Sarah's 3rd Day

Happy Halloween! How cute are all the little kids. But I get bugged by the older kids coming around wanting candy, although I was out there gettin the candy till 8th grade! Had another great day eating and working out today. Did yoga and Gilad with Nora, then Will and I walked to ShopNSave. On the way back I saw the CUTEST dog in a yard, and the owner was outside, so I asked what kind it was. Shipoo- shitsu/poodle mix. That's one I hadn't heard of yet. She was a puppy, about 4 pounds, and he said she'll be about double that as an adult. We'll probably get a dog eventually, so I'm always looking for the right one for us! CUTE!!! On the breakfast talk, I got some oatmeal at the store today. Maple and brown sugar is the only kind I can stand, but it's supposed to be good for you and filling, so I'll try it out tomorrow! Celebrating birthdays on the 17th is just fine for us. Anything we can bring, Laura? Love!

Please note

Dad's worn out from Bball practices. Our teacher conferences are tomorrow and Friday. He says we should celebrate Laura's and Alicia's birthdays after Anna's. It's possible that he MAY be able to get to Anna's party even though the Good Sh. tourney is that weekend. As much as I'd love to see the grandkids and you and your spouses, we'll pass on getting together this weekend. I'm sending each of you some great 50 calorie snack ideas from an AARP newsletter. Maybe you can use an idea or two. I broke down just now and ate a rice Krispie treat someone brought to school. It wasn't very big, but I know I shouldn't have. I'm still working at the school here getting ready for conferences (5:00). I'm so glad my teacher at the learning center gave me this week off from traveling. I would have REALLY been worn out. I'll be at it again next week. I'll have three lessons to prepare over the weekend. I DO love it, though. A parent asked me to tutor a first grader tonight after school and I said "no". I hated doing it, but I have to be careful. Of course any time you girls want to visit us in Centralia you're welcome. You know that, I hope. Much love, Mom

Breakfast Tips

Alicia, I was thinking about you eating breakfast, which is one of THE BEST things you can do, and I wanted to share some of the things I've been doing. I found Muesli at Aldi's, which is a type of cereal with oatmeal, nuts, dried fruit, etc. It's usually really expensive, but at Aldi I think it's only around $2 a bag (it's a little bag, though). Anyway, since it has so much protein in it, it really fills you up. You could keep a bag at work and even eat it dry if you didn't have time to eat at home.

Also, I know what you're going through by not having a cappuccino. I love them! So, what I do is get those single serving Folders packets (I use decaf) and make a cup of coffee in the Microwave and then I buy those Coffee Mate special edition creamer bottles (near the milk at the grocery store). They have so many yummy flavors like Caramel, French Vanilla, etc. By adding a tablespoon or two of that to my coffee it is just what I need to warm me up and still give me that little taste of sweet that I need with a fraction of the calories. I think cappuccinos have about 500 calories!

Just wanted to share!

Great workout day!

I'm impressed that you didn't eat any cookies, Laura! You're so right about the not craving sweets if you don't eat them... keep up the good work with the eating! I think you can definitely get a workout in today. Even if it's not a run or anything cardio, hold Anna and do some squats. Or, do some abs while she's playing with her toys on the floor. There are so many ways you can get little exercises in that might not be a full blown workout but it is SO much better than not doing anything at all. Love you!

Today I ran to Sarah's house and then did Yoga with her and part of the Gilad Body Sculpt. Holy cow!! He kicked our butts BIG time! There were so many squats we were both about to die when we were done. It was good though. The run to Sarah's house was really good too. I pushed myself REALLY hard at the end because a good, fast paced song came on and I ran to the beat of it for the last minute of the run. It was basically a sprint! It felt so good when I was done. So, so far today has been a good day!

I should be free this weekend too. So we can decide on whatever! Love you guys!

Happy Halloween!

