Check out my Man picking ME up!!!

I am officially within LESS than a lb. Of my hubby's weight. We essentially weigh the same! This has never been true for me. When he met me, I weighed about 179, and he was about 150. When we married, I weighed about 187. He weighed 150. When I had my first child, he gained with me and was in the upper 160's, but I have never weighed less or near his weight. I am now at 162.2 and he is officially at 161.8!!! Ha! Here he is lifting me up and for the first time (not that it has EVER happened before) I didn't feel self conscience or fat or like I was going to hurt him or embarrass myself. Yippee for the spice of life and the fun of a slimmer body with my honey to appreciate ALL that that means!

Happy New Year, My Sweet Friends!

PS I had two drinks tonight and two chocolates and a few more snacks than anyone needs...Tomorrow is not only a new day, but a whole new year. Upward and onward!

Jules

I've been struggling with depression, and eating too much... help!

It's kind of ironic, that after I hit my eighty pound mark a couple of weeks ago, I've really had a battle with depression. And as a result, I've been eating too much, and having more to drink than usual, and because of it, I've gained some weight back. So today I'm taking Jules advice, and I'm starting to journal again, as much as I DON'T want to. I know that I need to. I've worked too hard to get the weight off. This is where I'm at. This was a difficult post for me to do... as you can imagine.

A little Comic Break brought to you by the WordMaster

What Children Learn Quickly

No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
Never ask a 3-year old to hold a tomato.
You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic-tac.
Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time.
School lunches stick to the wall.
You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.



What Adults Eventually Learn

Raising teenagers is like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree.
There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
Reason to smile: Every seven minutes of every day, someone in an aerobics class pulls a hamstring.
The best way to keep kids at home is to make the home a pleasant atmosphere...and let the air out of their tires.
Families are like fudge...mostly sweet with a few nuts.
Middle age is when you choose cereal for the fiber, not the toy.
The more you complain, the longer God lets you live.
If you can remain calm, you don't have all the facts.
Eat a live toad first thing in the morning, and nothing worse can happen to you the rest of the day.
You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoes and wonder what else you can do while you're down there.


Politically Correct Ways To Say Someone is Stupid

A few clowns short of a circus.
A few fries short of a happy meal.
A few beers short of a six pack.
A few peas short of a casserole.
The wheel's spinning, but the hamster's dead.
One fruit loop shy of a full bowl.
One taco short of a combination plate.
A few feathers short of a whole duck.
All foam, no beer.
The cheese slid off his cracker.
Body by Fisher, brains by Mattel.
Has an IQ of 2, but it takes 3 to grunt.
Warning: Objects in mirror are dumber than they appear.
Couldn't pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel.
He fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down.
An intellect rivaled only by garden tools.
As smart as bait.
Doesn't have all his dogs on one leash.
Elevator doesn't go all the way to the top floor.
Forgot to pay his brain bill.
Her sewing machine's out of thread.
His antenna doesn't pick up all the channels.
His belt doesn't go through all the loops.
Proof that evolution CAN go in reverse.
Receiver is off the hook.
Several nuts short of a full pouch.
Skylight leaks a little.
Saliency's kinked.
Too much yardage between the goal posts.
Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
Got into the gene pool while the lifeguard wasn't watching.
A room temperature IQ.
Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold them together.

Even More Politically Correct Ways To Say Someone is Stupid

A gross ignoramus -- 144 times worse than an ordinary ignoramus.
A photographic memory, but the lens cover is glued on.
A prime candidate for natural DE-selection.
One celled organisms out score him in IQ tests.
Donated his body to scientists - before he was done using it.
During evolution his ancestors were in the control group.
Fell out of the family tree.
Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming.
Has two brains; one is lost and the other is out looking for it.
He's so dense, light bends around him.
If brains were taxed, he'd get a rebate.
If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.
If you give him a penny for his thoughts, you get change back.
If you stand close enough to him, you can hear the ocean.
It's hard to believe that he beat 100,000 other sperm.
Some drink from the fountain of knowledge, but he just gargled.

Report from the Minivan

To start, thank you for the support and encouragement. It is so nice to know I can turn to you all to share what is going on with me.

1. I started the day reading my Bible and praying.
2. I then fell flat on my face in the fridge and snacked and ate like there were not going to be any more meals, EVER. Ok maybe not that bad but I made the mistake of purchasing a food that I KNEW I could not leave alone "for the kids" and then ate more of it than they did. Why do I lie to myself this way. I have got to figure out a way to make veggies "warm and comforting" for winter consumption.
3. I DRANK 9 glasses of water today. I bought a 24 oz bottle with a squirt top and kept it filled all day. If a sippy cup works for my toddler, why not for me!!
4. Last night I walked to the grocery store but today it was pouring rain all day ( my small taste of what you Northwesterners go through) so from SueAnne and someone else who I can't remember right now, I walked the stairs. I made it 6 times with 16 stairs.

