Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Merry Christmas! SLO Half Marathon & Family Photos

Long time no post! Whew life has been crazy!  I've been meaning to post our family photos we had done a few weeks ago.  Also...... I was kinda bummed that Christmas was over and I've been itching to sign up for another 1/2.  So.......I DID! Surprise babe!

April 7 2013, San Luis Obispo Half Marathon!!! Eekkk! Training should have already started! ack! I haven't worked out or ran in months. This is intended to get my booty going. AAANNNNDDD I've been such a sugar monster lately, starting the new year fresh & clean with Paleo & running.  I'm determined that in 2013 I WILL REACH GOAL!


We had a fabulous Christmas, and I hope you did too. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Reece is ONE!

Just a quick post to say hi and that Reece is ONE today! Can you believe it?? Wow. That year FLEW by! It's been a great year. Lots of trials but so many blessings. I just wanted to post a sneak peak of his one year birthday shoot I did today. I wanted to do it today so I always remember what he looked like on his first birthday.
I've been so busy w photography for the holidays. It's a blessing but I'm swamped! Going to Morgan hill tomorrow for a night just to do photos. I'm still doing "Paleo" and maintaining weight. Really it's more like low/no sugar and no gluten because I feel like death the next day if I eat it. Blah. I need to start losing again and I will. Merry Christmas. Be back soon!
Love The Curvy Housewife

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Life.

Life happens. Things get in the way. Before Paleo I had pretty good control over gaining weight if something came into life. But then you start eating a whole other way and BAM.

Someone broke into our van AGAIN. They didn't take anything this time. The first time they took $400 worth of stuff. This time they just threw everything around looking in all the compartments and drawers.  Yeah like I'd just leave things in the exact same spot again. Punks.

So I've been searching high and low for a nice house in a newer neighborhood.  Unfortunately with no luck in our budget.

It's crazy, if we bought a house here our mortgage would be $600 cheaper than what they ask for rent.  We can't buy right now due to our short sale.  Bummer!

Anyways, my father in law brought home a pie, and I ate a piece. 12 days with out any processed foods, sugar, or gluten.  The next morning I was soooo sick. Oh my.  Not fun.... That's what sugar and gluten does when your body is free from it. Crazy!

I'm trying to do my best eating sugar and gluten free, but we are heading out of town tomorrow for the holiday (can't wait to see you Grandma!).  When I get back home...Gizelle intensity baby.

I wanna see 175.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Weigh In & Whole 30 day 6

Last weigh in two weeks ago: 181.9
This weeks weigh in: 178.1

Did you hear that? ONE SEVENTY.......yeeehooo!

Ok, this whole 30 is HARD.  I am having a hard time finding what to eat.  Suppose to be only meat, eggs, fish, veggies, yams, little fruit.  Um....good meat is EXPENSIVE! Gah!!! I've always been lerie of diets that say "No: blank, blank, blank blank.." I am on board with the no grains/gluten.  But no dairy, beans, rice, ect....hard. Yes white rice is a grain but does not have gluten or phytic acid- which pulls calcium from bones and teeth. And I am on board with no sugar.  After the 30 days, or when I go broke, I will stick to eating no grains and no sugar...of course with an *occasional treat.

I am still struggling on whether this is "right" too.  Vegan's say meat causes cancer ect. Why do some doctors say, "animal products were not made for humans!" while others say, "animal products are vital to our health". {Seriously read both but I'm too lazy to put links right now}.  I am eating organic meat, but I am still NOT SURE WHAT TO BELIEVE! Gr..... I am sticking to it though, or at least until I go broke. Which will be soon. Ha.

What I am loving: I feel pretty good.  The weight is coming off quickly.

Don't love: Expensive. Don't know what to eat E.V.E.R.  Eggs for breakfast again? yes. Hm. what's for lunch? eggs again? no no. um......plain hot dog? I guess. (grass fed organic hot dog. yes they make them. yes they cost more than gold.)

BUT....I made spaghetti squash last night and it was great!!! I got super full and felt like I was eating real spaghetti.  I guess it takes time to get into a routine of meals.  This strictness is only 30 days.


Apparently this is a detox. I had no clue.  I talked my friend Ilsa into doing it w me and she's doing amazing.  She is doing way better than me, lol.  She bought the book and has been giving me info, and I told her I didn't know this was a detox before I signed up for it..ha.

How I feel right now: GIVE me a muffin. NOW. A non gluten, not so great tasting muffin will be fine. Anything will do.  Give it to me!!! No? ok fine.

Why am I doing this?
I am trying to help my teeth. I am doing lots of research, and the more I read and listen to podcasts I hear that cavities and gum disease is a warning sign from more serious diseases such as Heart Disease and Cancer. Now, I am not sure if this is %100, but I do know an infected tooth is very serious, and our teeth have nerves, cells that connect through out our whole body.

I could see the two big whole where I need root canals when I came home from the dentist and I looked with a light.  I *think* they are getting smaller. I am not blowing smoke people. They are either getting smaller or some reason I can't see them very well anymore.  I know this takes time. I try not to look often so I don't get discouraged.  If this doesn't work, don't worry, I will get them filled.  I hope to have good news the next time I see a dentist though.

I have been doing Fermented Cod Liver Oil, Raw butter which I made myself, calcium and vit D3, and no grains/sugar/phytic acid.  Or very low phytic acid (I had some nuts).

I am really enjoying my books, Nutrition and physical Degeneration by dr Weston Price, and Cure Tooth Decay by Ramiel Nagel.

How are you?!!

Love, The Curvy Housewife 

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Big Changes.

Last week weigh in: 181.9!!!!!! whoot!

Thank you all who prayed for my friend Karen. The funeral went well.  Please keep praying for her as she has to learn to live with out her husband.

Did I mention in a previous post I was gonna try to go grain/sugar free? Well you all know I have been having several issues with my teeth.  So, the nutrition junkie I am, I began to dig in here.

As the dentist told me, "You need one pulled, two bill root canals, and one regular filling" I cried.  Literally.  I did get my tooth pulled because it was infected, and I'm glad I did.  But the other teeth, $1,200 x 2 + $500? plus that's only one side of my mouth!

I came across Weston A. Price's study, which I bought and its on the way. I find this FASCINATING. I am a HUGE believer in the power of food, and the harm food can do to us.  This was my thought the whole time..."If a broken arm can heal itself, why can't our teeth?"  I asked my dentist.  "Can I heal a cavity on my own naturally?"  "No. Absolutely not. I mean, I know you will see stuff online, but it doesn't work." I don't think he's lying. He is a good man.  I think he's never seen anyone be successful at this. It is a daunting task isn't it? My plan is pretty extreme. Who wants to do that?

I do! I am only 27 and there is no excuse for me to have teeth being pulled and drilled left and right.  So I began to think....what about the people who didn't have dentists? And then I found Dr. Price's research. He actually traveled the world and studied different cultures and their teeth.  This is a Dentist.  He saw something was missing in America regarding our teeth and oral heath.  The rise of braces, and drilling is outrageous. 

I found some amazing articles on this from health blogs.  How to remineralize your teethHow this women healed her sons big cavity.

I am going to plunge in big time. I have cut grains by about %50.  I am going to do it...make it %100. Ack, I said it.  I'm scared.  My plan....

