Lose 20 Pounds In 10 Weeks

Feeling Good Today!

2012-02-04T16:06:00.002-06:00

Hello friends!

Thanks for the encouraging comments. I haven't started my iron supplements yet, but will soon. As soon as Friday night set in and the weekend was upon us, my mood has been great! The sun is shining today and I'm happy.

I figure I have a solid three months left which is annoying to think about. I've thought about not thinking about how long I have, but have realized that not thinking about it is unavoidable. Everything about my life is impacted by my belly. Everything. Bending over when sitting down to pick up a dropped pencil. I have to move sideways to get it. I guess I can't believe how quickly my belly got big.

And that baby girl. She is a-moving and a-grooving in there.

Even though this is my seventh baby, I still have all the pregnant emotions and sometimes feel trapped in my body. Ha! But then aren't we all trapped in our bodies until Jesus comes?

Well, talk later!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

A Blah Post

2012-01-31T18:46:00.002-06:00

Hello friends!

Well, It's been a few weeks since I last left a post so I thought I should update. I stayed on my clean diet for two weeks, but the last few days I've been slightly off so I can tell I'm not feeling as good as I could.

I also found out that I have low iron, which would explain why even though I get lots of sleep each night 8 to 10 hours, I don't have a lot of motivation the way I did in my last pregnancy when all I wanted to do was organize the house. So, very soon I'm going to try some iron supplements along with some kind of stool softener because those supplements will bind you up.

And while I'm at it, I suppose I could mention a few other woes that I've experienced in the last two weeks. Well, about two weeks ago, I put my back out. So it hurt to walk, stand and even lay down sometimes. You know those power operated shopping carts like golf carts? It was hurting so bad, my husband actually talked me in to using one of those at the grocery store. It was funny, but I felt much better sitting on that than standing. I feel better now.

Then about ten days ago, I got sick with the stomach flu. I was vomiting and had diarrhea. After about 15 hours of that, I was getting dizzy. So, we went to the hospital for a liter of IV fluid to rehydrate me. I felt like a new woman after that IV. An hour after that, I could actually eat, whereas before I couldn't even keep down water and was throwing up bile. I would encourage anyone to do that if they're dehydrated.

Seems like a lot of people I talk to have been sick lately with the stomach flu.

It was so nice to see SunshineMeg's new little baby girl. Right now it feels like 14 weeks is a long time to wait for our baby girl, so it was encouraging to see hers. Congratulations SunshineMeg!

So, this is kind of a blah post, but I'm generally busy homeschooling throughout the day and then Monday through Thursday there is some extracurricular activity that the kids are involved in in the evening. I started homeschooling early this year so that when the baby comes May 7th, I can be off for a few months. I can see that it will be a challenge for me to be as prepared for this baby as I was for Morning Glory when I had the whole summer to prepare. So, I'm really hoping that taking iron will help my motivation. They say it takes several weeks though before your body absorbs enough iron for you to notice a difference. The last time I took iron supplements was 17 years ago and I stopped because of the side effects. So, we'll see how this goes.

Oh, happy February to you all!!

Talk later!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

2012-01-16T18:56:00.003-06:00

Hello again!

I've been feeling better since adjusted my diet over the past three days. I'm eating healthier and can tell that I have more energy to do things. I've also lost about two pounds.

Have to go, but will check in when I can!

I'm currently about 24 weeks along.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

2012-01-13T17:51:00.003-06:00

Hello friends!

I'm still around. It must have been ten days are so since I was last at the library.

I haven't been feeling good with my diet so I'm trying to clean it up. Today, I quit caffeine and I started counting my calories. I'll let you know how it goes.

I hope you're all doing well. It's been pretty busy here on the home front.

Talk later!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

A Surprise Visitor

2011-12-27T19:49:00.003-06:00

Hello friends!

I have only a few minutes to mention that we had a special visitor come to our house on Christmas Eve....

Unfortunately...Daddy Rainmaker was out to the store for some errands when our visitor made his appearance.

But when he came back he heard ALL about Santa Clauses' surprise visit.

Some of the kids even thought that Santa Clause looked like Daddy Rainmaker. But then my mom, who was there, pointed out that it couldn't have been Daddy Rainmaker because he doesn't have a big belly.

Hmm...good point.

I hope you all had a good Christmas!

Thank you for the congrats on the girl. We are all still very excited!

Talk later!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

And The baby Is A.....

2011-12-15T20:26:00.005-06:00

Hi friends!

Ok, since I have more than five minutes here at the library, I will share the ultra sound story.

We invited my parents to come to the ultrasound along with all of our children being there as well. I wasn't sure if my mom had ever seen an ultra sound and I knew she would probably enjoy it. (Both of them liked it a lot)

When we arrived there and they called me back to the room, we were quite the troupe of people heading to the small ultra sound room...four adults and six children.. The lady mentioned that only two or three people are usually allowed. I wondered where it said that and she said it says that online. I explained that we had brought all the kids last time to the ultra sound and was never told not to. Plus, nothing was ever explained to me at my last appointment about any rules on the number of people. But everything went fine as everyone stayed quiet for the most part.

Now...I should explain that after having three straight boys...all the kids wanted a girl. But I think all of the adults, myself, my husband and my dad were thinking it was probably going to be a boy even though we were hoping for a girl. Right before going into the room, my mom decided to guess a girl. As the ultra sound went along, the baby looked healthy.

Then, the technician switched over to 3-D with new equipment that they did not have last year. So, we were able to actually see the baby's face. At one point, our ever optimistic Iris Anna, 7, says, "She looks like a girl!"

Meanwhile, I thought I had seen something that indicated a boy. So did my dad. So, my dad, my husband and I were expecting a boy.

Then like a miracle from heaven she types in....GIRL !!!!!

I was shocked. I felt like crying. "Are you sure?!", I said, "because I thought I saw a little something."

So she takes me to that area and explains what I'm seeing. Still I asked for more reassurance. And she said that with this new 3-D machine there is no doubt what "she" is.

I just felt so overwhelmed with happiness and joy. We all are, and can't believe how God has blessed our family.

We are still walking around the house amazed at this little sister, daughter that is on her way in May.

As of right now we are not sharing the name with the kids and family to keep it as a surprise. But I am looking forward to shopping for little girl clothes since I gave away all little baby girl clothes a few years ago.

Right now I am about 20 weeks along and have gained about 20 pounds. I would like to slow that down as I am feeling a little winded walking up stairs and such. But altogether I am feeling energetic and focused on the all that needs to be done before our little girl arrives.

Thank you for reading!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

2011-11-30T20:43:00.003-06:00

Just a quick post friends!

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. Turkey day turned into a little bit of turkey week for me. But the good news is that I have already worked out twice this week and three times last week. So, now I'm trying to reign back in my diet.

I also have exciting news. We will get an ultrasound done this Friday to see baby and find out whether it is a boy or girl.

I will share more when I can. Thank you for reading folks!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Back On Track

2011-11-21T17:01:00.004-06:00

Hello friends!

The weekend out-of-town bodybuilding visitors encouraged me!

Isn't it weird how when super in-shape people come to visit you, you wish you were at your prime too? But at this point of my life, I happened to have gained about 13 pounds and stopped working out for the past several weeks.

And even though I didn't want them to see me like this...I'm glad they came.

They were the boost I needed to start eating healthy again.

We all went to the gym together on Sunday. So, not only did I get in a work-out, but I got in a good few dozen great tips on proper form.

She also gave me a diet plan...which I incorporated today.

So, I ate clean today and already I feel so much better. I plan to make it to the gym tonight as well.

I'm realizing that sometimes we all need a little help in our life. And letting a person help you can perhaps improve you in ways you wouldn't have imagined.

Thank you for all your encouragement. It really means a lot to me. I'll let you know how everything goes.

Remember to not give up on yourself.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Confessions, Visitors and Encouragement

2011-11-16T20:04:00.003-06:00

Hello there!

Ok, let's get the confession out first.

I didn't do any running last week. or working out. or anything.

So, anyway I've gained at least 10 pounds now.

And, then, to make matters worse,... we have this awesome body building couple coming to visit our family this weekend.

ok...I know you have all been complimentary of my determinism in the "working out" arena but we are talking about a gal who can squat 500 pounds and leg press 1,000 pounds. No, I'm not giving out her name because that might implicate my identity..."ha, like anyone cares"...

Her boyfriend is the funniest guy and he can leg press 2,000 pounds. And I repeat I am not making these numbers up. So, amidst being so excited about their visit...I'm also having these irrational, "but I'm not eating clean thoughts."

Isn't that the dumbest thing you have ever heard? I have an excuse even...I'm pregnant...which we're telling them this weekend. In fact, the only reason for my abrupt stop in working out was because of exhaustion ....induced by my pregnancy.

A very happy reason.

I was so exhausted that I would stumble into bed with all of my clothes on...even my shoes...sleep 10 or so hours. And then after only a few hours of being awake...I wanted to fall asleep again.

But fortunately that awefulness has passed. I'm much more awake and interested in the world around me. And now I'm trying to figure out a way to trick myself into exercising again...and eating better.

Hmm.... so that's my update.

I have great empathy for everyone who is trying to lose weight, exercise, stay in shape, eat clean...because I know it is so challenging. It is challenging to me.

But today I found encouragement in the most unexpected place.

Lately I have been fighting a chest cough. So, this morning my thoughtful husband brought me a Halls cough drop. On the outside of the individually wrapped drop were these words,

"Don't give up on yourself."

I wonder if they have any idea how much a word of encouragement can really help boost the spirit.

I read more words, "You've survived tougher."

"Don't wait a precious minute."

If you're reading this..."Thanks Halls!"

I liked the "Don't give up on yourself" best.

Remember, friends, you're doing better than you think.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Morning Glory Turns 1

2011-11-06T16:28:00.004-06:00

Hello folks!

I haven't been to the library in a few weeks. So, I think I should update everyone. I'm 14 weeks along and I am feeling less tired. I haven't worked out in about four weeks. And yesterday I realized that I need to take small steps if I want to get into a work-out routine again. So, this week I'm making it a goal to try to run a few miles a day....and that's it.

I first need to see if I am able to run and not feel bothered by it. If it does bother me, I may switch to biking. In the past, I've never been able to run past 18 weeks because I had some discomfort in my uterus.

So far I've gained at least seven pounds. But quite honestly most of that is probably from some unhealthy food choices.

Also wanted to mention that Morning Glory turned one year old on Friday, Nov. 4th and he started walking five days before that. He is two to four months ahead on walking than all of the other kids. He is just the cutest thing and an absolute joy to everyone. I think I will try and get some picture to post of his eating birthday cake.

We are about six months away from the birth of this next baby. I still sometimes can't believe I'm pregnant and having another blessing so soon.

Talk soon!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Heard The Heart Beat

2011-10-19T20:17:00.004-05:00

Hello folks!

I heard the baby's heart beat today. About 160 to 170 beats a minute.

We scheduled an ultra sound in six weeks.

I've been feeling tired and unmotivated. I'm taking a little apparent hiatus from the gym. But I need to get my butt back in because I think I've gained about three pounds.

