Happy Birthday Bama!

Here is the birthday message from the kids...

HAPPY...

BIRTHDAY...

BAMA

We love you Bama! Have a great one!

And another group shot of the kiddos...

Our newest family pictures!

Our little tree huggers...

I fell off the wagon...

The blogging wagon that is. No excuses, we've been busy and it's just not been a priority. We had a nice vacation when Bugga, Bama and Rosie visited at Easter, Justin celebrated his 33rd Birthday, I've made a few more trips to Phoenix and we've been living our same old boring (but satisfying) life. Here are a few pictures from our trip to the shore. We went to Topsail for Easter weekend. We had a great time and took hundreds of pictures. I don't have the patience to post more so this is jus a sampling. Averie enjoyed walks on the beach and searching for sea-shells. Carson love running on the beach and... well... more running on the beach! I enjoyed relaxing and spending time with Mom, Bama and Rosie. Just took a few days off and actually got a decent weekend (since Christmas he's worked six day weeks and has been putting in very long hours).

So, in the last two months what's happened to my weight loss journey? Still working at it... not as far as I hoped to be, but still making progress. On my last post I was 20lbs down. In the last two months I've fluctuated, not hugely, but I've gained 5lbs. However, I've mixed up my workout routine and have really improved my cardio endurance. Despite my 5lb gain, I still get comments that people are noticing a weight loss. Do I want to lose more and hit that magic number on the scale? Oh yes I do! But am I obsessing about it? No - I feel good!

Love this Carolina weather!

This post is ironic because today is chilly and rainy. In fact, I play on the Shutterfly softball team and our first game of the season was scheduled for today but cancelled due to rain. Oh well...

We have had two beautiful weekends in a row. We have taken full advantage and made trips to the park. Here are some pictures of the kids enjoying the playground!

Short and (bitter)sweet

This week's weight loss update... none... in fact, a gain of 2lbs. But measurements are slightly lower (and by slightly, I mean fractions of inches). I have really upped my workout and I'm feeling good. No weight loss this week, but it will come!

Bye bye hcg...

I've had great success with the hcg, but my heart's just not in it. It's been 21 days and technically I should go another 5 at minimum to correctly complete phase 1, but I'm having a hard time. Physically, I'm not hungry, but mentally I'm struggling. I want to eat things like yogurt and peanut butter! I'm going to try to keep to the next phase of the protocol, but I'm going to make my own little modifications by taking more of a low carb approach (similar to Southbeach, but still keeping an eye on my caloric intake) - let's hope it doesn't backfire.

By the way, in my last post I was on the search for Walden Farms products... yuck! The two types of jam that I have taste unnatural. I bought the mayonnaise - if you can call it that - I would never put that stuff on a sandwich or anything that you normally put mayo on! However, it works OK if you mix it to make a sauce. For example, I used it to make a coleslaw dressing and my coleslaw is not too shabby. I did have to overcompensate for the poor mayo with vinegar... it works. If you're really watching calories / fat / carbs hardcore you could make it work, but I say don't bother.


This week's total: Down 3.8lbs
Running total: 20.2lbs

I'm pleased with my progress! This week I'm going to step up my workouts. My ultimate goal is to lose another 15 - 20 lbs by my birthday (3 months).

This week's progress (yes, I said progress!)

I managed a four day trip to Phoenix this week. Since this wasn't a "customer" trip with social obligations, it was easy to avoid unhealthy dinners. My first night there I grabbed a salad at an eatery in the hotel. They did not offer any low cal / healthy dressing recipes nor did they have any lemon so I ate a very plain salad with unseasoned chicken. Salt and pepper did very little to make it appetizing, but it filled my tummy so I ate it and headed to my room to eat an apple which was a great dessert considering the bland dinner I had just eaten. Each night after, I went out with co-workers, but I chose sensible meals and asked for variations (replace dressing with vinegar or lemon, steamed veggies instead of sauted, etc...).

I've been doing well and lost weight through the course of the week. But, this morning I was up 1.3lbs. At first sight of the number I was horrified - it doesn't take much to discourage me and I have to admit, I was pissed! My first instinct was to run downstairs and raid the "locked backpack", but I took a few minutes to think sensibly and am back on track mentally.

This week's total (including my slight gain) is...

Down 3.4lbs!!!!!
Running total = 16.4lbs

I also started taking my measurements two weeks ago. My running total since starting to track is -10.5".

Sparkpeople is still the most helpful tool. I joined an HCG Group and have been pleased with the motivation and suggestions found there. This week I am excited to buy Walden Farms Products. Walden Farms offers zero calorie, fat, carb products. I'm leary about how good these will taste, but am open to trying (stay tuned for my review).