Yeah, Alicia! Good for you! That's so funny, Mom, about your shirt:) Sarah and Nora, you're doing great, too! My day isn't off to that great of a start. I just COULDN'T get out of bed this morning, so no workout for me. Then, I had told Audrey that we would make sugar cookies today and use the pumpkin cookie cutter. I did ok, though, I think I only ate about the equivalent of one cookie in dough and I didn't have any cookies. Actually, after being on a sugar fast for 2 days, I don't really even want any of the cookies. It's amazing how much easier it is after just a few days! When I eat sugar, I crave sugar, but if I don't eat it at all I'm ok. Maybe I can still get a workout in tonight. I think Justin is going to take Audrey trick-or-treating and I will stay home with Anna.

If you want to get together this weekend, that would be great. Waiting till Anna's b-day is fine, too. Just let me know!

SUCCESS!!!

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone!!! I am happy to say that I did not give into temptation!!! I packed a ziplock baggie of celery and cucumbers and another of grapes to take to the movie along with a bottle of water. Even as I was packing my healthy snacks I was not so sure, because the popcorn at the movie is my favorite part. Even then I was saying to myself that if I got it with no butter it wouldn't be that bad. But when Chad came to pick me up him and dad were giving me a bunch of crap saying that they didn't think that I'd be able to do it! Stupid boys!! So right then I decided that I wasn't going to touch the stuff just to prove them wrong!! And I did!! We ate at Lone Star and I got Steak, grilled shrimp, and steamed veggies!! I ate about half and took the rest home!! I felt so good about myself knowing that I didn't give into any of the temptation. I've been eating yogurt and fruit for breakfast the last couple of days, I haven't really had time for anything else. At least I'm eating something healthy though and not just drinking a cup of cappiccino!! The only bad thing about yesterday was that I didn't have time to work out. But I figure screw it, it was my birthday!! I'll try to do some extra today.

It sounds like everyone had another successful day!! Keep it up!! Sarah, I have no doubt that whatever your goal is you will reach it and look awesome!!! Nora, when you have such a hectic day it's going to be hard not to eat past 8:00 etc.. I would say just don't go too crazy and keep working out like you are and it won't make any difference. I would love some good song suggestions as well. I'm just like Sarah, it seems like I spend half of my workout skipping the slow songs and looking for ones that are going to get me going!! I'm planning on joining the gym again so that will come in handy!! Laura water weight or not 2 pounds is 2 pounds! Good job!! Good job mom!! I wish I could have been there to see your little shirt fiasco! I don't have anything going on during the day on saturday or sunday this weekend. But celebrating after Anna's party sounds like a good idea also. We'll all already be there anyway! But I have to get back to work. So I will talk to you all later!! Love you all!!

M's ms

You'd be proud of me. I came home and did cardio sculpt between school dismissal and tutoring at 5:15. Here's the funny part. Linda Gullen came into my room around 7:30 last night. Dad had practice, and I was still messing with things for parent conferences tomorrow and Friday. After we talked, she says, "So, do you always wear your shirts inside out?" I had changed back into my school clothes quickly after doing the cardio, and was in such a hurry that I didn't notice. We had a good laugh. I wonder if my student noticed. It was my red polo shirt.

I know what you mean about scales Laura. According to our one at home I lost 4 pounds in a day. I weighted 144. I can relate to Sarah too, because last night on our weighted scale at school I weighed 154. Unfortunately, I think it's the accurate one. Sarah, stick with your goals, you'll be able to get to where you want to be. The adjustment in your goal is probably smart. Maybe you'll make the original, anyway, but don't be too hard on your body. Nora, some days are just crazy. We do the best we can, but this little blog is helpful, because last night when I got home I wanted more chili ( I figured that without crackers it wasn't far from what's on my 3 day diet. ) I had only about a 3rd of what I had put in a container. I was still starving, but I took about 4 of the little celery pieces Alicia had bagged and about 3 tiny carrots. I DID however, have half of a small glass of Lambrusco which Alicia and Chad had brought home. Could all of you get together this weekend to celebrate Alicia and Laura's birthdays or should we wait until the day of Anna's party? What are your schedules? Love to all.

