Butter

I overate this weekend, and with food I didn't even really care to eat. I'm not sure why. Saturday I just wanted to have brownies. I was okay with that. I needed a day to not count and measure and log...just a small break. But I didn't intend to eat a lot or binge, which I didn't. But yesterday, that's another story. I should have gotten right back on track but for some reason I didn't. I ate foods that were fatty but I didn't even like them, like a hot dog. I had a lot of
B U T T E R. [which I do like] Butter on toast, butter on baked potato, butter on a bagel, butter on my pancakes, and lots of it. Butter butter butter.

I am angry at myself, and frustrated that I still have these crazy days when I eat even when I don't want to. It shows me that I am not ready to leave the ranch.... [Sorry, I watch to much Biggest Loser.] I mean, leave my net of safety and allow myself free days. I ovbiously can not control myself on a free day, which turns into a free weekend. Which makes getting back on track on Monday very hard.

I so desperately want to be one of those people that loses 100 pounds in a year just by being consistent with eating. Obviously I am NOT one of those people. I do envy those people, but it's just not gonna happen for me. I've lost 5 pounds this month, and am disappointed I didn't lose the 8 I had a goal for. I suppose I should be happy about the 5 I lost, and I am, but I really want to be done and at goal so we can have another baby. That's my main motivation.

I've been tossing around the idea of just getting pregnant now, or next month. Some friends have reminded me that there will always be other races to do. But more than the races, I want to have my weight under control when I have another baby. I am almost to my pre-pregnancy weight with Shane and that scares me. I gained 66 pounds with him in 9 months, and I know it could happen again. Then I would literally be at square 1 again.

I need God's help. I need to pray every day for His help. It's easy to forget to do. I just need to tell Him, "Lord, I love you. I really need your help today. I really don't want to work out and count my calories. I want to eat chocolate and Strawberry Twizzlers. I want to stay home today instead of going to the gym. Would you please help me? Please give me the strength and the desire to do what I need to do to lose this weight. Thank you God. In Jesus name, amen."

Shane has been very sick. Last night his fever spiked three times and he woke up screaming and shaking. I was so terrified. He's doing a little better today, he's awake and playing with blocks, but still doesn't feel good.

We were suppose to go to Couples Retreat with our church this Friday night, but couldn't find anyone to watch our boys. We decided to get our money back and take the boys to Disneyland Saturday and Sunday. I needed to go to Huntington Beach on Saturday to pick up my race packet anyway, they don't let you get it race morning. I was hoping to find a cheap hotel next to the race, but everything that was walking distance to the race was sold out [and too expensive]. I did find a hotel right next to Disneyland for $45! Score! Shane's 3rd birthday is the day of the race, and I wanted more than anything to take him to Disneyland.

I remember my 3rd birthday. Pee Wee Herman came to my house for my birthday party. I still remember someone rang the doorbell and my parents told me to get the door. I ran over and opened the door, and there stood my favorite childhood legend. Pee Wee Herman [an impersonator, the real Herman was busy that day]. I started at him in shock. I was actually scared. Once the fear went away I was so happy and excited. He danced in our backyard on our short brick wall that surrounded flowers. It's my earliest memory and I wanted Shane's 3rd birthday to be so memorable.

Shane loves Mickey.

I went for a run yesterday, I wanted to run 5 miles, but it started pouring. I ended up running 3.03. It was a fantastic run. I felt so good and comfortable.

Now I have to figure out how to eat the day before the 1/2 marathon and the morning of. Not being home will be tricky.
What do you eat before a race??

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Weigh in & countdown to Surf City Half Marathon- 8 Days

I am getting nervous. Why did I decide to pay $100 to run 13.1 miles? Oh yeah, for an awesome medal.

Okay so that's only part of the reason. I know it's so much more than a medal. It's proving to myself that I can do it. And, after this, I know that the marathon and 1/2 Ironman are possible. I am getting worried though because my longest run in a few weeks was 7 miles the other day. I walked/ran that. The furthest I have ran is 10 miles. It's time to start tapering, so I shouldn't go run 12 miles. The stud muffin husband is working a side job this morning so I might try to run 5-6 when he gets home, than 2 on Monday. My knees are very sensitive right now too. I can't get hurt.