1. Cut out grains (link, why they slowly kill you) such a great link. Answered my questions!
2. Cut out sugar
3. Fermented Cod Liver Oil/Ghee (already doing) totally nasty fyi.
4. Raw butter (which I made my self! already doing)
5. Bone broth- Oh.Em.Goodness. How did I never know this was so good for you!? not talking about store bought broth...but real homemade bone broth...tons of minerals essential to bone health!
6. Possibly switch to a more natural toothpaste....I already use Tom's.

I have been looking at photos of Native American Women, they all look like they have their teeth when they are old.  :)
I am always on a quest to find the right food for our family.  I have been fighting doing "Paleo" for a while.  Long while.  I use to say I'm against it. Grains are important.  Too much meat gives you cancer (yes if it isn't organic!). Jesus ate bread. Ect.  But you know how you find out what really helps you and your family?? YOU TRY IT. So...gulp. I think I am going to try the Whole 30.  I have lots of friends who's health has been significantly improved.  People I know personally who have lost a lot of weight and cured a lot of aliments.  My main reason are my teeth, my stomach (which has always given me problem since I was little), my over all health, and to lose weight.  AND so my boys will have health, healthy teeth and strong jaw bones and teeth that don't need braces.  REad that article! Amazing what Weston A. Price found in 1930's!!

Please don't judge ;) I am in search of what really brings health and heals. Sometimes everyone needs to switch things up. Especially if we have chronic or re-occuring pain, sickness, ect. AND DON'T WORRY..I WILL BE GOING TO THE DENTIST TO MAKE SURE I SEE PROGRESS! :)

PS I really need to start working out again!

Do you eat grain free? Advice!! 

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Monday, October 22, 2012

A tragic night.

With tears streaming I write this. Friday night our couples class at church had a progressive dinner party. When we got to the church to meet we realized we were taking the bus.  "Should we drive the van babe in case Reece needs us?" my husband answered, "If you want to." "Nah. I guess not.."

We all loaded the bus. Went to the first house and I tried to eat a salad, but with my tooth I didn't eat much. I chatted about how nervous I was to get my tooth pulled Saturday. We all gathered on the bus after the first stop and headed to the next.  Some of our friends were late so they met us at the first house. Then they all decided to car pool in my friends Honda. There was 5 of them. Karen's husband Enrique insisted Claudia sit in the front since she was 28 weeks pregnant.  So Steven, Claudia's husband, Oliver (who's wife was home sick) and Enrique all sat in the back seat.

Supposedly the guys were distracted by a frog. They caught the frog, therefore they were a minuet behind the bus.  As they drove and crossed through a green light, an SUV ran a red light going very fast and T-Boned Karen's Honda. The honda flipped a couple times and landed upside down in a small ditch.  I'm told Karen was able to get free from the car but no one else could. Enrique was unresponsive right away.

They all suffered serious injuries except for Karen.  They were all rush to the hospital right away.

Enrique suffered the worst of the injuries.  The doctors were not hopeful that he would make it.  He needed several surgeries, and had sever injuries.  We all gathered at the hospital and prayed over the weekend.  Many people from our church were there. Bro. Ruhl and his wife were there the majority of the time.

 The doctors were always careful not to give much hope to Karen, but we did see some specific prayers answered.  We all really thought he was going to make it.
Karen asked our Sunday School teacher Bro. Ruhl, "Tell all the wives to hug their husbands".  And last night I brought Karen some food and she told me, "I just wish he would open his eyes. I want to see his eyes."

This morning I received a call, that Enrique had gone home to be with Jesus.  We were all very shocked and are broken hearted. We really thought the Lord was answering our prayers.  We know He had a different plan. And it doesn't make sense to us, but we can Trust Him. Prov 3:5

Please pray for his sweet wife Karen, that God would shower His grace and peace upon her.

Claudia had the baby early Sat morning. Baby Jackie is in NICU and doing well.  Oliver, Steven and Claudia all had sever injuries and have a very long road ahead.  Injuries included, crushed ribs, broken jaw, lacerated organs, several broken bones, ect.

I am trying to not be too specific since this is all new information for a lot of people and I certainly don't want any family to find out via the internet about anything. It is certainly not my place to paint the picture of the evening, but I do ask for people to be praying for all our friends in the hospital, the baby, and especially for Karen.

I know many of you are already praying and have asked for updates, and rather than tell separate people several times I wanted to write it once.

I am so very thankful that HEAVEN IS REAL.  Enrique is with our Savior. If you were in a terrible accident, would you wake up in heaven? The bible says God wants you to be sure. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." 1 John 5:13
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8 
"FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED." Romans 10:13
Enrique was with us one minuet, laughing, joking, being a gentleman like he always is. Then, he wasn't. Oh how life can change in an instant.  
 "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1 
If you haven't trusted Christ as your Savior....PLEASE DO!!! I beg you! You never know when your last chance is. The bible is real, it's true, it's accurate. Heaven is real, hell is real, Satan is real, GOD IS REAL.  Whether someone believes in heaven and hell doesn't make it not REAL.  You can say, "I don't believe in a million dollars. Ive never seen it, so I don't believe it."  Doesn't make it not real! 
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shoul not perish, but have EVERLASTING LIFE." John 3:16 

If you've never asked Jesus to be your Savior, I pray you would! Salvation is not anything we do, but what Jesus has already done and us accepting that gift.  Pray and ask God to forgive you of your sins, then tell him you believe and accept what He did for you on the cross! God's word is true. 
 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9 
 
Oh Lord Jesus, please comfort Karen, my sweet friend. Please overwhelm her with your comfort and grace. Please Jesus I pray she will be filled with your spirit. I pray you would keep her from asking why, and from saying, "if only...", like I continue to do. I pray you would be Glorified Lord Jesus. Please give Karen peace and a comfort that lasts forever.  Thank you for my husband. Thank you for the friendship we developed with the Escobar's. Please God heal Karen's broken heart. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

A very difficult last couple of months....

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher thant the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

My absence has been do to an on going roller coaster of trials.  The worst is the present trial.  Not only did we get an evil stomach flu, then we got our car broken into, then we got another evil stomach flu, then we got several unexpected bills at once, then we had a huge trial with our house (needed fixing ASAP for health), then my TMJ flared up so sever.  Last Friday night I went to urgent care.  Was given Vicodin and muscle relaxers. Didn't help.  Fast forward (in a huge amount of pain all weekend) Monday I go to a Ear Nose and Throat Doctor at Kaiser and he orders an MRI.  That day I also went to a Chiropractor, $125. 

Tuesday I woke up to the roof of my mouth swollen and puss coming out.  Urgent care again. Two doctors later I had it numbed and sliced open to drain it out.  Then he said to see a dentist. Depressed and discouraged.

Wednesday I saw a dentist.  Yup. Infected back upper molar.  REally bad.  Oh and two big cavities on bottom according to him. I am pretty much devastated now. Not only did I have TMJ that make opening my mouth wide almost impossible, I need a root canal or a tooth pulled.  Great.

Today, I go to a dentist from my church and pay out of pocket for a second opinion.  Not only do I need 1 pulled.....1 need 2 pulled and 1 root canal and 1 filling!!!!!!!! Which really means 3 pulled and one implant. Or no implant because they are $$$. I am pretty much unwilling to do a root canal.

 Depressed doesn't even begin to describe how I feel.  Now, I know, it could be a lot worse, but I HATE the dentist. I have TMJ.  I don't understand why I have all these issues? I brush good, eat good for the most part, floss {ok not so much, but every now and then}.  I really think it is pregnancy and breast feeding causing bad teeth.  I think I now only want one more kid. A girl please Lord. Then we are done.  Maybe.

