in such a middle ground in life right now that this is exactly what we need; we need to be pushed out of our comfort zone and gain a few quality Christian couple friends along the way.

#12 Entertain friends/ family at least once a month at our house.

We had our dear friend Melissa and her little hubby lookalike daughter Emmy come and stay with us for the weekend. I love hosting them because a. she has a special place in my heart and her company is so warm and b. they are very easy, laid back house guests. We played in the pool, went to the Jr. Museum, made incredible good dairy free chocolate cake, ate some more, talked a lot, and laughed at our kids. Unfortunately I got sick the second night she was there but I get to make up for lost time when we go visit their family this month!