Jules, could you post a link to that journal you found? Can you buy it at any Hallmark?

Until tomorrow. Skinny thoughts.
Amy

Hello Everyone

Well, what a crazy Christmas it has been for me. My husband and 6 year old both have Broncitis. They have been sick since the Tuesday before Christmas. I spent all day Christmas Eve in the ER. They are kind of feeling better now, Thank God. The only thing worse than one sick man is two sick men.HAHA! Anyway, I got a power juicer from Santa. It is awesome. I'm sure all the fresh juice around here has helped them with getting better. It will definitly help me with my weight loss. Hope you all had a wonderfully blessed Christmas and have a great New Year. HAPPY LOOSING TO US ALL:-)

The minivan is finally back to normal...

or as normal as it usually is with three active little boys.

All the relatives have gone home, the desserts (two half pies) have been dumped in the trash and a supply of veggies has been added to the fridge. I got up on time this morning and am not staying up too late.

My family, who I love dearly has one fatal flaw, we are night owls. We stay up too late when we are all together and talk and laugh and totally enjoy each other's company. I could stay up all night talking with my sister as she is my "bestest" girlfriend. But I am glad she is not here all the time or I would never get any sleep because she stays up to talk and the kids get up early running at full speed so I am caught in the middle. I love it but am glad it only lasts for a few days.

I did manage to not totally overeat during the few days. I did have my quiet times with the Lord though not as long as usual. I am glad to get back to our routine.

One thing I realized today, I am starting this year 20 pounds less than I started last year. It is not where I wanted to be but it sure is better than being 20 pound heavier. This year, my goal is 2 pounds per week and stick to the plan.

I also have a new idea for the new year. Our grocery store is only a mile walk from my house, half there and half home. I am thinking we are going to be walking to get the groceries this year. It would make me buy less as I can only carry so much home and we could get some exercise on the way. We did it tonight and it only took an hour to get there, buy the groceries and get home.

There is also a haircut store, bank, Blockbusters,dollar store, Starbucks, postoffice, and Walgreens. Walking is definitely going to be in our future.

On my way...

I am just 9 days away from my one year weight loss anniversary. I am so amazed at what this year held for me! This blog, by far, has been one of the most amazing fruits of the year, not to mention losing 5 dress sizes (18/20 to 8/10). I wonder where I will end up for the year? I am wiggling my way to the 150's, but I don't know if I can make it there in 9 days....I would love to try.
I bought this new fitness journal at the Hallmark store (have ordered more if any of you are interested). It has helped to jumpstart me again. I didn't eat a chocolate today because I knew I would have to write it down and I didn't want to do that. I have been away from daily journaling for some time now.
Anyways, thank you all for your love and support. As for me cheerleading you, it has been my joy and privledge. I hope we have more join us in the new year and I hope we can come up with fresh ways to motivate us all! Happy New Year, everyone! See you at the New Years Revolution....See you here on the blog.

Love, Jules

Some Reverse Psychology

Shhhhh.....don't anyone post....it will break the silence of denial!

Shhhh...don't admit you've fallen....it may show your weakness!

Shhhh...don't grab that glass of water......

OMGOODNESS!

1. Started the day with the Lord as I prayed that Toddler would sleep in the middle of the night. He is sick and did not sleep well, and neither did I.
2. I ate good for breakfast and lunch but dinner... I am tired and have a cold.
3. I did get 6 glasses of water.
4. No exercise.

What a terrible day. It is amazing how the day can fall apart so quickly when you have been up with a sick child. Tomorrow is a new day with a new start.

Until tomorrow.
Amy

Jingle Jiggle Update

Ok Ladies, we're rounding the final few days of our Jingle Jiggle Challenge. I believe I will keep up this habit as I am confident I can keep swinging 1/2 hour of strength training on abs and legs every night (before bed its a great way to wind down).

How have you done on your Jiggle Challenges?

Should we invent a NEW ONE? The New Year Water Guzzling Contest? (Oh yeah, Kris'll win) - How about the New Year Inch Pinch? (Kris again....)

Whaddaya think?

Friday Night in the Minivan

1. I started my day with reading my Bible and prayer. Listened to some Christmas music while getting breakfast. The kids were up early so I did not get as long a time as I would like.
2. Today was my liquid day so I ate only one meal and had juice, soup and milk the others.
3. I drank 6 glasses of water. I am going to try some of the ideas from last night. I bought some True Lime packets and some Kroger brand pour ins and am going to try that tomorrow.
4. No exercise today.

