MIA...but I'm back

Wow, I have been MIA for a while... What have I been doing?  Well, with three kids the possibilities are endless. My husband had a birthday, and I made some really cool cupcakes, I found one Pinterest.  Has anyone read the article about the lawyer/pinterester who decided to delete all her boards, because she thought it was a violatioin of copyright laws? (Hello, run on sentence).  That got me a little worried, so I went through and modified my boards, and made sure the only things I had on it were ones that had working links, and were appropriatly credited.  Anyway, I digress.  My cupcakes turned out pretty good.  They were German Chocolate cupcakes with a twist.  I cut lids off of the tops of them, filled the German Chocolate icing in the middle of the cupcakes, and then on the top added chocolate frosting, with a glob of the German Chocolate icing in the center.  They turned out pretty good, but we didn't keep them around the house, I sent all the left overs to my husband's work.  Then I wasn't tempted to eat them.  I just love love love frosting.  Who cares about the cake?!!

what they looked like from the outside

and what they look like on the inside

My daughter and I went to the zoo one day.  I just love going to the zoo with her.  The zoo pass they offer at the Atlanta Zoo is a great buy.  I mean it is normally $109, but usually they will throw in 10 dollars off, making it $99.  With that you can get a whole years worth of zoo visits.  Which includes two adults and four kids (all kids 2 and under are free)!  So if I just put my name on the pass, then I can bring 1 adult with me, and it doesn't matter which adult.  Makes it just perfect for a play date at the zoo.  My zoo pass is up for renewal, and I am toying with getting one again, but I think I will.  Addy won't be in school full time just yet, so it is still a great time to purchase one. 
Really I don't have any other excuse, just been lazy! 

the flamingos were super cool that day!!

But I am linking up to Fit Club.  I don't have any numbers to share this week.  Although, I was feeling skinny today.  And I did try on my other jeans.  Proud to say they fit =), my 12s are starting to get roomy, which I love!!   It is getting to the point, that I really can't wear the 14s, because they are falling off.  YEAH! 
I did bring it the one week and got in 5 days of exercise, but this last week I only managed 4.  I am not sure what really happened, but stuff did.  However, I am still bringing it when I do my P90X workouts, because I am feeling them the next day.
On the one video they have you are working triceps, biceps and chest.  OMG!!  It is seriously so hard, and I remembered why I hadn't done it that much, lol.  The first exercise is just brutal.  The routine is chocked full of push ups, all kinds.  Anyway, the first one you do these slow push ups.  So with a slow count of four you go down, 1...2...3...4, and then up 1...2...3...4...  Seriously, you have to try them, even on your knees they are so super tough!!
I think with everyone's birthdays out of the way, I won't be having to fight icing and cupcakes!!  That should really help.  Going to work hard on the 5 days of exercise, and sticking with it!  Hope everyone else is still doing well.

MJ

for some reason my spell check isn't working, so please forgive all of my spelling errors!!!

Slowly making progress...

Ok, I am back for my link up to Fit Club!!  I happened to miss last week, but in all honesty, I just didn't realize it was Monday.  My days were all off, because my boys were home from school, for their winter break, and my husband took that day off too.  So I was thinking it was Sunday.  Then I remembered and really didn't have anything to share that I haven't already shared.
It is still a constant battle to make sure I stay on track and exercise and drink my water, blah blah blah.  So I felt like I was a bore. 
However, I am slowly making progress.  I didn't reach my personal goals for this month.
I wanted to reach 5lbs this month, 2 more inches off my belly and 1 off my hips. 
I did manage to loose 3 more pounds, and 1 inch off my belly and 1 off my hips.  So it was still good progress.  I also really didn't want to try on those other jeans.  I think I am afraid they won't fit well, and I will be so disappointed.  I need to go ahead and pull them out and try them on, so I can just see where I am at in them.  Maybe they will fit?? 
So for this month, which my husband informed me, I will have 5 weeks to accomplish before weigh in/measurements.  I want to get under 180!  I also want to loose 2 more inches off my waist, and I want to consistently workout 5 days a week.  I flex any where between 4 and 5 days. 
I also keep thinking I still need to work on making better decisions when I am eating out and what not.  For example, I was at the Cub Scouts Blue and Gold this weekend.  They had it catered by a BBQ place.  I ended up getting a pulled pork sandwich, and I could of just got the pulled pork minus the bun.  That would of been just as filling and less calories.  So little things like that, I still need to work on. 

