Shred Day 5

Day 5 is done. I can definitely feel some results expecially in the way my clothes feel, although I haven't weighed myself. I have been thinking about what I am going to do when this 30 days is over. I don't really want to go back to The Firm.

What I ate:
Oatmeal w/ toast

Snack:
Yogurt
one graham cracker

Lunch:
Turkey/cheese sandwich
carrots

Snack
diced peaches
grapes

Dinner:
1/2 hamburger steak
Sm. portion of rice
Cucumbers
cherry tomatoes

Shred Day 4

I got home from work yesterday, cooked supper, fed the kids then Shredded for the 4th day in a row. It was actually very easy yesterday. I can actually say that yesterday I enjoyed my workout. I even taunted Jillian a little because I wasn't tired, and I was feeling really good. I have a feeling, though, that I will regret the taunting later on, because I'm sure she got some good stuff in store for me in Level 2. I still haven't even watched Level 2. I'm happy right now being comfortable in Level 1, for a few more days anyway. Cecil wants me to wait until day 10 to move on but I'm not sure yet what I will do.

What I ate:
Breakfast:
Skipped breakfast (I woke up about 6 minutes before I normally leave the house)

Snack:
Yogurt
1 graham cracker

Lunch
One Soft Taco with meat and cheese (210 cal so not too bad)
carrots

Snack
Chocolate pudding w/ 1/2 graham cracker

Dinner
Baby portion of mashed potatoes
1/2 hamburger steak
carrots

Shred Day 3

I didn't get around to posting last night, what with all the American Idol, Biggest Loser and Human Target excitement. but I did Shred yesterday morning at 4:30. It is getting easier, though I cannot say enjoyable. I'm going to give myself a couple more days then move up to Level 2. But I won't weigh myself until Day 10. Our scale is broken so I haven't weighed since I started, which is a good thing for me because I am one that will weigh every morning and get discouraged if I don't like the number one day. This drives Cecil crazy. Maybe he secretly sabotaged the scale, J/K.

What I ate:
Breakfast:
Toast w/peanut butter and 1/2 banana
1/2 cup coffee w/ cream and sugar

Snack:
Yogurt and one graham cracker

Lunch:
Turkey and Cheese Sandwich w/mayo
Carrots

Snack:
Diced Peaches
Apple

Dinner:
Lasagna
Cherry tomatoes
Green beans

Only had lots and lots of water to drink, no soda!

Shred Day 2

We're off of school today, so I took a rare opportunity to sleep late. I got up around 8:00 and Shredded at about 8:40. I felt like I was a little dehydrated and got tired quickly, but I did finish. I was glad to get it done since I knew if I waited too long, I may not end up doing it.


What I ate:

Breakfast:
Toast w/ 1/2 TBS peanut butter
1/2 banana
Approx. 150 cal.

Would normally have a snack here but breakfast was late and I just wasn't hungry.


Lunch:
Turkey/Cheese Sandwich w/ mayo
3 oz. carrots
Approx. 290 cal.


Snack at 2:00
Key Lime Pie Yogurt
One Graham Cracker (Note: if you haven't tried this, you should. It takes just like you're endulging on a slice of Key Lime Pie with a buttery graham cracker crust...YUM!)
Approtx. 235 cal.


Fiber Plus Bar
130 cal

Dinner:

Meatloaf

Mashed Potatoes

Carrots

Oh, and I did go get those new shoes. Can't wait to use them in the morning!

Shred Day 1...again

Okay, so I started the Shred on Jan. 4th. But got to day 5 and life got in the way, I guess. But I started again tonight. I was going to wait until tomorrow but figured, "What the heck, I might as well get one day done." I'm so glad I did. It was not nearly as hard as the first "Day One" so I probably won't do the entire 10 days on Level One. I will give myself about 5 days and then move on to Level 2, which I heard is no joke. I haven't even watched it yet for fear of intimidation.

There is no reason to post what I ate today because I ate horribly, I mean, King Cake, M&M's, Dr. Pepper, Fried rice with chicken (there was some zucchini and squash in there, though). I guess I just did post what I ate, huh. Anyway, all of this was before I got super motivated to start working out again, so I'll give myself a break on the eating today. I promise to do better tomorrow.