Did I mention that this is only the right side of my mouth?? Yeah. Who knows what the left side is like. I just got 12 teeth filled 18 months ago.......WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON. Seriously. 

Something isn't right.  If this keeps happening I will have no teeth!

I am on antibiotics, and I am taking immunity boosting supplements.  I am FURIOUS and on a MISSION to heal these cavities.  I know I know. "You can't heal cavities naturally." Well there is only one way to find out!!!! Tomorrow I am starting a semi juice fast.  Allowing organic meat and raw milk, cream. 

A week from today I have an appointment with the oral surgeon because, yeah I don't want to be awake for 3 teeth pulled. They are going to be doing a full set of x-rays.  I am PRAYING with all my heart that God will help me heal these cavities. And if not, well than He has a reason.  I know I need one pulled regardless.  One is dead.  But the other 3 maybe I can save. 

PLEASE PRAY for me. Pray the infection doesn't spread. I need His grace.  In my little pity party today I came across the above verse, twice today. Once in an email from church, the other in my bible app.  It was like God told me directly, "My ways are higher than your ways". Maybe this will heal my TMJ. Maybe it's just drawing me closer to Him. But I have to thank God for all these trials, because for some reason, He choose ME to work on.  He might do something through me, and is molding me to be what He needs me to be. 

Love, The Sad Curvy Housewife

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

How to have a good weigh in

Not all weigh ins are good. Duh. You win some and you lose some.  I had a streak for a while of good weigh ins, then they slowed down. I did some things that helped, then stopped and my weigh ins showed. Here's what helps:

• The last 3 nights before a weigh in I didn't eat after 6:30pm. Just water or tea.

• I drink a lot of water 2 days prior to the weigh in, and I don't eat hardly any processed foods packed with sodium.

• I DON'T work out the day before the weigh in. This makes me retain water like a camel.

• Make sure I breastfeed before I weigh in! Um yeah! That can equal like half a pound!

• Salad for dinner the night before.

• I never weigh in right when I wake up...ever. I wait at least an hour.

• Make sure you wear the same cloths or no clothes at all! Don't weigh in naked one week, then wear shoes and all your clothes the next! 

• I don't eat until after I weigh in, just drink coffee.

• Of COURSE this is on top of eating clean, logging my food and exercising. 

You are probably thinking..."yeah right, those things don't help. If you didn't lose weight you didn't lose weight." Well let me tell you, they DO help.  And if you see a good weigh in, you are motivated to keep going.


Saturday, October 6, 2012

Catch up

Last weeks weigh in that I never blogged about: 186.7
Today: 184.7 {my official weigh in on MFP will be tomorrow} I gave myself a week off logging. It was a nice break.  I am sick with the stomach flu....AGAIN!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT.  This is an EVIL virus.  Reece started throwing up the other day.  I prayed it was just teething. Then Cody threw up and Shane complained of his stomach hurting and last night....well.....it was NOT pretty in my bathroom. I got super sick and it was awful. I was getting angry like, How can I have it again?? But there must be two different ones going around right now. ;(

 Anyways, besides that here is a quick update from the last two weeks!!

-Sister in laws wedding See Pic! She bought us all those Juicy sweats to wear while getting ready. Fun :) I am the blond next to the bride on the left (looking at the photo). 4 of those girlies are my husbands sisters.

-I read Dave Ramsey's book "Total Money Makeover"  in one day. Oh MY. Life=CHANGED! Seriously amazing book. We are now doing this program and are still on baby step one..save $1,000 emergency fund.  I am so impatient. I want to save up for a house NOW.  It's my dream to buy a home and live there for the rest of our lives.  I want to see this happen,,,,tomorrow. ha. But we have to save emergency fund, then pay off debt, then save more emergency fund, THEN save for a home. 

-Puppies!!! oh my life is busy with 3 boys and 11 puppies!!!!! Trying my hardest to sell them all. Aren't they stinkin cute!!!!
-Reece is majorly teething. Poor guy.
-Photography....did a friend from high schools family photos last weekend and they are beautiful! Also finished up a wedding and a newborn shoot. 
You know me, the maniac.  Well I am all crazy about the Dave Ramsey thing, so I get distracted from important things like healthy food.  I hate that. Back at it now.
-I miss church. Big time. Tomorrow will be the 3rd or 4th sunday I've missed Sunday school. Between sickness and being out of town. I miss it!

Ok, tootles.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, September 21, 2012

Weight In

Well apparently as soon as I could hold down water and food some weight came back.  Not. Cool. All that sickness and only a 2 pound loss.....grrrr. ;P

Last Week 189.2
This Week 187.2

Ok well, to have a clear conscience I must admit, I was actually 187.6...BUT I am swollen as a bee today! I am sure it is at least a pound, and well, all that hard work of being sick, I wanted to at least record a 2 lb loss.  Anyways, one. more. week.  Then, the wedding!

Hopefully my size Medium dress will fit nice.  Last night to our ladies confrence I wore a dress I haven't worn in at least 6 years.  Yes, that's right.  A size M.  I wore it at my rehersal dinner.  Can you believe it?  I can't.  I really can't.

Thank you who still read this.  I am so bad lately about updating and I know a lot of people stopped following it.  I appreciate everyone that does read. xo.
 Ps please pray for my Baby Reece.  He now has the stomach flu ;( threw up 6 times today since I got home from ladies confrence. I am missing tonight because I don't want to leave him.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Not as I hoped but.....

Well I'm on day 4 of the stomach flu. I've never had it this long. Blah. I'm feeling a bit better right now and pray it lasts. {No I'm not pregnant :)}.

When I said I was ready to blow through the 180's I didn't mean like this!!!! Yuck! But I'll take it I guess.

The results? Almost 5 pounds down already. I have hardly eaten anything in 4 days. I'm amazed my milk supply is still holding. Poor Reece has the runs though ;( really praying he doesn't get as sick as I was. I was driving up north to a family party when I turned around and came home. Boo. Terrible few days.
Prayers appreciated. Xo

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, September 14, 2012

Weigh In: Finally!

Last weigh in: 191.4
Today: 189.2! Yeah baby! 2.2 loss. Finally 189!!! So ready to blow through the 80's it's crazy.
Heading to my great Aunt's party tomorrow 5 hours north. So I'll be gone over night again. Need to make good food choices.
I do NOT want to go backwards. I am uploading a progress pic. haven't done that in a while. Just a side one. I didn't think the front one did justice. I can see a difference. Most of my clothes are too big (including the leggings I was wearing in the picture).
Gotta run, my tummy hurts from the donut I ate after I stepped off the scale. What? It wouldn't be weigh in day with out some kind of sweet treat. ;)
Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, September 7, 2012

Dang it.

I am so frustrated right now. I could scream. SCREAM I tell you.  I was up half a pound from two weeks ago.
Two weeks, gone.
Actually, At the beginning of the week I was up 5 pounds! I knew it wasn't all "fat" but water weight, bloating, ect. So I worked hard all week to get where I am now.   I will NOT let this happen again. Truth, I get scared by saying that. Because seems like when I have a goal or a time frame I go backwards. Ironic. 
I really thought I might see 189 today because I had a good last two days. I even walked both days!!
But I woke up this am swollen! Totally retaining water. Why? I don't know. I was on my feet all day yesterday out and about and I didn't drink enough water. So I knew the scale would not be kind today. 