Well, part of the reason for the hiatus was because we celebrated our ten year anniversary on October 7 and then my birthday on October 14. I think the chocolates and other things may have contributed to the weight gain.

But I heard something inspiring from an unlikely source last week.

Our five-year-old son is taking karate from an instructor who I haven't been that impressed with because I get the feeling that he tells the 5-year-olds to do things that they aren't old enough to do. Like, "Now take your left foot and put it back and then hit with your right hand...." My kid isn't going to know his right from his left yet.

But anyway, the instructor showed up to teach class with crutches because he had recently hurt his ankle when he jumped down from somewhere and landed on it wrong. He was telling the kids not to give up. He says encouraging stuff like, "what's a black belt?" "It's a white belt that never gave up."

So, then he says, "See, I'm here trying my best even though I'm on crutches. And that what you all need to do. Just do your best. Never give up." ( or something to that effect)

It made me think...here I am pregnant again. I should take his advice and do the best I can do. Yes, I'm pregnant again and it's not "as fun" to work at while pregnant, but that doesn't mean that I should give up.

Now that it's getting colder (can we say, 'wimpy, wimpy, wimpy') I don't feel like going out in the cold. You'd think that with all my living in the north, I'd have a backbone of steel. Ha!

Well, I'll let you know how it goes.

Keep up the work, folks.

Never give up.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Updating the Work-outs

2011-10-04T20:20:00.003-05:00

Hello friends!

Thought I should make a quick post before heading off to the gym.

Thank you for all of your congratulations. We are all excited here. The three year old asks me when the baby is going to come. And I say, "oh, we have to wait a long time. It's just tiny right now." It's basically the entire school year, which when I think about it does sound like quite a long wait even to me..

I just hope that the tired bug will go away because all I want to do is sleep. It's even affecting my motivation to want to work out. Fortunately my husband "wants" to go to the gym at night for his second work-out of the day so he drives me there. I'm readjusting my work-outs so that I can get done in 60 minutes at the gym. I want to do 30 minutes cardio and 30 minutes of weight lifting five days a week. Then, I do my abs and push-ups at home three days a week. Of course this idea could change with the wind.

But last night, I completed a leg work in 30 minutes. I had to cut it shorter than my normal 45-50 minutes and then I did my push-ups and sit-ups at home. I didn't get in my cardio. But the condensed version of working out is something I'm doing so that I don't spend as much time working out but yet I still receive most of the benefits of cardio and weight lifting.

When I was training for the half marathon, I would spend 2 1/2 hours working out on Mondays and Wednesdays because I would run 8 1/2 miles and weight lift for 5o or so minutes. I just can't do that anymore with home schooling and being more tired.

Also knowing that I don't have to "do it all" will make me not dread coming to the gym. An hour is manageable. And then sit-ups and push-ups while just hanging out at night also has a low stress appeal to them.

Speaking of which I need to get to the gym.

Later folks!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Half Marathons And Babies

2011-09-24T16:24:00.003-05:00

Hello friends!

Sorry I haven't posted in over a month. The last few times that I went to the library I ended spending all of my time checking out books on mummies, and revolutionary war heroes for my children for homeschooling.

I started homeschooling two weeks earlier than normal because I had this sneaking suspicion that I might want to end the home school year earlier than normal.

Why would I want to end it early?

So that I could spend time with a new little baby.

I'm pregnant folks...with baby number #7.

Ok, that felt so nice to type. And I just giggled. All of us here are really excited. I'm due May 7th, and I turn eight weeks along on Sunday.

So, I've just re-joined the working out pregnant mama's club with Sunshine Meg and Sherah and I think there may be few more of you out there.

Isn't this exciting? And, yes, I know what you're all thinking...."How old is Mr. Lovely?" He's 10 1/2 months and already standing. I do believe that boy will be walking by a year which is months sooner than all of our other children. But he will be 18 months when this new one is born. That's quick. Our closest spread before these next two was a 20 month difference with Iris Anna Anna (now 7) and Peach Blossom (now 5 1/2).

I'm still working out.

Why....just today I ran that half marathon that I was telling you all about. Yep! 13.1 miles. I'd been training for it all summer the nurses said it was ok to run as long as I didn't get over heated. Well, it it was 45 degrees this morning. I felt really good.

At about the 9-mile mark, the judge who had married us ten years ago (this October) was running alongside of me. He's always running halfs and full marathons and he is at least in his 60s. I got talking to him and shared with him that I was pregnant with #7. At about two miles left in the race he pulled away. By that point I was beginning to feel sore all over the place.

I was chuckling to myself that he probably pulled ahead because he didn't want to let a pregnant women beat him, but then again...I just let a 60 year-old beat me. Ha! Good stuff though. He did a great job at our wedding. I see him at the gym.

Speaking of gym. I am still working out. I started my push-up program about three weeks ago after I had worked up to four sets of 15 ( boy style) push-ups. I started out being able to do 50 consecutive push-ups. This last Wednesday I did six sets of 25 push-ups (175 total).

When I was pregnant with Morning Glory, I just kind of stopped my push-ups. I would like to continue them.

I am continuing to eat mostly clean and have kept my weight loss at a 14 pound loss.

So, things are going well. I may reward myself with an ice cream indulgence today. It was fun to have the kids all there when I finished my race today. I did speed up at the end.

Now I need to check on a few folks.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Down About 13 Pounds Now

2011-08-20T15:08:00.004-05:00

Hello there!

Good new again. According to the scale I dropped another pound for a total lost of 12.8 pounds.

I completed my week of work-outs except for the ten miler tonight of course.

We only have two more weeks left in August before Labor Day. Can you believe it? I'm thinking about homeschooling the kids starting this coming Monday. I've been cleaning up and organizing the room and the materials and I think I may just launch on Monday.

That way, I'll have a few weeks to get a routine started before all the swimming, flag football, and other activities begin on the day after Labor Day.

I hope you're all doing well and enjoying these last few days of summer.

Have a good weekend!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Exciting News

2011-08-16T20:01:00.003-05:00

Exciting news friends!

I hopped on the scale today. After fourteen days of being at the same weight, I was beginning to expect the same number.

But Who Hee!

A two pound drop!

I was pathetically excited. It's so overdue, but I was still happy. Now I'm up to 11.8 pounds lost.

Lately I've had this idea that the reason the weight loss is going so slow is because my body is restructuring itself.

And that takes time.

My physique is looking more athletic. Bumps and bulges seem to be thinning out and floating to the the spots where I want them to be.

I've actually received a few compliments from people where they give me this incredulous look and say, "You look great."

I say thanks even though I don't quite feel incredible yet. But I do feel great.

August is a tough month for me because I am slowly ramping up my mileage in preparation for this half marathon. I'm working out six days a week. I ran nine miles last Saturday. I plan on doing ten miles this Saturday, then eleven the next and then thirteen the Saturday after that.

But what's exciting for me is that...I am doing it.

I'm halfway through August, and I've been meeting my goals. I've added some fun sprint action two days a week and focus on my glutes twice a week with the high incline on the treadmill. I'm managing getting to the gym five days a week and running six days a week.

So, isn't that good news?

Now I could wake up tomorrow and the scale could take back a pound that it gave me. But that's just fluctuations and will happen before the weight settles down.

Or I could lose more?

Ok...I won't push it.

I just feel so good having this extra energy.

So good in fact that I've started "grooving" to music again in the kitchen while preparing food.

Now isn't that a nice picture to leave you all with? Ha!

Life is good. Hope you're all having a good week.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

No More Complaining

2011-08-12T15:10:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!

Happy Weekend!

Just wanted to let you all know how my week went.

My eating has been around 1,400 calories every day with 45 to 60 minute weight lifting work-outs. I also have been incorporating cardio as I have been training for a half marathon. I have done sprints twice this week. I also tried something new that I read about.

I put the treadmill on the highest incline, 15, and walked for half a mile at about 2.5. I felt that in my glutes. I'm actually excited about this exercise because of the focus on that area.

I have remained at the same weight for 11 days, which boggles me. I can't possibly have plateaued at the weight that I'm at. So, I'm just patiently waiting for the weight to drop.

In the meantime, I can tell that my legs are looking awesome with all the emphasis on running, sprinting and the leg work-outs that I'm giving them. In fact, I'm feeling more confident about how I look despite an unresponsive scale.

And, you're right, SunshineMeg. Once I get in the gym, do my work-out, I feel better.

To be honest, I've made some athletic goals for after the half marathon. But meeting those goals requires that I lose a certain amount of body fat. So, I think one of the reasons I feel so peeved about slow weight loss is that I may have to put off for a later date that "other" goal.

But I honestly won't know if I can meet that goal until several weeks from now. I know I'm being vague here. So, we'll just have to see.

But I did want to say that I'm not as upset as I had been about slow weight loss. I guess I've reconciled with myself that for whatever reason, it's taking longer. Also, I know that there are a lot more important things in this world to worry about than the success of my perfect weight loss plan.

Take the dying children in Somalia as an example. That just breaks my heart.

It puts a lot of things back into an attitude of gratitude for simply food. Water. Health care.

So, I'm going to try stop complaining about slow weight loss.

Besides there is a flip side.

I'm not gaining weight. And I feel confident that what I am eating is super healthy and that it won't put unnecessary fat on me.

I feel strong and muscular.

Well, on that note, I need to go and do a bunch of errands.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

UpDate

2011-08-09T20:13:00.003-05:00

Hello friends!

It's been a few days since I've blogged, but I have been busy.

Not only have did I get in all the work-outs I wanted to get in last week (six days of running and five days weight lifting), I've also been signing the kids up for fall activities like swimming lessons, karate, flag football, gymnastics, boys choir, piano and violin lessons.

Plus I'm figuring out their home school schedule.

I have been reading up on some some body building magazines to double check to make sure I am "doing it right" with my diet and exercise program.

I deduced that 1,400 calories is adequate. But I've decided to incorporate HIIT work-outs. High intensity interval training. And doing cardio that focuses on my glutes like raising the incline to the highest it can go on the treadmill and running that. (I haven't done that yet)

When I run to the gym I will do sprints. I did that tonight and that felt decent. I am still training for my half marathon, but I will "sprinkle" my week with three days of HIIT work-outs. And then two days of the week when I run my long runs, I will try it with an incline.

Also...I have been doing the same weight lifting routine for two or three years. So, I'm going to switch in some different exercises that work my muscles from a different angle to see if that will help rev up my metabolism too.

It's strange. Tonight I felt down again looking at the mirror. I wonder if my metabolism is slowing down because I'm not eating enough. I wonder, "what if I only lose one pound a week?". Then, I wonder, "Why am I doing all this anyway?"

It's like I can see the future...and I sometimes just think, "wow, months and months of this. Will it never end?"

But I've lived the alternative.

Out of shape. No hope. Low energy. Unhappy.

The food that I eat now is so healthy that I am nourished, happy and satisfied at 1,400 because not one of those calories is wasted.

I've noticed that I think more clearly. I have more energy.

Even though my weight isn't where I want it, I feel good about my appearance.

I have hope.

So, I suppose even if I don't hit that two pound a week average, I will keep at it.

I am really shooting for a two pound drop by this Saturday. Right now I am at 10. 2 pounds down. So, I want to see a 12 pound drop.

