Monday's Weekly Review

Yesterday was my 26th birthday!! It was a great day. We went to church, ate lunch at Logan's Road House [ate far too much food] than came home & took a nap, and went back to church. It was perfect. We are having revival meetings at our church this week. I'm excited! Will make going to the gym a bit tricky...but I'll work it out. :)

I know you are all dying to know if I finished my 26th Birthday Challenge.....right??? Well, I DIDN'T. And making the decision to NOT finish was harder than finishing. It was the right thing for my body and my baby.
I mentioned my back has been in pain, and now it has moved down both my legs, making it impossible to get relief, even when stretching it several times. Several women told me sounds like the baby is on my sciatic nerve. Fun.
On top of that, my last work out I was getting several contractions during my bike ride. I don't think he is coming early, but it was uncomfortable and my body might just be saying, slow it down lady. So I am listening.

Here is my work outs from last week:

Monday- 7.12 mile bike @ YMCA/ Quads & Delts/ 1.5 mile Walk outside @ YMCA -34 mins / Swam 50 yards (just jumped in the pool after being so hot from walking outside, swam two laps. so refreshing!)
Tuesday- 40 mins Yoga class @ YMCA- tried to stretch out my back/ 1.3 mile walk outside @ YMCA - 30 mins
Wednesday- 1.25 mile walk @ a new park we found. Davey played w boys while I walked on the nice shaded 1/4 mile walking loop. -31 mins
Thursday- Took boys swimming @ YMCA- didn't work out. REST
Friday- 8 mile bike @ YMCA- 49 mins (guy next to me was 45 years old, & said "You have more stamina than me! Good job." and I said, "Not really, I am at very low resistance, & I'm 6 months pregnant, going very slow!" He said, "You're pregnant? You don't look like it!" HOW sweet :) but...um, yes I do. ;-) / Quads
Saturday- REST
Sunday- REST

Weekly miles total: 19.17

This weeks goals, listen to body, stay active, stretch, eat healthy foods, REST.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

P.S. If you haven't entered my giveaway, do so on my last post!!!!

Saturday Sharing-GIVEAWAY!!!

I have been thinking about doing a give away. I decided since Saturday's is all about sharing now, it's a perfect time!!! Here is what I am giving away:

Hot pink Lock Laces.



This awesome Marathon Mama bumper sticker (oval). If you haven't done a marathon yet...it's ok! It's motivation to do one. :)


Pace Tat!!! An awesome way to PACE your race. From 5K to 26.2!! It's a temporary tattoo, not a real one. :) You choose your goal time for your race & I will order you one from here. It's much easier than trying to do math in your head the whole time!



A couple things of GU.


A white 13.1 Sticker. Again, if you haven't done a half marathon, that's ok! just use it as motivation to do one to proudly put it on your car:)

And lastly, the book, Eating Ice Cream with My Dog. A good weight loss memoir read.

and**I might just throw in a little surprise.

Here's how to enter:
Comment on this post that you want a chance to win this giveaway! (*if blogger won't let you comment, tweet me).
Each thing you do will be worth a certain amount of points. The person with the most points by 9/3/11 at 11:59 East Coast time wins the give away!

1. Follow my Blog-4 points (if you already do it counts!)
2. Follow me on Twitter-2 points (if you already do it counts!)
3. Add my blog to your blog roll- 6 points
4. Mention my blog on your blog- 8 points
5. Share my blog or this giveaway post on twitter-2 points each time (you can do this as many times between now & 9/3/11)

I hope you participate!!!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Fantastic Friday

I think it's absolutely F A N T A S T I C that I get to share something I am so passionate about, like racing/events with the Ranch Boys. I just signed up four of them to run the Marine Mud Run in Knoxville on 9/10/11. So excited!

I gotta be honest....I am a little worried about them. They haven't had much training, even though running is a normal thing for them. BUT I have total confidence that they will finish, and be a changed young man from it.

One of that is not running said, "Why in the world would anyone PAY $35 to RUN 3 miles? Especially in mud. I don't get it."