I am not looking at this race as a race. I just want to F I N I S H. I know I have said that before, but this time I will most likely be the last person across the finish. Do I care? Nope. Okay so maybe a little...
There will be a day and a time for racing. It's not this time. After reading this post from Healthy Ashley about how she feels being last or close to cut off times during her extreme races (Ironman, 50 mile Ultra Marathon, 50K's, now planning a 100 mile ultra) I have a different outlook. Today, to me, is just to finish. Next race, may be to compete.

Weigh in today: 189.6 Not happy about it. I was 189 two weeks ago! I am glad I lost the 2 lbs I gained while away, but I was desperately wanting to see 188! Which brings me to this topic.....

Calorie Staggering. Have you ever heard of it or tried it? I have a friend that does it and it works for her. It's something like, 1200 one day, 14oo the next, 1200 again, then 1600. Supposedly helps your body to not get use to the amount of calories you are eating. Hmmm. I may try it.

And here's another topic I want to get back to... B I T E S. Yes I did an experiment and added them up, and it equaled about 500 calories!! Whoa. Definitely more aware now.

I did have an awesome Non Scale Victory this week though. We did some spring cleaning and I found 3 big garbage bags of clothes from college and when I was first married that I have not been able to wear in a long time. Guess what..two of the three bags just about everything fit!! Size L skirts and shirts! Best part is, it's cute stuff too. Whoo hoo!

I got these photos from See Jane Run in my email from the photographer. I thought I'd share. I always wear this shirt during races, it reminds me to JUST DO IT! Just finish. I'm happy that I am about 10-15 pounds lighter now than in these photos. Whoot!

Have a great weekend!
Love, The Curvy Housewife

Mania

These last few days have been very emotional, stressful, frustrating, and confusing days ever. Of course, it has to do with moving. We got the house in Morgan Hill, but through a series of unfortunate events, we no longer have the finances to pay first months rent and deposit. Heartbroken, I called and left them a message today saying we want the house, but need a week to figure out our finances and everything. They will most likely rent it out to someone else.

Then, the fact that we were possibly moving home brought up the fact that we were no longer pursuing the ministry as fervently as we once were. We began to pray and discuss what we thought God wanted, and we got counsel from our pastor, parents, and friends. Which led to us making a few calls to different pastor's hiring. Now we suddenly have a few options, [maybe]. What was a simple discussion to move home so I can be near family when Davey travels, brought on a real soul searching for our future. I still really want to move home and specifically into that house, but I HAVE TO TRUST GOD.

We prayed for God's will and that He would provide for us if He wanted us to move. He didn't provide, at least not yet. It's put on hold for right now, and seems God is working and I am an anxious mess.

Davey says I have these manias. When I want something, I find a way to get it. I just do. Ok fine, just say it, I'm a brat. I figure a logical way to get it. Take my bike for example. I wanted it, didn't care about getting fitted, it said it was the right size, so I got it. I thanked God for it, but when I realized it was the wrong size I was upset. I prayed for the bike but didn't listen to Him.

I have trouble being patient. I just can't wait. It's horrible. I am now aware of these manias and I really didn't think this Morgan Hill thing was one. I thought God was really in it, and maybe He is. I just need to depend on Him and not always rush and make things happen on my own and in my own timing.

I've been crying and frustrated for a few days now. I really had hoped to live close to my Mom and other family for a little while before we moved and got hired by a ministry. BUT I know, I want HIS WILL. He is all knowing. He holds the best future for us, one He picked perfect, specifically for us. And all the trials and heart aches are in His master plan.

I am hopeful, that He is working and we will be where He wants us very soon. Even if that's right here. Paul said in Philippians 4:11 "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Wow. What a convicting verse that is for me.

Tuesday I was so stressed and busy I didn't work out. Horrible. I know. Yesterday I was a mess, I went to the gym and really, took it out on the treadmill. I ran 7 miles. I was angry so I ran fast and hard and sweat buckets. I took relaxing walk breaks once in a while and breathed deep. It was a fun, and a great stress reliever.

Today I did Yoga and Cycle. Thankful that through all the stress I've managed to stay on track with my calories. I peaked on the scale and I am 189.6 [lowest by .2] and hoping for a little lower on Saturday. Thanks for reading all my complaints. ....... Again.