We'll see if it happens.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday...Morning Glory is 9 months Today

2011-08-04T19:57:00.008-05:00

Hello friends!

Thanks for stopping by. Thought I'd post a few pictures of our children.

Caught three of them "doing dishes."

I wonder if they'll still be volunteering to help in ten years?

Left is Stavesacre, 3 1/2, Morning Glory, nine months, Iris Anna, 7.

Darling Rose, 16, "folding towels".

Having tea.

Yesterday Morning Glory fell asleep next to ballerina dresses and dust pans. No, I don't know why there are dust pans here. The kids might have been playing with them.

With his thumb in his mouth.

Other than that, I was at a ten pound loss yesterday and today it fluxed back up to a 9.8 pound loss. The week has been going great. I've ran four days in a row and worked out at the gym four times as well. I intend to get in two more days of running for six altogether this week. I plan to run eight miles on Saturday. I have been feeling stronger. It's such a great feeling.

Wanted to thank you for your encouragement.

Have a good Friday!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Facing the Gym Mirrors...

2011-08-02T20:00:00.004-05:00

Hello.

So. I've been struggling with the whole gym mirror lately.

You know... there are mirrors everywhere in the gym. And for good reasons. They're there so that you can make sure you are lifting the dumbbell the right way and practicing the proper form. All very important things to ensure you get the most out of your work-outs.

But for some reason, I find myself feeling slight depressed when I encounter all of the gym mirrors...which is not suppose to happen when you go to the gym.

Working out at the gym is suppose to make you feel good because of all those endorphins that are bumping around you when you work out.

So, not only do I concentrate on my form while working out at the gym...I also find myself analyzing my body in the gym mirror.

Are you with me folks?

I could spend the entire day at my house and not look at my body as often as I would when I go to the gym to do a 45 minute work-out.

In a way it's almost counter productive to have such negative feelings because of those silly mirrors.

I can totally see exactly how much work I have left to do to achieve the body I want.

AND it feels a little overwhelming at times.

Well, I won't stop going to the gym because of it.

I wish I could just lose all this extra weight...

In a snap!

Ha! Don't we all?

So, until that weight come off like I want it to, here I am stuck looking at myself in those gym mirrors.

I will admit that I have noticed some changes in my body since I've dropped nine pounds. And I can see it in the mirrors.

Those darn mirrors.

Maybe one day I'll enjoy seeing myself in those mirrors. And the sight will encourage me rather than discourage me.

Seems to me that losing weight actually takes courage.

Facing the mirrors takes some courage.

Courage to believe in myself.

That just because I don't see it yet doesn't mean I won't ever see it.

It all takes time.

Well, I hope you're all having a good one. I managed to lose about a pound in the last few days.

Talk later!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

2011-07-29T13:37:00.003-05:00

Hello!

Friday is finally here and I am feeling better.

My weight still hasn't dropped like I want it to, but I am praticing patience. And determination.

For all I know, a bunch of weight may be just about to drop. But even if it didn't and I still continued to lose at an agonizingly slow pace...I came to a few conclusions.

I won't give up until I lose the weight.

Even if it takes longer.

I've been having thoughts like...what if I have a bunch more fat cells than I used to because of all the babies. You do know that the very second you get pregnant, your body starts producing double the normal amount of fat cells. So, I was thinking...wow, maybe because of that...it's taking longer.

Then I thought...well, I am getting older, maybe the way my body metabolizes is slowing down.

Doesn't matter. I'll persist until I get to my goal.

But despite the number on the scale I have noticed a few positives.

All this running has caused my legs to be stronger on my leg work-outs. I am feeling stronger during my runs.

My belly is significantly smaller and I feel comfortable enough to wear tank tops outside of the house.

Hey, maybe I'm gaining muscle which weighs more than fat.

All I know is that for the past two or so weeks I have eaten perfectly and exercised just as much and my weight has stayed the same.

Something has to give soon.

Hope you're all doing well.

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

2011-07-27T20:32:00.004-05:00

Hola amigas and amigos!

Today has been annoying because I feel Buuloooated!! And the scale actually went up...as if that's my "real" weight. ( We all know its illusionary until Ms. Monthly goes home)

Yes, I'll be fine. Only a few more days and I will be feeling GRRRREAt again.

Well, I also am taking off from running today. So, I won't make my six days this week of running, but I'm feeling fatigued today. I did, however, get in my chest and triceps work out. Also did four sets of 15 "girl" push-ups and some abs.

Hope you're all doing well!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Time To Tighten Down The Diet

2011-07-26T15:04:00.003-05:00

Hello friends!

First things first.

To answer someone's question...When I was on my run, I stopped and ate my pineapple since I was stopping to drink water anyway. But I am contemplating pineapple juice where I can drink it without stopping.

I've also decided when the temperature is that high, I can stop for water breaks. Or pineapple breaks.

Anyway. This weight is not coming off fast enough for me.

So, starting Sunday I took out all wheat products from my diet. No body builder in their right mind eats wheat products when they're trying to cut up for a show. Yes, maybe off season they do, but not when they want to see the fat drop.

So, instead I replace that with potatoes, brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, squash, beets, green beans, asparagus....you get the picture.

Wheat is very calorie dense.

And remember pasta is a wheat product folks!

Then I've starting eating two spinach salads a day. I hadn't eaten a salad in a few weeks. I think there is something to eating lots of vegetables that helps promote fat loss.

I also plan on running six days a week and weight lifting five days a week, abs three days a week and push-ups 2 to 3 times a week. For those who might feel intimidated by this...I've had this goal for about six weeks and have been working up to that work-out schedule. For the past three or four weeks, I've had to not run all that I've wanted to run because I needed to give my legs rest until I felt they were ready for six days a week. I think they may be ready for six days in a row this week.

Remember slow and steady gets the worm! ha, I think I combined that with something.

My calories are right about in the 1,400 range. On Sunday when I don't work out I may let them drop to 1,000.

I also am dropping popcorn from my menu as it causes bloating. I had some Sunday night with olive oil and I gained a pound the next morning. And, no, it wasn't the salt. It's what popcorn does. I knew this, and I ate the popcorn anyway.

Now you all know too.

Another thing that will cause my weight loss to slow down and even maybe gain is Ms. Monthly. So...let's just say that after this week, the scale better be showing some big losses. But usually after the period, the weight loss will catch up to where it's suppose to be.

So, last night, I ran 4 1/2 miles, did a 40 minute leg work-out and abs. I felt great too! Maybe it was that pineapple that I took along to eat half way through the work-out.

See you all will be eating pineapple before you know it.

Hope you're having a good one!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Meet My New Friend

2011-07-24T15:18:00.003-05:00

Ok friends,

We're almost to Monday and I am doing something a little different in my diet today that I hope will yield some positive results.

I'll tell you about it Monday.

But, today I wanted to tell you about my wonderful experience with...

cue the music...

Pineapple.

(ok, a minute for me to laugh because this sounds a little ridiculous.)

But remember that I went on a six mile run last night?

When I ran by the temperature clock one mile into my run, it read 93 degrees. I was sucking down water at every mile. I was definitely feeling a little sluggish because of the heat index being over 100 degrees.

Well...then get this...

At mile three, I pull out the six ounces of pineapple that I had brought along as a snack.

I suppose in the past I would have used an energy gel, but I didn't have one at home. A banana would have gotten squishy and gross. An apple takes too long to eat on a run. And I have brought pineapples with me to the gym before if I needed some quick energy.

Now in case you all don't know...there are two types of carbohydrates.

Complex and simple.

You don't start feeling the energy from a complex carb until about 45 minutes after eating it. Complex carbs are like oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat bread.

Energy from simple carbs can be felt within 15 minutes or almost immediately. Simple carbs are fruits. People will also use sugar, but there is usually a crash after it. Fruit is a natural way to give yourself a healthy energy boost during a work out if you need it.

Anyway to make a long story longer...

I ate my wonderful tasting pineapple, which by the way just tastes better the more it squishes around in my running pack (sealed in plastic of course).

Afterward I took off running...and I felt better than when I first started.

I kid you not.

It was immediate.

I felt energized.

It lasted through the next three miles.

Oh, also the clouds suddenly hid the sun after I ate my pineapple. And when I ran back by the temperature clock it read 88 degrees, a five degree drop.

I still just can not even believe how energized I felt. I'm already plotting how to use pineapple before a race, or during my half marathon race coming up in September.

Oh, pineapple is 14 calories an ounce and provides a moderate level of potassium.

So, there you go.

Pineapple, my new best friend.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

2011-07-23T15:40:00.003-05:00

Hello From The Tropics!

Ha! Just kidding, but today feels like it again. I have to get in six miles and I'm thinking about pushing it back to 9:00 p.m. versus the 92 degree weather at 5:00 p.m.

But then if I do that...my date with Daddy Rainmaker gets screwed up.

What should I do?

Suck it up? And let the heat possibley suck up all my date night energy because that just might happen.

Or run late...and have no date or at the very least a late date.

I think I may suck it up.

Other than that, the scale has been playing the fluctuation game with me. But I have been eating pretty perfect and working out like an animal...so it's only a matter of time before the weight drops back down.

I've been keeping my calories to around 1,400- 1,500. I hit the gym four times this week; weight lifting about 45 minutes each time. I also will log in five days of running mileage of 4, 2 1/2, 4, 2 1/2, and 6. I've done abs two times this week.

I think that starting next week I will start doing some push-ups again three times a week. If SunshineMeg can do it while pregnant, so can I.

Talk later...alligators!! (that's tropic's talk)

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

You All Are Funny

2011-07-20T20:40:00.005-05:00

Hola Friends!

Perky plant here.

Ha, Ha, you guys pick up on stuff quick. Later on when I wrote that I sat back wondering the next day if anyone would have fun with that.

I see you all have active imaginations.

Actually that's how I explained it to my 16-year-old daughter yesterday when I "made" her go running with me to the gym.

Everyone wants to know what they can drink "besides" plain ole water. My husband, my daughter. Well the way I explain it to my husband is the car and oil illustration.

Like a car needs gas to go, our body needs fuel to work out. And like a car needs oil or it will malfunction, so our bodies need water.

Either way, the wonderful thing about water is that...it's cheap and plentiful. God thought of everyone when he came up with that design element of our bodies.

Well, I'm taking a rest day from running because my legs feel fatigued. I did work my arms though and biked 2 1/2 miles. Training is still on for the half marathon. My eating is going well.

I saw 4/10 drop from yesterday so that was nice. Only two pounds away from a ten pound drop.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to drop 20 pounds in exactly ten weeks this time because I screwed around too much in the beginning. But hey, maybe 11 weeks I might be able to drop 20 pounds.

Thanks for all your comments.

They sure do make me smile!

I'm running out of time tonight to get to you all, but I will get to you!

Stay cool! If that's possible.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Good News

2011-07-19T20:12:00.003-05:00

Hi friends!

How is everyone doing? It's been hot around here the last three days have been in the 90s and Wednesday is suppose to be 98 with the heat index probably over 115 degrees.

Beware, Sunshine Meg, I read in the paper today that the heat wave is making its way to the east coast.

Well, AWESOME NEWS folks!