My weight loss has made it evident that I need to lose more than originally thought AND firm up through weight training. Yes, my clothes fit better and I feel better, but when undressed, I look in the mirror and think, "Shouldn't I look better than this?". The last time I was in this weight range I was comfortably wearing a whole size smaller than I am now. Of course, the last time I was at this weight was before Carson was born and pregnancy (especially the second) certainly did a number on my body! Luckily I have no delusions of my body type and don't aspire to look great in a bikini. I'll settle for looking great (no muffin top) in a nice pair of jeans and not having to hold in the inevitable roll that occurs when sitting.

One more week down!

Valentine's Day!

The other day we came home to a big Valentine's Day package from Bugga, Bama and Rosie. Averie was so excited to open it. Inside were many fun surprises! Bugga and Rosie sent Averie a red suitcase... she is now looking forward to using it when we go on "bay-cation". Carson's gift was a cute outfit with a red shirt that he wore for Valentines day... he was very festive. Bama sent Averie fairy flannel sheets which match her bedding exactly, but are much warmer. There were also lot's of diet wrecking treats. We've locked them up (literally) and I'm looking forward to enjoying them (sensibly, of course) when I ease treats back into my diet.

Thanks for the fun package Bugga, Bama and Rosie!!!!

Yesterday we got a package from Grandpa and Grandma Johnson with yummy treats. The kids immediately dove in! Included was one of Averie's favorites - Lik-a-stiks! They both loved their treats and walked around with colored lips and tongues (Averie's green and Carson's red) all afternoon.

Thanks for the treats Grandpa and Grandma Johnson!!!!

Averie and Carson really loved playing in the new, red suitcase and I couldn't resist a good photo opportunity! She's looking forward to her first chance to use it at Easter when Bugga, Bama and Rosie visit us and we get to spend some time at the beach!!!

This picture is from a few weeks ago. We have a membership at Discovery Place, a children's museum uptown. There are so many fun hands-on activities for the kids. I thought this picture was a good representation of Carson's toughness. This was an activity where the child uses a rope attached to pullys to lift their own body weight. There were three levels and this happened to be the hardest. Carson needed help hoisting his weight, but then he could hold himself up. That's my boy!

Weight Loss Journey... back on track.

Last week I started the HCG Protocol... some of you may be skeptical (I was too), but I researched quite a bit and figured I have nothing to lose... oh yeah... I have lots too lose... lbs that is! I set the Monday after the Superbowl as my start date. Knowing I would be starting this soon, I succumbed to my food weaknesses the week before. Sunday I went really crazy! Not surprising, I gained 2lbs - so this means a total gain of 5lbs to offset my initial 9lb loss. Still, my running total is down 4lbs. This week I've been very dedicated and it's paid off... 9lbs! I'm sure much of this is water weight, but I can feel a difference in my clothes and my wedding ring is not feeling so snug!

This puts my running total since January 4th at - 13lbs!

I have another trip to Phoenix this week so I have a challenging week ahead, but I'm feeling dedicated. I dont' have a fridge in my hotel room, so I plan to stock the fridge at work with my food essentials so I don't feel the need to eat out. Luckily the hotel has a nice fitness center and all rooms have digital scales so I can keep track of my progress. Wish me luck!

Proud Mama!

AVERIE:
Yesterday Averie brought home her report card. In Kindergarten they don't grade A, B, C, D, F - they grade on a scale of 1 - 3 (1 = Does not meet expectations, 2 = Inconsistently meets and 3 = Consistently meets) for a series of subjects and characteristics. This is the second quarter in a row that she has brought home ALL 3's plus a note from her teacher commenting on her "excellent attitiute toward school". Additionally, she's in their Advanced Reading program and has scored 100% on all of her AR tests. Last week (entirely on her own) she wrote a story to narrate pictures in one of her princess coloring books. She's so excited about practicing reading. Just tonight we had the Disney channel on in the background but none of us were watching. Justin told her was going to turn it off and she said, (and I quote) "That's fine, because I need to practice my reading for when I'm bigger.... Mmmmm Hmmmm." (That last part was drug out and accompanied by a very sassy head shake.)

CARSON:
A few weeks ago Carson moved up to a new Toddler class. In this class they do not wear diapers or pull-ups (except for nap time). He is excited to wear underwear and loves the fun characters on them (Sesame Street and Cars). He has been doing super well! I must admit, I really didn't think he was ready. Perhaps that was bit of denial on my part because he's my baby and I don't want him to grow up too fast (even if it does mean yucky diapers). But, sure enough, he's been potty training very well.

Carson also said his name for the first time (Yes, he's two and we've never heard him say it.)! He loves to point at pictures of his brother (Camen) and sister (Avi), but until now, when he'd point at pictures of himself he'd say "baby". Even when I'd point to him and say "Carson", he would repeat "baby". We called Rosie and Bugga last week and he told them that it was "Cah-sun". Justin and I were so excited!