Today I am taking it easy food wise. Not trying to do damage but not logging food. Back at it tomorrow.  Full force. This week better watch out.  I am FOCUSED and need to stop waisting time.

Happy Friday, have a great weekend!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Redeeming the day

Friday is weigh in, and I'm not sure if I'll make my goal of 189. Ugh! It's so hard to get back into the swing of things.
I've been doing well since Sunday. Thank you Jesus. But today it's all rainy and cloudy (yay) and I have been feeling lazy & munchie. I ate way too much cookie butter (dang that stuff!) and am trying to redeem the day. So far so good. Church is tonight which helps.
I've come a long way. 54 pounds ago I would have threw in the towel for the whole day. Or week even!
Busy busy again. 11 AKC chocolate lab puppies were born to our family Monday at dawn! You can imagine the chaos with 12 dogs and 3 boys!!

It's actually not that* bad. Belle is a great mom which makes it easy on me :)
Got my hair cut!! 5 inches!!! Feels great. See?
I almost got on the treadmill today...maybe I will. So much to do though!!!

Pray for me for weigh in!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Good news, bad news.

Bad news first.
I have no clue how this happened.  Well yes I do. I get to loose on the weekends. Which goes into the week, which is really hard to snap out of.    My focus has been on other things.  My oldest started K4 yesterday, and my boys are starting gymnastics. Oh and I turned 27 yesterday as well! 

I was a bit depressed yesterday because one, my baby is a big boy.  And two, I am another year older.  And three, I am lacking nutrients and can feel it.  I feel tired, sluggish, depressed, not able to focus, and have been fighting a cold for a week.  I am up on the scale. So I refuse to "weigh in" on Friday.  I was also spiritually malnourished.  I had a busy last 5-6 days and didn't get great quality time with the Lord.  Which really wears on me emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.  I enjoyed praying and reading my bible this morning and feel better. Except for the left over cheesecake I ate.  whoops.

For my birthday my hubs and boys took me to Forever 21 (use to be the dreaded store, but now I can fit into their "normal" sizes!!!). After shopping we got Rubio's. YUM. Then cheesecake for my birthday cake.  Can you say, a bazillion calories? 

I need a clean slate. I haven't had to refocus like this in a while, but I need a jump start or something. 

I have a goal, which is to be 179 exactly one month from today, I'm in my sister in laws wedding. Which brings me to my good news.  We went dress shopping Saturday for my bridesmaid dress and GUESS WHAT. I fit into a size 12 (did you hear me??) SIZE 12 dress! Yes it zipped and everything! Ok, so maybe it hugged my buns a little too much but what evs.  The dress we ended up buying, my sis in law found on the clearance rack. There was only ONE.  And it was a Medium.  It was perfect. Perfect color, style, everything.  But we weren't too hopeful it would fit.  BUUUUTTTTT, IT DID! Whoot! And it was only $12! a little tight in the bust, but I am hoping to lose 10 pounds by then, and it's great motivation. 

Glad I blogged today. Needed to get all this out.  I need to blog more. It helps me stay focused.  Also need to read all my favorite blogs!!!!

Lately the Lord has really been teaching me that, He gave me my boys, my little treasures, to do great things for Him. Not to raise them to be mediocre, but to be champions, to have great influence for Him.   The Lord created me to be the mom to my boys. I LOVE having all boys.  Yes I want a girl, but I also want another boy. 

I've been reading "Through My Eyes" Tim Tebow's biography, and it is AMAZING.  Every mom of boys should read.  We are huge Tebow fans. :)

I'll be back in a couple days.  Say a prayer for me that I get my hiney in order! Let's face it, time is ticking and I ain't gettin any younger. I want another baby, and I want it to be another boy! Or girl. I would be so happy with either.  Don't worry Grandma, I'm NOT pregnant {and I won't be any time soon}! ;-)



Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, August 24, 2012

I'm ALIVE! & weigh in!

Quick post! So sorry I haven't been blogging! I've been sooo busy. Leaving today for Morgan Hill AGAIN! This time to photograph a wedding. Last week was for my great grandmas 99th bDay party! More bout thy later.

Weigh In: 2 weeks ago- 191.8
Today: 190.3
SOOOOO CLOSE! Ugh! Next week! No more fooling around!

My sister in law (who also was my best friend since 7th grade) is getting married Sep 29. I have a goal! To be 179 by that day. I know, that's a crazy goal. But I'm a bridesmaid & I don't want to be the FAT one. Even though I still will be. Ack. Anyways, I bought a size MEDIUM yesterday! I feel great. Hungry, but great. Hehe. Not always hungry just right now. Gotta run! Driving 5 hours w just me & the boys! Thank You Jesus for helping me!

Tootles.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, August 10, 2012

Weigh In & Dumb Internet!

Last week: 192.7
Today: 191.8
Loss- .9

Not as good as I hoped, but considering I have a clogged duct and excess weight {if you know what I mean} I'm ok with that.  And yes, still clogged milk duct, or infected Mammatory (is that the word?) gland. Pure pain. But next week, NEXT WEEK, I am praying to hit the 180's!!!! Wouldn't that be nice.

So my friend informed me that she googled "clogged milk duct" and under the images there was my sweet baby Reece!!! Stupid internet took my image from my last post and associated it with clogged milk duct. Apparently they can take any image they want.  I deleted the picture from my post but it STILL shows up on google! I feel so violated. I won't be posting pictures of my boys on here anymore I don't think.  Maybe I'll make a private picture account somehow.

I'm pretty upset with myself right now. Last night I made the mistake of going to the grocery store hungry.  I bought some cookies, chips and a lemon cake. Bad, bad, bad.  Last night I had a salad and half a roll. Weigh in was in the morning, I wasn't gonna blow it yet! As soon as I weighed myself I had a piece of the lemon cake. Blah. Want. To. Barf. Just have to record it, and move on!

I mentioned in my last post that I don't do well on the weekends, then Monday I struggle to back on track, then Tues-Thurs I am focused.  And for the most part I've been losing consistently. I wonder how I'd do if I did well Sat-Thursday! I am determined to do it this week.  I also haven't worked out in a couple months {hangs head in shame}.  But you know what? I have 3 little boys, a husband and a house that keeps me moving.  I sweat everyday {probably just the intense desert heat}.  Cleaning my house is a work out.  Ok ok, no excuses. But I'm actually fine with it. For now.  I am itching to run, just NOT in this 106 heat. My poor husband works outside all day.  I have NO clue how he does it.  He truly is a beast of a man. And pretty cute too. ;p


HERE'S TO THE 180'S!!! Then the 170's....wow. I can do this!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Weigh In & Catch up

Fewwww it's been a whirlwind of a summer!

Previous weigh in: 194.2
Last weigh in (7-31-12) 192.7
-1.5

Yay for an all time low (this time)! I have been soooo busy! We went to Morgan Hill AGAIN just so I could do photo shoots. I've done 5 in the last week, and have another this Friday. Busy busy, blessed blessed!
I am having a hard time staying on track over the weekends. So Monday seems to be the day I struggle to get back on track, then Tuesday-Thursday I'm pretty focused.
I have really changed though! While so busy with photography last weekend, in between shoots I was starving and thought I should get some lunch. I didn't want any fast food though! Now that I know what's in the stuff, especially the beef, I don't even want to risk it. So I just waited and ate at my moms. Change!
We have good news! The church here in Lancaster asked my husband to stay! Also, we were offered the job in Santa Maria! Wow! God is so good. We are praying A LOT. We will have the big news soon.
I'm torn. I love it here, and have many friends. It is THE best church in America! But we also loved the church in Santa Maria. It's closer to what we want to do eventually (church plant) and it's by the beach. But it's very expensive to live. We need God's wisdom!!!!
Bummer- I have a clogged milk duct. Oh my PAIN! It hurts so bad. Trying to nurse through it.
Here's a pic of last weekend. Reece 8 months and my niece Lexi 6 months. How adorable is this picture!!!!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, July 27, 2012

Weigh In and stressed!