I hope everyone else is doing well.  Keep it up!

MJ

Fallen off...

Fit Club Monday, and I have confessions... I confess I have fallen off the wagon this last week.  I haven't been drinking my water, not keeping up with my calories, and I slacked on the exercise. 
I was out of town, this weekend, and that made it hard to exercise, and my eating wasn't so good.  I made poor choices, when I could of made better ones. 
So today, I am really going to keep track of my calories again.  I think not doing that really made me less accountable.  So this is a must!  I have to hold myself accountable. 
I am not sure why I am not drinking my water.  I am really not replacing it with anything else, I am just not drinking much during the day.  I know that is not good for me.  I need to, at the minimum, drink 64 ounces every day, if not more.  So I am getting ready to fill up my water container and get to work on that for the day, week. 
And, the exercise, besides the last thee days, really hasn't been too bad.  I just ran out of time on Friday, and Sat, and honestly, got lazy on Sunday.  In general though, I think I have been doing pretty good with the exercise.  I am still working on making sure I give it my 100% when I am doing it. 

I am worried about not making my goals, but hopefully if I buckle down in the next two weeks, I can do it. 

How is everyone else been doing?  If you have fallen off the wagon, there is always room to get back on, and today is always a good day to do that.  Take a look at what you know you are doing that is keeping you from your goals, and think about what you can do to fix them.  You will be more angry with yourself for falling off, and not getting back on.  Then falling off again and again.  Because at least if you fell off, you put yourself out there to try.  (Note, I am giving myself a pep talk here too)!

MJ

Fit Club Monday

Monday is Fit Club day!! 
But this Monday, I don't really have much to report.  Besides the fact that I ate horrible this weekend, and I still hate exercising!  Although, I did bring it on Friday, while exercising, and boy were my butt cheeks sore =)!
I knew this weekend was going to be a little tough.  So I tried to eat healthier, while still eating bad.  I have noticed though, that I am much more conscience about calories, and knowing I only have so many I can eat in a day.  So on most days, that really helps me stay focused. 
On Sunday, we took the kids to get some ice cream, and instead of getting any, I opted to save my calories, for the Chicken with Lemon Butter, I wanted to make for dinner that night.  That chicken is so very good, but so not good for you!  9 tablespoons of butter, in it!  So I am proud that I didn't eat both the ice cream, and the Chicken.

So not much to report.  Getting back on the eating better, and not going to worry too much about my slip ups this weekend. 

MJ

Exercising... a hate relationship

This weekend kind of snuck by.  It was rainy where I live, and because of this mild weather, the temps have been so nice. So even though, I don't enjoy rain, it was tolerable.  But enough about my too fast weekend!!  Today is Monday, and do you know what that means??  FIT CLUB!!  Time to weigh in, and check on every one's progress!  I have confessions...

I confess that I haven't been as on top of my exercising as I should be!  I missed two days last week.  I would of missed like four, but dragged my A$$ down the stairs to do something!!  I don't know why I hate exercising so  much.  I just hate everything about it.  Even while I am actually doing it, I am thinking to myself, this sucks, and I can't wait for the tape to end.  When I am done, I am glad that I actually did it, but never to the point, that I want to do it again. 

Then I think to myself, that I am not cheating anyone but myself.  The guy on the tape, (most of the time it is Tony Horton, sometimes Bob or Dolvette) isn't being cheated.  My husband isn't being cheated (ok, maybe he is cause he won't get to see me in that slutty nurse outfit), but really and truly, I am cheating myself.  If I don't do the exercise, I won't get in shape.  I won't loose the weight, and I won't get healthy.  No one else, but myself. 