After my last post I left you all in suspense about how my Saturday night out with the heavy appetizers would go. I ran five miles that day in 90 degree weather again.

That night, the appetizers were actually a nice variety of food. I had big, delicious strawberries, some vegetables, two meatballs, and about two beers. I had a great time.

Woke up the next morning.... Drumroll please...

And I dropped two pounds!!

But this just keeps getting better. I stayed the same on Sunday, then dropped another pound on Monday AND another pound today for a total of...

Five pounds in five days.

So...remember when I wrote about that 2.8 pound gain being illusionary?

It was!

I'm also wondering if the fact that I sweat like a soaking wet towel during my runs may be helping the weight loss. There's a lot of people who won't run in this weather, but I do because I observe these precautions:

1.) hydrate well before the run (I'll have 4 to 6 cups of water throughout the day before the run)

2.)Don't worry about going fast.

3.) Get in enough calories before the run (minimum 700-800)

4.) Take a water bottle with and hydrate every mile or sooner if necessary.

5.) Sometimes run at 9:00 at night because there's no sun and it's 10 degrees cooler.

But really, hydration is the big ticket. It's kind of like how a flower responds when we water it. It's perkier, stands taller...but if we don't water it, it wilts.

Your body literally wilts when you don't drink enough water in weather like this.

Personally I'd rather be the perky plant.

So, that's the good news friends. I wonder if I'll have some slight upward fluctuations over the next few days, but I've been eating great so it won't last long.

Wow. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to re-lose the weight that I gained.

Hang in there folks!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

2011-07-15T14:52:00.003-05:00

Hola friends!

I stayed on track yesterday and ran 3 1/2 miles. I'm slowly building up my running base to train for a half marathon in September.

Anyway...the scale rewarded my efforts with a 1.2 pound drop.

I'm hoping that I can drop one or two more pounds by Monday and at least be near where I was before I cheated and gained the weight.

And that just kills me.

Instead of looking at a possibly eight pound loss by Monday, I'm "hoping" to get back to a five pound loss by Monday.

Oh, well. No use crying over spilt milk right?

I always do this though. I screw up and then hate the results so much that I don't dare screw up again.

For awhile at least. ha!

I have plans this weekend where my resolve will be tested. I am attending an event where I have already paid for "heavy appetizers and drinks", which I can not partake in because of my diet.

Fun.

But I so want to see the scale go down.

Heavy appetizers. What can that mean other than if you eat them you will get heavier.

And alcohol we all know that that is not calorie free.

Well, I'll let you know how it all went.

Have a good one!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Just a few Pictures...

2011-07-14T20:50:00.006-05:00

Yes, someone cut Peach Blossoms' hair...

Morning Glory- 8 months

Happy Thursday-My Illusionary Weight Gain

2011-07-14T20:15:00.003-05:00

Hi folks!

So, I got off track last weekend and went over a little bit the first three days of this week. So...altogether that's five days where my calories weren't in line.

The scale socked me with a 2.8 pound gain.

NO WAY Hosea!

One pound is 3,500 calories. So...an almost 3 pound gain means that I had to eat about 10,500 calories over my limit.

That did not happen. Maybe 2,000 calories over.

So...that weight gain is an illusion.

And, no, I'm not in delusion about this either.

Because just you watch...if I stick to my diet over the next three or four days, I'll drop the weight.

So, does that mean I burned 10,500 calories worth in four days?

No.

So, my contention is that the weight gain is an illusion.

At least that's what I'm telling myself to get my focus back on.

I can also look at it as a warning for..."this weight gain will turn into real weight gain if you don't get yourself back in gear."

Happy Thursday friends!

Remember to always look for the upside; even if it seems a little upside down!

Have a good Friday!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

My Little Mess-up

2011-07-08T15:07:00.003-05:00

Hola compadres!

A little Friday post here! I'm on my way to get in a long bike ride this afternoon and them maybe later slip to the gym.

But I might as well admit now that I snuck into my husband's stash of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream this afternoon and had a good 3/4 cup worth of it. He got it from the same place that I get my awesome home made chocolate turtles.

I should have just ate my turtle...but I didn't know ahead of time that I would eat that much.

Ay carumba!

But it's ok. I'll just burn it off with this sweaty, hot six or seven or ten mile bike ride. Not sure how far away it is that I'm going.

Other than that, my diet is going perfect. I dropped 2/10 a pound today. You just wait, one of these next three days (provided I stay on my diet) about two pounds are going to drop.

Hope you're all having a good Friday!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday...Maybe A Day Off

2011-07-07T20:27:00.004-05:00

Hi friends!

It appears that I am taking a day off from exercise today. But that is ok I think. Instead of six days of exercise like I originally planned, I will make it five days this week.

I was feeling cranky tonight and decided I'd better ask myself the "Am I hungry?" question. And actually I had put off that question for a few hours too long because in the mean time my crankiness propelled me into a little cleaning spat.

And moving the furniture around frenzy.

Ha! My family loves it when I do that.

I even got a "Is it that time of month?" question from my husband who was noting my ornery mood.

By the time it was all said and done, I had three chairs and a rocking chair out in the garage because they never get used and two lounge chairs in another room and things cleaned up so that Morning Glory, who is very mobile right now...won't get into stuff.

So, it wasn't all necessarily a bad cleaning spat.

But when my calories are already low...I need to pay better attention to the "hungry" signals and eat up. So, after dinner...

I ate some more.

And when I go home I just may eat more yet and top off at 1,400 calories.

I even have been thinking about that chocolate covered, caramel pecan turtle in the refrigerator that my husband bought last week.

Problem is...I don't want to eat it when it's "refrigerator cold". I need it softer for the full enjoyment...you know what I mean?

So...that in itself is one reason I haven't eaten it yet.

I don't want to wait for it to thaw.

That would be like premeditated cheating.

If it was a quick bite...then maybe I could say I became overwhelmed with desire for it.

Ha, isn't this funny?

Anyway....yeah! it's Friday tomorrow!

Does anyone have any fun plans for the weekend?

I have two picnics to prepare for because I'm definitely not wanting to get off course so I can LOSE some weight by Monday morning.

Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Vice Grip On The Scale

2011-07-06T20:21:00.003-05:00

Allow me a minute while I try and peel my fingers off my scale.

If my scale had feelings...it would think I was hovering over it...

It would say I was making it feel claustrophobic...and demand it's space.

This is the part of my diet where I'm so energized and determined to lose weight that it just doesn't seem to come off fast enough. I'm eating really well and exercising but, the scale, in my humble opinion is moving as slow as molasses in January.

Maybe even slower.

A few things will happen to me when I get like this. I feel impatient and begin to lament that it's
"taking forever" to lose this weight.

I look in the mirror and feel dejected thinking that this mountain may be too high to climb...and maybe I would be better off giving up and focusing on something else.

After all...how many times have I traveled this diet road?

How many times do I have to start over again?

When will I get to my perfect weight and stay there all the time?

(Ok... I know what you're thinking...maybe I'd get there when I stop having kids)

But PUllleeeasee....I lost 15 pounds then gained it right back...the baby had nothing to do with that.

Well...life, actually....a few highly stressful life events...thank you very much had to do with that weight gain. And let's walk out that little thought for a minute.

Say...for example...I hadn't lost those 15 pounds. Then...when the stressful event happened...I would be 15 pounds heavier. And instead of looking at those 15 pounds to lose, I'd be looking at thirty.

A-Ha!

So, theoretically speaking, I didn't lose that weight "for nothing".

The only way we get a great body is by working on it and eating right.

80% of what we look like has to do with our diet.

But looking great takes time.

And somewhere along the line...that realization sinks in...and the healthy habits that I have started to form take over....

And before you know it...I've loosened my grip on the scale...and my patience increases...as my attitude elevates from eating good and working out.

And then, when I do have those unpleasant self-degrading thoughts (like today), I ask myself two questions.

Am I hungry?

Because eating a healthy snack will give you more energy and make me feel better (which I did do and I felt better).

Am I tired?

Because your outlook on life improves with more needed rest (I laid down to rest, and I did feel better).

So, yes, I gained 8/10 today on the scale. And, I, of all people know that fluctuations are perfectly normal. All I need to do is keep doing what I'm doing and the weight WILL COME OFF.

Now.. I think I'll go home. Relax.

After all... I did bike 2 1/2 miles, ran three miles, did an arm work-out and abdominals. And my calories topped off around 1,600. Plus I drank about 8 glasses of water and I had no caffeine.

Take heart friends; the weight will eventually come off.

Yours and mine. We just need to give it time.

Talk later!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

More Droppage

2011-07-05T15:11:00.003-05:00

Hello y'all!

Hope you all had a good weekend. I'm doing well.

Let's see...since I started the no sugar, no flour, no caffeine part of my diet...I have dropped...2.2 pounds in three days.

I'm thinking I'd like to see another few pounds drop yet this week by next Saturday...for a total of four in seven days. I'm hoping that four days at the gym and five days of running this week will seal the deal.

You know what that husband of mine did?

On the Saturday that I took out all the sugar and flour?

He went to to the local shop that makes their own chocolate and picked me up a nice round piece of pecan turtle. It's my favorite kind of chocolate that they sell there.

Fortunately for him, I'm more curious than hungry. The chocolate hasn't tempted me too bad. I really, really want to see how much weight I can lose without messing up. So, maybe I'll have that chocolate in a few weeks when I feel like I've sated my curiosity. Until then, it's in the refrigerator.

I did want to say that I do believe I'm thinking more clearly....which feels refreshing.

Also, even though I've been slowly dropping my caffeine over the past four weeks, I do have some mild headaches at night.

Jeesh! just think how bad the headaches would be if I cut caffeine cold turkey.

Also, I've been getting in 8 to 10 glasses of water the last three days. And, my body has responded with producing more breast milk. Amazing.

Have a good one!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Let The Fun Begin...

2011-07-02T12:14:00.002-05:00

Today I'm officially starting my "body builder's" diet again.

No sugar, no flour and no processed foods.

It's also the my first day of no caffeine.

I have been in the weaning process of no caffeine for three to four weeks and today is the start of a new decaffeinated season.

I have also been trying to up my water intake. And with no caffeine that will be easier. And with this hot weather I will easily be able to get in 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.

Oh, I read in the paper that yesterday's high for La Crosse was actually 98 degrees with a heat index of 110. But only an hour away the heat index was recorded at 125.

Already today I've had ten egg whites, oatmeal, and orange and apple and will soon go home and eat my third meal of the day. I'm really curious to see how much more quickly the weight will drop.

For exercise, the plan today is to run three miles and get in some abdominal work.

Well, I hope you are all staying cool!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Comments From the Peanut Gallery...

2011-07-01T16:05:00.003-05:00

And I do mean peanut gallery.

Don't you think that would be a good name for your neighborhood bar? All bars have peanuts usually..or popcorn.

So...when you're someone like me...who happens to be jogging past one of these peanut galleries... ahem....or bars

In the middle of the afternoon...

Did I mention that it was 93 degrees with a heat index if 118?

And not that it matters...but this peanut gallery is painted pink...

With a very masculine military billboard on its side...

Strange contrast...but anyway...

