Join Me For Another 10 Weeks! This is the first week of ten weeks starting October 22, 2012

Hi folks! I'm at it again. I'm going for another 20 pound loss in ten weeks. I've recently had another baby, a little girl, she is now five months old and I'm ready to drop some weight.





Saturday, February 26, 2011

A Saturday Post

Hola compadres!

It's Saturday and snowing here in La Crosse, Wi. Superbowl paraphernalia is still being sold. Some really nice stuff too.

It's sure feels different writing my blog at the library on a Saturday than it does doing it in the comfort of my own home...usually at night. I'm actually kind of missing it. I feel like it affects my dietary focus a little. I actually ate some sugar and white flour last night.

As much as I love Morning Glory...I feel annoyed and a little down at how slowly the weight is dropping. So, this weekend, I'd like to pick up some Fenu Greek, which is a natural supplement that helps increase breast milk production. I'd like to start counting calories again. I haven't been in the last few weeks. I'm also looking at the calendar and making plans to prepare to run in a half marathon race in about eight weeks. Having an athletic goal for me to prepare for has always helped me to lose weight.

I still am weight lifting four to five days a week. I usually run five to six days a week, but while training for the half marathon, my mileage will increase.

I plan also to try and phase out caffeine in the next four weeks so that I can more easily take in that eight to ten cups of water a day that I need to not only facilitate weight loss but insure that Morning Glory gets his milk. I also feel that caffeine makes me more tired in the long run. No caffeine will make sure that Morning Glory isn't staying up later at night than he should be, which will help me get to sleep earlier, thus giving me more energy for everything that I do during the day.

I talked to my sister who has been off caffeine for three months and she has noticed that she is "happy" when she gets up in the morning. I want that too, friends!

This morning I weighed in at about a nine pound loss. By next Saturday...I'm hoping for an eleven pound loss. We'll see!!

This morning, Morning Glory weighed 13.6 pounds. So his weight has increased by 6/10 a pound since two weeks ago.

There is a way for me to get pictures to my blog, but I just haven't gotten my act together enough to make it happen. I've also thought about keeping a written "blog diary" during the week and then publishing it when I have the chance to get on line because I really do enjoy conveying my thoughts into words.

Talk to you later friends!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

A Ten Minute Post

Hello friends!

Well, I've stopped walking by the computer and looking longingly at it. It's been about two weeks with no internet at home and I think I just may be getting used to not having it.

I hit a 10.4 pound loss on Sunday morning and then fluctuated to a 9.6 pound loss today. So, the trend continues to be continued weight loss. I'm not on track for losing 20 pounds in ten weeks, though. I simply can't expect to lose it at the rate that I did last time when I'm taking in more calories. But, I need those extra calories for Morning Glory.

The last time that I lost 20 pounds in 10 weeks I was not breastfeeding. hmm...but I feel good about attacking another ten pounds and I yearn for the day when spring arrives and I'm looking closer to the way I want to look.

You guys are so kind to leave me comments when I cannot be around to respond to them.

But just think...this is the last week of February....after March it's all spring baby...sure there may be some "cool-ish" days but it means longer days...warmer on-coming weather...

This is the time folks where we have to buckle down and press into our goals. By the middle of April or the start of May...several weeks from now...we can get a lot of good fat loss in and a lot of toning, so that by the time that warm weather hits, we are feeling and looking good.

All you winter weather folks, we're almost there! Spring is in sight...we're almost through the worst of winter. Hang in there! You can do it!

I hope to get in to blog again soon. Maybe Thursday or Saturday!

Have a good one!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Five Minute Post

Hi there!

I have literally five minutes here. I finally just now read your comments tonight. This no Internet thing is weird. I'm definitely missing it.

Know what I've recently started to enjoy? Reading our encyclopedias at night. I found some amazing history on the discovery of Antarctica. Ha!

Well...I have been super busy with all kinds of stuff. I did see an 8.8 pound loss total on Saturday and then again the same today. So, maybe we're trending toward nine pounds loss. I hate how slow it's taking.

I'm so glad you tried those carob bars, Sunshine Meg. I gave some to my sister yesterday and she loved them.

I also (with the aid of Daddy Rainmaker) designed a work-out program for my sister that I shall have to share with you all. It's for three days a week and takes about 20 to 25 minutes. It's a weight training program.

I'm not sure when I can blog again. There is a lot going on this week.

Later!

Sunshine Mama

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Happy Thursday!! Morning Glory is 14 weeks

Hi folks!

Thanks for all your comments about me not getting the Internet anymore. Sure enough first thing this morning, it was gone. And I was feeling slightly annoyed throughout the day. Especially when I couldn't get online to check the weather before going on my run tonight. But I do know there are other ways to check. Ha!