Haha=) Well, many reasons!!!
1. To support Charity
2. To prove to yourself you CAN do it.
3. Because it's awesome.
4. Because it's FUN & challenging.
5. And lastly, I believe it will give them a sense of accomplishment, and confidence a lot of them don't have. And of course, we will give God the glory!!!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Thankful Thursday

*No that is not my belly...I wish I had flawless skin!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Tuesday's Two & Wednesday's Weigh In

Tuesday's Two:
1.) Lower back pain.
This pregnancy is different in every way....including lower back pain...ALL. THE. TIME. I have decided to not even jog as long as my back hurts, I don't want to injure myself. Walking is currently hard enough right now. It hurts from a. sitting too much b. walking too much c. standing too much and d. laying too much. Yup, that sums it up.

2.) Strength training to prepare for post baby race training.
I can't run right now, but what I can do is strengthen my hips & legs so when I do run, they will be strong. More on this soon when I find actual exercises.

Wednesday's Weigh In
I so don't want to talk about this right now. Getting a little too close to a number I worked so hard to get under. Hint, starts with a T & not an O. Boo.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Monday's Weekly Review

Monday 8/15/11- 5.14 mile bike ride at YMCA
Tuesday 8/16- 500 yard swim YMCA
Wednesday 8/17- 3 mile Walk Away the Pounds DVD at home
Thursday 8/18- 2 mile run/walk treadmill, 2.16 mi bike ride YMCA
Friday 8/19- REST
Saturday 8/20- 800 yard swim =.5 mile (counts towards my challenge)
Sunday 8/21- REST & trip to labor & delivery for strong contractions that lasted for 4 hours. Fun stuff. All is okay! Baby looks great and ahead of schedule! yay. (Because of this, I will be *walking, the run portions of my 26th birthday challenge & taking it easy, not pushing hard).

Note* My boys and I are driving to my sisters 4 hours away tomorrow to see her new baby and my Mom for a quick over night trip. Be Back Wednesday!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

New Things

I have been thinking of making some changes on my blog here. Only minor ones....I'll get to those in a minuet.

A few new things: I signed up for a virtual 5K. Hosted by Running after Bugs and Bees. I have to run ( or walk) a 5K between 9/2-9/5.. email her my time, and winner wins a $5 Starbucks gift card! I won't win....and it's ok. Just something fun to do to stay motivated!!

Which brings me to the next subject....One week from tomorrow I will be 26. Wow. 26! Ugh. I am getting old. Hence the Grandma running photo.

In light of my birthday, I wanted to do my own little challenge. From today to the 28th of August, do you think I could complete an Olympic Distance Triathlon? I'll call it....26th Birthday Challenge!!

What I will do is, from today the 20th to the 28th, try to Swim 1 mile, Bike 25 miles, & Run 6.2 miles. That gives me 8 days to complete this goal.....I CAN DO IT! I already swam 1/2 a mile today!! If YOU want to join me with this 8 day challenge....please DO!!!

Now for the new things on my blog. I was inspired [totally coping] by a blog I follow (Mama's soon to be fit life) to have more organized posts instead of randomness all the time. Here's what I am going to try...(KEY word, TRY:)

Mondays: Weekly Reviews (work outs, mile total, ect)
Tuesdays: Two
Wednesdays: Weigh In's & Pregnancy Updates
Thursdays: Thankfulness
Fridays: Fantastic (posts on anything I think is or will be fantastic!)
Saturdays: Sharing (Motivation, thoughts, & quotes)
Sunday: Strategy (Planning the Week)

Disclaimer: This is subject to change and or not happen since I am a rambler and not an organized writer....=) Big smile.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

slow FAT pregnant RUNNER

Today I attempted to run on the treadmill. I was so happy at first I was running and feeling good.

My lower back has been hurting me from time to time for the last 6 weeks or so, but today it was really bothering me. Maybe because I woke up early, did normal routine, went down to ranch, made lunch (PB&J's w soup), and dinner for 20 people (homemade chili in crockpot). Then I went home and put the boys down, did laundry, and cleaned. After that the boys and I headed to the gym. I was already tried, and my back already hurt. But I thought I could still run.