And this is not the first time this has happened either..

But there is this railing from a side door that patrons of "the peanut gallery" like to hang out on and make comments to innocent passersby like myself....

enjoying a leisurely ...ok.... I admit...a very sweaty run..

So, there I am... running along...soaking up the sun...when I hear this dude hollering at me with something like..."It's really hot out there!!!"

I couldn't quite tell if he was scolding me, admiring me or well...let's be honest here...or maybe a little inebriated.

And when I glanced his way...yelling it once wasn't enough...so he hollered it out loud again...Again all I could catch was..."It's really hot out here."

So, I just shook my head and kept going.

Then, not two blocks later I am making my way across the street when I run abreast a young lady who comments to me,

"I wouldn't be running in weather like this!"

Hmmm....she was a nurse working at the local hospital and definitely not part of the peanut gallery crowd.

Hmm...maybe running in this weather is "comment worthy" after all.

But hey, I got my work-out in at the gym (a leg work-out), plus a run...and a funny story to share with you all.

Maybe I should take a picture of that pink bar. I guess I didn't realize it was pink until I looked at it on the way back home.

But anyway...on to my diet... I weighed myself again this morning. And the same thing that happened yesterday...happened again today. I breast fed Morning Glory and lost 6/10 a pound. At least I know he's getting plenty of the good stuff. I also feed him baby food three times a day. Different kinds of cereals, meat, vegetables, and fruit.

Well, I must be going now!

Hopefully this heat lets up soon.
Have a good one. It's Friday!!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday And Interesting Weight Loss

2011-06-30T14:04:00.004-05:00

Hello friends!

Today is a good day because I lost an entire pound from the day before. But before you get too excited with me...you'll have to read how I had to do some "finagling" to get the weight to drop.

So, I get on the scale this morning and it reads that I only dropped 2/10 a pound. At first I'm thinking..."great! Really wanted to see a bigger drop."

That's when I noticed that I'm slightly engorged and that Morning Glory could really use some breast milk. So, I dutifully took care of my son's dietary needs.

And five minutes later..... re-weighed myself.

That boy drank 8/10 of a pound in five minutes!!!

So, of course, that's the new weight I'm claiming.

Other than that, my calories are on target today. I plan on working out this evening because it's so hot here. I think we're in the 90s.

Hope you're all doing well and staying cool!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

A Good Day!

2011-06-29T20:50:00.003-05:00

Hello friends!

This will be a quick post because the library computers will shut off in five minutes. But I wanted to encourage you all to keep up the good work.

I got in a 2 1/2 mile run today, abs and a 40 minute arm work-out. My calories are currently at 1,405. But I'll probably eat a bomb pop when I get home.

Talk later!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Learning Little Lessons Every Day

2011-06-28T20:01:00.003-05:00

Hi there folks!

Two weeks have gone by since I started my diet and I'm at about the same loss as I was at day two when I last blogged.

Pathetic, I know.

But not really. You see, I have been trying to lose weight and watch what I eat, but I have been encountering eating and working out obstacles that I have been working through. For some reason, it is just taking me longer to get going and to hold onto my focus.

So, although I have not lost a significant amount of weight, I have gained more knowledge on what will and will not work for me for where I'm at in my life right now.

What have I learned you ask?

Excellent question!

Well, I've learned that "winging it" at the family birthday party will not work in the whole scheme of weight loss. Key lime pie, home made lemon bars and chips really do add up. Actually, this something that I already knew, but just needed to be reminded of.

When it comes to social eating...at this point in the game, I just can't trust myself to be let loose at the local picnic without a plan. Those home made chocolate chip cookies and scotcheroos...no matter how small they're cut, are just too tempting. And, in the end, just add up to be too many calories.

Another thing I've learned.... I won't hit that two pound a week weight loss average unless I'm working out. You see...for various reasons, I did not work out last week. I counted calories and for the most part maintained...but for the results that I want to see...I need to be hitting the gym with more consistency and fervor.

As I recall, losing weight and looking great aren't for the faint of heart. But if my memory serves me right, it can be done by doing the little steps. Starting out with short runs. Weight lifting on lighter weights until I can do things that are more challenging. Writing down my calories even if I'm embarrassed by what I ate.

And most of all, not giving up because of my mistakes but instead learning from them.

Oh, and then there's that new little difference. I can't get to the computer every day or apparently every week for that matter to write about my progress. But I do have my home made journal which is what I have always successfully used in the past.

Well, I hope you are all enjoying the summer thus far!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Losing And A Grooving

2011-06-15T15:43:00.005-05:00

Don't you just love all that weight loss the first week of a diet?

Hello friends! How are you all? I need to check up on you all to see what's been going on.

I started my diet on Monday. Ate about 1,700-1,800 calories and dropped one pound. Then yesterday, Tuesday, I worked out and ate 1,759 and lost 1.6 pounds this morning for a total lost of 2.6 pounds in two days.

There have been a few painful episodes of resistance. Like on Monday, Daddy Rainmaker wakes up and what does he want?

Doughnuts. And at my favorite bakery no less. So...I resisted getting a doughnut for myself while at the same time getting doughnuts for everyone else. It's like...why couldn't you have wanted to get those doughnuts on Sunday morning? When I could have had one.

Oh, and if you're wondering why Daddy Rainmaker is at home on a Monday morning...well, he is no longer employed at his previous job.

So glad that stressful situation is over. Now we can move on and do a few things that we've wanted to do...like starting a lawn care business...painting the house, going on vacations longer than expected because the job isn't calling him back to work...

Well, I plan on getting in a few more days at the gym this week. I've been biking and doing some elliptical this week. However, I may start running in a few days to begin building my base for that half marathon in September.

I haven't completely cut out sugar at the start of this diet, but am aiming at working toward that. I'm allowing myself 40 calorie Blue Bunny bomb pops when the snacking urge arises. I'm getting in at least one spinach salad a day. I'm avoiding white flour, though I did have some last night. I am working toward weaning myself off of caffeine. It may take another three weeks before I'm completely off of it.

I know what I need to do to lose twenty pounds in ten weeks.

Here's to another stab at it!

I will do it. Eventually!

Hope you're all doing well!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Congratulations SunshineMeg/ Starting Diet Again

2011-06-12T15:48:00.005-05:00

Hello friends!

Sorry I've been gone for so long. But my one week vacation turned into two weeks. Then, when I got home, I was knee deep in cleaning and organizing the house. So, by the time I got to the library last Friday night, I hadn't been on my blog in about three weeks. So, first thing I did was check two weeks or so worth of e-mail.

Then, with about three minutes left on the computer I looked at my blog.

"Hmmm, what's this? SunshineMeg wants me to check out her 5/26 post...

By the time I get over there I have literally two minutes before the library is going to shut down the computers, and I find out...

SunshineMeg is pregnant!!!!

Holy K-Moly!!!

Congratulations! Our family is so excited for you. Let me see...5/26...you're probably four weeks pregnant...so you add eight months and we're at late January or early February. A little winter baby!!

And I also checked out your recent posts to see how you're doing and your belly looks as flat as ever. Sounds like you were a little sick, but not necessarily from morning sickness. Maybe you won't have morning sickness? Of the six kids that I've had...I had morning sickness with every one of them except this last one. The only thing I did different with this one was to not eat any sugar, white flour, even wheat flour and processed foods.

But speaking of foods...I actually gained five pounds over that last two weeks while on vacation. That was in addition to an earlier five pound gain. So...starting tomorrow/Monday...I will be starting my diet again.

I will admit that I don't feel that motivated... so I will be incorporating my little tricks to get myself going on this diet. I will write down what I eat, but will probably "guess" at the calories for the first week.

I did a leg work-out last week, so I plan on weightlifting three to five days this week. And, because I took a few weeks off because of my vacation, I may not push myself too hard in this first week back.

There also is a half marathon late September that I want to train for too. I haven't run in four or five weeks, so I am literally starting from scratch with the running. But I have started from scratch so many times because of babies, or other reasons, that I know what to do. And, hey, what great weather to start running in!

Hopefully I am able to update my blog more than once every two weeks, Ha!

Talk to you all soon!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Another Tornado...and Thank You Followers

2011-05-24T19:54:00.003-05:00

Hello folks!

I've been a bad blogger, but you all keep following me anyway. Thank you! It's been almost a week since I have been able to get to the library and check my email and blog. When I left I was at 99 followers and today I noticed that I'm over 100. Thank you for following.

Now I just need to write something worth reading. Ha!

Well, here's the deal. I leave for a family reunion tomorrow and won't be back until next Monday. But I want to "re-start" my diet again. So, there's that.

Also, remember when I went running during a tornado/hail storm about five weeks ago? Well, another tornado literally touched down in my neighborhood Sunday afternoon, at 4:15 p.m.

Literally TWO WHOLE BLOCKS from where I live. Roofs were taken off buildings. Trees fell onto houses! Steel siding from industrial storage buildings flew off and wrapped around poles and trees. Unbelievable stuff literally two blocks from us and we didn't even know it happened until I saw all these cars driving by our house like there was some music concert down the street because they couldn't get through the main streets. Then because there was no power, people were out walking around, with the sun shining no less, all this damage taking pictures. So, I took a few walks, and took a bunch of pictures to share with you. Something I'd like to do when I come back.

I bet you if you really, really wanted to see pictures you could google Tornado in La Crosse WI and you'd find something.

Otherwise, I need to finish getting everybody ready for a trip for tomorrow.

But, thanks again everyone and I hope you all enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday!!! 6 Month Pictures of Morning Glory

2011-05-05T17:12:00.011-05:00

It's the moment you've all been waiting for.... I figured it out...

How to upload pictures at the library without having the internet at home...

And, of course, we have to start this session with his feet.

Here he is hanging out in some one's lap.

Crying...

A slightly out of focus smiley picture.

Looking down...happy.

Today he fell asleep in the "johnny jumper".

Also, if you look close you can see the scratch on his cheek.

I noticed that today it is lighter...so maybe it will fade away.
Also, Darling Rose took this photo...

And this last photo...

Morning Glory still gets plenty of sleep time during the day.

Yesterday he weighed about 15 1/2 pounds first thing in the morning.

I started feeding him organic, iron fortified brown rice cereal three times a day about two weeks ago. He's doing well on that. I wish he'd gain more weight, but all of our kids tend to be "lightweights".

So, I hope that gives you all some perspective. And, the good news is that I know how to transport pictures, so, maybe I can get picture in more often.

Hope you all have a good weekend!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

2011-05-03T18:18:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone!

Yes, I miss you all very much. I'm sorry Greg hurt his leg, SunshineMeg. I don't know what I would do if that happened to me. He has such good spirit. I hope he will still be able to do something that he likes. A surprise birthday party sounds like just the ticket.

And little Morning Glory will officially be six months old tomorrow on the 4th. Nov. 4th to May 4th. I really should try to get some pictures posted. I'm a little annoyed about something though. You see one of our children, Iris Anna, (she's six) was trying to buckle him in the swing and he slid forward and scraped his little cheek. It was barely anything..he didn't even cry. But there is a scrape nonetheless. And I'm feeling very anxious that it might scar. To me he is just the most beautiful thing ever. I love him so much. It happened about five days ago...so I still need to give it more time to heal and disappear? I hope so.