Love,
The Maniac

Count down to Surf City Half Marathon-13 Days.

In 13 days, my first born son will be 3 years old. 3?!! No way. Shane, don't turn 3...please? Okay fine.

It's extremely significant to me that I am running a Half Marathon on my sons 3rd birthday. It was while pregnant with him I went from 187 to 253 (day of delivery weight). I have a goal to be at or below 187 by his 3rd birthday (only a few pounds away). It will have only taken me 3 years to get the baby weight off! Seesh. That's a long time.

After the half marathon we are going to Disneyland for his birthday. I hope I will be able to walk. Especially walk all day around Disneyland. Maybe I'll make Davey push me in a Wheel Chair. Should be fun.

I can't wait for the race to be done. I am excited, and I want the medal more than anything, but I am T I R E D of training. I have been slacking a bit since last week. My knees are achy a lot and my hips tight. The thing I am most tired of, is taking 2.5-3 hours to run. I like running, don't get me wrong, but for 3 hours? That's a long time to be doing anything. I get frustrated I am not faster. But that's the LAST thing I can think about right now.
My only goal for the 1/2 is: to F I N I S H.

And to finish with out injury. No doubt I will walk some. And I am okay with that. [I think].
I know with out doubt I could run the whole thing, but I would most likely injure myself. And when I realize, I run the same pace as I run/walk...than why not protect my body and walk a little. And I mean a little. I plan to only walk for a couple minuets every few miles. But I'll listen to my body.

After the 1/2, I plan to take time to focus on weight loss, instead of focusing on training. I am going to be training and working out, but with a different perspective. I have a while before the Half Ironman, and training schedules don't even suggest to start until end of February.
I went to the gym yesterday morning but woke up late and didn't have time to run the 6 miles. I wanted a good calorie burn so I hopped on the Elliptical for 40 minuets, and it was awesome! I have only been Swimming, Biking, or Running. I forgot how refreshing it is to do something different. It was also a good brake for my knees. I feel like I need to change it up for a few weeks. Maybe walk, maybe do the Stair Master & Elliptical, and maybe do a different cardio class.

In October of 2009 I lost a significant amount of weight. I think maybe 10 pounds or so. I had the Body Bugg and I worked on hitting my calorie burn everyday and I didn't even have a gym pass. I did work out videos or walked, and cleaned or ran around the house until I hit it. I need to take a couple weeks to focus on calories in, calories out.

This weeks training: Today-Run 4 miles with boys around neighborhood.
Thursday-Run 12 miles, probably with the boys. Will be challenging!
Monday 1.31.11- Run 2 miles
Rest of week till 1/2, rest.

Todays food:
Breakfast-2 Low Fat Ego waffles w/ 2 tbsp Lite Syrup, & 2 tbsp Free Coolwhip, Coffee
Lunch-1/2 cup brown rice, 1/2 cup black beans, 4 oz chicken cooked in water, tomato, onion, lemon & bowl of tropical fruit w/ free cool whip.
Dinner-1 cup Spaghetti, 2 slices Sara Lee light bread, 1/2 cup Peas
Snack-Fiber One Yogurt
Total Calories: 1,207
(usually I have more snacks, but it's Revival week at church and I am going to try to have dinner ready early so we don't eat really late).
Todays work outs (scheduled to be): 45-60 minuets running at 4.5 mph- 350-450 calories burn
Yoga (@ home w video)-30 minuets- 107 calories burn

I am also doing a "Bite Experiment". I take bites of the boys food all the time, so I decided today to log every bit I take I am not suppose to, and add up estimated calories. I'll let you know how it goes. It won't be pretty.

Do you also take bites of kids food?

P.S. Just found out right now.. we got that house in Morgan Hill if we want it! Now we really need to pray and pray that God works it out (Rent, Deposit,ect.).

Love,
The Curvy Housewife

Weigh In 1.22.11

This photo is here to pretend for me that I am a happy camper right now.

Weigh in this morning really stunk. 191. up 2 pounds. Boo. Hate. The. Scale.