Oh, and tomorrow I get to go get new shoes. I have had the same two pair of Asics for at least 5 years now. It's time for new ones. I wish I could say that they are worn out and ripping at the seams from being used so much, but you would all know that I was lying. But nonetheless, I'm going to get new ones, because new running shoes always motivate me.

Also, I'm going to be running a couple of road races in March. I'm super excited about that as well.

Musings

I took Lylah Grace to Walmart by herself yesterday to pick out a birthday gift for a friend from her class. I really do enjoy time with each of my kids by themselves. They are such different little people on their own. They come up with some poignant questions and statements when they don't have to compete with three others for attention.

Lylah Grace: Mommy, I can't get out of the van, you have the childlock on.

Me: Okay, I'm coming around to let you out.

Lylah Grace: Mommy, how does the van know when a child opens the door, and when a grown- up opens the door? How does it know, it doesn't have a brain?!



This morning as we walked in from church, I put the ever-present Wal-mart bags down on the counter as David asked for something to drink.

Me: Okay, but let Mommy go potty first.

David: Can I come with you?

Me: Well, I really don't think you need to come with me while I potty.

David: (as he walks into the bathroom and so politely closes the door behind him)
But I need to tell you something really cool!

Me: What is it, honey?

David: That Jesus love me!

Me: He sure does, and so does Mommy!

Bliss (if only for a second)

As a mother, you get excited about so many things. Like finally sleeping for more than 3 hours at a time, all those exciting "firsts" and milestones, getting just a couple of hours alone with your hubby, getting just a few seconds alone with yourself. As a mother of four, there is something else I get really excited about. It's like Christmas, it doesn't come very often, maybe even less often than Christmas in this household. There is a lot of work and stress leading up to this blissful event, but the sight of it, much like the sight of little faces on Christmas morning, makes all the hard work worth it. What is this event that I speak of?


That glorious day when ALL the laundry get done and you are left with EMPTY laundry bins.




It really is a wonderful feeling. This time Cecil helped get it all done....okay he did pretty much all of it. So it was even more wonderful.

But, just like Christmas, it doesn't last long, the joy soon dissipates with the first bath of the night, or the first spill at dinner time, or the next time the girls decide to change their outfits. But man, it's awesome while it lasts!

Sheltered

In our house, we are very careful of what our kids see and hear. I know that it only takes one word or image to be stuck in your head and heart forever. We try diligently to guard our children's hearts against unwholesome things until that day when it is their duty to guard their own hearts and minds. I am thrilled that in my home the "S" word is "stupid" or "shut-up", the "H" word is "hate" and the "D" word is "dumb". I know some households use these words relatively freely, but not here. I am happy that when my kids hear one of these words, it stings their ears, much like some of the uglier, more profane words sting my ears.

Are my children sheltered? Yes.

Do I regret it? Not for a second.

Special Moment with a One-Eyed Penguin

Ahhh, Christmas Break, the time in the middle of the school year when I get to be a stay-at-home mom for two weeks. I have taken time to finish making Christmas presents and to get the house in order after the first 4 months of school and the Christmas festivities. I have read one book and started another, had a lazy pj day, and a wonderful relaxing day with my sister at the spa. But Ava (1) just gave me a subtle little reminder of why I really love these two weeks off.

I was on the computer looking for some inspiration for a cake to make and she toddled up to me with a one-eyed stuffed penguin and a Beatrix Potter boardbook wanting me to read to her. I don't think she has ever sat still long enough to hear an entire story. But this time she did. Before I was done, her sweet little head began to bob. I noticed that her eyes were slowly beginning to close. By the end of the story, she was sound asleep in my arms still clutching her one-eyed friend.

I know it's simple. I know that babies fall asleep in their mothers' arms all the time. But it's so very special to me. I know I miss so many of these opportunities when I am at work, which is why I cherish every one that I am here for.

Working Mom Wednesday

I'm participating in Julia's blog carnival over at Sweet As Punkin Pie.

Question: Have you ever or would you ever call in "sick" if you weren't really sick? (whether it's your job or to another function that you were supposed to attend). Did you get "caught"?

I don't think I have ever called in sick when I wasn't really sick. Unless you count the cashier job I had when I was in high school. The irony (that I'm not so proud of) is that I called in sick so I could go to church camp with my youth group. I'm not counting that though, since I would never do such a thing now. I absolutely hate to miss work now. And considering that my mom is the principal at the school where I teach, I think my secret would be out pretty quickly.

Have a great day, friends!