Last week: 193.3
This week 194.2

Goodness can't believe it's been a week since my last post! I'm up a pound. I expected it. Glad it wasn't more! This week was really tough.

Our weekend trip to Santa Maria went well. We really like it! Just waiting to see if we get hired!

Prayers please! It's a great situation. Davey would be director of maintenance, and be able to serve in the ministry. The Pastor is excited bout our desire to start a church in San Luis Obispo as well.

I couldn't get back on track when we got home. I was super busy editing pictures, appointments, errands, raising 3 kids. They are all so needy! Especially that husband of mine! ;) lol

Well thanks to stress and poor eating, my TMJ is in full flare and almost as bad as it was before. And I am sick. Woke up at 2am with a pounding headache! And a terrible cold. I'm such a baby.

Sometimes life as a stay at home with 3 boys under 5 is really hard. This week stress got to me and I'm paying for it.

I need to get back on track and get control of everything. I am SO thankful for my boys and that I can stay home. Sometimes it is overwhelming though.

One things I'd love about Santa Maria, is the boys could go to pre school for free at the church school! How awesome would that be. That's soooo important to us.

Part 2 of eating organic on a budget is coming.

Sorry for the short post. Xoxo

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, July 20, 2012

Weigh In

Last week: 195.5
This Week: 193.3
-2.2 pounds!

Wahoo!!! I'm so excited and I thank Jesus for helping me!! He is my Rock.

So close to the 180's! I can feel it!
Not only did I hit (& pass) 50 pounds, I reached my pre pregnancy weight from Reece!!! Only took me 7.5 months. :)
I have lost 23 pounds since bringing Reece home from the hospital.

I'm technically not at my "lowest". I was 187 when I ran my first half marathon in 2010 right before I got pregnant with Reece. I had gained back 6 pounds sometime between then & when I found out I was pregnant.
During my pregnancy with Reece I was so sick I lost about 7 pounds and got down to 184.
But I don't really count that as my lowest because I was sick & pregnant.
So, when I get below 187, I'll really be happy to pass where I was before. Make sense? Sheesh that was a long babble.
Anyways, exciting news. Tomorrow morning Davey and I are dropping off Shane and Cody at a friends house and we are heading off to Santa Maria Ca for an interview! Very mixed emotions here. We absolutely love Lancaster Baptist Church and would be really sad to leave (again!).

BUT our heart is to start a church in San Luis Obispo Ca (don't think I've mentioned that on here yet, but we've decided this several months ago after praying & taking a trip there). That's our goal anyways and whether God changes our directions that's up to Him. Right now we really feel that's what God wants us to do.

Anyways, the pastor at this church we are interviewing at seemed excited about the fact that we eventually want to start a church in SLO. It's about 40 minuets from SLO. So maybe? Maybe not. We'll see what happens. I'm excited for a night away. :)

Anyways, what's REALLY helping the weight come off is, eating clean (I'm sooo not perfect but I'm trying!) and I'm daily eating coconut oil and organic green tea. Both are suppose to help speed up metabolism.

Heres a pic of the scale so you all believe me :)

And a pic of my Reecie, he's everywhere now! He's just about crawling. His brother put this sticker on him, lol.

I love my boys!!!!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Monday, July 16, 2012

Eating Organic on a Budget Part 1

Just like when you are planning a wedding, you have to spend a majority of the money somewhere (or you should, and I always say photography! wink).  We spend the majority of our money on fruits, vegetables and plant based foods (oatmeal, nuts, beans, whole grains).  It generally goes: fruits, veggies, fats (because they are so expensive. ie nuts, oils, avocados), grains, dairy, meat. 

Farmers Market: Every Thursday I venture out to my farmers market and buy fresh Organic produce. This is by far the very best way to get organic produce.  Not only is it cheap and organic, it's local, which means you support local organic farmers and you get the most nutrients out of the produce.  I buy strawberries by the box for $5 (3 heaping green baskets).  Which is waaaay cheaper than any regular store! Last Thursday I bought cucumbers for $2 a pound (which equaled $.50 each, same price as winco), apples for $2 a pound (this was pricey because apples aren't in season), olives $5 for a container (impulse buy, they were stuffed w garlic, delish!), I always get Kale for $1 a bushel, I got peaches and nectarines mix and match for $2.00 a pound, 2 boxes of strawberries (which are almost all eaten now) and this huge red onion for $2! Total= $24. Pretty good I'd say! Better than store prices.
 

My second stop is Trader Joe's. If you told me 4 months ago I'd be shopping at Trader Joe's I wouldn't believe you because I always thought it was way to expensive. My friend and her mom surprised me with some groceries from Trader Joe's about 4 months ago (so sweet huh!?) and I LOVED all the food! Here's what I get there that is natural/healthy/organic that is priced about the same at a regular grocery store.{Just FYI, not everything at Trader Joes is organic, and not everything is clean and healthy, cough Cookie Butter, cough cough, Kelly, Kendra! Cough.} ;p 
Here are some pics of a few very reasonable things that are staples for us.  
1. Organic whole wheat pasta- $1.39 2. Organic Reduced guilt tortilla chips $2 a bag (cheaper than regular chips and good!) 
3. Strawberry Kefir, (organic if they have it) $3.50 {kinda pricey but goes a long way...it's super good for you, has probiotics, and lots of protein & it's delicious! Your kids will love it!} 
4. Organic black beans $1 (I know it's best to cook your own, but I like to have some canned just in case..).


More things that are staples for us from Trader Joes include: 
Meat: 
Organic Free Range Chicken drumsticks $2.98-$3.50 for a package of 5! Let me park it here for a second...I buy this even though yes it's dark meat, because, it's organic & free range. Meaning- these chickens are not cooped up in a dark chicken prison sitting in their own poop all day. They roam around and get fresh air at least part of the day, they aren't pumped full of hormones to make them bigger (which makes the chickens retarded and unable to walk-so not joking, this is true).  They aren't treated with antibiotics either. The breasts are even better but much pricier.

Beef- if we get beef (which is rare) we will get ONLY organic beef. Because, organic beef is so expensive, we rarely get it.  We aren't vegetarian, and we aren't vegan, although we aren't oppose to it.  Our diets do consist mostly of plant based foods.  But we still buy chicken and occasionally we will get organic grass fed top sirloin. YUM. The one I buy from TJ is around $7, not too bad, but you don't get much. If I knew where to get grass fed beef at a reasonable price I would. 
Beef is one thing you don't want to buy unless it's organic AND grass fed. Just watch Food Inc. These cows are caged up, unable to roam and eat grass. They are fed genetically modified corn and soy crud and they get E-coli. Grass naturally kills E-coli. So when cows roam and eat grass like God intended them to, you don't have to worry about it. But now they are cooped up, fed a bunch of crap which has lots of Omega 6 {linked to causing cancer} and the cow has lots of E-coli bacteria in his stomach. So the farmer cuts a whole in the stomach of the cow, inserts a plastic tube over the whole, reaches in with his gloved hand, and scoops out all the visible E-coli. Disgusting right? Well it isn't over yet.  They also regularly give the cows antibiotics. THEN, once the farmer gets all he can see out, they kill the cow, butcher it, and clean the meat with AMMONIA.  Yes, like the stuff you disinfect your house with. Then they process it, package it, and sell it. Mmmmmm, barf now, gag me. 

