Back in the Saddle Again!

My entire life has been a weight roller coaster...mostly up, but there have been a few downs. I've tried every diet imaginable and told myself I was going to do....I've even posted here saying I was going to do it.
Well today as I was hunting through Pinterest briefly (yeah right!!) I found this incredibly inspiring blog post http://abyerly.blogspot.com/2012/03/weight-loss.html it really put things in perspective and brought a tear to my eye...Her ideas while not incredibly unique are what just might be what I need.
I don't want to be the mom who won't play with her kids...or fears going in public because of how she looks, or wonders what her kids think of her weight, or worries that her husband will find her a little less disireable.

I want to be confident, enjoy shopping for myself, FEEL good, and as cheesy as it might be get a bathing suit on clearance cause they have my size and its under $20! (For those of you less knowledgable about plus-size, bathing suits even on clearance are $50 or more!)

Here are some of her ideas that I put to work:

• Goal Chart-I started with 1lb less than I am now...and counted down to my goal weight. Every lb I lose..I get to cross it off! I plan to keep it posted in the bathroom. And yes others may see it, but that is okay...I'm working on it!

• Reward Chart-This is one thing she really has right! For every certain number of lbs I lose I will be rewarded! The more I lose...the BIGGER the reward! I really need to keep myself focused. This will be posted on the fridge, that way when I go for a snack...I can see it!

I am working to put together my reward chart. I'll post pictures soon!

BTW...down 3lbs!!!!

Guesting

Oh my...I am so excited to share this really FUN site with you! It's called Room Mom Spot. It is the perfect blog if you are looking for a fun class treat, activity, teacher gift, or well just a fun idea to do with the kids! I had a blast looking around at all the great ideas and finding fun new treats to make for my kids! I'm sure it will be a new fav when we are looking for a special treat to share! I did a post on T-shirt pillows, which has been on my To Do List...for WAY to long! And this was my much needed motivation! Here's a link: http://www.roommomspot.com/2012/03/13/kids-craft/ Be sure to check them out!!They also have a sister site that is great to arrange volunteers (http://www.volunteerspot.com/) 

Busy

Well the hustle and bustle of the holiday season has begun! I started working a part-time job at a children's clothing store, for some extra $$. It will help to get some of those bills paid off and put a little extra away for some fun activities! With Thanksgiving approaching we all stop to think about what we are thankful for...now although I haven't done a daily post on this I have a list of 30 things I am thankful for. There are so many more I could list...

1. My Hubby, he is my rock and is always there for me. Knows when to make me laugh, when to lend his shoulder and most of all when to tell me to CHILL OUT!!
2. Emmah, she is my first born the one who first made me a mom. She has grown up so much this last year and really made some postitive changes. I am more and more proud of her everyday!
3. Jake, he is a goofy one and I don't know what we would do without him. I love my little momma's boy, he is growing into quite the little athlete and young man.
4. My job. I work with some truly AWESOME people!!
5. My other job. Those guys are AWESOME too!!
6. My mom. She was one totally awesome lady and taught me so much. I wouldn't be half the mom I am today if not for her. I miss her so much everyday and especially around the hoidays...
7. My extended family! I have 5 great brothers and sisters who, even though we are years and miles apart are there when it counts!
8. My house. It is even more special to me since it is the one I grew up in and have so many memories in, now my kids get to make memories here too!
9. Freedom, I have the rights to do so many things.
10. Our Servicemen & women...they protect all the freedoms we enjoy and sacrifice so much for our country.
11. My crafty business (Bloem & Grow)
12. My blog, it has been a great place for me to share my joy, frustrations, and sadness. Even some craftiness too!!
13. Teachers, after having a rough year last year my kids this year have some really GREAT teachers and they are learning so much!
14. My education...I was so very lucky to get to go to college and get my Masters as well.
15. My dad...he may be getting older, but he a good guy and my kids are so lucky to have him. I'm so glad he is there whenever I need him.
16. Coffee, especially Peppermint Mocha...mmmm yummy!!
17. My in-laws. They are so great, they help when we need it and are always there when we need them. They welcomed me into their family with open arms and made me feel comfortable.
18. Vacations, I am so glad we get to take one this year. Can't wait!
19. My friends, we have some truly great friends who are there always for a laugh, a smile, a joke or a cry!
20. Aunt Marcia cookies....OMG these things are the best cookies in the world!
21. School friends, sorry their different they make my job so much cooler!
22. Cupcake bites, I love creating these things and well I LOVE all the joy they bring to people!
23. Chocolate. I mean who doesn't love a good piece of chocolate once in awhile.
24. Music. Holiday, Rock, Pop...I love it all! It makes car rides more fun and always makes me want to get up and dance!
25. Faith, it has helped through the most difficult of times.
26. Pinterest!! It has helped me find some awesome party ideas, recipes, crafts, and teaching ideas!
27. Health, I am so thankful that I have been healthy and that my family is too!!
28. Doctors...we have finally found the right ones who are helping us to head in the right direction with Emmah and for that we are forever grateful!
29. Sports, we have some good times as family enjoying sports together. Packers & Pizza Sunday is definitely a fav!
30. Life, I really have a great life and although things might not go exactly how I think they should I know there is a plan out there for me. I am happy, healthy and get to take the ride of life with some WONDERFUL people and that is just AWESOME!