I have also just noticed that I have 98 followers. Thank you all you new followers for signing up despite my lack of posting.

I also wanted to shout out a congratulations to my brother and and his wife for finishing that half marathon that I had planned on doing but then didn't. My brother's best half time before this was 1 hour 57 minutes. He had wanted to beat my time of 1 hour and 53 minutes. Actually he really, really wanted to get 1 hour and 45 minutes. Well, guess what he got?

1 hour and 44 minutes!!! Yeah!! for him !!!

My sister-in-law, the one that ran races while pregnant with her fourth baby last year, completed the half marathon in 2 hours and 3 minutes. Now I haven't gotten the full scoop from her, but that is an awesome time for just having a baby less than a year ago. She also works full time as a teacher at a school and takes care of all the kids.

So, now I just need to get my bee-hind in gear and train for the half marathon in late September.

Well, the sun finally came out today! It's been cold here lately, but hopefully the sun will stay out for a few days this week.

I will take some photos of Morning Glory tomorrow and see if I can do something with them. I promise!

Talk later!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

2011-04-26T20:47:00.003-05:00

Hello! just a quick little hi!

I made it to the gym tonight and last night. I'm in a good mood. I felt strong on both my work-outs and I'm feeling the itch to run. I haven't ran in a more than a week. Since the tornado/hail run. I don't think not running and the tornado run are related. No post traumatic stress disorder there.I actually really enjoyed running in such a fierce storm. It doesn't happen very often and I'm not afraid of rainy runs.

Other than that, I have really been enjoying our almost six month old Morning Glory. I am in love with him. I just started feeding him organic whole grain rice cereal last week and he's doing a good job eating it up. I know... pictures. I will get to that eventually.

I must skeedaddle now.

Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday!!

2011-04-21T20:22:00.004-05:00

Hello! I am actually alive! Somebody said something to me tonight that brought a smile to my face and made me laugh. So, I thought I'd share it with you.

A few days ago, I went to the local gas/convenience store to pick up some bananas. Whenever I buy bananas it is always at least four or five good sized bunches because all of our kids eat them, plus we use them in protein shakes. So, I was at the counter when this guy behind me who was observing my banana purchase says to me, "You must have some monkeys at home."

I said, "Yes, we have six kids."

Then he goes, "Do you work out at the gym? You must have had your baby, you used to be pregnant. I don't even remember you getting that big!"

I respond, "yes, I had him and he's doing great. He's five months old."

Ok...so fast forward to tonight at the gym. I had just gotten done telling our 16-year-old daughter about this guy who saw me buying five bunches of bananas. Then I look...and there he is in the gym. Tonight.

Then, several minutes later as I'm getting a few dumbbells, he sees me nearby and gives me a little nod of recognition and says... get this...

"Banana Lady".

Yes, he called me banana lady. Nice. It cracked me up.

Well, other than that, I will make it to the gym for a fourth day this week tomorrow. So, that's good. And I still plan on telling you my "tornado/hail run" story. Also, I tried "re-starting" my diet this week, but fell a little short. I did buy a notebook to start counting calories. The good thing in all of this is despite all the stress that has really pushed back some of my fitness goals, I really have pretty much stayed the same weight. I'm still at about a ten pound drop.

Well, I hope you are all doing well!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

2011-04-11T20:51:00.002-05:00

You guys are so encouraging to me. Thank you. I only have two minutes before they shut off the computers here, but I really need to tell you about the run I did yesterday when the weather turned into tornado like conditions and it started hailing. Ha! Ha! It was funny. Good stuff. You're comments cheered me up. I will share that story soon. Thanks for hanging in there with me! SM

2011-04-09T16:29:00.003-05:00

Hello folks! Although, I have tried, I can't get blogger to stop posting my posts in paragraph form. So, please bear with me. I have to admit that I have not been following my diet like I should nor exercising like I should. However, there is still a lot going on in my life and so I am doing the best I can. I have little conversations with myself like this: "You are doing ok. And when things lighten up...you can focus more on exercising the way you want to exercise. After all exercise and good health are life time commitments and may be subject to the ups and downs of life itself. This is not a race." For me, it helps to have short term and long term athletic goals to help keep me focused, but, right now I feel extremely distracted by other things that demand my time. I feel like I am being pulled from three or four different directions by things that all have this monumental importance attached. And, hey, they say it's going to be 81 degrees on Sunday! And then back to the 50s and 60s on Monday. Ahh..gotta love spring. I could go for a run in shorts! Love you all! Sincerely, Sunshine Mama

It's Been A Few Weeks

2011-03-27T15:19:00.005-05:00

Hi friends! Sorry for not writing in the last few weeks. wow, not having Internet...when stressful things come along...the first thing to go is the trip to the library to post something. There have been some stressful things in our life that has commanded my attention, so I haven't posted and also haven't been running like I would like. A few weeks ago I dropped three or four pounds in a week because I was stressed, but then I gained a few pounds back the stress decreased. But, overall I am actually down to about 13 pounds lost. I was actually down to a 15 pound total loss a few weeks ago. So, because my running has been slack, I don't think I can be ready for that half marathon. However, I may scale back to instead doing a five mile run. The half marathon that I had wanted to compete in also has different distances that you can run. So, if it has a five mile run, I may just do that instead. I also had to take a week off from weight lifting, but I did get in four good days of lifting at the gym last week. Oh, and Morning Glory is so cute right now. He's almost five months. I'm working on figuring out a way to get you all some pictures of him for an update. Other than that, the family is doing well and things are not as stressful as they were. So, hopefully I can focus more on posting and visiting you all. Sincerely, Sunshine Mama

I dropped that 11th pound

2011-03-09T19:55:00.001-06:00

Hi there!

I have very short time available to me again. However, I did want to announce that the scale did say this morning that I have dropped 11 pounds total!

Of course I won't make 20 pounds in ten weeks, but that's ok.

I will get there, and you all will too. The key is to just keep trudging along.

I hope you're all doing well!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Losing A Little More...

2011-03-02T19:27:00.002-06:00

Hello friends!

I posted a 10.6 pound loss this morning. I'm still hoping to see an 11 pound loss by the end of the week. I've been running more in preparation for a half marathon in eight weeks. I think that may help.

Also I started taking Fenu Greek this week and and do think it may be helping me with producing more breast milk for Morning Glory. I continue to lift weights four to five days a week. Last week I got in five days. I posted a six mile run on Sunday and will probably try to hit a seven or eight miler this weekend.

Thanks for your encouragement. I do miss the Internet. Thanks Dad for commenting. I love you.

Have a good one!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

A Saturday Post

2011-02-26T13:03:00.003-06:00

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

A Ten Minute Post

2011-02-22T20:36:00.003-06:00

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

Five Minute Post

2011-02-15T20:47:00.004-06:00

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

Happy Thursday!! Morning Glory is 14 weeks

2011-02-09T23:09:00.012-06:00

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

2011-02-09T22:39:00.005-06:00

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

What Are Your Intentions?

2011-02-08T21:33:00.005-06:00

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

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

2011-02-07T11:21:00.009-06:00

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

Happy Thursday! Our Morning Glory Is Three Months!

2011-02-03T21:34:00.010-06:00

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.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Apple Muffins...And Sleepy Sunshine Mama

2011-02-02T23:28:00.004-06:00

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------
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

A Short Note

2011-02-01T23:09:00.003-06:00

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

Chicken Dumpling Soup

2011-01-31T20:25:00.006-06:00

Happy Monday friends!

Welcome to the new work out week. Hope that first day back went well for you.

Tonight I decided to make the family some chicken dumpling soup...something that they've never had before. Ha! I heard this from the six year old, "What's a dumpling?" and then shortly after a teeny, tiny bite..."I don't like dumplings! They're icky!"

Well, she did NOT know what she was talking about because they were absolutely wonderful!!

Daddy Rainmaker had some, I had some...and my husband is taking some to work for lunch tomorrow... And the kids who copied her...the 4 and 2 year-old...well, that just left more dumplings for the rest of us to eat. Dumplings will not be going to waste at this house!

Here's a nice little close-up...

I simply don't know why I didn't make dumplings sooner...
Here's my big batch soup recipe that I use:
ten cups of water
10 teaspoons of chicken bouillon (or 3 T and 1 t)
1 cup of onions
2 cups of celery
2 cups of carrots
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
after I put the water and bullion in, I turn it on high and begin cutting everything up. Once it starts to boil, I turn it down to medium until I've put all the chopped stuff in the pot. Then, while it's on medium, I mix up the dumpling mixture:
2 cups of whole wheat flour
3 teaspoons of baking powder
3 T of parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of thyme

I mix that well and then:
I mixed 1/4 cup of olive oil (or oil of your choice or less oil)
and 3/4 cup of milk (you could probably get away with no milk and just water)

Oh, then I add three cups of cooked chicken
(now, if you don't want to add meat...maybe try a favorite bean?)

Then, I turn it up to high..
Once it starts boiling, I use a Tablespoon and spoon the dumpling mixture into the soup. After it's all in, I put a top on the soup and turn it down to between low and medium and let simmer for about 12 minutes.

After that, it was ready to eat.

This is the base soup recipe I use for all of my soups. If it's not dumplings I add, it's home made egg noodles, or rice, or lentils, or garbanzo beans, or corn, barley...you can add just about anything. And then, what I do is stick the leftovers in a crock pot. Then, a few hours before lunch the next day, I turn the crock pot on, and soup is ready for lunch.
(however, I don't put a top on the soup if I put other things in it)

I did want to add that, I generally don't eat this soup because of the chicken bouillon in it. I see it as being a processed food. However, until I can find a different way of making it, I cook it this way.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Well, I made it to the gym tonight running against a northerly wind and in freshly fallen snow that felt like a run at the beach. Hm..Hey Sunshine, see I can imagine I'm some place warm too. Ha!

Got in a terrific 60 minute leg work-out. It felt great! Got in some abs and then some push-ups. two sets of 15 girl style and two sets of 15 boy style.

My weight fluctuated up again to 6.8 pounds loss in four weeks.

I think I've been eating more than I probably should. I made some more carob peanut butter bars. But I notice that with the additional calories, I get more breastmilk. I want to make sure I get in enough calories for Mr. Lovely so I'm tending to err on the side of more rather than less. I think it is affecting my weight loss. So, perhaps after this week, I may look into getting some FenuGreek which helps to produce more milk flow.

However, I'm still eating clean, with no sugar or white flour.

Well, I hope you all have a good one!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Millet/Buckwheat Pancakes...Buckwheat Blueberry Muffins...And Fantastic Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

2011-01-29T22:59:00.015-06:00

Happy Saturday friends!

I hope you're weekend is going well. I've been having fun in the kitchen again this weekend. This was my breakfast this morning. I whipped up some Millet and Buckwheat pancakes from a recipe that I found online and then added my own extra ingredient...cinnamon.

Perfecto!
I ground up some millet to make flour...

And some buckwheat groats for more flour...

Altogether my recipe was this...

1/4 cup of millet flour

3/4 cup of buckwheat flour

2 teaspoons of baking powder

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 egg

1 tablespoon of oil

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 cup of water

The batter ran perfectly.