The first of my Christmas guests arrived today. My dad is here. My brother comes tomorrow and my sister on Sunday.

Hope you are all getting your Christmas plan underway.
Amy

Other Sources of Water for Us Guzzlers...

Beyond the tap: Other sources of water

Although it's a great idea to keep water within reach at all times, you don't need to rely only on what you drink to satisfy your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a significant portion of your fluid needs. On average, food provides about 20 percent of total water intake, while the remaining 80 percent comes from water and beverages of all kinds.

For example, many fruits and vegetables — such as watermelon and cucumbers — are nearly 100 percent water by weight. Beverages such as milk and juice are also comprised mostly of water. Even beer, wine and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea or soda can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of your daily total fluid intake. Water is one of your best bets because it's calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available.

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/NU/00283.html

Only 29 more days until the New Year's Revolution event!

Okay ladies, shall we set some goals for this upcoming event? And shall we make plans as to where to meet again? My vote is at Northgate Red Robin again. Where we can meet, eat, and shop, shop, shop! What say you?

I finally figured out how to post a pic of me

This a picture of me 20 pounds smaller than I am now. This was taken one year ago October 4th on my 8 year wedding anniversary. 4 months later I found out that I was pregnant with my third child. Jacob was born 10-6-06.

Minivan Report

1. Today I started my day with listening to a teaching on Philipians while I cleaned the house to get ready for company. I have it saved on my iPod and can listen where I left off. I listened to Christmas music and worship music today.
2. I ate in moderation and control today. I did not overeat nor did I eat when I was not hungry.
3. I drank 6 glasses today. Any suggestions for getting the stuff down?
4. I did not get to exercise today as we had company all day.

Thank you all for the encouragements and prayers. I value it!!!
Until tomorrow,
Amy

Christmas Greetings from "The Chin!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLozEolWQdY

Hey there Julie!

I saw that you have your starting BMI on your weight ruler. Could you put mine up for me? It is 42.9. I would like to keep track of that also. My end is the same as yours. Thanks

Thanks for the support gals!

I had an ok day today. I woke this morning to a sick husband which followed my son yesterday. My kids never really get sick. I think the last time was 2 years ago. Anyway because of taking care of everyone else I seemed to do good on my eating habits. I ended my day at 1165 calories. And I drank 8 glasses of water. I can't believe that I stayed full most of all. I think that because I stayed busy on other people rather than myself, I didn't have a hard time focusing.

Hee Hee Kris - I elfed YOU this year!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=a44f3e5577ffd571164e74dG06122112

Minivan Report

1. I started my day reading God's word and in prayer. I spent time with my dad and my brother who are here for Christmas today.
2. I ate in moderation and did not eat when I was not hungry until after dinner when the guys (Yes, I live in a frat house with my Honey, three sons, my dad and my brother) asked for some cookies. I made the dough and made a batch of cookies and then ate some of the dough. I caught myself but not until I had already eaten about 3 cookies worth. ARGH.
3. I drank 7 (YEA) glasses of Water today. TOmorrow I am aiming for 8.
4. I walked for 30 minutes today as we walked the mall.

Tonight the minivan got a new XM radio along with a years service from Brother. It is an early Christmas present as he had to install it in the van. I love commercial free radio!!

Until tomorrow.
Amy

Kimberly, I'm sending you a cyber high five!

I see that you've already lost some weight girl, I saw your ticker. GOOD JOB! You just started a few days ago. Keep it up, we're right here with you! ~Kristina~

Minivan Report

1. I have read my Bible study lesson today, prayed, started my day with prayer and study and fellowshipped with some other Christian mom's today while our kids played.
2. I ate in control and in moderation. I did not eat when I was not hungry nor did I overeat.
3. I drank 6 glasses...seem to be stuck on this one but also had 2 decaf drinks
4. I walked for 30 minutes.

Today the desire to overeat did not rear its ugly head. I know that it is only God's doing as I went with some friends to McD to let our kids play as the weather was yucky, and my uncle sent this to our house and all I ate was the pear.
The biggest temptation in there is going to work with Honey tomorrow.

A Goofy Confession

Ladies, this little story is so embarrasing that I would not share this with ANYONE else in the world (so of course I'll just post it here on the Internet instead), but the only thing holding my pants up today is a paperclip and a prayer.

Here's what happened:

I haven't made it to the cleaners this week so this morning I put on a pair of suit pants that I was wearing pretty regularly last May. I haven't lost THAT much since then so I figured it wouldn't be a big deal. Oh boy was I wrong. Having your pants ride around your hips is one thing; accidentally stepping on your hem and flashing your panties to a (thankfully) empty parking garage while your still-buttoned and still-zipped pants are around your knees is quite another.