What are you thankful for? 

Funk

The last few weeks have brought on a new funk for me...it really all started with the smallest thing. We recently got our car detailed. They did a really great job and the car looked and smelled great!! The only real problem came when they cleaned a spot off the passenger seat... Silly right, who cares about a spot? Well that spot got there in the most humorous way! Not long after my mom had purchased her car and started having her health issues we were out one day with the kids and they really wanted ice cream. She was NOT going to have that in her car, so we agreed on shakes from McDonald's, she however got a chocolate dipped ice cream cone. Well you can put it all together, hot weather, melting chocolate...equals MESS!! Needless to say we ended up with chocolate on the seat. She was MAD, and it was FUNNY!! It's been there ever since, never really came clean, and now it is gone. One of those quirky things that reminds you of this funny situation, and miss that person all the more. It started my funk, and now I find myself sad and really just missing her. I cry at things that shouldn't make me cry, I'm a little more bitter than usual, and just all out bummed. I try to keep it inside, but not sure it is always there. It all comes down to 4 simple words:I miss my mom.

Back to School

I am seriously into some awesome back to school shopping not only for my kids, but for me for once! There are just a few things I am just loving!! 

Untitled by nogitiana featuring a silk shawl

The purple is great and the outfit is simple!! Here is another great combo I really need to get: 

Teal Love by kbloem27 featuring green tops

  What are you wearing this fall?? 

Bandwagon

Over the last week or so, I have totally fallen off my bandwagon on weight loss. I am determined to refocus myself and get back on and make some real changes. I will say that I have lost a total of 15.2 lbs!!! I know that I can do it, and that I am making progress, no excuses. It is a matter of health. I know that for the last couple of weeks a lot of my bad eating habits have been due to emotional eating. We have been going through A LOT with Emmah and really trying to get to the bottom of her issues which stresses me out and then of course I turn to food. NOT anymore! I want to learn to turn to other things, excercising or crafting needs to be my release NOT food! So here we go, lesson of the month learning to not emotional eat! Wish me luck!  

Where I'm At

As my journey in weight loss continues, I find myself this time being very determined, focused and having quite a positive attitude.

I have been on this journey before, and always given up. This time I refuse to give up not only for myself, but for my kids. I want to be around for a long time for them. I refuse to give up for me, I want to be able to enjoy life, be happy with myself, have fun and enjoy all the joys I have been given.

This journey will not be easy, but so far I have been successful and all the positive support I am recieving has been a HUGE help. I couldn't do without my friends and family who are there to encourage me along the way. The best part has been that a bunch of my co-workers are also doing WW and we are all supporting each other, asking what we have eaten today, sharing recipes, and giving "high 5's" and words of encouragement! As of today I have lost 11.4 lbs!! Not a ton, but not too shabby either! I am on my way to the new me!!!