I also find that if I have any excuse, I tend to use that to get out of things.  Like me knee has been hurting just a little.  Nothing to keep me from really exercising, but I am all over my sore knee.  Thinking like, I shouldn't use my knee, I guess I can't do this or this.  Maybe I should really just rest my knee, and not exercise.  Thankfully, I had enough will power to push through those thoughts, but I did still ease up more then I should of, while exercising.  I do think that it would benefit me to see a personal trainer.  It would help to have someone show me the correct forms, of some of the exercises.  I think I am doing them right, but then I am not sure.  Maybe they could help motivate me to exercise!! 

I was reading over at the fit club, this morning. And the guest writer really said some interesting things.  I think I do need more tangible goals.  Not just a weight goal.  I would love to get down to a size 8.  So I think this week, I will be making some realistic, tangible goals, and when I hope to accomplish them by. 

As for the exercising, I will keep at it.  I will (not try!)  push myself just a little bit harder, while doing them.  Maybe someday I will find an exercise I enjoy???  Anyone else feel like me??  Do you hate to exercise? And if so what do you do to get into it?  Did you ever get to the point that you enjoyed it??  Please tell me there is hope for me =)

I also confess, I finally got that cupcake, and it was good!!

MJ

Making Calories Count

Ok, I am linking up to Fit Club, today is our weekly check in, to see how we have all been doing.
I am happy to report that thus far, I think I am doing pretty good.  I have managed to exercise everyday, but 2, since the beginning of the New Year.  So that is pretty good for me.  I was hoping that I would start to enjoy working out, but not so much.  Does anyone know when that will hit??  I have decided to drop the P90X Yoga, because I absolutely hated it.  Not a fan!  I really don't care about Downward Dog, or Warrior poses.  So I added another Cardio day.  I did do the Just Dance workout.  My oldest son joined me and we had a competition.  He clearly won 7 out of the 8 dances, with his awesome moves, I manged a win with the Cee Lo Green song, Forget You.  But I did mange to win the sweat score.  So I was working it.  The next time, I am going for at least 10 songs.  I was sweating after 8, but I could of easily of done a couple more. 
I have really been keeping track of my food.  Last week Kim posted this app, called Lose It,  on Fit Club, and I decided to download it.  It really is so very helpful.  Just keeping track of everything and seeing what the calories are, really is making me have better decisions.  I am surprised at how many calories are in things, and just how quickly those calories can add up. 
I can proudly say, that I am feeling a difference in my pants, and shirts.  Just feels good!  I am not supposed to be keeping track of my weight, per my husbands orders, but I sneak on every now and then =)!.  I have lost about 6 pounds, yeah me!! 
So with the knowledge of how many calories I can eat, and the fact that what I am doing, is working, I am feeling more motivated to keep with it.
This weekend was a bit of a challenge, because I had not one but 2 birthday parties that I (my kids) had to attend.  It was just AWESOME!!!  Nothing like being trapped for almost 4 hours at a skating party.  Let me tell you, that brings back memories... But I didn't have any cake, or pizza or soda!  I was going to allow myself one chocolate chip cookie.  They were home made and I thought I could have one.  Well, let me tell you first, that my husband likes to bake. He is really pretty good, when it comes to cakes and cookies.  So I took one bite of this cookie, and it just wasn't good.  So I thought to myself, I am not going to waste my calories on this yucky cookie, so I threw it away.  Go me!  Making my calories count =).  I did get some ice cream at the party on Sunday, but it was only a bite or two.  It sure was yummy though! 
This next week, I really need to up my work out efforts.  I need to push myself more, because I have a tendency to let up when it starts getting hard.