Tuesday

Happy Birthday, Alicia! We mailed your cards this morning, so hopefully you'll get them tomorrow. I hope you had a great dinner and movie. Can't wait to hear how you did with the popcorn...that's sooo hard! I ran outside for 30 minutes this morning and it was awesome. I love running when it's so cool...feels like I could run forever! Then the girls and I went to Sarah's and I did a few minutes of yoga there. I did ok with my eating. I had a few crackers after dinner because I just wasn't full, but no candy!

Good news is I've already lost over 2 pounds. Ok, I know that's water weight, but still! I need to get a digital scale, though. The one I have is too unpredictable.

Yes, Nora, I would love that playlist! I struggle with what to listen to, as well. Mom, we don't have anything going on this weekend, but I think we're booked after that throughout November. We're going to do Anna's b-day party on her birthday, Saturday, the 17th. If everyone could just stick around, we could celebrate mine and Alicia's then, too. Otherwise, like I said, this weekend works. Just let me know!

Keep it up everyone!

Nora 10/30/07

GOOD JOB everyone! Sounds like the day was pretty good. Alicia, how did you do at the restaurant and movie? It's okay to splurge a little on your birthday! Sarah, you'll be just fine and I know you can get down to 145. Maybe we can take a run together this weekend?

My day was... not the best. I was in Belleville student teaching from 8-12 then had class from 1-4 then class from 5-8:30 so it was CRAZY! I had a bowl of cereal after class tonight which was obviously after 8:00 but tomorrow is another day! I am going to do pilates in the morning before class and run again and do weight training before my second class.

Sarah, I will definitely make you an awesome running playlist and I will give it to whoever else wants one! Love you guys!!

Sarah's 2nd Day

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALICIA!!!! I hope you had a great great great day. Second of all, I have good and bad news. The good news is that I did awesome today, followed my plan to a T. At the Y I did 25 minutes on the elliptical, then 25 minutes on the treadmill. My goal was to run for 5 minutes, and I ended up walking 5, running 5, walking 5, running 5, walking 5. Nora, I really need your music on my ipod. I spent half of my running time flipping through trying to find songs that would help me out. Music really makes such a difference when it comes to running. The bad news is that I weighed myself on the "real" scale at the Y, and I'm 170 pounds, not 165. What makes me so mad is that I got down to 159 when I was pumping so much, and now that I've stopped, I've gained 10 back. Goes to show how many calories I was burning making all that milk! So...I'll change my goal weight to 145, even though I'm gonna try my DARNDEST to still make 140. I think I can do it. Especially with you guys here to support me! Mom, thanks for the ideas for Christmas. I'll see what I can do! Lots of love to you all!

Mom's murmurrings

I weighed 148 on our home scale. I didn't remember to weigh in at school, but it would be a difference with and without clothes anyway. I had a slice of toast with peanut butter and coffee for breakfast. I brought 5 saltines and cottage cheese for lunch. Alicia's volunteered to bag some fresh veggies for snacks, so that will be nice. The small plate idea is good. If I do that on my non diet days, I'll make better headway. I have a bottle of water in the teacher's room frig. I NEED to drink more water Coffee and diet coke are not the best. I limit my soda to one/day unless I'm driving. Then sometimes I need another. Hey, you all missed out of the Happy Birthday pots and pans banging this morning girls. Dad and I did our best by ourselves for Alicia. Laura, we never did have our birthday get together for you and Alicia. Can we get one in yet before Thanksgiving? Sarah and Laura, ask Justin and Mitch what they want for Christmas. We have their names. Sarah, I had 3 different ideas for you regarding myself. I'd love to have cpies of the Psalty tapes I gave Laura, or CDs would be even better. Psalty 1 and 5 and the one about camping. You girls remember which ones we did. Another possibility would be a Reader's Digest piano book like Mitch has from his Mom. I know they make all different kinds. They're easy play.. that's what I like about them. The other idea is perfume. Alicia had a sample of a Mary Kay perfume that was nice. You probably know better than I do what some good ones are. Any of those would be great. Just thought I'd put these on while I'm thinking about them. Love you all. By the way, I didn't get "the firm" in this morning, but I got some chili in the crockpot. The hamberger was already thawed. I should have time to work out tonight. Alicia and I may be able to squeeze in time right after school for a birthday shopping expedition here in town. Love you all! I'm typing as I'm keeping my eyes on the class while they take their math test, so if there are mistakes, that's my excuse.

