Weeks 5 and 6 The End of 42 Days of Fit

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Abbie

Yikes! Sometimes life gets a bit crazy and I forget to update.

I’m still continuing with my exercising and diet changes.

Between the past couple of weeks, I have lost three pounds. I was hoping for four but it’s close. And guess what?! I have not taken any pictures. I do have some before to show off so hopefully, after this last week of 42 Days, I’ll have an “after.”

I have little goals that I developed in my mind (aside from wanting to be able to fit in my evening gown for the cruise in October). I’ve almost met the first goal and then the second is the big one. My first goal is to lose 10 pounds. Second goal, another 10 pounds.

Aside from losing weight and inches, I have noticed a lot more changes. I have energy. I can keep up with the kids when we are out and about. We were walking somewhere the other day and I told Mark how awesome it felt not to be out of breath.

I’m still getting “the question” on occasion but the fact that my clothes are not tight and actually starting to have to be pulled up is a good thing and I’m not letting others remarks deter me.

We were so busy last week (and this week too) that I’ve had to work harder to watch what I eat and think ahead. I’ve been very grateful for that.

This week is a bit of the same as the last couple of weeks. However, the popping my back made when I did mountain climbers made my chiropractor inform me I had to wait on doing those again. So, I did 30 burpees (spread out of course) last night instead of two sets of 30 second mountain climbers and 2 sets of 10 burpess. I actually didn’t mind them.

I also moved up in my hand weights. Eight pounds is a lot to lift compared to the 5 I was using. I’m struggling but I’m getting it.

Zoe took a nasty spill on her bike but after several days of rest, she was willing to get back on and go out with me. We average around 3 miles in 20 minutes. My big goal is to get 4 miles in 20 minutes. I’ve upped the amount of cycling we do to 30 minutes so we’ll see if we can add in some more miles.

This is my last week on 42 days to fit. After this it’s on my own to continue with the fitness and eating changes (it was on my own to begin with just following the book week by week). I think I can do it. I’m excited at the changes and being overall healthy for my family and husband.

Random Kids Post May 2013

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Abbie

Ceili Rain found my lipstick in the car. The End.

Bryant worked hard on potty training and after one of our adventures out in May declared that he wanted to potty in the garage. My philosophy: Doesn’t matter where ya go as long as ya go. He did.

I love being a vendor at our local farmer’s market. It’s a beautiful setting. I meet some neat people and my kids love coming downtown to the Riverwalk area. This was taken in the rain when I was just about ready to be done for the day.

Trying to take it easy during May, I decided to give my stir crazy kids a break and we set up the sprinkler in the backyard. Following a cue from Pinterest, I put a tarp under it. It was an absolute blast!

Zoe’s cousin made cinnamon rolls when we visited in February. One Saturday, I was craving them and begged Zoe to make them since I was trying to not do much. She obliged and we have now granted her the title of Official Cinnamon Roll Baker on Saturdays. I think she is slowly enjoying it and gaining more confidence in the kitchen as she learns.

Thunder in May!

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Abbie

If you do not have a local Thunder Over…event in your area, you must seek them out. We were blessed to be able to attend the one in our area for the first time this year. The kids loved seeing the vehicles and demonstrations. The soldiers who were there to help and answer questions were simply amazing and super sweet with our kids. We had a blast honoring them and seeing a little bit of what they do.

We got there late in the afternoon and were able to watch people jump from planes. With flags. They came right over our heads.

I think these were the minesweepers. Except they use sonar or something so it’s a bit safer than the traditional minesweepers. Okay, I give. I haven’t a clue what they are or do. But the boys loved climbing in to them.

We were walking to see the motor cross bike demonstration and just happened upon a helicopter taking off. I’ve never been that close to any kind of aircraft taking off without being inside of it.

Then we made it to the motorcross demonstration.

That black dot below the clouds and above the trees is a guy. On a bike. Holding on to the back. Yeah.

And this is my kids reaction to the guy letting go of the handlebars to grab the seat.

Yep. Totally amazing.

Flipping over.

Thunder Over…always has some great musicians who come to honor our troops and this year it was Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. Cranky tired kids kept us from going to the concert but we heard it from the parking lot and it sounded good. It was truly a wonderful fun time with our crew. Oh yeah, and it was free!

Week 4…A Little Late

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Abbie

I know you thought I had fallen off the bandwagon. I haven’t. We have just been busy celebrating one of two birthdays this week. And school. And Lilla Rose. And getting ready for guests.

So, here is my progress.

The HIIT was utter torture. Really. But well worth it because it helped me shed two pounds last week.