However, in anticipation of no Internet, I had taken pictures of Morning Glory yesterday and uploaded them to blogger for today. Yes, I know, I'm very clever!

He's been giving beautiful smiles lately.

And all kinds of other different looks...

Because he's trying to talk to me.
See, I think he's saying something here.

And here.

Well, not sure about here.




He still sucks his thumb.
I just don't know what to do about it.
I didn't weigh him today.
So, wow, that was a lot of pictures.
----------------------------------
The scale showed an eight pound loss today.
I got in a 2 1/2 mile run and a 45 minute triceps and chest work-out.
I got in a nap this afternoon and found that I was in a lot better mood for my work-out tonight.
I'm really going to try and work on getting my sleep. And my water.
Also, good news too. The ymca that I go to work out at has their Internet available for use until 8 p.m. so I may be able to post more regularly than I think.
Cool.
Where there's a will there's a way.
Isn't that true for so many things, folks?
If we want something bad enough we can make it happen.
Well, I love ya all.
The library's about to close, so I must go!
Have a good Friday!
Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

We're Cancelling The Internet...But I'm Still Blogging

Hello friends!

We made it through the first three days of the week! Hang in there! I think I'm saying that more for myself than anything. I've been feeling a bit moody lately.

I wanted to also let you all know that we are cancelling our Internet and cable service starting the 10th. Which is tomorrow or today depending on when you're reading this.

We will probably eventually get it back. But as Daddy Rainmaker explains, cancelling the service puts us in a more leveraged position with not only our current Internet provider but all the other companies that provide it.

Seriously the price of Internet...they wanted to raise it by and additional $40 a month! By cancelling cable and Internet, our monthly bills will go down by $90 a month!!

Who do these Internet providers think they are, anyway?

King Tut?!?

I can just go down to the local library or ymca and get online for free.

Of course there will be some drawbacks...like how the heck do I get pictures up now? And I can't just google a recipe whenever I feel like it. I can't check in on everyone whenever I feel like it...

But, I will perhaps get to bed earlier...so we'll see how it goes.

Both Daddy Rainmaker and I may go through a little withdrawal because he uses the cable tv and I tend to go online...Hmm... we'll have to see if someone out there is willing to give us a smoking good deal.

So, I may not blog every day or as often, but I still intend on keeping up on my blog. The hope is to eventually get me a lap top and re-connect...but right now it's kind of like...

I mean...have you ever just gotten fed up with "the system" of things and wanted to fight back a little?

Yes. I think there is a little of that going on right now too.

And besides, the Packers did just win the Superbowl, so it's not like we need the ESPN channel now anymore? Right? Ha.!

Well, I can't seem to move out of the 7 to 8 pound loss range. Hm.... But I did get in a 2 1/2 mile run in subzero weather. I got in a 45 minute biceps and back work-out. I did NOT want to go to the gym, but I did anyway.

Oh, and I was about ready to fall asleep while "helping" our six year old with her reading lesson this morning. Seriously have you ever been so tired that you could just pass out on the spot?

Well, I was helping her and I figured that I could close my eyes while she was working on reading the sentence, because I knew what it was...and a few times the younger ones looked at me and asked, "Mom! Are you sleeping?"

So, I think that means I need more sleep.

So, off to bed I go, Hi, ho, hi, ho!!

Have a good one everyone!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

What Are Your Intentions?

Hello Friends!

Does a doctor become a doctor overnight?

No.

But he does spend eight years preparing for the day that he will be one. He goes to classes four to five days a week. He spends nights and weekends studying for his tests. When the day finally arrives that he is called a doctor...we know it happened because he intended it to.

He did what needed to be done to become one.

So, even though I didn't feel like leaving my nice warm home tonight and being blasted by subzero winds on the run to the gym tonight...I did anyway...because I intend on looking spectacular this spring.

As my brother used to say to the guys who would come to date me when I was younger...

"What are your intentions?"

What do you intend to do with this beautiful body that God gave you?

How do you intend to get in your exercise?

How do you intend to nourish your hard working body?

In the stark, cold of winter, it's easy to give up...but I'm here to encourage you to stay strong and stick it out. So that when that future arrives...it will happen the way you intended it to.

Oh, and here's a little picture of a carob peanut butter bar that I had yesterday.
Only four little, sugar free ingredients that you can find out about here.
Have a good one!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Monday, February 7, 2011

Sweet, Sweet Victory...Packers are Superbowl Champs!

Good Monday morning folks!

Allow me to interrupt my regularly scheduled programming to make this special blog post:
The Green bay Packers are Super bowl Champions and last night they brought the Vince Lombardi Trophy home. As a Wisconsin native, I watched their last Superbowl win 13 years ago.