Every time I jogged (very slow...at a 4.0) the bouncing was aggravating my lower back, and it felt like the bones were rubbing together. I managed to do 2 miles, but that is with walk breaks. I felt slow, fat, and very pregnant.

The girl next to me was very fit, and was barefoot running. How could I not look like a cow next to her? I kept thinking, I can't wait to be at my healthy weight, and be able to run easier (of course not being 6 months pregnant will help.) When I told my husband how my back hurt, he said I didn't need to be running, and I should just walk. Maybe he's right. But I miss it.

My heart felt great, lungs: good. Legs: okay....it was my back that made me stop and slow down. I know it's from my big pregnant belly weighing me down. In no way, does that make me frustrated with being pregnant, or with my sweet baby boy. I would quit running for life if I had to, just to have my baby. But it is hard, not being able to run as I use to. This too shall pass though!

I look forward to running long distances again, and being able to run. I'll try again in a few days and see how that goes. I am not going to push to hard, I don't want to injure myself or my baby!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

6 Months Pregnant***& Weigh In

I am now 24 weeks pregnant, and only up 2 pounds!! By now with Shane I was surely up around 30 pounds, and with Cody 20-25. Weight will be coming on more quickly now, and I'm okay with that. The baby is growing rapidly. Little baby boy now weighs around 1.25 pounds and is 12.5 inches long. He is moving and rolling and playing all the time and I love it. :)

500 Yard swim yesterday in 15 min. Faster than last 500 yrd by 3 min. whoo!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Marine Mud Run

Guess who is going to be participating in this in a few weeks??>>>>>>>>>>
Not me!!! I wish. :) I am signing up my husband and 4 of our ranch boys! So excited. 6 out of 12 of them want to do it. But we are going to "train" them and see who can hang and choose 4. I'm so excited that they are excited to do it. It'll be so good for them.

As for me: We joined the Y today!! Whoo hoo! And I have been doing my Walk away the Pounds DVD, which I really like. Today I rode 5.14 miles on the spin bike, did some quads, then took my boys swimming.
I managed to get up at 6:45am, have my devotions, and coffee. Then snuggle the boys when they got up, we all ate GrapeNuts for breakfast, and got dressed. We went down to make lunch for the ranch early. I boiled some chicken, made rice, then put them both in a crock pot with cream of chicken soup, corn, and peas. I made fruit salad for the side. It was yum.
Davey is off tomorrow and I look forward to going to work out with him, then all of us going swimming as a family.

WORK OUT SUMMARY FOR LAST WEEK:
Monday: 30 min Yoga.
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 500 yard Swim
Thursday: 2.16 mile Walk
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 2 mile Walk away the pounds
Sunday: 1 mile Walk away the pounds

Do you have kids & find time to work out? How and when?

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Post Baby Goals

Today I have had an incredibly sick 2 year old. He slept with us last night, can hardly breath, cough, sore throat, still no voice. I was/am really worried about him due to his wheezing. Lucky we have a nebulizer. Today has been completely focused on him. I planned on doing Walk Away the Pounds 2 miles today, but I didn't. He needed me. And when he was asleep, I got a little (tiny) time in God's word. Oh! And my sis had a beautiful baby girl today. So happy :)

So while most of the day I have been holding, cuddling, and taking care of Cody, I have been browsing the web for races in 2012. Sad that not many are scheduled yet, still too early to I guess.
BTW time flies when your online. Whew. If Cody wasn't sick I would have gotten nothing done today! (well I still didn't do much but take care of him, but that was my goal). So here are my goals, and I realize now more than ever, they actually start now. No not training hard, ect, but exercising and eating right so I don't (hopefully) gain tons of weight in the next 3.5 months.


POST POSTPARTUM GOALS:

1. Lose baby weight.

2. Finish losing 100 pounds (-60ish before pregnant).

3. 5K

4. Sprint Triathlon

5. Olympic Triathlon

6. Half Marathon

7. Full Marathon

8. Half Ironman

9. Dualathon or Aquathon

10. & of course nurse my baby & be the best mommy I can be.

These are just goals and dreams right now. Of course it would be nice to have to ability and money to do these all, but I am not stressing it. More events will come and hopefully I can do more local things. My two MAIN goals are: Finish another half marathon, and to run a full marathon. I may wait until 2013 for a 70.3 Ironman. We'll see. Don't want to take too much time away from home to travel to far away events, and it's not like CA where there are events EVERYWHERE.
So there it is. I am excited. And now I have to go put my sicky to bed. Good night!

P.S. What are your up coming goals or races?

Love, The Curvy Housewife.

YMCA :)

God answered my prayers. Yes I was really praying for this. The YMCA called today and said we are approved for a financial scholarship!! Whoo hoo! Basically, we pay what an individual would pay but get a whole family pass. Which is........ A W E S O M E.
Davey and I have never worked out at a gym together. In Cali the gym was such a huge part of my life, but my husband never got to see me rock the cycle classes or run for 2 hours on the treadmill. I was very okay with him not having a pass to 24 hour. Some woman...wowzers. They might as well have been naked. Serious. My one gym buddy Lisa would get so angry when a woman would come into TKB in a see through white sports bra, and some booty shorts. She actually told the people at the front desk something a couple times. Hahahahaha.

I'm not going to the gym to judge people, but really who wants to see that? Actually, lots of guys at 24 did. That's why I am super excited about the YMCA. So much more family oriented. Christian. Modest. Yet has all and MORE perks than most gyms. I never considered going because it's expensive. But with the scholarship it's very reasonable and we get free child care, and discounts for Shane and Cody if we choose to sign them up for swimming or soccer. Plus do you know who worked for the YMCA???
D.L Moody. He was a YMCA missionary! YMCA had street preaching and they would regularly hand out gospel tracts, along with social activities to keep young men out of sin. Do you know who D.L. Moody is? He is a famous preacher. He said, "The world has yet to see what God can do through one yielded man. By God's grace, that will be me." He led thousands of revivals in America and England. He personally was able to lead over 1 million souls to Christ. He told EVEY ONE he saw about the Lord. I did a report on him in Bible college. The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) was started as a refuge for teen boys in 1844. How ironic that is what my husband and I do now?! :)

ANYWAYS..... Yesterday we went to the Y for our one free day to try it out. Of course we went to the pool. We had such a blast. They have a kiddie pool with fountains and spouts, which eventually becomes the lap pool.

I swam 20 laps. 20 X 25 yards = 500 yards. Time: 18 minuets. Felt amazing to be swimming. The boys and hubs swam and swam until they all looked like this. Passed out on the pool side.

Today we had to be somewhere at 10am, and I had a doctors appointment at 2pm, so we decided to take a picnic to the park so we didn't have to drive all the way home. We ate at the park, the boys played, then we walked on the greenway. It was nice today. Not too* hot. We walked 2.16 miles. Felt great and loved that two days in a row got to work out, and my husband was with me.

We won't be able to join the Y till we get paid in a few days. I'm so excited. Oh off subject, please pray for Cody, he has been really sick today, sounds croupy. :( I stayed home from church with him again tonight.

Thank you for those who commented on my last post. After praying about my last post and all the burdens, I made a detailed schedule. It will help me stay balanced in all areas. I'm excited about it and can't wait to work out again!! I feel so much better....like I'm back! But I do, really really do, have to ease into it. My very pregnant, almost 6 months along body was in some shock from these last three days.

I read somewhere that getting involved somewhere in the new city in which you live will help you feel more at home. And it's true. Just seeing all the people work out at the Y makes me feel more at home. I realize, there are runners, swimmers, cycle-ers, yoga-ers, and all around fitness people here too. And everywhere. And.....That makes me happy. :)

Where do you work out?? I really want to know:)

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Mom Running...& guilt trailing behind.

This is not a complaining post. It's just a new chapter in my life dealing with issues I have not dealt with yet. I am writing about them to work them out. =)

Yesterday I went to the YMCA for a tour and to apply for financial aid for a family pass. Praying we will get approved!! It's a great solution to my "How to run with 3 kids" issue since YMCA has free child care, an indoor track and outdoor track. Plus 2 pools.

