Happy 3rd Birthday, Lauren!

Happiest of birthdays to my first born. 

I think this year is so much more fun because she has been excited for months.  She could barely contain herself last night when we were making her cake! 
We have a fun day planned with some friends coming over for pizza and cake. 
I know she will have a blast! 

We love you, Lauren Grace. We can't imagine our lives without you. 

Weekly weigh- in: 210.8

Happy Friday!

I have been a little absent the last 2 weeks and for a good reason!  We went on vacation!  We went down the coast of Oregon to Seaside and the surrounding towns.  It was a very nice getaway but I'll save that for another post. 

I missed last weeks check in so I'm playing catch up today. 
I will admit that on vacation, I did not eat the greatest and of course did not go to a gym.  We did do some short hikes and I did take an hour long walk on the beach one morning, but despite that when I weighed myself Monday morning (4days ago) I was back up to 216.  Queue tears.  I know it was due to the way I ate on vacation, and of course PMS.  Sounds like an excuse but seriously a few days before my period, I totally bloat up and even look pregnant and puffy.  It's crazy.

I jumped right back in Monday and have been hitting the gym and making healthier choices. 
This morning I weighed in at 210.8. Whoohoo!  My original goal was 205 by 8/31.  Seeing as though that is a week away, that is pushing it.  I cannot lose that much weight in a healthy manner in one week.  The most important thing is that I am not giving up and the more and more I do this, the more and more it becomes a lifestyle not a 'diet'.  It helps that Kevin is doing it with me now.

That's all for now.  I hope you all have a great weekend and keep reminding yourself that the weight didn't come on in a week or even a month, so it's not going to come off that quick.  Just keep up the hard work everyone! 

Starting weight:  222lb
Today's weight:  210.8
Total weight loss:  11.2 lb

Airshow

Girls and I in front of a Navy plane. 

 We recently had the privilege of attending a FREE airshow put on at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  The entire event was free to the public and it was a blast.  We also had the chance to go the night before for a "Hangar party" for military families only.  They fed us supper, had a band, several booths set up and some even met the pilots!  I would have to say this was one of the best times we have had as a family.  The girls absolutely loved it and Kevin and I enjoyed it too!
We are just so thankful for the opportunities that are presented to us, especially ones that are FREE!  You can't beat that. 

C-17  - these planes are so huge!  It's so exciting that we actually get to see these fly at least 2-3 times a week.  Living near the airbase is so awesome! 

The girls inside a Stryker vehicle.  This is the vehicle that Kevin's unit uses. 

Lauren piloting a Blackhawk helicopter. 

She loved it.  Can you tell? 

This moment was truly amazing.  This parachuter jumped, carrying the flag during the playing of the National Anthem.  Still brings tears to my eyes. Loved it. 

Army Golden Knights Parachute team

Golden Knights

Golden Knights

Stealth bomber

Super sleepy girls.  It was actually a warm day (for here) and we were out in the sun for about 6 hours.  The girls were pooped! 

Here are a few videos of the airshow.  Some of the acts just took our breath away.  They are at the beginning of the post.  Sorry! 

Weekly weigh-in: 212.4

212.4 
Down another 1.8lbs! 
It has been a ridiculously challenging day today at home with our kids, so the weight update is about all your going to get.  I hope to get back on track with actually blogging about the kids/recipes/etc. Not just my weekly weigh ins. 

Anyway, have a great weekend!

Starting weight:  222
Today's weight: 212.4
Total weight loss:   9.6lbs

P.S.  I was pretty stoked today because I ran for 7 minutes  without stopping!  I know for some of you, it may not seem like much but at the end of June when I started this journey, I could not run for more than 30 seconds at a time without feeling like I was going to keel over and die.  So I'm pretty excited and on my way to a mile straight!