Salmon: I like to buy one package of wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon (must be wild!). Usually around $7. We don't always get this either due to the price.

 
Produce

We get produce here as well. We usually only buy organic produce that is on the dirty dozen list or anything with thin skin and that you don't peel. I get organic romaine lettuce for $2.50 a bag. Organic zucchini for $2.99 a package, organic apricots $2.99 for a package, organic sweet potatoes a big bag for $2.99, and more.  They don't have organic apples right now because they aren't in season yet. We can't wait for this.  (I get more produce at Winco & Walmart and go into that later). 

Breads: 
I've been getting Ezekiel bread which is Organic, sprouted, grain bread $3 something...& you need to keep it in the fridge. It's made just like in the bible. VERY healthy and so much better for you.  Ezekiel wraps $2.50, AK-Mak crackers $1.69, sprouted whole wheat cinnamon bagel $2.29. All these are considered "clean" breads. This is where our budget jumped. We use to buy Cascade pride potato bread from Winco. We are weaning off of it....it's only $1.69, super soft and fluffy, buuuutttt has high fructose corn syrup at the top of it's ingredients list, among lots of other things I can't pronounce.We've been eating less bread and more salad.  I found some OK bread at Winco, I'll talk about that later.

Fats: 
Raw whole cashews $7 for a pound, raw almonds $4.49 a pound, raw pecan pieces $5, 4 organic avocados $4, organic virgin coconut oil (cancer fighting, fat burning, fungus killing awesomeness! I've been eating it everyday) $5.99, Extra Virgin Olive Oil big bottle $5.99. The oils I only have to buy once a month if that.  I know nuts get pricey. For us, we never bought nuts before because they were too expensive. But now we substitute them for other snack foods we use to buy. Our boys love them, and they are great for all of us.

 Supplements/toiletries
EVERYONE should take supplements.  Most people don't get half the nutrients we need a day. These are reasonably priced in my opinion.  Ground flaxseed $2.69 (sprinkle on your oatmeal or in your soup or salad or coffee!) it has Omega 3's, which is soooo important to fight/prevent cancer and keep brain healthy.   Chewable vit C $5.99 also a major cancer fighter and preventer, Multi-vitamin and mineral $7 I think...can't remember. Tom's fluoride free toothpaste $3.99 (we get waaayy too much fluoride, which is toxic!). Next time we will be looking into natural soaps, shampoos, ect. But I'll probably get them online if they are cheaper.  

More in part 2. :) Do you have any good deals and staples? Please share! 

Love, The Curvy Housewife








Friday, July 13, 2012

Weigh In & more pictures!


Weigh In: Last Weigh In (two weeks ago) 197.5
Today: 195.5 
Yippee! I am super happy with that. Especially because I have had a pathetic work out regimen lately. As in, none. 
1.5 pounds until I hit my pre-pregnancy weight! Can't wait. 

Today I am on a MISSION. I will be blogging about it in more detail soon. I am on the hunt to find the cheapest, best deals on clean, organic, unprocessed foods.  I think it's extremely ridiculous that food that is good for you is expensive, and processed junk is so cheap. I mean really? Does it seem to you, that some people might want us to stay obese & unhealthy? Cough cough FDA cough. Oh & maybe because the people at the top of the FDA are the heads of big Pharmaceutical & pesticides companies? Cough cough. Did I just write that out loud? Oops.

Anyways, here are more pictures from the wedding! I loved my dress! I ended up buying it at Khols for $20!! It's a Vera Wang Dress!! Size XL, but for a normal dress in a normal size department, I'm ok with that size. :) It's exactly what I wanted. 
I look at the pictures and see a huge fat girl. Sigh. 
I was embarrassed to see old friends from high school. BUT everyone kept telling me how beautiful I looked and that was so sweet and made me feel a little better.  Just a reminder that I have so much more to go.
Below, me before the wedding.  Then me breastfeeding during the reception when I wasn't busy taking pictures, me and my husbands cousin Ricki (we've been friends for 12+ years, {who is Sara "weightless"- who never blogs anymore :( sister}), Shane making a goofy face (he was the ring bearer), Davey giving his toast (so sweet, made everyone cry), another of me before the wedding-full length pic, me & Davey at the reception (so tired right about now), and one of my shots of Olivia, the Bride! :) 
I am motivated, I am praying for God's strength, I can feel success, I can see myself at my goal. 
Love, The Curvy Housewife 

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

I'm Back!

We got in late Sunday night from the wedding and I've been swamped since!!! I did 4 photo shoots over the week, including the wedding. Lot's of work to do! Wedding went well, I'm gonna keep this one short and just upload some pics.  :)


ps I didn't gain ANY weight while out of town....whoo hoo! Back on track now, and a big blog post brewing in my mind.

pps the rest of the pics were taking too long. grr. ill post more tomorrow of the wedding so you can see my dress!!!!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, June 29, 2012

Stinky weigh in

This Week: 197.5 
I am NOT happy with that.  Earlier in the week my scale said 195.6. No kidding. I weighed twice to make sure, but had a hunch it was off that day. The next day it said 198 again. Then it went down to 197.3 and today 197.5
BOO. 
I would be happy with that, if the wedding wasn't in 8 days! UGH. I need to just forget any expectations I had and do my best.  

Yesterday was my hubby's 30th birthday! He met us at the Farmers Market and I planned on taking him to In & Out Burger for his birthday, but he wouldn't go. He said he's in mourning. Ha. I made him a chocolate birthday cake, made with Greek yogurt (8 oz fat free greek yogurt, cake mix, 1 cup water), topped with homemade chocolate frosting. I had a piece. But I was still under my calories by 400! I went over my diary for this week and noticed I was under my calorie goal (which I just changed to 1950) every day. But I didn't eat as clean.  I've been eating a lot of white carbs....BAD BAD BAD!  Today and tomorrow aren't going to be any better though. 
We have a gift card to BJ's and are celebrating my hubby's bday tonight, then tomorrow is his big surprise party at my house!!! (Hence the early post, must clean house!) And yes I am throwing him another surprise party because this one is all our friends and more of a surprise. :) 

The other day I asked my Mom if she could make me a dress for the wedding.  She said she would just buy me one, isn't that so sweet :) love my Mama.  So I went dress shopping the other day just to see if I found any and I liked these two. But I'm not crazy about them. What do you think? 

This was at Forever 21. Yes the dreaded store. The have a plus size section! A small one though. I wear their XL.  I tried on skinny jeans just for fun. He he. I wanted to see what size pants I am.  I thought I grabbed an 18, and they fit perfect.  When I took them off and looked closer, they were a 16! That was cool. Although I would really like to be a 14 again. 

I need to not go crazy with food tonight or tomorrow.  Must stay focused! 

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

What do you think?

I'm searching for a dress for the wedding. It's in 12 days. I fear I won't be at 193 by then 😥.

I must look my best though, regardless! I told you guys some people from high school are going to be there. A certain person last saw me at my heaviest, and I'd really like to make my husband proud you know?!

I'm in desperate need of a partial high-light as well. My roots are sad people. Super sad. Why doesn't money grow in trees? Sigh.