Anyways on to my topic. I have been thinking a lot about running again. I miss it so much, and I am ready. For a while I just kept thinking, "I'll just wait until after the baby is born." but that's still 4 months away! I could do a lot in 4 months.

I have also been browsing the web about 2012 races I would like to do. One of the main ones I want to do is the Country Music Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon on 4/28/12 in Nashville. I have found a few 5Ks around here as well. No luck with any spirnt or Olympic triathlons yet. (well I did find one OLY but its on a Sunday...no bueno.)

Things are different now. My husband is so busy with his new job in the ministry. It consumes him so much and he loves it. I am so glad he is happy and he loves his job, and our ministry. I am very happy what he is doing is for our Lord!
It's an adjustment for all of us though. I can't just depend on him to watch the boys for gym time, races, and even doctors appointments. He is gone from 6:30am to 10:30pm 4 days a week, sometimes 5 and that doesn't include visiting churches, ect. I am not complaining. This is what the Lord has for us right now, and I just need His help coping with it. I really want to know how military spouses and single moms do it?

I don't want to give up running, the gym, triathlons, and races. But I can't help but feel like I am being selfish for wanting to do those. Especially since my husband can't and won't always be there anymore. It wouldn't be so bad if we were near family! I could have them come to the races or watch the boys during. I have found it hard here to find anyone I can just drop the kids off with. And rightfully so. There is nothing like having Grandma watch the kids, everyone loves it.

I just wrote this on Twitter and really wondered this. "Is it worth racing if there is no one at the finish line waiting for you?"
I got several responses, mostly everyone saying "Yes of course!" or that they always have to go to races solo. Wow. Humbling! Davey being there was always one of my main motivations. I really couldn't imagine doing it with out him there. But WHO AM I RUNNING FOR??
Davey? My kids? or Myself? well all of the above. Davey to be the best in physical shape for him and so he can be proud of me. My kids because I want them to see their mom achieve amazing things so they will achieve amazing things. But really.....MYSELF!!! I run to be healthy, mentally and physically. To stay sane. So, in the long run, I am a better wife and mother and Christian.

I don't believe it is wrong to desire to run and do races. I think God can be glorified by it. I know running, triathlons, gym time, working out, none of that is sinful.

Then why is it sometimes I feel guilty because I have dreams and goals? Is it because I am neglecting my family at that time? Because running and gym time is time away from the kids, house, duties, chores, ect.? I have not dealt with this guilt before, even when I trained for my half marathon. Because Davey was there. Him and the boys had Daddy and Boy time while Mommy was out. But now I have to put them in the gym daycare to run, and when the baby is 8 weeks old, I have the option to let some stranger watch him while I train for 2 hours. Is that wrong? How does a MOM have goals and dreams and achieve them with out neglecting her family in anyway? I think it is very important for Mom's to have a healthy hobby. It betters the whole family. Just how to do it.....? After all my family and God do come first. But that's just the thing. I really don't think it's, "God and Family" OR "running". You can do all of it.

My main concern, is balance. How do I balance my children, house work, husband, ministry, and running with out something getting left out....

I have a lot to pray about. Any advice on this subject is very much appreciated!!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Walk it Girl.

I just ordered this DVD.

I'm pretty excited about it. I saw a fellow blogger, Fit Mama does thise video when she can't get out to walk. Brilliant!

Confession. I use to think this DVD would be so lame and boring. Well, now that I don't really have the option to go out into my neighborhood to run or walk when my husband is home, this seems perfect to do during nap time!! This DVD comes with a 1 mile walk, 2 mile walk, 3 mile walk and a 4 mile walk.

I never understood how you could walk in place, but I am totally open to it, and what matters is that it gets me through this time so I can continue on my journey of weight loss (after baby) and half marathon training again (after baby).

I am about to do my Yoga video. I had to stay home from church cause Shane is pretty sick. The boys have currently hijacked my TV to watch Superman movies so I will be doing the DVD on my computer.

I plan to start tomorrow riding the stationary bike that someone gave us. It's nice piece of gym equipment. It's no Spin bike, but it will work and I am in no place to be picky!

Looks are looking up, and I am excited about my goals.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Where I am

I am 22.5 weeks pregnant.