Weekly weigh-in: 214.2

Down 1.4lbs from last week.  I am happy to see the scale gradually go down.  Still my one major fault is weighing myself everyday.  I'm obsessed.  I know!  I almost need Kevin to take it away and hide for the week. 
I sucked it up this week and put the girls in childcare at the gym.  I made it to the gym 4 times since the last weigh in. 
It's been a super busy week at our house and I would have gone more to the gym but Kaelin has had a snotty nose for a while and I was informed by the gym childcare that they don't allow kids with snotty noses if the snot is green/yellow.  I understand where they are coming on but come on, kids have snotty noses. Kids pass germs.  Kaelin has been a snot bucket since she was born. In Kansas I don't there was more than 2 months total that she wasn't without a snotty nose because of allergies.  They (allergies) seem to have subsided once we moved and I honestly believe she just has a cold because of the climate changes and the fact that she is teething and her fingers are always in her mouth.  Also, I have been sneezing like crazy and I sometimes here Lauren sniffling but nothing to the extent of Kaelin's snot-fest.  There were a few days that it was super sticky/thick and greenish, so in case of an infection I got her into the doctor this morning.   I'm actually taking both girls for their well checks and a few issues that I have concerns with.  Anyway.  My beef with the gym child care is that I would never jeopardize the health of another family by sending my SICK child to their care.  In fact the lady told me they only had to wipe Kaelin's nose once in the 90 minutes that she was there.  I don't think that's too bad..but still green and that's a no no to them.  So my point is.  If she had a fever, or was throwing up etc.  I would do what any other daycare would say:  Keep her home for 24 hours until fever subsides.  But she doesn't have a stinking fever! 
Sorry for my rant but I just think the runny nose rule is dumb.  I have kept her home the last two days and probably throughout the weekend and we'll see what the doctor says today.  It'll be one of 3 things.  Common cold (most likely), sinus infection (possible because of thick/green consistency) or once again allergies. 
So snotty nose kid = me not getting to the gym the last 2 days.  Kevin's days have been very long (14 hours ) and by the time we have supper and clean up, I just don't feel like leaving in the evening.  I actually really enjoy go during the day and getting out of the house for a few hours.  It makes me really enjoy my evenings home with my family instead of despising them. 

How was your week ?  As a parent or some of your are teachers/caregivers...  Is the snotty nose rule a little overboard or do you think they are on the right track? 

Starting weight:  222
Current weight:  214.2
Total weight loss:  7.8 lbs

Goal:  205 by August 31st.  9.4lbs to go!  That's about 2.35lbs per week for the next 4 weeks. I can do it!!

Weekly Weigh-in: 215.6

Hello all! 
Down a little over a half pound from last week.  I was hoping for more but it is what it is. 
I had some killer workouts this week.  Club Circuit Boxing whoooooped my butt. BIG TIME.  I burned around 700 calories in the hour long class. I could barely walk for 2 days but it was well worth it.
I'm still working towards 205 by August 31.  That's around 10lbs in 5 weeks. Totally doable.  Counting on you all to hold me accountable!

Sorry this is short, but I'm spending my time with Kevin and the girls today since Kevin's working all weekend. 
I hope you all have a great weekend!

Starting weight:  222lb
Current weight:  215.6
Total lost:  6.4

Weekly Weigh-in: 216.2

Down around 3lbs from last week!
I know for a fact some of it is water weight. I may not weigh myself in the future on my period.  It was such a let down when I did.   Seriously some days I was 8lbs higher than the last.  This was a huge disappointment since I have been making healthy eating choices all week and exercising. One night I was in tears because I felt as if the weight was never going to come off.  Kevin reassured me it would, and it has slowly started to again.


I do count my calories by using the Livestrong calorie counter app on my phone as well as a Polar heart rate monitor for my exercising. 
I know some people don't like to "count calories" but it really works.  Even if you just write down everything you eat in a notebook on your counter everyday. It worked for me last time and I am determined to make it a daily part of my life..not just my diet.  It takes a bit to get into the habit but after a week or so straight of doing it, it just becomes natural to do it.  Somedays I have every meal and snack (except supper) plugged into my tracker before I even sit down for breakfast.  Then I know I have X amount of calories to eat for supper, or I need exercise X amount if I want to splurge. 

I have also cut out soda/pop.  From as long as I can remember, I have been a diet pop drinker.  I LOVE Diet Coke.  Love is an understatement. Although 0 calorie, studies have shown lately that the artificial sweeteners in these can be very damaging to our health.  It was hard the first few days because I craved that sweetness to go along with my salty snacks.  That has slowly started getting better and I try to eat fruits for my sweets craving and I drink around 100oz of water a day.  Water does get a little mundane, so I bought some lemons and limes yesterday for some flavoring. 

I didn't go to the gym everyday this week, in fact, I maybe only went 2-3 times.  Kevin had his wisdom teeth out on Monday morning, and the recovery hasn't been as easy as we anticipated it would be.  I did get up and go to the gym early on Tuesday morning before the girls woke up and then again on Wednesday night.  Kevin had to go back to work yesterday, swollen face and all.  He was gone for 13 hours yesterday (normal) ..but I felt bad running out the door within 40 minutes of him getting home.  I told him I would go when the girls went to bed, but they decided to throw us for a loop and refuse to go to bed last night until nearly 10pm.  Since the gym closed at 10, obviously I wasn't going to make it.  I think I'm just going to have to suck it up and sign the girls up for the childcare and go to the gym during the day.  No excuses then.  It just breaks my heart to leave Kaelin screaming and scared and I'm still nervous about Lauren and the potty.  She does great and I can't even remember her last accident, but she doesn't do well in public restrooms. So hopefully I can get her to go before we go and avoid any public accidents or freakouts. 

Okay..so that is my week.  Sorry for the long, random, choppy, post!

Let's wrap this up! 

Starting weight:  222lb
Current weight:  216.2
 Down 5.8lbs total. 
1st Goal:  205lbs by 8-31


How was your week?