How Motherhood has changed me.

A few weekends ago I was trying to figure out an activity for the kids to keep them out of my hair while I cleaned the house. They helped pick up toys and did chores fitting for their age, but I still needed space. Averie is quite content to park her butt in a chair front of the TV and zone out to Disney Channel... Carson will do no such thing (nor do I want him to). Regardless of Averie's willingness I still feel guilty letting her watch so much TV. So, I pulled up two stools to the kitchen sink, filled each side of the sink with soapy, bubbly water and threw in some kitchen gadgets. The kids were delighted to splash and play in the sink and it certainly kept them busy. It made me think back to the first time I'd heard of this idea. Years ago, before Averie and Carson were born a friend told me about some of the ways her friend kept her kids occupied - one of these ways was to fill the kitchen sink and let them slosh around. I was appalled! Surely there are better ways to keep your children busy... doesn't this just cause more work for the parent to have to clean the inevitable bubbles and change soggy clothes??? Oh, how things have changed since having kids! This made me think of the many ways Motherhood has changed me and I thought it would be fun to share just some of the ways (in no particular order).

• Unconditional love.
• Fierce Mama Bear instincts.
• Fingerprints on everything and no burning drive to clean them immediately.
• Letting my kids "cook" with me by giving them a bowl of flour to "stir" and not caring at all when half the kitchen is covered in flour.
• Becoming "that" Mom in the grocery store who gives in to their whiny child just to get them to be quiet.
• Allowing my kids (particularly Averie) to watch more than the recommended 30 minutes (or less) of TV per day - and on a really bad day letting her watch for hours on end in her jammies.
• Ability to do almost anything with a squiggly baby or toddler or child in my arms or on my lap (doing it now).
• Not batting an eye when my kids drop food on the floor then pick it up and eat it.
• Ability to love, kiss and snuggle a snotty, stinky, dirty child without any hesitation.
• Having the "worst day ever" melt away when I'm greeted at the door with the most innocent, happy children who are thrilled beyond words to see me.
• Bursting with joy when my child says, reads or learns something new and bragging that my child is the "smartest kid ever".
• Daily trial of patience.

My kids are my pride and joy. Every night before I go to bed I marvel at how much I love them and pray that God will watch over them. They test my patience daily and they make me the best mother I can be!

Minor setback?

Yes, I'm late with my "weekly update". Could it be because I don't really feel motivated to admit that I've gained 3 pounds? Absolutely. However, I am NOT discouraged! I was sick last week and hardly excercised. I didn't eat super well (though I didn't do anything to be ashamed of either!). In the whole scheme of things I'm still down from the original #, excercising again and as motivated as ever!

Last week at work we started our "Gettin thin in 2010" weight loss competition. We are in teams of four and my team rocks! The team aspect is really motivating because none of us want to let the others down. Not only do we want to win bragging rights, but there's a hefty pot ($$$$) that the winners get to split. The competition lasts for 14 weeks so I have plenty of time!

Here's to another week!

Business trip... considered a success!

This week I had to be in Detroit for a customer visit and in Phoenix for training and meetings. I left on Sunday with the sole intention to maintain my weight. I knew that traveling would prove to be a challenge to my diet. I armed myself with healthy snacks and packed my workout clothes.

Challenge #1 - No routine. Being at an airport or on a plane at meal-time... snacking healthily, but never eating an actual meal, then arriving at my destination famished.

Challenge #2 - Business dinners where appetizers, unhealthy meals and desserts are typical.

Luckily, I could log-in to Sparkpeople.com daily which helped me to keep track of what I ate and let me monitor when I needed to be cautious. My hotel and a nice fitness center so I was able to work out daily. I chose lighter appetizers, loaded on vegetables for dinner (I did splurge one night on a steak) and passed on dessert. Ironically, trudging through airports carrying luggage burned extra calories.

So where do I stand after my week on the road? Drum roll please....

2lbs LOST! (Running total 9lbs)

Spark People

This year I have jumped on the resoultion band-wagon and have resolved to lose weight in 2010. Since having Carson I have been up and down (though never as down as I'd like). With a little inspiration from a friend at work and a strong desire to wear jeans without a muffin top I began eating well on January 4th and working out just this week. In order to not fall off the wagon I am going to apply a little pressure by chronicling my success via our blog (apologies to those who don't want read about this... skip it if you like). The best tool so far has been the website http://www.sparkpeople.com/ where I track my nutrition, excercise, goals and progress. I would highly recommend Spark People even if you don't need to lose any weight.

Two weeks into it = 7lb lost! YAY!

