Summer livin'

The days of summer are officially here now that it is the first day of summer. The days have been hot, sometimes rainy, humid, and the light of day stays until late at night. The kids do not go to bed as early, and love to play outside, go the park, or visit the beach. We are busy with baseball and soccer, swimming and relaxing. The city days are this weekend. There is a parade Saturday and rides all weekend. Always a fun time, a tradition now that we always go to the parade. The kids love the candy! Of course!

Hate to jinx myself, but today the scale said 122.5 lb. I don't think I've seen tha number since about 1997. I think when I got married I was in the high 120's. of course I think my body is no where near where it used to be. I don't really feel smaller. I am not sure where the weight is coming off of! Where I want the weight to be from is my stomach and mid section. But I don't notice a big difference in that area. I probably have smaller breasts and maybe the butt?? I should have taken a before pic so I could compare! Anyway I guess exercising more will help the stomach area problem.

Anyway we must get ready for B's soccer game tonight!

All "S's" and bubble gum

Thought I'd try to do a quick kid update!

B:
B is almost done with soccer. Last game he got 2 goals! He was so happy and surprised. He has had 4 goals this season and seems to love the games. He is obsessed with keeping score. He is fast to get back to protect the net. He would like to be a goalie someday (in this age group they don't have a goalie yet). He is in his second week of baseball and seems to like that too. He has had fun this summer playing outside, riding his bike, spending time with his treasured toys in the house, and playing in the new fort in the backyard. He loves those freezies (long popsicle things) and eats at least 2 a day. He likes to play basketball with daddy or tag with J and I. I love to see him running around like the true boy he really is. He is into swords, dressing up, pirates, and dinosaurs. He got all S's on his report card (they only have S=satisfactory and N=needs improvement). We were so proud.

J:
J learned to blow a bubble today. She is so excited she has told me about 100 times. "I can't believe I can do it!" It is funny. She gets frustrated when it doesn't work. J gets frustrated easy. She wants to do everything from buckling herself in her carseat to opening the doors. She wants to be just like B. She loves to go to the park and get pushed on the tire swing. She has taken a liking to our dog and follows her around the house trying to pick her up. She also loves to help me and follow me around. I don't think 5 minutes passes without her finding me wherever I am. She is really into princesses, the color blue (still), and animals.

Weight Loss

I haven't really posted lately on here about my weight loss efforts. Partly because I usually don't have much to report and sometimes I tend to start out great and lose my motivation quickly. This time I have been doing much better. I don't know why. I think part of it is that I got sick of the cycle of losing a few, gaining them back, etc etc. I also wanted to feel good in my summer clothes and have more energy. I wanted to make it really happen this time. Anyway, I've been working hard (despite one weekend that I royally over ate) since about May 7. So, it's been a little over a month. I've been walking 3 miles a few times a week. I have to admit I hvae not been exercising as much as I should. I know that would help. The part I'm proud of is my eating. If you've read my blog, you know I have food issues, overeating issues. I love food. I eat when I am happy, sad, bored, lonely, you name it. I have been eating 20 points a day (weight watchers). I am sticking to it. I have been buying foods that are low in points and when I eat out I really have been trying to get something low in points. I still eat sweets but low points sweets. I still eat every food group. I have not given up any carbs or anything else. I just eat less of what I like. I have been eating more fruits and veggies. I feel good about it, and really feel like I can do it. My breakfast is a bowl of measured out cereal and milk, or eggbeaters with lowfat cheese and light bread. My lunch is a sandwich with light bread. I then will have a fruit or veggie and sometimes a 2 point granola bar. My snack is a yogurt and maybe fruit again. My dinner is a lean cuisine or a veggie burger, salad, and a treat. My treat is usually a low cal/low points ice cream bar. I love the Healthy Choice caramel ice cream sandwiches. I highly recommend them. They are SO GOOD! They are 3 points each. I am then usually done eating by 6pm every day. I will sometimes have a hot chocolate before bed. If I'm really hungry at night I have a salad. My total weight loss so far is about 7 lb. I started about 131 or so. I am now at 123.5. I am sure I'll gain some around my time of the month and I'm sure I will fluctuate as most people do. I am focusing on staying on track and knowing I'm doing the right thing. I am trying not to focus on the number on the scale. If I stay on track overall I will lose weight. I know that I can stick to it. This is the longest I have ever stuck to my plan. It is the lowest weight I have been at since before I got married. I hope it motivates me to change my life and make this a new normal for me.

Summer Vacation

Well, tomorrow is officially the start of B's first actual summer vaction from school. He has his last day tomorrow and I am a little sad about it. He is done with kindergarten! He is now a first grader! Where did the year go? And this time next year J will be getting ready for kindergarten. Wow, will that be a change. I am in the middle of my class from he*l and am half done this thursday. I have only been to class 3 times to take tests. I have not been to a single real lecture. And I am doing fine. It is a boring class. I will be so relieved to have it behind me. I had my nursing orientation on Saturday. I was overwhelmed by it. I think the next 2 years will be very challenging for the whole family. They said you should study 24 hr a week. That doesn't include class time. That is a heck of a lot of study time when I have 2 young kids and the house and cooking and activities etc. Where will I find 24 hrs to study? I have no childcare and my husband travels a lot. I think I will be up early and to sleep late many nights. I am also very excited to start nursing school. I ordered my stethoscope, in burgandy! (you have to chose a color, kind of silly). I also have to buy scubs, white shoes, and get my pre-clinical physical.
I just know that it will work out fine, I'll get through it, and I have to stay positive. It will be one of the hardest things I'll ever do but it will be worth it.