The only thing in my purse I could use to hold my clothes onto my body was one of those black clamp paperclips which is now hidden under the bottom of my sweater and being used to drop 3-4 inches from the waist of these pants.

It's great that we're losing weight and that we're moving to smaller sizes but geez-Louise, ladies, this is getting embarrassing!

(Full Disclosure: I am now down 4.5 pounds from the Upper Plateau, and the panties were purple.)

New headshot...sorry, need to post to get URL for Blogger

By the way. I am avoiding trying the new blogger. I don't have a google account. Does anyone have an opinion on starting the new blogger??? I don't like change much.

Jules

Hitting the 80 pound mark!!!

Here I am sporting my infamous 22 wides! I could actually fit myself into one of the pant legs... I am amazed. After just over eleven months on this weight loss journey, I have finally hit the eighty pound mark. This is a significant number for me. Just wait until I hit the 100 pound mark... I'll be one sizzlin' mama. I already feel sizzlin' here in my new jeans that I got just yesterday. I look at these photos, and it's still sort of hard to believe that it really is me. Not my sister, not a stranger, but ME.

More from the Minivan

1. I woke up just early enough to get my devotional read before I needed to wake everyone else up to head to church. My days are definitely not as good when I do not get to spend as much time with the Lord. I did attend worship today and heard a great sermon. Tonight I went to church where I sang in our choir concert. Had a moment during one song where it talked about the light breaking through the shadows. I love that vision of Christ breaking through the shadow of my overeating.
2. I did not overeat today. I did not eat when I was not hungry. I ate moderately and in control.
3. I only got 6 glasses again today. Goal tomorrow 7 glasses of water
4. Last night I got out the Dance Revolution and played for 30 minutes. Tonight I am headed to bed as I rest on Sundays.

Thank you my friends. Until tomorrow.
Amy

Back to the truth-telling ticker

I'm back down to what my ticker says...176 even. I had gained a few pounds since Thanksgiving. Now if I can just keep that scale going in the right direction. I kind of sabbotage myself sometimes, by telling myself that I look great, and that I'm entitled to eat whatever I want for the day. But that's when the weight starts to creep back on. I don't want to stay where I'm at. I have a goal, and it is 26 pounds away. Sometimes the perseverance waivers... and I'm also seeing that I still use food as a comfort mechanism, when I'm stressed out. Not always, but probably half of the time. And I don't want to be that woman. I can't afford to be that woman.

Tonight in the Minivan

1. I woke up early this morning before the children and did my Bible Study and prayed.
2. I really just want to lie about this but honesty is the best policy, right. I did not overeat today but I did eat when I was not hungry. I ate some cake at a birthday party this morning, but then I did split a burger (with no cheese) with my dad at lunch. I did not overeat at dinner.
3. I was able to get to 6 glasses of water today, my goal tomorrow...7
4. I have not yet exercised today and it is 11pm so it is looking slim but I will post later if I actually get it in today. Tommorow for sure.

That's all for today. Until tomorrow...
Amy

My first size 8 skirt ya'll, and new tights and shoes to boot!

Never in my entire adult life, have I ever worn a size 8 anything! But today my friends, I have made history, history I tell you.
I was inspired to find some new shoes and tights after checking out my girlfriends attire yesterday, (Celestine). I figured while I was at Target, to check out their skirt selection as well. I automatically snagged a size 10, and to my pleasure, it was too large. This size 8 that I am currently wearing, fits me perfectly. And I mean perfectly. My weight has not changed, but apparently my skirt size has. And this night, that is enough... more than enough.

OD'd

Hey everybody. So I'm still alive here in NYC, I know haven't really been on here much lately. So kids in the Bronx have a lot of slang that isn't used as much in Washington. One of these is OD. I think it's safe to say you all probably know that to OD is to "over dose". Well, these kids use the terms all the time if they think someone is making too big a deal of something or "over does" something. So I'm constantly hearing, "Ms., thats OD!!" when I tell them to stop doing something or when I give them a lot of work. My point in telling you all this is that last night I "OD'd" on sugar free candy and icecream. Let me tell you ladies, only eat this stuff in moderation, because you don't want to endure what I went through in the middle of the night last night. yuck. It was horrible!! So no more feeding my food addiction with sugar free crap, it's horrible for my digestive system.
I slept for 13 hours last night, got up and went running at the YMCA and weighed myself. I thought, "okay Mandi, you have been eating junk lately and your bloated, be prepared to have gained at least five pounds." well, i stepped on, andI thought i was doing it wrong because I had to move the marker to 100 instead of 150 to find a balance on the scale! I have actually lost two pounds and am at 148.5, the lowest I've EVER been. So, I'm really pumped to get back on the wagon and finish what I started ten months ago. I have 13.5 pounds to go!
I hope you are all having a fantastic holiday season!
l

Humility

You know, this morning I realized I have stayed away from here because of my own pride and stubborness. It is great to report to you all when I am succeeding and losing weight and get virtual pats on the back but when I am failing and overeating it is just easier to stay away and then I don't have to be confronted with my failure.