My morning was going pretty good except I was upset I didn't wake up when my alarm went off so I could go on a run this morning before everyone woke up. Then Cody woke me up at 7am. I had real good devotions this morning, then I cleaned the kitchen really good, made yummy eggs, toast, and country potatoes for breakfast.

For no apparent reason I didn't watch what I ate today. I felt very down and unmotivated all day. It was a beautiful day today and I wasted it by staying inside, cleaning and sorting and being lazy. I am angry at myself for not getting back on track today, and for missing my run. I am also really burdened about my bike. I rode it in Morgan Hill and it's really hurting my neck and back to ride it. It's not selling. I text the guy that sold it to me and he said he'd give me half of what I paid him for it back. No way buddy. Really praying it will sell so I can train on a good bike.

I decided last week that I am counting calories for a while to see how that goes. [Don't remember if I already posted that.]
We really need groceries but can't get them for a few days, so it's going to be challenging staying on track.
Tomorrow, going on a run before church. Maybe swimming too. Need a good sweat. Then looking forward to our winter Revival starting tomorrow. Lord knows I need it!

Time to go force the hubby to watch Biggest Loser with me.


Love, The Curvy Housewife

Amazing Reactions.

It's good to be home. We went to Morgan Hill for a few days.

I have been receiving amazing reactions about my progress! Sunday we were at our church here in Lancaster, and people were acting like they haven't seen me in months! "Wow! Look at you! You've lost so much weight! What are you doing?" I honestly don't like a lot of attention, even though it's so nice to know you can see my progress, it felt really strange.

My favorite comment I got was, "So if I go run 10 miles like you I'll look as good as you?" Ha! It was really cute, especially since it came from a grandpa ;)

Then we surprised my in-laws Monday night because Davey was told he wouldn't have work this week. And the Lord worked it out perfect, we ended up selling our last puppy to a family in Morgan Hill so that gave us a good reason to go. [God is so good].

My husbands family kept commenting on how much weight I had lost and how skinny I looked. I was really surprised because I don't feel much thiner and I don't weigh much less than I did in November. Maybe inches? It was so cute.. both my brother in laws told me I looked skinny. When we first got there my husbands youngest brother said, "Whoa! You look so skinny. Your throat is skinny." Nice, that's exactly where I want to look really skinny. [wink]. Then my husbands other brother said, " Adrienne, your getting really skinny again." Many friends at church in Morgan Hill, my Mom and really everyone I saw noticed. It was amazing. I kept wondering... why now after a year and a half and 55 pounds do people notice? I don't know.. but I'm so glad my work is paying off.

I am not even going to talk about how bad I ate this week though. I feel yuck, and do NOT want to face the scale tomorrow. I am terrified of seeing 190's again. But I will weigh and take my consequences. I did work out twice while away. A 5 mile bike ride with my sister in law and mother in law, than a 3 mile run with the husband.

Let's talk about the interesting stuff now. I have been looking on Craigslist for a house to rent in Morgan Hill because Davey works far away during the week and I am here with no family. I have good friends, and a fantastic church family. But I would love to be close to my Mom and in-laws and really ALL of our family. But here's the thing. We have a perfect size adorable house here with a huge back yard and a garage for $950 a month. Morgan Hill: $950 is a 300 sqft studio. Really. So it's been a huge challenge to find something. I found a teeny..tiny...microscopic size house in Morgan Hill for $1,100.
When I say teeny tiny... I mean it. 800 sq ft. Two bedroom. No living room. [Seriously]. 5 cupboards in the kitchen. No dishwasher. Washer dryer hook up is outside, no garage. And I don't remember seeing a linen closet.
I would have to get rid of half of our stuff. Maybe more. We would also have to struggle to find a place to store our baby things, Christmas stuff, bikes, jogger, ect.

The good things: it's super cute, in the country (sort of), right next to a beautiful bike path, has a yard with a orange tree, surrounded by green fields, it's cozy, we can have our dogs! (this is also hard to find a place ok with), she said the landlord would probably be okay with me painting the interior, and it's the cheapest house for rent in Morgan Hill, yet it's well maintained and clean. It's so small I couldn't lose the boys in it. And less places for a bad guy to hide. [But Davey says less places for us to hide from a bad guy. Hmm.] It's on a big piece of green land with 3 other homes just like it on it (ours would be the smallest).
We applied for it. We may not even get it. We pray God will work everything out. We want HIS will.
Davey really wants me to look in Los Banos for a house. I told him I will not live in a city that's name is translated "The Bathrooms" in English. But I'll be a submissive wife and look into it. Truth is we could rent a good size home there or in Hollister for a reasonable price. We would be further away from town than I'd like... but you count your costs.