1st Day

Good job guys!!! It sounds like everyone is doing great!! I weighed in this morning at 136, who knows if that's right on our scale but I guess as long as I keep weighing myself on the same scale it doesn't really matter, right? I was happy with my first day. I wasn't aware that it was going to be my first day of the diet when I woke up yesterday so I didn't eat breakfast. And I started drinking a sprite, I was planning on just starting today. But then I decided that I might as well just start it in the middle of the day yesterday because I knew that I would have just pigged out because I wasn't technically on the diet yet. So, I dumped out the sprite and had a 6" turkey sub from SubWay for Lunch (I don't count that as fast food) then had some grapes as a snack. I have some healthy snacks stored in the fridge at work for when I get hungry. I did kickboxing when I got home from work and had grilled chicken, rice, and beans for supper. I felt so good last night knowing that I ate healthy and worked out. My plan is to start getting up early and running on the treadmill as well, but that didn't happen today. I just need to get into the habit again.

Tonight is going to be the big test. Chad is taking me out to eat for my birthday and then we are going to see Dan in Real Life. The plan is to eat as healthy as possible at the restaurant and to bring a ziplock of veggies to the movie instead of popcorn. Pray for me because it's gonna be really hard to pass up the free popcorn!!!! But I CAN DO IT!!! Good luck today everyone!! Keep up the good work!!

Great First Day!

I had a really good first day successfully following my plan. I did my yoga, body sculpt, and walked to Walgreens with Will. Eating was good too, but I now know when my temptation time is gonna be. In the afternoon, a couple of hours before dinner, I want to eat ANYTHING I CAN GET MY HANDS ON. I satisfied myself today with an apple and peanut butter, okay, I know peanut butter isn't part of the snack plan, but come on! At least I didn't go for the Halloween candy and chips. Dinner was great, I filled up my small plate and passed by the leftover ricearoni with only a medium urge to finish it off. So, with one day down, I'm optimistic about the future. I know it's gonna get TOUGH, but we're worth it! This is so fun reading about you guys, let's really keep it up every day! Love you!

LOL about mom's bikini comment! I think you will look FABULOUS in whatever you wear, mom!

Okay, well my eating today wasn't the BEST but it could have been a lot worse. I woke up and was in a hurry to get to class. I looked in the fridge to grab some breakfast and there's no milk for cereal and no eggs... those are my usual breakfast choices. SO, I grab a piece of pizza from the little ceasars box... BAD I know! Other than that bad choice it was a pretty good day. I went to the gym and did a work out class... it wasn't that great. It was half an hour of some weight training and jump roping... but I didn't think it was enough so I ran for 30 minutes! It felt SO good, I was amazed at how fun it was getting back into exercise. Honestly, I had the best playlist on my iPod and I was rocking out the whole time I was running. The best part was... I was going to stop at 25 minutes but a really good song came on and it was EXACTLY with the beat of my running so I didn't want to stop! I'll have to make you guys a running playlist with these songs because it definitely made it easy for me.

So far, it souns like everyone is kicking BUTT! Way to go! Just try to keep up the good work. I know the pounds are just going to start shedding off of everyone. Love you all so much!

Nora

Laura's 1st Day

I'm so glad everyone is on here! What fun. I got up at 5:45 this morning and ran on the treadmill for 15 minutes then did Denise Austin Fit Lite. Then I did 20 push-ups! Yeah! I did well eating, too. We went to Trader Joe's to get some groceries and I passed on the sample of pecan pie. I had a handful of pumpkin seeds for a snack this afternoon, but no halloween candy! I also used a small plate like Sarah suggested for dinner and only had seconds of veggies. My tummy is rumbling right now, but I'm NOT going to eat! This will be exciting!