I love cycling! The hills in my neighborhood are not big (okay, not in our little section) but definitely a challenge. But, after two weeks of cycling, I can already see an improvement in my legs. They are getting easier and, hopefully, by the end of the year, I can tackle the giant hill in the back of our subdivision (not for the faint of heart ya’ll…tell ya about that one next week). My goal was to get 3 miles in 20 minutes. I did it on Sunday with 3.1 miles in 20 minutes. Then it took me five minutes to go .6 miles (that were up hill on the way home…I thought I might die). We are also blessed with two dear friends who, after a facebook plea, are offering us their bike trailers so that our whole family can enjoy biking. I can’t wait to go out with our crew!

I stayed true to my diet restrictions (not eating three hours before bedtime has been the biggest food challenge by far). And I even restrained from desserts until Sunday at our Family Day. It was so worth that tiny piece of dessert I allowed myself to have.

My measurements are not changing which is hard and makes me wonder where in the world the weight is coming off. But I love that scale o’ mine and seeing the numbers fly off is making it so much easier.

This week is more about balance in the food department. And as far as exercise, I’m adding cardio into strength training (my legs are going to fall off, I just know it), along with HIIT one day a week and planks once a week. I should start looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger…Only a little more jiggly. And female. And brunette. Okay never mind.

And guess what, if you want to see what 42 Days to Fit is all about, head over to Amazon where you can get the ebook for 99 cents! If you don’t have an Amazon ereader no problem. Amazon Kindle makes apps for all sorts of electronic devices inlcuding your desktop!

And we’re off

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Abbie

After our camping trip, we packed it up and headed to see Ge and Granddaddy over Mother’s Day weekend. It was a bonus weekend because it was also my sister’s birthday. She claims she is 29 but I have it on good authority that I was born after which means she’s not. Either that or I’m stuck at 27. Which wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

BRAG SPOT: We haven’t seen my sister in a while because she’s been busy getting her MASTER’s degree in Special Education. Nope. I’m not proud one bit. Whatever. I know she has worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices and we are so excited to see her dream fulfilled. Because she’s my sister. And she rocks! Congratulations Aunt Yaya!

Okay, enough bragging. Now on to all the fun pictures of cousins and whatnot.

At the end of the day, hanging out watching a bit of tv is nice as long as you are with friends.

Yes, I do believe Bryant is doing what you think he is doing. Let’s look passed that at the adorable baby in a diaper playing on his Aunt Yaya’s ipad. Photobombed by a two year old. Man!

Ethan and Ceili Rain decided to snuggle on Ge’s bed for a movie. I heart that nephew of mine and love how he just loves his cousins no matter what!

I told Ethan I was putting this on the blog. I’m not sure he believed me.

Not to be outdone, Ceili Rain had to sit in the little chair.

Can you say, “wrapped around her finger?”

Not to be outdone, Ceili Rain had Jacie at her bidding too. Jacie dressed her up and applied Ge’s makeup.

My mama on Mother’s Day with my sister, Aunt Yaya! Easily two of the most amazing and beautiful women I know.

Camping-May 2013

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Abbie

Before it got hot. Okay, nevermind. It’s just now getting hot here. Before the monsoon season (seriously, 40 plus days of rain here). We made a trip to FDR State Park.

It was a beautiful park. Despite the ticks. There were a few on Zoe, Ceili Rain and Mark. And we had a wonderful time camping. We were one of very few who were tent camping so we had a great area on sites to select from. However, the first night, we chose a site right by the bathrooms. And the street lamp. Malachi had a cold and couldn’t sleep. I wound up putting him in the van, clearing out a seat and throwing towels up over the street lamp side of the van. And scoped out the rest of the area to find a better spot. We moved right after breakfast the next morning and slept much better the second night.

We hiked a few miles too.

And rested a bit. Malachi had it sooo easy.

Family portrait on a pretty bridge over a creek. We’re all there., I promise.

This was a “fairy” house we found on one of the trails. Too cute of a discovery and so thankful that my children take time to explore. My type A had a goal in mind to just hike the trail and be done.

Malachi tried to clean up the campsite (with a wipe no less).

We stopped at Dowdell’s Knob on the way down the mountain. Absolutely gorgeous views. Dowdell’s Knob was the place F.D. Roosevelt picked out as a prime picnicking spot. He didn’t believe in roughing it though. He had a grill and stone table built and would only eat when a white table cloth and china were brought out.

Camping sure makes some people tired.

We also stopped in Warm Springs, Georgia to check out the Little White House. That was just as fun as camping and really neat to learn about one of our president’s who called Georgia his home (at least for a little while). Quite an interesting man and family. And, of course, I have zero pictures from that. We were herding seven children in and out as they completed a scavenger hunt with the park worksheet.

By the way, if you ever go to a state or national historic site or park, stop in at the ranger station to pick up a scavenger hunt or worksheet. The national parks have amazing booklets and the kids get really cool ranger badges with the historic site name on it. And it’s free! I believe that a lot of museums are using them as well now. For us, it’s a great way to make sure that our children are actually stopping to read what’s before them and they are learning a bit.