MJ

Just Dance

Ok, today is Fit Club link up!  I have come to the conclusion that I need to record things.  I need to have it written down, so I can visually see my progress.  My husband and I have been doing the P90x thing, and there are 7 days of exercise.  Well, some of those days, you have reps that you do, and I need to know that I am beating my old record!  I didn't record my first days, and I wasn't sure if I was any stronger the next time I did it.  Anyway, I am now writing it all down, so I know.  I am also going to start writing down what I am eating, and keeping better track of that information. 
I also need to add in more cardio.  There are two days of cardio on the P90x videos, and a day of yoga, one of stretching, and 3 with weights.  I just don't think I am getting enough of the cardio.  So I think I might pick up another cardio DVD, or I am going to pop in my new Just Dance 3, Wii game I got.  I noticed they have, a just sweat section.  I can go downstairs, and put that in, and my daughter and I can rock it out =)!  If I had a video of me trying to do these dance moves, I think I would become the next big YouTube sensation.  Let me just say, this girl has NO, and I mean not even a little, rhythm.  I can not for the life of me keep a beat.  I can't move my arms and legs at the same time.  Just not gonna happen!  I would love to dance, I envy the people on the dance floor that can just move and shake and not look like a fish out of water.  Honestly, I have a hard time even keeping a beat.  For example, if everyone is suppose to be clapping in unison, I will often have to stop and stare at the person next to me, to find the beat again.... it is that bad!  Anyway, a small part of me is hoping that me copying the dance moves on the Wii game, I might actually get good, haha!
I am also reminding myself, that it isn't going to happen over night.  I just have to keep at it.  Keep pressing play! 
I hope everyone else has been doing well. 

MJ

1st Photo Challenge

Ok, I am trying this photo challenge over at 3boybarians.  I don't have a fancy camera.  It is just a plain old digital camera.  No bells or whistles.  I do have 10x zoom =)!  Anyway, I don't think my photos will compare to any of the photos in this challenge, but thought it would be fun none the less.  I admit I had a harder time trying to figure this challenge out, and then on top of all that. I ran out of time to actually get a picture.  So my obvious lack of an idea and rushed time, really didn't leave me with much.  Next week I shall do better!!  I am almost embarrassed to post this... 

My Resolution, well one of many, is getting healthy.  So I opted to take a picture of one of my favorite fruits, strawberries. I could eat them all the time! 


As for my for my resolution.  I think I am doing pretty good.  I don't really feel like I have lost any weight, and besides from the sore muscles from working out, not really feeling all that different.  However, I know I have to give it time.  As the saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day, so I can't think my body will get healthy in a week.  It did take me many many years to get this way! 
I do think that I need to keep better track of every thing that I am doing.  So I have a better idea, of what I am putting into my body.  For example, I would like to know just what exactly I am eating, how much water I am drinking, and how much exercise I am doing.  Then I will know which areas I can tweek.  Overall, I think my first week has gone by well. 

And I just had to post a picture of the creepy little Naked Mole Rats, that my daughter just loves.  We went to the zoo today.  Side note: I am in love with this super nice weather!!  So it was a perfect day to go to the zoo.  Anyway, here are the Naked Mole Rats!

Hope every one had a blessed week

MJ

As Seen On TV... Eggies

Ok, have you ever made hard boiled eggs.  My kids love deviled eggs, so I tend to make them more then usual.  However, these last few months, I have lost my deviled egg mojo.  I seriously can't not peel the darn egg.  I mean by the time I get the shell off, I have lost half the egg.  So I did some egg googling, and discovered, that the older the egg is, the easier they will be to peel.  With this new found knowledge, I made sure that the eggs I had, were at least 3+ weeks old.  Sadly, I still ended up with a massacre of eggs. 
Lucky me and some late night TV (ok, maybe it really wasn't late), I see the infomercial for EGGIES!  The perfect way to make a hard boiled egg.  It looked simply amazing!!  How could I resist getting those??  Well, I can say that I have never ordered anything off the TV, and wasn't going to start with EGGIES.  I would just never make deviled eggs again.  Then my husband texted me that he bought me a surprise, and super excited me, asked if it was a cupcake.... He said it was better than that!  So I instantly thought two cupcakes, haha!  No, it was my EGGIES kit.  There is an 'As Seen On TV' store, at the mall he works by, and he bought them for me. 
So tonight, before my workout, I thought, what the heck, and let me try them.  Here are the results!

this is what they are.

in the pot to boil, I couldn't get the 6th one in there.

the finished product.  Yeah, not sure what to really think about that?