This morning, God has spoken to me about this and reminded me that I need to humble myself before Him daily and seek His will over my life. It is not about the weight loss but about learning to turn to Him instead of food when I am feeling tired, stressed, anxious, happy, and any other emotion that creeps into my day. His desire for me is more than weight loss. He wants all of me and He has to peel away the pride and embarassment that keep me from succeeding.

Today, I have prayed and asked God to be in control and to get me out of the way. I am going to report in failure or success. I need to be held accountable for my actions and what a great place to report. You all have been there in success and failure.

I am committed to :
1. Getting up early to spend time with the Lord before the children get up. I am not a morning person but I have to do it in the morning so that I will turn my entire day over to the Lord and his will. In order to do this, I have to set the alarm.

2. Eating only when I am hungry. Eating in moderation. Not eating when I am not hungry, not overeating and not eating white flour, high sugars, and caffeine.

3. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day.

4. Exercise daily for 30 minutes.

I am going to report in each day with you all; success of failure. Hold me accountable and pray for me as this is a lifelong stronghold that God is working on and the enemy is strong but God is stronger!! He alone can bring victory!

Hi there I'm new

Hi there. My name is Kimberly and I am new at this blogging thing. I am trying to loose weight and I am currently 251 pounds. My goal weight is 150. Thanks for telling me about this web page Julie. I hope that I will have great success like you and Kristina. Thanks for the invite.
Kim

To the Washingtonians

The news is pretty much making the storm you guys are caught in seem like the apocalypse. I just want to make sure that you guys are staying dry and warm. Be careful!

Big love from Elicia and family!

M.I.A.

Hello Ladies,
I apologize for missing in action over the last couple of months. From October to the 2nd week of the new year I am always very busy. As a result, I haven't really been working out at all. I can definitely see the difference in body shape even though I have only gained 3 pounds. I have to say however, that I am glad that I am maintaining my weight for the most part; even in the midst of abundance of holiday foods. I will be back on it hard after the first of the year. I am determined to make my "obedience goal" of 180 pounds this year. I have had an opportunity to read some of your past posts, and I am really encouraged by you all and your success. I am even encouraged by those who have felt they are standing still in their progress, because they haven't given up. Ladies, thank you for being such a lights in this sometimes dreary world. Congratulations Tracy on your baptism. May our God bless you in your walk with him with rich passion for him, his word and his kingdom. Merry Christmas ladies and have a happy new year!
Smiles,
Kimiko

I did my stairs

Hello everyone,

In response to Lisa's Jingle jiggle challenge, I decided to try to do my stairs every day as I know we will not frequent the Y much this month. So the first time I did it, I could do it a wopping 11 times! Ya that's it! (Just don't look to see how many Kristina can do!) I shouldn't even post that, but I have to. So my goal is to go at least one more time each day. Granted, I am not even supposed to have resumed aerobic activity yet (technically supposed to wait a full six weeks following surgery). And the surgery itself, has knocked out my cardiovascular endurance.
ANYWAY- I did 13 (consecutive) today and will do 14 tomarrow, plus I know I do at least that many in the normal course of a day anyway.

I am determined not to gain weight this holiday season, even if I just camp out here on my plateau and don't actually lose any:)
SueAnne

Report from the Plateau

Okay ladies, as I mentioned in the comments to SueAnne's post, I have been a member of the Plateau Club for a couple of months now. I got a little apathetic; I got a little indulgent; and then I got a little sick so all I ate for a couple weeks was ice cream. Result? I got a couple of pounds back. Slowly, but they came back and camped out, right on my thighs.

Since Thanksgiving, however, I have come at myself with renewed enthusiasm and I've taken back off 3.5 pounds in the last two weeks. I'm still not where I was when I was in Guatemala but I'm closer, and it's fairly easy to take it off since I remind myself that I've done it before - that weight does not belong on me, it's just visiting but I need to make it go away before it decides to take up permanent residence.

Apparently I'm on the right path. My goal is to lose the 5-8 pounds that the typical American gains over the holidays. So far so good.