I'm looking for something not tight. Something adorable, yet classy. Something I can bend and take the photos in with out rippin the seam. Rather it not be sleeveless showing my huge arms. My favorite color is mint, or aqua.

The dress I'm in in this photo is my back up dress. It's actually big on me now. It droops down in the back. But any who, I could make it work IF I had to.

But I'm dreaming of something like this though. What do you think? Help me! I guess they are all kinda similar huh?

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, June 22, 2012

Weigh In & Progress Pictures

This Week: 198.0 
Whoo hoo!!! I am very happy with that loss. And yes....One HUNDREDS! Never ever ever going back. I have a book called "Out Smarting the Female Fat Cell After Pregnancy". I've read it a couple times. She says, losing weight in the first six months postpartum is VERY hard if you are breastfeeding. She said studies show that most breastfeeding women lose the most weight between 6-12 months postpartum. I think my body is finally letting me lose the weight. I know for some women they are back to their pre-pregnancy weight in just a couple months, but NOT ME! This will be the fastest for me, I am 5 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight with Reece!! And only 12 pounds away from a weight I haven't been since before I got pregnant with my first.  Wow. I am so happy! I THANK JESUS my Rock for helping me! 

Here is me on the left only 3 months ago, and today me on the right. This is only an 8-10 pound difference (not exactly sure). Wow. I fluctuated and didn't lose for a while {remember}, so,  I've lost 8.2 pounds in 6 weeks! Since March I've lost a total of 14.25 inches! I can really see it in my mid section. 

I've been really frustrated with my arms though lately.  Seems like they won't budge! UGH! I don't want to wear a sleeveless dress to the wedding (15 days!) with my huge arms. I really want to buy a new dress for the wedding but...things are tight. I'm trying to sell some things on Ebay. Hopefully it works out. My clothes are frustrating right now. Some are too tight still, and some are too big. Yuck.

Poor Reece, his fever finally broke last night but he has been crying ALL day. He didn't want to eat, or sleep, or sit, or play or lay, or anything but me hold him standing up. ;( I think he's teething. Poor baby.

I weight lifted twice this week, but really need to up my work outs. I don't want to lose muscle. That's my goal this week, work out 3-4 days a week...and RUN. I am desperate to run. Doing good, staying below my calories, eating pretty clean, and drinking LOTS of water. Which is also helping my heart. I have an apt w Cardiologist on Tuesday.
Thanks for reading :) 
Love, The Curvy Housewife

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Guess what?!?!

Ok so I may be weighing myself every day. I know. I know. But I helps me stay on track. Today I was surprised with this great number! Yippee! Good bye twos!!!! It's ONE HUNDRED from here on out.
I'm very motivated right now. My brother in laws wedding is in 16 days!!
Praying for God to give me strength.
I got some bad news in the mail today. And some good news (thank you grandma for the card!! Davey is very thankful ;)).
We found out our insurance is being cancelled. I know it's wrong. But it's going to be very hard to fix it. And I'm suppose to meet w a cardiologist soon.
And..there are other things majorly stressing me out, but I don't want to write about it on here. Prayers are appreciated though!
My computer is out if commission on too of everything :/ so how are all you? I haven't been able to catch up on blogs.
Reece is sick w a fever. Poor baby. Him & I are home alone now while Daddy & boys are at church.
Trying to read & catch up!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, June 15, 2012

Weigh In & Scary

Weight Last Week: 200.8
This Week:             200.0
                
So close!! It should have been this week...but I was soooo busy. Can't believe it's already been a week since my last post!!

Next week for sure.

So this is what's scary. I don't want to talk about it too much cause it makes it worse.  I have been getting heart palpitations for a couple weeks that are more than normal for me.  I saw the doctor Tuesday and he seemed a little concerned (which sort of freaked me out) and said I had an irregular heartbeat.  So he refereed me to a cardiologist. Which takes 3 weeks.  Nice. In the mean time I've been seeing what triggers them but can't pinpoint something.  I've been thinking about it a lot. Today I put on my Heart Rate Monitor and it was jumping from 70's to 200's. yeah not good.  I was freaking out. So I sat down and was nursing the baby and suddenly I started feeling like I was going to pass out.  I got so super light headed and my HRM read 207.  Whoa.  I quickly put Reece down then began going down....I called 911, was able to walk to unlock my door for them (barley) then lay down on my left side. I was praying and so so scared. I really thought I was dying. 

Once they got there (Davey arrived at the same time) I was starting to feel better.  He saw my HRM was saying 200 than 100 than 207 but his accurate HRM read 94. That was a relief. He said mine was wrong and seemed like I was making the problem worse by seeing the high number.  I think he was implying an Anxiety attack.  But I don't feel anxious...well only about this!!!!

He wanted me to go in the ambulance just to be sure and I got faint a couple times here and there while there. My EKG was fine. I was in sweats, with my hair on top of my head, NO BRA, and no shoes. Oh my ghetto.  I was so embarrassed. Especially when they made me get off the gurney and walk to a waiting area and wait....all alone.  I hate the ER.  Ugh. 

Doctor didn't do much.  Said to wait for a cardiologist.  Nice, thanks.  I talked to both of my parents and they both said they have had this. My mom takes medicine for anxiety and my Dad had this happen to him twice when he thought he was having a heart attack but it was really indigestion.

So no fun. 

Praying it's just anxiety and not my heart.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Friday, June 8, 2012

Weigh In & So much more

Last week 202.4
This week 200.8

Whoo hoo!! That's almost under 200!!! Ahhh I can't wait.  And this time I will NEVER see it again. ever ever ever! Persistence really pays off. Because I can tell you it was so discouraging not seeing the scale move those 3 weeks, but now it is and I am so thankful I didn't quit.

So a little sad news, I won't be able to do Weight Watchers for a while.  I just can't afford the $40 a month right now.  Shane is starting pre-school in August and that's $60 a month, and they both go back to gymnastics in July which is $80 for 6 weeks.  yikes.  But it's ok! For some reason I do better on my own...the weight is really coming off now (Thank YOU Jesus). I am still faithfully using MyFitnessPal.

So I'm kinda obsessed with medical and health research. All kinds, Heart Disease, Autism, Obesity, common colds, and my favorite study, Cancer.
 I have watched several documentaries and have a whole stack of info (books, articles, magazines, and DVDs) from the library.  Some of the most eye opening documentaries I've watched are, "Food Inc", "Anti Cancer" "Forks over Knives" and "Food Matters".  WOW.  We really, REALLY have no clue what we are eating and what it's doing to us.


Educating myself on all this has been such a huge blessing.  It's no longer just about weight loss...it's about SO MUCH MORE!!! It's mine, and my family's health.  It's thriving. It's eating what God intended us to eat. I keep finding myself amazed that God has provided everything we need to thrive.  He gave us all the healthy food from the earth to eat to nurture our body. It's when we create and eat things that aren't what God intended us to, that we get sick. It's not always the food that makes us sick, it's the LACK of food, or nutrients. Real nutrients. 

I mean, all these articles and research are stating that over %90 of cancer is preventable with a healthy diet and exercise.  Meaning, only less than %10 is inherited. According to Stanford.  As well as many other studies I've read. I've also read how cancer can be reversed through diet.  Wow.