And one last thing. There was a gentleman who was dressed up as FDR. So we stopped by to talk. Of course, he was totally impressed with the kids but he kept saying, “Ah, a bunch of Little Democrats.” We just chuckled and didn’t say much else. I was waiting for one of the kids to say, “Nope, not at all.” But they didn’t, thankfully. He definitely stayed in character though.

Week Three…No big change

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Abbie

So, I’ve lost .6 pounds and an inch in the thighs. That’s it. I knew I probably wouldn’t lose much weight. I know that I’m building muscle so I’m a bit surprised that I haven’t actually gained. Bigger diet changes are coming this week.

The thigh loss has got to be from our inclines that I have biked around the neighborhood this week. I think I’ve found my cardio. I biked three times last week (with one leading to the pool where I did a few laps). I’m keeping track with the Runkeeper app and so far have been able to shave two minutes off my mile time. I’m biking around 20 minutes at a time. I’ll bump it to thirty minutes this week. Maybe. If my legs can stand it. We have a few hills around the neighborhood but there are a couple of deceiving spots that look straight but are really inclined. Pure. Evil.

Anyway, so I’m on track with 42 Days to Fit. Still working the diet and not too thrilled about giving up my evening snack (or just having it earlier) this week. But I hope this will help me see inches melt away. I love this because it’s not a fad diet but a way to change my lifestyle.

I know pictures here would be nice but I’ve forgotten to take them so I’m going to get Mark to do that tonight. But I’m just not ready to share them quite yet.

Conference Time

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Abbie

In May, we traveled to a Teach Them Diligently Conference. It was absolutely awesome. We loved meeting other home schoolers and we were totally encouraged in our endeavors to press on. We didn’t get to hear nearly half the sessions we wanted so we’re enjoying listening to all the mp3s. And they are awesome. Teach Them Diligently has some amazing top quality speakers who seek to honor the Lord in all they do. We highly recommend this convention and can’t wait until next year!

The kids had fun too (they’ve recently informed me that staying in a hotel is awesome).

These planks are one of those “why didn’t I think of that toys” and our kids totally loved them. We have a small set at home and they have gotten them out over the past couple of weeks and enjoyed building with them.

But we definitely don’t have enough to do this:

The owners of this booth made an opening for Zoe to walk through and then they got to tear it down.

Conveniently located next to this booth was the chess booth. Liam planted at a table and waited ever so patiently for an opponent. He loved chatting and talking to his worthy opponent (actually it was a kid about his age and Liam was enjoying patiently teaching him) and my nerdy heart mama melted. But not enough to try and figure out chess.

Week 2…Just getting started

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Abbie

I confess, I didn’t strictly follow the diet plan in 42 Days to Fit. I have a couple of lemonades and the onslaught of a cold met me a moment of weakness for a coke. And Mark’s birthday. But I do confess, it was all in moderation.

And I didn’t gain anything. I lost a pound and about an inch in my arms, thighs, waist and hips. That’s a good thing.

This week starts three days of strength training and three days of cardio. Honestly, I really enjoy the strength training. I can feel the difference and my muscles ache the next day but I know I’m doing something. Still trying to find my niche in the cardio arena. Today, I was able to bike for my 20 minutes and enjoyed that much more than trying to dance or follow a video. And then there’s the pool. Which is a junior olympic and I’m out of breath after one measley lap. I’ll get there though.

On a whim, I tried on “the dress” and was able to actually get a bit more over my hips. Slow going, but we’ll get there.

Anyone else on the journey to lose and get in shape?

April Randoms

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Abbie

Get ready for a photo dump…but it’s full of all kinds of cuteness.

Zoe testing out the creek in our neighborhood. We went the next week with friends and had a blast.

Mark was trying to get some yardwork done (with kids in tow) before a downpour. He didn’t make it. Neither did the kids. Thankfully, they had the shed to seek shelter in.

This is how best friends hang out. Love seeing Ceili Rain and Megan (on the right) finally playing together (they spent most of their babyhood crying whenever they were beside each other).

Big kids at testing. Little kids got to hang out with mama. I tried to plan something fun each of the three days. We hit a local park and discovered they had installed a playground section for all kids. My kids loved it!

This is what happens when a baby comes to visit. Our neighbor, A, asked us to watch her 3 year old and “wittle” baby. Of course, my kids did not have a problem watching a baby.

Rite of passage. Ace is now one of our grass cutters.

We went to a home school conference in May and the week before, I realized somebody needed to learn to sit still. Let blanket training commence.

Zoe is my designated Lilla Rose partner. She enjoys going to shows with me and she gets better every time with talking to customers and showing some Lilla Rose Love when needed. But on the way to shows, we must play with the phone. I think this picture shows the real me.

Our conversation about the glasses goes like this.
Me: Bryant your glasses are on upside down buddy.
Bryant: But dey hurt my nose the other way. See? Dey don’t hurt anymore.

Just a Bunch of Characters

Musings of everyday life in a house full of Characters.