Still here

I am still here. I have been very busy this last week and have not even got on the computer. I lost my modem for a while too. We are fininshing our basement and this past week I have been painting and cleaning. My basement is just over 1600 sq ft and only about 500 hundred of it hasn't recieved fresh paint in the last week. A friend came over last night to help me do some painting for about an hour and she said she was sweating more last night then when she plays racqet ball. She is my new workout partner. Last week I was suppose to be devoted to her with working out, but Daryn and I had ALOT of work to do last week. I asked her after last night if I was excused as every night was at least 2 - 3 hours.
She is going to help me hold myself accountable with next weeks work outs.
I have not weighed myself in a long time as with the remodel the scale got hid. I am SCARED to get on.
I was also baptised last week. When I was a baby I was baptised but never by submertion. I have been wanting to do this for about a year but wasn't sure that I was ready for that next step. I was nervous that I was going to be expected to be the perfect Christian if I went ahead. I know that we always are learning about the Lord and he will guide us and teach us what we need to know. I am studing the Bible and know that this will help me along with my new life style.
WOW I guess I shouldn't wait so long to post.....

Hmmm...I can see why you'd need some strength...

Ok Ladies and Gents, here is a visual to explain WHY I need to be stronger, lighter and have bigger wind.

Show jumping - just ONE of the events - is chaining several jumps together.

I can do TWO in a row so far...not quite enough.

My ab/leg work should really help - and that's why the Jingle Jiggle Challenge is a great one for me.

What do YOU need muscles for?

Queen of the plateau here.....

Hello everyone,

I am getting too comfy here in my weight loss plateau. I've started to decorate and put on a couple of pounds...This needs to stop before my weight loss ticker becomes like my driver's license! "Sure....I really weigh that much...."

I have started the bible study Amy is doing "The Lord's Table" and I am loving it. I am such an idolater and coveter! Yikes. But I feel as if I am on a second honeymoon with the Lord:)

I am posting pictures. The second is me, my oldest daughter (Paige), and my aunt at last year's Christmas Tea event. This was the very first picture I ever posted when I joined the blog. The picture on top is my oldest son (Chase), Paige, and me (25 pounds lighter:) at this year's Christmas Tea. Have a great day!
SueAnne

Thanks Ladies

Thank you for the birthday wishes.

My birthday has been wonderful. :)

My eating, not so much. I got back on the exercise track this week after a two week hiatus (yikes!). I'm paying the price of said hiatus. (ugh) The food has been horrid. I did decent for three days, then today was my birthday. I didn't go bananas but certainly didn't restrict myself either. Back on track soon, I promise.

I miss being fully in control. I'm working very hard on getting back to that place.

Quote of the week

My dad just got back from a vacation down in Atlanta, so I've not seen him for a little while. Anyhow, as he hugged me, he said; 'You're my hero, you know that? Not everyone can do what you've done. I'm just so proud of you.'

Happy Birthday Paige!!!

Here's a cyber-sugar free/ calorie free cake for you dear!

Down to 163.6, wearing my size 10s, and my teeth are fixed!

Yessirie!, I am still morphing into a new person! I bought these 10's early in the fall. I could not wear them. I put them on this morning and they fit, comfortably, and they don't have the "stretch" in the jeans...they are old fashioned size 10 without stretch. Also, I got my bridge in, so I don't have a gapping whole in my mouth. I can smile a real smile! Whoopee! The funny thing is, Blake has lost a bit of weight too, so I am not as close to him as I would have liked to be. Originally he weighed 162.5, this morning he weighed 161.2. Ha! Stinker. How is everyone doing? I haven't heard from some of you...Kimiko, SueAnne, Paige, Amy, Tracy, Jenny, Tina, Yommy, Coreen, you have all dropped off the face of the blogging earth.

Love you all! Upward and onward!

Jules

Jingle Jiggle Update

I've been doing mine - 1/2 hour of leg/ab work per night. I have conscripted TWO more people. One will do some workout on their equipment at home, and my mom as agreed to lift her handweights every night during TV watching.

What about YOU?

Determination - the word for this week!

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination- Tommy Lasorda

If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.- Samuel Johnson

The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win- Roger Bannister

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand- Vince Lombardi

We will either find a way or make one!- Hannibal

My new hair...

I am posting these mostly for my Mom who hasn't seen me in awhile. I just got my hair highlighted. I have not lost anymore weight this week, but I didn't work out due to snow. Love you all.

Jules

Sometimes you just DO THINGS....

Wow. Wow and wow again. I did something yesterday I haven't done in a long time...or EVER.

I rode for an hour AND THEN I went snowboarding for the evening?

How in the world am I standing today?

God's mercy...and maybe a little bit stronger body than last snow season.

Wow. Wow and wow again. I feel like KRISTINA!

SUUUPA WOMAN!!!!!!!!!

If I post my loss, will it go away?