This week I will be traveling on business which equates to business dinners and eating out. It will be challenging, but I'm feeling strong!!!! Stay tuned to see how I do...

What a fitting before picture! Sure, it doesn't show a full body shot, but the double chin and food in hand are enough!

Happy Day... Happy Day... Happy Day!

Last weekend we celebrated Carson's birthday. Our little man turned two! We started by brinking cupcakes to his class on Friday. On Saturday he went to a birthday party for his friend. Even though it wasn't his party he had fun. Saturday we had our family party. I made a "Sunshine cake" (that's the real name of the cake - I found it on allrecipes.com) because he is our sunshine. He loved his present, a singing Elmo and walked around with it all night. Every time Elmo stopped singing Carson would look at us and say "again?" and start it all over again. The next day we remembered that Bugga had sent a gift, but we had put it under the tree so we forgot to open it on Saturday. So, Carson woke up on Sunday to another gift! What a surprise! It was a remote controlled car and he (and Averie) loves it!

He especially loved it when we sang him Happy Birthday. Every once in a while I catch him singing "Happy Day... Happy Day.... Happy Day" it's so stinking cute!!!!

Family Pictures

Last month Shutterfly held an event where customers and employees could sign up for a photo shoot. They had six photographers and held it at Freedom Park. It's been a long time since we've had family pictures. I was sad that Cameron couldn't be here to complete our pictures, but they still turned out well.

Bow-chick-a-wow-wow party (it's not what you think!)

A couple of days ago Averie brought a flyer home from her school listing out the Thanksgiving activities they will be having next week and asking for food and craft donations as well as volunteers. I read through it and made a mental note to buy some food items to donate. Later that evening Averie excitedly reminded me that she needs to bring food for her Thanksgiving, "Bow-chick-a-wow-wow" party. HUH? Her what?!?!? Then I looked more closely at the flyer... Ahhhhh... Her Thanksgiving "Pow-Wow". I'm not really sure where she got "Bow-chick-a-wow-wow" I just hope people don't get the wrong idea. I can just imagine the raised eyebrows!

Blue Ridge Parkway

Today we went for a drive to and along Blue Ridge Parkway. This was our first taste of "real" mountains since leaving the west and we had a wonderful time. Unfortunately we missed the peak of fall colors, but the scenery was still beautiful. Despite a beautiful forecast in Charlotte, we expected chilly weather in the higher elevations so we dressed warmly and packed mittens, hats and coats. As you can see in the pictures it was a beautiful day. The temperatures were in the mid-seventies so we were slightly over dressed. We made stops at Blowing Rock, Moses H. Cone Memorial House and a small ski resort. We had a great time hiking and Averie was more than happy to pose for MANY pictures!

The Pledge of Allegiance

This video is a bit old, but we are so proud of Averie. Since beginning school she has learned the pledge of allegiance.

Halloween Activities

We kicked off Halloween weekend on Friday at the kid's daycare with Trunk-or-Treat. I took a half day off work and volunteered. I decorated my trunk and dressed up as a witch. It was so much fun! The kids were all so cute! They came out class by class starting with the youngest and circled around the drive-way. Afterwards the kids had class parties with treats and snacks. Carson's class loved my hat and and enjoyed playing in the tulle layers of my tu-tu.



Saturday we woke up and Averie asked for a "Halloween Breakfast" so we made orange pancakes in the shape of pumpkins. Later that afternoon we carved pumpkins. Averie asked for a princess pumpkin so Justin carved just that... "Princess" into her pumpkin. I have absolutely no patience for intricate details so I carved Carson's pumpkin with pretty basic triangle shapes. As the evening neared we dressed up. Averie as a fairy princess, Carson as a biker, Justin as a mechanic and I as a witch. We went outside to turn on our lights and light the pumpkins. It started to sprinkle lightly, we figured we would wait it out then it started to rain pretty hard. Averie and I were very discouraged, but after about an hour it stopped and we went trick-or-treating. The kids had so much fun! Carson was a trooper and hauled his heavy pumpkin around, walking by his self until the last few minutes as we made our way home. We had such a good time!



At the end of the night I went outside to get a few more pictures then to turn off the lights and blow out the candles. When I turned around I saw the kids peaking out the window at me.

We had such a good time. We thought the kids would fall asleep right away after all of the walking. Carson was a little too sugared up, but he eventually fell asleep (in our bed, of course). We had a rude awakening in the middle of the night when Carson threw up... Too much candy. We put him in the tub and changed the sheets. We took his temperature and he was fine so we layed him down on a towel and went back to sleep... Only to have him throw up again (this time the towel caught it). Back to the tub. He fell right back to sleep and woke up fine. Next Halloween, we won't let him have so much sugar!