Here is the house in Morgan Hill.



I also am thinking.. can I leave my gym?? I have the BEST 24 Hour Fitness. The Y in Morgan Hill has 2 cycle classes a week.. and no, they are not hiring for more teachers. I asked. It would be a big challenge to my training. I love our home here, I love my church, and I love my gym!

What would you do?? Please tell me. Move to a tiny home close to family, or stay where you are? Or move to The Bathrooms?

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Homemaking

I just made this as a "Page" but wanted it to be a post as well.

"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." TITUS 2:4-5

I have been asked several times recently, "How do you find the time to train with the boys!?" or "How do you work out so often and for so long? I just don't have time for that."

Let me start by saying, God has called me FIRST to be a Wife and a Mother. I thank God everyday I am able to stay home with my children and that Homemaking is my full time job. My husband and boys come first. Always. Lucky for me, they support me and want me to achieve my goals.

I am in no way a perfect [or anything even close!!!] homemaker. God is always working on me in this area. Right now, as I type this, there are gold fish crackers all over my living room floor. Yes, I have to vacuum usually twice a day.


I am so far from where God wants me to be as a homemaker, but my heart is to strive to make my home a place of peace and rest for my family, and I love to do it.

Here are a few things that helps me:


Devotions
I really can't get anything done until I pray and read my bible. God is the one to give me patients and wisdom with my boys and decisions to make when I need to. He blesses our day when I start it right. I really try to get up before the boys to do this. Doesn't always happen, but I love it when it does.

Schedule
Being scheduled. No, I am not an organized person. But anyone can learn to be. I have my training plan written on two calendars in pencil. I erase and re-write, A LOT.

Cleaning
I deep clean my house on Friday. This is suppose to be my day off from training, so I don't have to worry about leaving the house at all.
Laundry, dishes, tidying up and vacuuming is everyday.
I also like things very SIMPLE. Simple cleaning. Warm soap and water clean most of my house.

Cooking
I have planned out our weekly meals, therefore I know what I am going to cook and don't waste time deciding and contemplating all the ingredients I need. I never did this before, but this training season I have to do it to be successful, and I really enjoy it.

Decorating
I love to find great deals on home decor and spend time creating a beautiful and cute home.
I usually have a delicious candle lit as well to make our home smell inviting and peaceful.

Teaching
Even though life is busy, I try to take time out everyday to teach the boys something. Sometimes it's new animals, or shapes, or numbers. I also let them help me cook. Taking time to color with them, or build blocks with them is also teaching them. It's a special time everyday. I read them a story before nap time and bed time.

Discipline
I often have to stop what I am doing and correct the boys. Very often. My boys are very different from each other. Cody obeys pretty well and doesn't need a lot of discipline, a firm "No" works with him. Shane on the other hand requires A LOT of correcting. I really try to correct him and discipline him, then hug him and make sure I explain why he got into trouble. Point is, in the long run it saves time and frustration to take time at home to really discipline properly. After all if I am not going to do it, who will?
I am a softy I have to admit it... so this is a huge challenge for me.The Lord is always working on me in this area. An example is, about 6 months to a year ago Shane hated going to the gym daycare. He was very disobedient there, and it made it impossible for me to bring them. We spent months working with Shane (Davey gets a lot of the credit!) and teaching him to behave in nursery at church (times we would check on him during the service and make sure he was behaving. If not we would take him out and discipline him and make sure he listened to his teacher) and that helped him tremendously. Now he loves the gym daycare and is a very good boy in nursery at church ( of course..there's always exceptions!!).


If you plan something and want it bad enough, it can and will be done! I take advantage of the weekends when Davey is here and I work out early in the morning so I am free to spend time with him during the day. Hope this post helped someone! If not it helped me, and reminded me of what God's will for me is.

With Love,
The Curvy Housewife