I was able to make ten smaller sized pancakes that were around 60 calories a piece.

I loved the added cinnamon flavor .

The kiwi was a nice touch to the breakfast.

Then I found a recipe for buckwheat blueberry muffins that I doubled.

For a single batch:

1 cup of buckwheat flour

1/4 cup of flax meal (basically ground flax which you can get anywhere)

2 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil

2 eggs beaten

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 a cup of water

2 cups of blueberries (I just used one cup per batch and there was plenty)

Mix dry ingredients first and well, and then I add the wet.

I cooked it for about 20 minutes on 350.

These muffins didn't raise very high.

For having no sweetner added to this at all,

I was surprised at how good they tasted.

These muffins are just so healthy for you and

they ended up being a little over 100 calories per muffin.

See, they are smaller and tend to have a darker look to them.

These are a great snack!

I also made some muffins that would appeal to the vegans out there...Ahem, Sunshine Meg

This is basically the same blueberry muffin recipe that I made last week...

You know the one where the muffins raised real high because of the yeast?

Remember I said those tasted a little bland?

Well, this time...

instead of adding the 1/3 cup of honey and 2/3 cup of protein powder...

I added 1/2 cup of organic Agave syrup.

Then, instead of spelt...I used whole wheat flour...

I also only added one cup of blueberries instead of two

Even I am able to eat these muffins...

Which, of course, I did.

They were...SPECTACULAR!!

We have a winner, folks!

It must have been the agave that gave it such good flavor

I offered one to my husband...who is not a whole wheat flour fan...

It had just come out of the oven...

I put butter on it for him...

And he loved it and lauded it!

He goes, "You're learning!"

And I said, "Learning what?"

"How to cook good."

I also served them up to some guests tonight

who also thought they tasted awesome.

But, these muffins are tasty without putting anything on.

I am beginning to really enjoy making these yeast type of muffins.

They do take a little longer...but they are worth it.

The smells they make while baking are just wonderful...

And they are filling...which is a plus for a mom

who wants to make sure her kids have filling snacks.
I have ideas for using apples to make these muffins next.
Each muffin averaged around 155 calories.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

I will use bread baking or muffin baking day as a way to experiment with new recipes and also to "carb -up" for my longer distance run, which was a five miler this afternoon.

I did flux up on the scale this morning by 4/10 a pound..

So now the loss is 7.6 pounds in almost four weeks.

But I think there is a definite trend of weight loss going on here,

so I'm happy about that.

Have a good one!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

The Scale Says I'm Down Eight Pounds...

2011-01-28T22:40:00.003-06:00

Happy Weekend friends!

Friday finally came and with it the loss of another 1.4 pounds in one fell swoop for a total of eight pounds total. As exciting as this is, I'm not getting too excited because last week I was at a 7.8 pound loss and then "fluctuated" back up.

But it is encouraging and after feeling tired from the week, I will take it with a smile.

And for those of you who happen to be looking for whole millet...SunshineMeg, I found mine in the local food coop. They carry bulk supplies of whole grains so I can measure out what I want. This store tends to charge more for its specialty food. That's where I found "date sugar" for about $8 for 16 ounces (but I didn't end up buying it), and carob chips for over $5. But after making those carob peanut butter bars with the carob chips, I felt it was worth the splurge to be eating something healthy versus grabbing for a chocolate bar. And because this diet is void of sugar and white flour, my options are limited...so being able to eat something rich and yummy feels like such a treat.

Once I get back down to my goal weight, which in all honesty is still like 22-27 pounds away, I want to continue to eat clean so that it is easier to maintain that weight. So, I'm taking opportunities when I can to whip up recipes that everyone can eat. Because things will feel more normal if they are eating clean too. For example, I made hummus again for the kids for lunch, and I could swipe a few bites of it if I wanted to.

Isn't that what mom's do? Take bites of the food they're cooking for their family? Ha!
If I'm cooking clean, I can do that!

I need to teach myself how to cook great tasting dishes and desserts without refined sugar, and processed and bleached white flour.

It's a lot to learn, but I'm determined to learn it. I'm convinced that this is what I need to learn to be able to maintain continual good health not only for myself but for our family.

Well, I have plans tomorrow to make a bunch more blueberry muffins to freeze, maybe some buckwheat/millet pancakes that I saw a recipe for somewhere. Also, I picked up a special ingredient to make healthy doughnuts. If I don't tire out too much from all the baking, maybe I'll make that too.

Tonight, I ran 2 1/2 miles, and did a 65 minute arm work-out and did my abs. My calories are around 1,800-1,900. I have plans to get in a five mile run tomorrow. The four-miler last weekend was my longest run since I've had Mr. Lovely. So, a five-er will by the longest yet.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday! Mr. Lovely Turns Twelve Weeks...

2011-01-27T21:39:00.007-06:00

Hi folks!

Happy Thursday...only one more work-out day at they gym. We can do it.

I took these pictures of Mr. Lovely tonight while I was cooking up some millet patties for the kids. He fell asleep with his thumb in his mouth.

I hate doing this...but to try to stop him from sucking his thumb, I first put a sock on his right hand...so....then he just switched to sucking his left thumb...

ok...

So, I put socks on both hands...
and then I found a wet sock because he had sucked through the sock...

So, then a few times, I put on mittens because they are thicker.

He totally does not like it when I take his thumb out of his mouth.
"Ahh...what's a Sunshine Mama to do!"

Well, he weighed 12.2 pounds tonight

which is down 8/10 from weighing 13 pounds last week.

I think he may not be eating as much these

last few days because I am more engorged

and he has been sporting a little fever.

And, then, what does this mean mama go and do?

Pull his thumb out of his mouth.

But I still managed to get him to laugh tonight.

Here are those millet patties I cooked up tonight.

I used crunchy peanut butter in it instead of creamy and things looked nuttier.

-------------------------------------------------

Well, I kind of didn't want to go to the gym tonight, but did anyway.

I was able to increase the weights on some of my exercises.

I did a 50 minute leg work-out and a 2 1/2 mile run.

My weight stayed the same this morning, so

so far I've lost 6.4 pounds in 3 weeks and three days.
My calories were around 1,700-1,800 today.

Is it just me or is this weight loss thing taking forever?

Well, I'm glad I have all of you to share it with.

We can do it!! Rah! Rah! Rah!

Have a good Friday!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Ode To Fig...

2011-01-26T20:57:00.003-06:00

Greetings friends!

How was your hump day?

I hope it went well because it's all down hill folks...just two more days until FRRR....IDAY!!!

So, in the spirit of having gotten those first three days behind us...I decided to photograph some organic figs that I picked up at Wal Mart the other night.

You see I'm just in this "spunky", kind of mood. I'm feeling good. I was feeling the adrenaline during my work-out tonight. And what better way to have some dietary fun than to take pictures of something as un-appetizing as a fig.

Why is that fun you ask?

Because just look at them... Don't dried figs look gross?
I mean... can you believe people actually eat things that look like this?

And I absolutely LOVE dried figs!
But they look so unappetizing and I was feeling this

creative kick to focus on their outside wrinkles
So...here's an Ode to Fig...
(And I'm making this up as I go along)

Ode to a fig
I'm just like you
Wrinkly outside
But inside... true blue

They take for granted
That you're just no good
they judge your looks
You're misunderstood

If only they knew
the surprise in you
The splendorous taste
a bite will imbue

They'd give you more credit
They'd give you your due
They'd spend more time
with figs like you

-Sunshine D' Mama

---------------------------------------
ok, I have no idea who D mama is but it just sounded fun.

Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yesterday's post.
And, Dawne, I'm not pregnant. I think it is possible but unlikely at this point.
Though I would heartily welcome another little one if I were.
I looked at that picture and had warm fuzzy feelings
connected with having a little basketball in my belly.

Ever get a runner's high or just this revved feeling while working out?
That was tonight!
I'm feeling like the Ole Sunshine Mama is coming back!
So, I did 2 1/2 mile run, abs and 60 minute chest and triceps work-out.
I woefully haven't counted my calories tonight...they may be around 1,800.
(it's those carob peanut bars, but they're all gone now).
I dropped 6/10 a pound this morning for a total of 6.4 lost in three weeks and two days.

Have a good one!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

More Gym Talk...

2011-01-25T20:14:00.006-06:00

Good evening folks!

Hope your week is progressing well.

I have another gym story that I've been sitting on for a few days waiting for the right time to share it with you all.

So, you all know that I worked out when I was pregnant. In fact, I managed to get in a good leg work-out the day before I went into labor. About ten weeks before I had Mr. Lovely, I cleaned up my diet and ended up leaning up and feeling great.

Well, the other day, during one of the morning sessions where my husband and daughter went to the gym for their usual morning work-out, they ran into the YMCA basketball coach.

During the course of conversation with my husband and daughter he began lauding me and praising my work-out attitude. I smiled when I heard his praises and knew that he was probably recalling seeing me when I was at the gym when I was looking like this...except probably a little bigger because this photo was taken when I still had four or so weeks to go. Our eight-year -old son was standing nearby listening to the conversation.

However, he wasn't smiling when he heard what the YMCA coach had to say about me.

In fact, our very literal-minded son adamantly stated, "That's not a very nice thing to say!"

What did the coach say?

Well... he very effusively called me an "animal."

*pause for chuckles*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, this "animal-like" Sunshine Mama hit the gym again tonight and churned out a 60 minute biceps and back work-out. I motored through a 2 1/2 mile run and I haven't added up my calories, yet but I'm guessing around 1,700. I dropped 2/10 a pound this morning for a total of 5.8 pounds in three weeks, two days.

I got a "sweets" urge and made a half batch a carob peanut butter bars. Those were awesome!

Well, We're almost half way through this week.
You guys are doing great!

Have a great Wednesday!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Me Versus Myself...Who will win?

2011-01-24T22:19:00.004-06:00

Good Monday friends!
Hope your work day and work-out day went well.

I was considering competing against myself in this whole lose 20 pounds in 10 weeks thing. I mean who would be a more equally matched opponent than me?....18 months ago?

Granted..the situation is a little different...I'm dieting in the dead of winter (so when I go for a run, It's zero degrees instead of 70), I have six kids now instead of five. I'm homeschooling three of those six instead of one. Heck, it was summer when I started this last time..so I had all this free time to focus on dieting. Also, I'm breastfeeding right now where as I wasn't 18 months ago. So, I have to balance my calories so that I have enough for Mr. Lovely.

So...I personally think that the "me" of 2011 has more obstacles to overcome than the "me" of 2009.

But...me? I'm up for the challenge. The older me has become more organized. The older me has obtained more good knowledge about eating clean to apply to my diet. And if anything...the older me is as determined as the younger me.

So...who's winning right now you ask?

Well...at this point 18 months ago, the younger me had lost eight pounds in three weeks. As of this morning, I gained back 1.2 pounds so, I'm at 5.6 pounds in three weeks.

But...the younger me stayed at eight pounds for two weeks! So, I've got some time here to close the distance.

Competition is a good thing. Sometimes it can bring out some great results. Christine's competing with her husband to see who will lose ten pounds first. The winner gets $200.