I'll give you an easy example of which I saw on one of these documentaries:

"According to the FDA a teenage girl's diet is acceptable as the following:
A bowl of sugar filled cereal for breakfast with non fat milk, at school she will receive: mashed potatoes (from the box) canned green beans, piece of cooked ham, and a white roll, with an option for canned fruit and a soda.  For an afternoon snack she'll have a snack size bag of cheese it's. For dinner she will have a hamburger on white bread and French fries, with ketchup, and ice cream for dessert."

Where are the nutrients?? She will eat like this every day and be walking around with, ADD, Pre-Diabetes, no energy, and has a cold all the time. You might be wondering, "well can't she just take a muli-vitamin and be fine??" Well....I am researching this right now, but No. She will not be fine with just a vitamin. Otherwise every person in America that eats like this and takes a muti-vitamin wouldn't be sick ever.

It's safe to say I am obsessed with learning about all this.  Here's a little secret I haven't told anyone but my husband yet....I am looking into getting some sort of degree or diploma or certificate in health and nutrition.  We'll see :)

Ok I could go on and on but Reece is rolling all over the house right now and I gotta go clean my house because I have a newborn photo shoot here tomorrow. :)

Love, The Curvy Housewife


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Nisene Marks Half Marathon Race Recap


I wasn't able to nurse Reece one more time before leaving my Mom and the boys.  I was nervous about that but okay with it since he was sleeping. I left a little juice for him to hold him over, but my Mom didn't even need it. He ended up sleeping most of the race, Thank Jesus. We ran down to packet pick up, got our bibs, then stretched. We warmed up a bit then Stood in line for the porta potty (yuck) so I could pee one more time...glad I did because there was not ONE potty on the whole course! 

Right after the potty stop we made our way up to the start line, and I headed pretty far into the front with my hubby. I gave him a kiss, the gun went off and all 171 runners headed out. I was passed quickly, and I only saw my husband for a few seconds then didn't see him again until I was almost done. The first part of the race was straight up hill for about 1/8 of a mile, which totally threw me off because I was not warmed up or ready for my heart to jump up to 180 yet.  So I walked up the end of the hill, got my heart rate down, then started running. There was me, and another lady and we were already dead last. Wow! I wanted to keep up with her so I wouldn't be totally alone since I had no clue what was coming.  
The first 3 miles was on a flat dirt road, called Fire Rd. with some hills around corners. I caught up to Jana (the only person I could see) and began to chat with her. We found out we both run about the same pace, and got distracted chatting for a mile or so. Around mile 2.5 (she had a gps) she said if I wasn't running with her she'd be walking already.  I was glad we had found each other. We ended up running almost the whole race together. It was really nice. 
Somewhere between mile 3-4 we turned off the flatish dirt road and headed into torture land.  This was INSANE. The pictures do NO JUSTICE. Seriously, was not expecting this kind of a trail, or course. At times I felt like I was on an obsticle course! Jumping over logs, leaping over creeks, dodging huge tree roots, all on a 2.5-3ft wide trail. Jana and I could not run side by side. We were in single file the whole time.  At first we thought, "wow, well this won't last long." Ha! We were just running deeper into the mountains, further away from the road and any people that would even be hiking. We decided to walk up the hills.  Jana told me I could pass her if I needed, but I did not need to or want to! 



My heart rate was dangerously high, it was at 185 pretty steady this whole portion, but on the really steep hills went up to 192!! At those times I stopped to lower it. Sometimes my heart skips beats and I get real light headed. I did not want that happening out there, were we were literally all alone.  When I stopped, Jana kept going. This was the hardest part of the race for me. I was ALL ALONE. In the mountains. I kept praying that I wouldn't get hurt or fall off the cliff (yes very steep cliffs at times).  I was sweating so much, but thankfully the trees provided shade. I prayed for my husband to do well and not get hurt. I couldn't imagine running this trail with a group of people trying to pass one another. 
I tried to text my Mom sometimes but didn't get much service. I walked for probably 1.5 miles around miles 5-7. This was the hardest part, and I kept praying it would be over soon and I would see someone or make it back to the Fire Rd. I managed to get a text to my Mom 2 hours into the race asking her if Davey finished and told her it was so hard and I was dying. Haha. I'm sure that made her feel great. :) I ate my Sports Beans, which were amazingly delicious. All I could stomach that morning was a banana and some bread so I was starving. 
Finally I heard people, a random aid station! Whoo hoo! This was at the top of the most grueling hills. The guy there was in a tux and encouraged me the worst was over.  The lady there said the hills were done. But they LIED!! I started running again after I had two cups of water. I finally...FINALLY fell into a grove. I was in the ZONE. I was running and felt good, my legs were numb by now, which was a good thing, when suddenly, I see Jana! Yay! We had been seperated for almost 2 miles. I was so happy I caught up to her. She had been walking and was in a lot of pain, but trucking along. She was excited to see me. From here on we were like little soldiers, running single file, dodging roots, holes, branches, spiders, huge banana slugs, and jumping out of the way when the first marathoners passed us. We climbed a total of 2,000 ft in the first 7-8 miles of the race. Ouch. 
Now we had a lot of down hill, but had to be careful we didn't hurt ourselves. When Jana's gps read 10 miles we thought we'd be close to the road again, but we weren't. Finally we saw some hikers and they said it was about 5 minuets away. Thank God! We were so thrilled to see the aid station at the start of the road. Jana's gps now said around 12 miles.   
We stopped at the aid station and refilled our water bottles since we were out. I was so thirsty. I grabbed an orange slice, and asked them how much further, they said 2.4 miles. What! Remember I said, if you stop running it's really hard to start again? Well OMWord. It was like getting the tin man to run, our joints were screaming. Jana was in a lot of pain, this was her first half marathon. We were running so slow, so I said we should just walk fast for a while. Which was still painful, but we were happy we were almost done. 
I still didn't get service, but somewhere on the last stretch a text came through from my Mom saying Davey finished and was coming back for me. I knew he'd be worried about me since the course was so hard.  About 5 mins later I saw him and Shane walking towards me. I started crying and I ran over to them and hugged them. It was the best part of the whole race. I could not stop, if I did my stomach started hurting and my legs were becoming more and more crampy and stiff. My poor sweet husband, he finished the race in 2:01 (he finished 60 out of 171! & 6 out of 11 in his age group), and then walked a total of 3 miles there and back just to get me. I just love him. Him and Shane walked behind us, we were trying to walk fast to finish. My husband kept saying he was so proud of me and so impressed that I did it, he knew the trail would be so hard for me. 
Once we were 1/4 mile from the finish we started to jog. I saw my Mom and the other boys and got tears, it was awesome having my Mom there! they were cheering and everyone started clapping for us. Jana's husband did it as well and was waiting for her, and he said, "Aren't you guys going to sprint?" I said, "We are sprinting!" LOL We crossed and were so so happy. We got our medal, then took some pictures. 
I walked back to Davey and Shane and we hugged and took some photos. My husband made the mistake of eating everything in sight when he finished so his stomach was really hurting. I didn't eat anything until much later that day. After the race I had planned Davey a surprise birthday party with his family and some of our friends. It didn't go exactly as planned since we were in so much pain and we were tired as heck. We are still sore, and I feel for my hubby who has had to work!! Won't be doing that race again. haha! I forgot to stop my watch when I finished. But my offical time was 3:47!  As you can see, Jana and I came in very last place. I really don't care though. It was a small race, and all I cared was I finished!!!! Whoo hoo! It was for sure harder than any race I've ever done. Here's some pics of Davey's party too. Thank you all for the support. :) Love, The Curvy Housewife