Anyway, I haven't yet tasted one.  I just got done with my workout, and am all out of calories for the day.  But tomorrow, is another day, and I will let you know how they taste.  They looked so much nicer on TV. 

As for the working out.  We did Yoga yesterday, and I am not a fan.  It was seriously, toooooooo long, and I couldn't get in the 'zone'.  Although, after 90 minutes, I did find a favorite pose....  dead corpse =)!  Today was back and legs.  It wasn't too bad, I actually enjoy working on those. 
I am also working on my cleaning schedule.  I have a list out, and I am hoping to really stick with it. 

MJ

Four days in

Ok, so I am four days into this diet.  It isn't too bad, but let me tell you I was totally craving a cupcake from the bakery by my house!  I could just about smell and taste it, and so close to swinging into their parking lot.  And I also dreamt last night that I was eating Chick-Fil-A.  If you have never had their chicken sandwich, it is soooo very very very very good.  Seriously, it is good.  So I am dreaming about that sandwich, smothered in mayonnaise.  I ate every bite in my dream.  Other then those two crazy cravings, I am doing well =)
The exercise, isn't so bad either.  I am not as sore today as I was yesterday, so I am thinking we are making some progress.  I am doing 90 minutes of Yoga, and I can say, I am not looking forward to 90 minutes, 45, yes, 30 would be Awesome, even 60 would be tolerable, but 90??  It is all part of the P90X routine.  Needless to say, that my mantra for today is just push play... just push play!!  I am linking up to my friends page, for her Fit Club!  I think it is a great way to help keep motivated.  It helps when you know you are not alone.
I don't think I spelled out all that I was going to be doing or why.  Basically, it is eating a better diet.  More fresh fruits and veggies, more protein, and less carbs.  And then of course all the exercise too.  It is cardio, with strength training, and yoga (which I am not sure if that falls under something or is separate).  Why am I doing this??  Well, I am just plain old frumpy!  I am tired of my pooch, and would actually like to have a healthy body.  I can't remember a time where I have ever really been at a decent weight.  I would love to shed about 40 pounds, and honestly would be thrilled to get into a size 8. My husband is being my own personal trainer, and is helping me do all this.  His motivation... I promised if I could get off those 40 pounds, I would put on one of those slutty nurse outfits (the kind you buy from Party City at Halloween time).  He can't wait to get those pounds off, haha!  I figured if I actually loose those 40, I would probable wear all the slutty costumes =). 

So if you made a New Years Resolution to get Fit, or have been getting Fit for a while, then link on over, and share your tips!


MJ

Sore

Sore!  That is what I am!!  I am fearing what tomorrows work out will bring.  My husband said it was arms and chest.  Seriously, I thought I did arms and chest on Sat.  And when I mentioned this to my husband, he said " No, that was shoulders and back".  So why do my arms hurt so bad???  Today, was a lot of legs, with jumping.  Let me just say, that after giving birth to 6 children, 2 that were at least 9 lbs, my bladder isn't as strong as she used to be.  I will just leave it at that.  But I snuck onto my scale (b/c I am not supposed to get on it until Feb.  Yeah, my husband thinks I will do that, lol) and it says I lost at least a pound, so yeah me!!  Although, I think it is mostly from not eating so many Christmas cookies, and not drinking any pop. 
I just got done recording achievements for the scouts in my middle son's den he is in.  Because I am the worlds best mother, I stepped up to lead his den.  His former leader had to step down, and my son was left with no leader.  Apparently, the 'dads' in the group are all too busy to do it, including my husband.  So thankfully, another mom said she would do it with me.  I am really trying to make it a great year for the boys.  It is really hard to keep them motivated.  There really just isn't that much camping out or anything until they get to be older.  Anyway, I recorded all these things, and tried to come up with some things to do at our meetings.  Although, this month is the exciting month, because it is Derby racing time!!  Last year my son came in 1st in his den, and 4th out of all the scouts in his pack.  He did really good. 
Was thinking I should of worked more on some of my other resolutions, but didn't.  Like making a cleaning schedule for my house.  One of my main goals of the year, is keeping a cleaner house.  Maybe tomorrow...  (thinking this will end up on my 2013, list, ha!)