Hey girls,

I have lost seven pounds. I have been doing my abs every day for at least 1/2 hour, sometimes more. I also have been doing my arm weights on a regular basis and limiting myself to ONE coca cola a day.

I have also started trying to eat something at every meal time even if it is just a few bites. My hubby found some delicious trail mix with dried strawberries, cranberries, raisins, walnuts, peanuts, almonds and dried bananas. For once, I have something good for me at hand that I can nibble on. I'll start packing a KIMIKO's PURSE BAG OF TREATS or, a KPBOT for myself.

So....that's my story. I only had ONE PIECE OF PUMPKIN PIE. WOW.

Here's a photo of me and my 83 year old Grandma, Polly, at the Luxor Hotel in Vegas.

Lisa, your email isn't working...

Lisa, I tried to send you an email, but it wasn't working. Please send me your snail mail address for my Christmas Card list. shutterbugphoto at hotmail dot com.

Jules

Cracked pots

My friend Jen sent this to me today. Enjoy!

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" "That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them." "For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

SO, to all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!

Jingle Bell Jiggle Challenge

Yesterday, while at the Y... running myself silly...I came upon the Jingle Bell Jiggle Challenge. Something about this name really creeps me out (likely the word "jiggle") but here it is: My Y is challenging everyone to maintain their weight through the holidays. You weigh in in November, and again on Epiphany (end of the first week of Jan. for those of other faiths). If you maintain your weight, you get a t-shirt. Wahoo.

Thinking about this "challenge," I decided to come up with my own, personal, holiday challenge. Maintaining my weight is simply not enough. I need more of a goal than that. So here's mine: for the thirty (count 'em, thirty) days from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, I will go to the Y each day. That's my challenge, since it will be getting colder here soon and even the idea of leaving the house makes me want to curl up with some socks and hot chocolate on the couch.

I'm on track so far.

So, anyone else want to play? If so, what are you going to make your personal challenge?

made it through!

Hey y'all!
So first major winter holiday is past! My sister flew out to see me with a friend of ours, it was really nice to see them both. We had thanksgiving at a friends house, another teacher I work with, it was nice. I can now officially count down coming home, I can't wait.
On the food scene, I have been off track now for about a month. Still not eating sugar, but eating things that aren't healthy for me either. So this weekend I started back on the exercise track and today the eating track. I've been fairly stressed with relational stuff over the past month, but that stuff is better and now I'm able to refocus on my own health. yeah!
I'm still reading the blogs and being ever encouraged by what you are writing, so thanks for being so diligent about it! I greatly appreciate it. :)
Mandi

Thanksgiving shots of my own!

Blake and I, Thanksgiving 2001. I have NO idea what I weighed here. I had just begun my walking routine, though. My walking buddy, Mary Kate, lent me her fancy dishes for my special meal.


Last Thanksgiving with my sister, Amy. I weighed 218.

Loading the dishes last Thanksgiving.

This year, 67.2 lbs. lighter! Here I am with Queenlivalot. We are both much healthier this year.

Beautiful bird!
I, too, have some Thanksgiving shots to compare! Holy Turkey Wing, Batman! I have changed! Thankful for all of you girls, helping me along the way. Happy Holidays!

Jules

Comparing last Thanksgiving's photos to this years'!

Losing 79 pounds does a body good!
We had such an excellent time at my brother- in-law's house yesterday. For us, it was the funnest Thanksgiving we've had in years.
Willem's neice, who is just a little younger than me, made my day when she first saw me she blurted out: " Kristina! You look like one of the Dixie Chicks!" I just smiled, and laughed.
I'm so much happier, and healthier. I wish I would have gotten this weight off years ago. Well, better late than never. : )

Queenlivalot and Jules

Some real benefits of getting healthier are that you can be more active and more confident. Here is Yommy and me doing virtual soccer at the Pacific Science Center. We were the only grown ups to participate in a line up of kids.

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

Love, Jules

Kissing another 2.5 inches away!

I got measured again this morning. As I do every month at Curves. And much to my delight, I lost more inches. Not only that, but in the last month, my body fat percentage went down a whole 1.2%! You guys, I've lost exactly 11% in my body fat. To put it in another way, out of all of the weight that I've lost so far, 50.3 pounds of it was F-A-T!!! My inches break down as this: 10.25 inches off of my bust, 11 inches off of my waist, 14.25 inches from my abs, 13.75 from my hips, 8 1/2 inches from my thighs,( 4.25 inches each) , and 10 inches from my arms,( 5 inches each). I'm so excited that I'm STILL making progress. I'm proud of myself. : )

As the Nutritionist Runs Screaming In the Other Direction...

All I have eaten since last Wednesday is: one (1) bowl black bean soup; one (1) slice of cornbread with said black bean soup; and mint chocolate chip ice cream for every other meal.