I recently gained my first official pound for this pregnancy, seemingly overnight. [official pound meaning I weigh one more pound than I did when I took the pregnancy test 5 months ago].

We are having our 3rd boy (Due 12/8/11 but can be induced 12/4/11 if I choose to be).

We are still undecided on a name, but we think we narrowed it to two we love.

I am currently obsessed with everything baby.

I am ready to start working out again.

I am not ready to stop blogging.

I eat a lot of cheese this pregnancy.

I am terrified of the scale going up.

I miss my husband very much when he works a lot.

We just celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. It's sweeter everyday.

I am still very homesick for California, really miss family.

I really miss the routine I had before we moved: gym, running, spinning, biking, swimming, eating on WW or MyFitnessPal.

I really do feel "at home" inside our home now though, which I am so thankful.

I have decided to start walking in the fall when it gets cooler, for now I will do the stationary bike someone gave us. =)

Totally stoked about my post baby goals, which include but are not limited to Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Nashville TN 4/28/12.

Recently found out our 3+ old crib we used for both our boys was recalled. Ours had broken on the move and I called the company to get replacement part to find out they are out of business doing to ALL their cribs being recalled because they broke where ours broke, resulted in one poor baby's death and 13 injuries. So sad. Called Target where we bought it in early 2008 and they gave us a full refund, even with no receipt and we were able to order a new beautiful white crib for the baby. God is good.

I can drink coffee again, and enjoy my mornings with coffee and bible.

My 3.5 year old is so sweet he cried at Simon Birch the other day.

My 2 year old is very demanding lately and is going to have a rude awaking when he realizes he's not the baby anymore! :0

I love my God and I am so thankful He loves me.

The baby moves so much and I can see it on the outside of my belly. L O V E

I am 20 chapters into a novel I am writing, & I'm not a writer.

I love that I am the Mama to 3 boys.

I often feel like I am not as good a wife, mom, friend, Christian, family member, housekeeper, cook, and all around person as I wish I was.

But, I'm just me. An Imperfect person.

I wish I was 38 weeks pregnant already.

The baby's room is going to be aqua, yellow and white. & I have NO winter NewBorn clothes for him.

I have had more energy lately.

Time to go make Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

P.S.Thank you for reading & commenting, even during the boring times. :)

Beautiful 5 Years.

This post is dedicated to my best friend, my one and only love of my life, my protector, provider, my confidant, my MAN, my HUSBAND.
Today is our 5th wedding anniversary, and I am so thankful to be his wife.
I can't believe it was five years ago today I was getting ready to walk down the isle, to say, "I do" to the only man I have ever been in love with (besides Jesus of course:).
It's been a beautiful 5 years, and I can't wait to spend forever with him. He gives me all I need and much more and I love him so very much.
Last year it was my goal to be at my goal weight by this summer. We planned to take a trip to Hawaii to celebrate and for our 5 year anniversary. Well God had other plans :) being 5.5 months pregnant and 40 pounds away from my goal weight plus Davey's new job, we couldn't go this year. But maybe next year!!! Hey minus 60 pounds and only 30 pounds heavier right now than I was in this wedding picture...not bad:) Happy Anniversary Babe!!!! I L O V E Y O U
Love, The Curvy Housewife

The Curvy Cook

I decided to start a food blog. It's called, "The Curvy Cook" and it's all about my adventures in cooking for 20 people here at the ranch! I am not very good about writing out recipes, but I will do my best, along with post lots of pics of what I make.
I like to think of myself as a healthy person who rather have healthy foods than not, which is true, but it's a challenge cooking for 20 and cooking what I would make for our family. People donate a lot of canned foods, and I am not in charge of grocery shopping. But I ALWAYS make the boys eat their fruits and veggies, and I have made several things for them they have never had (I like to call it LA food :) I am not a southern cook, but I am learning {also with trying to out a healthy spin on it}. I refuse to serve them veggies that are totally slathered in grease and butter that it's worse for them than good.
I am excited to try new things, make some of my Mom's , Grandma's, and Mother in law's recipes. And if you have any let me know! Please check out the blog:
Here.
Love, The Curvy Housewife