MJ

Last day of 2011

So today is the last day of the year 2011.  I just can't believe how quickly this year went by.  And am amazed at all that happened.  Sadly, both my Aunt and my Grandpa passed away.  Although, my grandpa was older, they both passed away kind of sudden.  He had what we thought was a cold, and then he just went down hill.  I am thankful, that I got a chance to be with my grandpa right before he passed.  He also requested to be baptised before he got too weak, and that was simply amazing to watch.  At one point you could almost see the Holy Spirit enter into his body.  Really amazing!!  My Aunt Tish, was an amazing lady, and I wish that I could of got to her before she passed.  I cherish all the memories I have of them. 
However, one of the greatest things I did this year was give birth to the most beautiful little girl.  She was just shy of 9 lbs, and a head full of black hair.  Her parents fell in love immediately.  It was hard not too!!  See, I was a surrogate for an amazing couple.  They are the most caring and sweet people.  And their family is just as amazing too.  The pain that they went through before I was able to help them, is just heart breaking.  Infertility really sucks, and if you are going through that, I am so very sorry.  This wasn't my first time being a surrogate.  I in 2006, and 2009, I helped another couple have first their son, and then their daughter.  Call me a fool, but I simply love being pregnant!!  So that was probably the biggest thing that happened this year.  How about you, what was your biggest thing that happened? 
So today was my first p90x workout!!  Not kidding on the intensity there!  It was shoulders, back and arms today.  Yeah, just typing is kind of hurting, and I am sure tomorrow, I won't be able to lift a thing.  As the guy on the video says, just keep PUSHING PLAY!!   As intense as the work out is, the main guy  on the video (can't remember his name), really emphasizes to do what you can.  You don't have to start where they are.  Set a goal and keep going.  It was fun working out with my husband.  Although, I think it is going to be hard to keep him focused, because apparently seeing me all sweaty, gross and out of breath, is a huge turn on, lol!!  When I start seeing the results I will let you know.  Still thinking about posting my before numbers, but I am a little hesitant to put that out there in cyber space.  However, if I start looking like the chic on the video, I don't think I will care and will be very proud of my before numbers!!
I have a whole slew of resolutions, I think I typed out like 20.  I think most of them reflect some kind of decluttering, and cleaning.   I am not a great house keeper, and this year I would like to change that.  I honestly don't have any excuses, just don't like doing it =(.  I think there is a linky party for those, but I am still learning how to do all that.  There is also this photo challenge that I am going to try, along with my friend Kimmy (it is actually her idea).  So when I figure it out, I will link up to that too. 
Mean while, have a very safe and happy New Years eve tonight!!

MJ

Very First Post

Wow!  My very first post, thanks to some prompting from my friend Kimmy.  I hope to post about my day to day activities.  Who knows what that will be!!  With three kids the fun never ends at my house.  Tomorrow, I start a new workout routine, and diet.  Or as my personal coach, I mean loving husband says, a life style change.  We are going to be kicking it with some P90x.  My husband started last spring and did so well on it.  I have high hopes for myself, ha!   I will most definitely keep you up to date on how that goes!  Keeping this short, so I can test it out. 

MJ