Oh, yeah, I forgot to weigh myself this morning before I worked out, but after I worked out I weighed exactly 140, so that's what I'm going with. I'll weigh in on Mondays, too. This is so great that we can cheer each other on and hold each other accountable. I can't wait to hear how everyone else did today!

Mom's murmurrings

O.K. Alicia helped me get on here. I'm going to weigh in on our scale in the morning, then weigh in at school to see the difference. I started in on my 3 day diet again today. It's the only thing that has worked for me lately. I plan to do that and the cardio sculpt from the "Firm" 5 days/week. After I get to where I feel better and can get in more of my pants, I'll have to come up with something that I can do all the time and keep my weight off. This will be great not only for the slimming down, but also just to communicate with all of my girls every day! I'm NOT going to wear a bikini, either. My C-section scars are not pretty, but that's O.K. Look WHO the results were. I love you all so much!

Yeah, monday sounds like a good day to weigh in. I'll just weigh myself tomorrow since I didn't do it this morning. But from now on I'll start doing it on Mondays

Yeah, what day should we weigh in? I think Mondays. I'll post my weight, but if you don't want to, you could just post amount lost or something. I'm so excited!

Nora's goals

Your goals are all awesome, guys!!! I'm so excited because I know we're all gonna look amazing in Florida. Like Sarah said, we will look dead sexy in bikinis!!

I will take a multi-vitamin every morning
I will do pilates five days a week
I will make an effort to eat healthier
-I will only eat ramen once a week. When I want to eat ramen I will make a salad- it's faster to make and so much better for me!
I will do some kind of cardio workout 4 days a week
I will do at least 20 push-ups every night
NO eating after 8:00 p.m.

My main goal isn't a number of pounds lost - I just want to get rid of all my flab and be more toned. The most important thing is that I need to be more healthy overall. I can't wait because I know we are all going to kick butt and look amazing!

When I feel like I can't do it I will look at Sarah's mantra's that I will have posted on my bedroom door! If that doesn't work I will call one of my sisters to whip me back into shape! Love you guys!!

Sarah's Goals

My current weight is 170 pounds.

My weight goal is to lose 25 pounds by May 1st, thus weighing 145 pounds and looking dead sexy in a bikini.

My eating plan is:
Eat a good-sized healthy breakfast.
For lunch and dinner, fill only a small plate once...no second helpings! If still desperately hungry, eat a salad.
Eat dinner at the table as a family. No TV!
Eat only fruits and vegetables for snacks.
No eating after 8 pm.
When I open the pantry door, grab a water bottle!

My working out plan is:
20 minutes of yoga EVERY DAY.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 20 minutes of Body Sculpt and walks with Will whenever possible.
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 50 - 60 minutes of cardio at the YMCA.

My mantras:
It's just food. I am the one in control.
Nothing tastes as good as being healthy and fit feels.
I'm worth it.
Will's worth it.
Mitch's worth it.

Alicia's Goals

My goal is to lose 10 pounds. I am going to start getting up early enough to eat breakfast and just eat better in general. I am going to stop eating fast food, and do some sort of working out at least 5 days a week.


Is there a certain day that we have to weigh in? And are we posting them?


Good luck everyone!!!!

Laura's Goals & Plan

Current Weight: 140

Goal: Lose 20 pounds by May 1st.

Plan: Workout a minimum of 4 days a week. Eat 500 fewer calories a day and no food after 7pm. Drink more water, too!

Tomorrow is a new day. I start tomorrow! Halloween candy WILL NOT tempt me! Go girls!

L.

And It Begins...

The countdown is on. May 1st is the day of reckoning. Write your goals and your plans then keep up posted everyday. Weigh-in once a week and let the pounds fall off. Celebrating Nora's 21st b-day is the prize!!!

Love you guys!
Laura