So, this is what is hanging on our front window this morning... as it was hanging there all day yesterday. The strangest most interesting thing happened in our neighborhood last night after the win. Here we are in the middle of winter...and all around you....houses down the row...you could hear people getting out of there homes and hooting and hollering...and calling to each other.

What drives people to desire to celebrate with each other after a victory?
Daddy Rainmaker grabbed the fireworks from last summer...

And lit them...

And they lit the sky!
I heard a woman from across the alley...hooting and hollering
And what must have been her young son calling out, yelling out
"If anyone is listening...and they're a Packer Fan...yell back!!"
Of course I hooted back!
Then more people hooted...
Dandy Lion hooted.
Darling Rose hooted.
She assisted with more fireworks!

It was exciting!
As I write this, Daddy Rainmaker is downstairs watching clips from last night's game and trying to decide which plays they should make posters out of. Ha, Ha!
Oh, and his voice is hoarse from all the yelling.
Hope you're all having a good one!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Happy Thursday! Our Morning Glory Is Three Months!

Happy Thursday!

Yes, folks the end of the week is upon us...and I have the pleasure of presenting to you the name...finally... of our newest flower...Here he is in all his glory...
Mr. Lovely as Morning Glory!
It seemed the perfect name when Dandy Lion said it today.
I did have another name selected, but then today he said "Morning Glory".
Immediately I thought of the beautiful Morning Glory flowers that my mom used to grow in her garden. And, since he was born at 2:50 in the morning... and he is a glorious creation from God...and he is beautiful just like the morning glory flowers...
This seems like the perfect name.
Oh! And this outfit he's in?
Well, I just put him in that to tease a smile out of Dawne.
(did it work?
nope, SunshineMeg, it wasn't a Packer outfit)
My husband picked this up for Iris Anna before
she was born when he was on a business trip once in Canada.

Don'tcha just love the hat?

And, then, we finally got him to clutch his toes!

Tell me you aren't just enamored!

Happy three months, Morning Glory!
He was born Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 2:50 a.m.
weighing six pounds four ounces.
Today he weighed in at 12.8 pounds, 2/10 away from 13 pounds.
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Ok...on to the diet part of this blog.
I went down a pound this morning and so am now..7.6 pounds down.
I didn't feel like going to the gym tonight...but I did anyway because this whole routine is beginning to become a habit. I completed a 60 minute leg work-out, some push-ups-- two sets of 15 guy and 2 sets of 15 girl style push-ups. I ran 2 1/2 miles outside; it was 19 degrees.
I haven't been tracking my calories, but I know it's probably around 1,800-2,000.
I like how the increased calories are giving me more milk for Morning Glory, but I'm also annoyed at what seems to me to be a slow weight loss.
But I feel like such a blessed woman!
I have six beautiful children.
I have the capacity and good health to work out.
I live in a country with I can worship freely without fear of retribution.
I'm learning so many amazing things by homeschooling our children...
I have a wonderful husband!
I hope your week ends well!
Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Apple Muffins...And Sleepy Sunshine Mama

Hi folks!

How is everyone?

I'm sleepy so this will be another quick post. But I did include a few pictures of the apple muffins I made on Tuesday. It's the same recipe as the Blueberry Muffins except I put in about five or six cups of apples instead of the blueberries.
My husband liked these so much that he wanted to....
(this is the true test of good food)...

he wanted to bring some to share at work.
Well, I am flattered!
I do think these would have tasted even
better with cinnamon, but maybe next time.
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Other than that, I bascially gained back the weight I dropped the other day.
Whatever!
But I will say on a positive note, that Mr. Lovely is getting milk-a-plenty
which is the most important thing...
And I am feeling stronger and lifting heavier weights at the gym.
Tonight I put on my gym clothes and then tacked on a long sleeved t-shirt and
them, count em....put on three sweatshirs to battle the cold on the run to the gym.
The run felt great!
My running legs are coming back!
So, I must get some sleep now!
I have a special outfit planned for Mr. Lovely's photo shoot on Thursday
And...I just might reveal his new flower name.

Ta Da!
And Take care!
Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

A Short Note

Hello friends!

I'm only peeking in for a second because it's late! But the scale was nice to me this morning and I dropped down a few pounds for a total of 8.4 pounds. We'll see what it says Wednesday morning. Who knows...I may flux up.

I was busy cooking this afternoon. I'll share pictures later. Tonight my daughter and I ran against the wind to the gym for a work-out. I got in a 50 minute biceps and back work-out.

Hope you're all doing well. The first two days of the week are behind us now. Keep up the good work!

You're doing better than you think!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama