I've surprised myself

I have finished my journey with my largest loser team and while I still have more weight I would like to loose, I feel fantastic.  I lost 35 pounds in 10 weeks.  My team and trainers gave me an amazing gift and helped me find myself again.  I actually like going to the gym now.  As I type that I'm saying in my head, "What?"
I ran a 5K over the weekend too with some of my team from largest loser, my brother and my roomate from college.  It was so much fun!   Color Me Rad was a race were you get splashed with color as you run.  If they come to your area, I would suggest registering...NOW! I can tell that this will not be my last race.

I am surprised by all these changes but I'm also welcoming them.  School is finishing up and I am so looking forward to summer vacation with my girls.

Red Team Rocks!

After another weigh in I am down three more pounds.  I worked super hard this week so I was really hoping for five.  I know it seems silly but I want to hit that mark just for one week. 

Last week my trainer told us to think about someone that we lost and dedicate last week to them.  That's what I did and every time I wanted to quit I thought about my mom and what a fighter she was.  I know I've got some of that in me too.  Somehow I had that little bit more in me to push harder.  As far as the competition goes...we are in last place which does not make our trainers happy.  I know tonight's workout is going to be brutal.

What I have found surprising is that I am feeling good and I have so much more energy.   Above is a picture from the first week of my team.  I'll post another one at the end, where we will all be looking a whole lot thinner.  I'm also surprised at how close our team is getting.  We are becoming a little family and they will be people that I will keep in touch with after this program is done.
GO RED!!!

I want to be a loser

I am heading in a new direction with this blog.  I still want to share my adventures with my girls but I also need to journal about my own weight loss story. 

A good friend and I have joined in a competition.  We have become part of the Largest Loser.  I had no idea what I was in for!  This is week 2 so we have weighed in twice after working out like I never thought that I could.  I have really pushed myself  and I am surprised at what I am capable of.  The reason I am starting on week two is because last week was rough.  Everything ached and it was difficult to even walk.  This week is better but I'm still feeling it.

I am not the gym kind of girl.  I don't like to run either.  I have to admit, I can be lazy.  I needed to make a healthy change in my life so I'm doing it and my team is helping me through it.  I have a feeling this experience will be life changing and I can't wait to share it.  Wish me luck.
 Results so far~
Week one-7.1 pounds
Week two-3.4 pounds

Holiday traditions

This year Alyssa was able to be an elf at the Christmas sing along with the bigger kids.  She was so happy and even though I was exhausted when we arrived, when she came out singing and skipping with a look of pure joy on her face my long day was forgotten.

Here's a holiday tradition that my mom started when my husband and I first got married. She would buy us a lenox ornament every year for our tree.  We have continued buying and now have enough to fill a little tree.  It makes me feel like she is still a part of our Christmas tradition but it makes me miss her too.

This year we made it the Fantasy of Lights.  It's not a very good picture but you get the idea.  My girls were amazed by all of the displays.  Honestly, I was too.  I've never been before and it was worth the trip.

A real tree and pinterest

After much debate we decided to get a real tree this year.  The plan was that we were actually going go and cut it but that never actually happened.  We were all feeling a little sick this weekend so a fresh tree that was precut was the best we could do.  Although a fake tree is not as messy I missed the smell when I walk in the house.  It smells like Christmas in my house this year.

Also are you on Pinterest?  If you're not then you should.  Just leave your email below and I'll send you an invite.  I have been obsessed inspired lately.  So many great ideas!  My latest finds have been homemade gifts for teachers at school and church, daycare providers, Secret Santa and whoever else is on your list.  Here's just a few of my favorites that I'll be making.  Go get inspired!

Cookie dough gift idea

Reindeer Food

Holiday pretzels

Make your own scarf

Check out her moves

This video makes me laugh and I just had to share. It is very clear that I am going to be in so much trouble during those teenage years. Either that or I have a super star on my hands.

Puppies and parties

I was at the vet's office this morning picking up medication for my dog. As I waited a lady walked in with her dog and the receptionist greeted her with, "Do you have an appointment?" The woman answered with yes, our last one ever. I wasn't expecting that and I felt my eyes starting to water. I tried to pretend like I was looking for something in my purse. As I left I couldn't shake the sad feeling so I let it out and cried for half my ride home. I know this may seem so silly but a few weeks earlier we had a scare with our own dog Sonny. He is fine and we just had to make adjustments to his medication. He's to hoping for many more years with my sweet boy and I just wish that I could have said something to comfort that woman. Some people may think it was just a dog but any pet owner knows that they become so much more.

On a happier note we've celebrated my daughters birthday at the zoo and it was a fantastic time!!! I love all the personalities in these pictures and the real friendships that she is starting to make now that she's in school. Not just tagging along with friends of mine who conveniently have kids. I have actually met some wonderful women who I am proud to call my friends through her. I love it!!!