I have a throat infection so I can't swallow anything healthy, I don't feel too bad so theoretically I could work out if I had any energy whatsoever, and to top things off, the doctor doesn't actually know what is wrong with me.*

* This is not unusual. Every couple of years my throat swells up, turns white, and tries to fall out. They test me for strep, mono, and everything else they can think of and right when they are ready to admit defeat I usually feel better from all of the treatments they've given me for everything I don't have. We have to go through the same darned routine each time however; this time I bet the doctor a coke it wasn't strep. I'm still waiting for my drink.

I want to be good, but I can't - which is pretty frustrating. Plus I have started absolutely craving fresh veggies (mostly squash?!). Here's hoping I kick this soon.** In the meantime, I'm cheering the rest of you on!

** Likely since I'm on every antibiotic known to modern man plus what I can only guess are elephant tranquilizers from the fact that I take one and have to sit or lay down for a few hours until the room stops spinning.

I did it!!

I went to the GYM!!! I only did 25 min of cardio and my arm work out. I also lowered my weights down on what I was lifting, I didn't want to be a hurting unit in the AM.

Then I came home and had a ton of energy and did things around the house I have been putting off doing.

Thanks for all the encouragement girls!!!

Tomorrow is a new day....

Tomorrow I AM going to the gym. I am feeling better and think that I will be able to breath while working out. I have not gained any weight but haven't went down in weight either. I have been wearing my smaller jeans for a few weeks now. It seemed like I would never fit into them, but now they are loose in the waist.

My daughter got strep throat last week. Poor thing. She is such a trooper that I didn't even realize she was that sick. She is my biggest cheerleader. When she sees commercials or ads in magazines with people working out she says "mom that is like you....you will be healthy like that too" It makes very proud knowing that she recognizes exercise is the way to be healthy.
I am doing this for me, but in a way I am doing this just as much for her too. She is what really keeps me going, I don't want to disappoint her. I have disappointed myself and my husband so many times before I would never want to disappoint any of us again. Daryn has never said that he is disappointed in me, but you know what they are thinking.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Made a milestone today!

Today, I officially tied my lowest adult weight ever! The scale said 168! Yippee! I have made my third goal of my weight loss journey. My first was to weigh less than 200, my second was to cross the "obesity" barrier, which for me was at 184.5. I now have a "mini" goal of weighing less than my hubby (only 6 lbs. To go on that one IF he stays the same!) But my next BIG goal is to get to 155, then I will only have 15 more to go before I reach my goal weight of 140. I should be able to do this by my birthday in February! I have 13 weeks to make it happen.

Each of these goals have been about 15 lbs. It takes awhile for me to whittle away at these lbs., but it is coming off! I am thankful to God for showing me the honest truth about how he made our bodies and what I should do to improve my health. I can be so active with my family now. I can shop at fun stores. I can "wow" my husband and myself. I can make my pre-teen daughter proud of my appearance and diligence to the point where she wants to imitate me.

Photo was taken at the Pacific Science Center where I saw the amazing Dead Sea Scrolls with my kids.

Love to you all! Love and much success!
Jules

Earning a "WOW!" from my hubby this morning : )

All dressed up, and on our way to church. Jules is taking our family protrait later for Christmas cards... it's fun to get photos now that I'm not the big girl that I used to be. I can't wait to compare last Thankswgiving's photos to this years!

FOUND - some photos of my wedding shower

Here are Kris and Julie at my wedding shower. (I've got the black hair) Just thought you'd get a kick out of some more before/after shots!

The stairs are WORKING!!!

I'm down a solid two pounds this week. After weeks of pretty much staying the same, I'm making more progress! Yippee!! That brings my weight loss up to exactly 79 pounds... just one pound away from the big 8-0! It would be SOOO cool if I could get there by Thanksgiving. I'm so determined NOT to gain any weight during this holiday season, that I've strarted pushing myself extra hard. All of the extra water I've been drinking I'm sure contributes as well. Anyhow, I'm very excited that the scale is moving again! : )

Okay girls... have YOU sweat lately?

Ladies, ladies, ladies.... where are you all? I realize that you may be getting a little tired of seeing photos of me, but I'm trying to challenge you all. We need the extra support and a bit of a kick in the butt this time of year.
Elicia, I wanted you to know, that because of your encouraging comment on my post yesterday, you pushed me to do my personal best on the stairs TODAY. I was able to go for a solid twenty-five minutes this morning! 121 sets, which is a whole lot of stairs! In the past, when I was much heavier, I struggled to do just six or seven minutes of stairs.
Come on ladies, let's get fit & fine for the New Year's celebration!