Hmmm...maybe I should have a prize for the winner of my competition with myself.

I kind of like that $200 dollar prize idea!

What do you say Daddy Rainmaker?

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, I got in a 60 minute leg work-out and a 2 1/2 mile run, abs and four sets of 15 push-ups with two being girl and two being boy. My right arm felt fine, so hopefully it's mended from when I pulled it several days ago.

My calories came in at 1,941. I think I ate too much of that home made hummus I made for the kids. No, I did not take any pictures. Next time.

We can do it folks!
Have a good one!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Meat Free Millet Patties

2011-01-23T20:02:00.008-06:00

Hello everyone!
The weekend is ending, but I finished it with a good bang in the area of cooking something new, fun and delicious...oh and healthy!

I found this recipe in "The Ten Talents" cook book and then modified it according to the ingredients that I had on hand.

I was impressed with how simple yet tasty this ended up being.

My husband liked it; the eight year-old ate four of them,

the six-year-old and four-year-old had three a piece.

And I had two when I only meant to have one.

First you cook up the raw millet to get

it to equal four cups of cooked millet.

To do this you combine four cups of water with

one cup of uncooked millet and add a little over a 1/2 a teaspoon of salt.

After it comes to a boil, you lower it to low to medium

and stir occasionally until all the water is gone.

I didn't time it, but it took maybe twenty minutes.

Then, the recipe asks you to have it dry.

I just set mine aside for about 40 minutes until it cooled.

Then you add:

four cups of cooked millet

1/2 cup of almond, cashew or peanut butter

1 T of soy sauce or Bragg Aminos (I used soy sauce)

2 T of onion powder (I had none of this, so I threw in about 1/2 a teaspoon of garlic powder)

1 tsp of veggie salt (I used seasoned salt maybe 1/2 a teaspoon)

Then, celery seed, rosemary, thyme, to taste (I didn't use any of this either)

They were a little sticky on my hands

which is probably why they asked to have the millet dry.

But the extra moistness fried up nicely.

I used my spatula to pat them flatter.

Quite frankly, I would never have guessed that
peanut butter and soy sauce could taste so well together...oh and garlic and millet?
Crazy...but the kids absolutely loved this!
There are 91 calories per pattie. I was able to make 17 patties.
There are 3.4 grams of protein per pattie.
I'm definitely making this again.
Oh, and it's cheap to make.
I think I paid about $1.50 to $2.00 for a pound
of organic millet at the co-op which one pound equals two cups.
Plus the peanut butter was worth 50 cents...
So, I made a healthy meal for the kids for less than $2.50.
This will definitely be going into the rotation...
My six-year-old just kept lauding the millet pattie with,
"This is SOO good, mom!!"
Ahh...music to my ears!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Other than that, I took today off and I dropped another
pound this morning and so am at 7.8 pounds in almost three weeks.
My calories today are around 1,600-1,700.
Hope you all have a good Monday!!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Sugar Free, Spelt Blueberry Muffins...Rye Flake Cereal

2011-01-22T22:41:00.013-06:00

Happy Saturday folks!
I hope you are all enjoying the weekend.

One of the things I really look forward to on this sugar and white flour free diet of mine is the weekend when I have more time to try out new recipes.

I tried some blueberry muffins a few days ago, but decided to make a version of a recipe that I found in "The Ten Talents" cookbook because it used yeast instead of baking powder, baking soda or eggs to get the muffins to raise.

And boy did they raise.

Don't they look wonderful?

But before I give you the recipe, how about my breakfast?

Instead of pancakes, I tried cooking some rye flakes that I kept reading about in "The Ten Talents cook book. When I saw them at out local co-op I got some.

As you can see they resemble oatmeal.

I cooked up 1/3 cup with one cup of water and drizzled
about a teaspoon of honey and topped it with blueberries.
I liked it.
I think it actually tastes better than oatmeal.

For lunch, I cooked up a chicken breast with 11 1/2 ounces of sweet potato fries.
I coated the potatoes with two teaspoons of olive oil and various spices.
After ten minutes at 450 degrees, I turned them once and then cooked them for ten minutes more. I absolutely love these fries. And they are so good for you.
The sweet potatoes were 253 calories, 80 calories for the oil and 137 for a 5 1/2 ounce chicken. 15 calories for some Mrs. Dash marinade for a total of 485 calories.

Here is the cover of "The Ten Talents" cook book.
There websits is http://www.tentalents.net/.

Here is the first page of their table of contents.

And the second page.

Now to those blueberry muffins...

In a mixing bowl, dissolve:

2T of active dry yeast

1 T of honey

1/2 cup of pure warm water

Let set for five minutes while blending:

1 cup of pure warm water

1 T of pure vanilla

1 cup of dried dates pieces or date sugar

(since date sugar is super expensive, I,

instead, put in almost 1/3 cup of honey and 2/3 cup of vanilla protein powder)

1 tsp of sea salt

1/4 cup of soy oil (I used olive oil instead)

Stir this into mixture-then fold in:

1 1/2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour

(I used freshly ground spelt flour instead)

Let rise 15-20 minutes in a warm place; then fold in:

1 3/4 cup of flour (gold'n white, soy or barley)

(I used spelt flour)

2 cup of fresh, frozen or dried blueberries.

It says to bake it at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes,

but my muffins were ready after about 25 minutes.

Here's how they looked before baking.

Here's four year old Peach Blossom sniffing the final product.

Each muffin was 171 calories.

You could easily lower the calorie content by using less oil, and not using protein powder.

I thought they tasted a little bland probably because of me not using the date sugar.

So, I may just break down one of these times and buy some date sugar or dates.

I could also play around with using more honey in the recipe as well.

But overall, the texture was perfect.

I really like the flavor of spelt.

Spelt is great for people who are intolerant to wheat.
I love how the yeast makes the muffins rise so high.

I also love the fact that I can eat these muffins...guilt free.

See, didn't I tell you this diet would be fun?

-----------------------------------------------------

I dropped 4/10 a pound this morning for a total loss of 6.8 in 20 days.

I ran four miles in 6 degree weather.

My legs felt fine, but I felt a little cold. Not too bad though.

My calories came in at 1,482.

Hope you're all enjoying your weekend!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Weekend! Pictures That Leave You Smiling...

2011-01-21T23:35:00.009-06:00

Hello!
We're doing 11 week baby pictures of Mr. Lovely a day late, but better late than never right?

I love how his hair sticks up like that on his head.

And Sunshine Mama, Daddy Rainmaker, Darling Rose
and the kids are able to coax little smiles out of Mr. Lovely on a regular basis now.

We're still working on him holding onto his feet though.

His eyes are a dark blue which he gets from Daddy Rainmaker.

My blue eyes are lighter, plus they will sometimes change to green.

And he still sucks his thumb.

When he wakes up from a nap,

I keep finding his thumb in his mouth.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been a busy week and I intend on catching up on you all this weekend.

Today was another cold day with the temperature sitting at around 4 degrees. Plus they said it was 15 below with the wind chill. So, instead of running to the gym Darling Rose and I biked to the gym. I'm a good bundler-up-er. Just check out my post last year on the red coat.

So, once at the gym, I ran 1.25 miles on the treadmill and got in a 50 minute triceps and chest work-out. I still haven't done any push-ups this week for fear of re-injuring my right arm. I think I will try some tomorrow.

My calories hit 1,865 today and I lost 1.4 pounds from the day before which puts me at 6.4 pounds lost in 19 days. Who knows it might fluctuate up again tomorrow. Thank you guys for being encouraging. I really appreciate it.

Well, I intend to try some new recipes tomorrow and Sunshine Meg, I have a few recipes from this "Ten Talents" cook book for meat less burgers.

Have a good weekend!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Carob Peanut Butter Cups...Yum, Yum!!

2011-01-20T23:28:00.010-06:00

Happy Thursday and Friday folks!

Thanks for all your birthday wishes for Daddy Rainmaker and my dad. When I told you all that I was making something for my dad that involved carob chips, I didn't know what I was going to make yet. Ha!

But I found this recipe in a cook book given to me by my mother called "The Ten Talents."

This recipe is super easy and literally only took me like five minutes to whip up.

Here is the finished product...16 peanut butter bars.

Carob chips in natural lighting on the back of my couch.

First you mix 1 cup of natural crunchy peanut butter and 1/3 cup of honey on the stove over medium. It takes a few minutes...

Then, after it's combined you mix in 1/2 cup of carob chips (still over medium) until they are melted and a 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla ...another few minutes...

It looks like this.

Then, the recipe actually asks for you to put them in small paper cups to chill or freeze.

Since I didn't have that, I just pressed them into a pan for bars.

Here they are up close.

My opinion?

They're great!

They have this wonderful chewy texture,

the flavor seems to change the more you chew it.

You can taste the honey. It has an almost rich taste to it.

Total calories per bar is 141.

BUT...they are completely sugar free...aka...guilt free.

But they are higher calorie so you have to watch your intake.

But how wonderful to be able to eat something so rich and yummy.

Oh, here are some shots of the birthday boys.

My dad...looking great!

Daddy Rainmaker after the kids surprised him

with snakes and a tarantula for some of his gifts.
---------------------------------------------------------

Well, I took off from the gym yesterday to cook, clean and prepare for last night's fun. I had a few more calories than I wanted, around 1,900 last night.

Then, I actually went up a pound this morning, so I'm now at 5 pounds in 18 days. So, apparently, my body is fluctuating and adjusting. It's annoying, but I hold to the idea that by the end of 10 weeks, I will usually average out to a two pound a week loss. So, if I can be down at least six pounds by Monday...that six pounds in three weeks.

Today I made it to the gym for a 55 minute leg work-out, a 2 1/2 mile bike ride, a 1.25 mile run, and abs.

For calories I'm estimating that I consumed around 1,700.

Hope you you all have a good Friday!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Guess What The 19th Is...

2011-01-18T23:01:00.007-06:00

Hi folks!

It's a terrific Tuesday night, right?

Tomorrow is Daddy Rainmaker's birthday so you will all have to wish him a happy birthday because he checks my blog during his break at work. Also, the day after tomorrow, the 20th, is my dad's birthday.

If anybody believes in those astrological signs, I basically married a man who is a lot like my dad (astrologically speaking that is).

And if you're reading, babe, I love you! And Happy Birthday! I feel so honored to be a part in celebrating your birthday with our children and family. You are almost 11 years older than me, but I think that I am definitely the one who scored.

And to my dad, I love you too. I'm glad you're feeling better. Thanks for being a good dad and rescuing me when I would run out of gas when I was in college because I was too much of a cheap wad, to fill up that old cadillac all the way. And then I would forget that I was getting low until the car just...stopped. And my dad would come save me (this happened three or four times...what can I say, I'm a slow learner?).

What will be fun is my parents are coming over tomorrow night for a little joint birthday celebration. I just may be baking up a little surprise for my dad who tries (for the most part) to maintain a sugar free diet. I can't say exactly what I'm making because he also reads my blog. Ha! But I have some fun sugar free ideas that just might involve carob chips.

In fact, I'm considering making Wednesday a day of cooking and cleaning in preparation for the birthday parties. Having the kids wrap their gifts and make cards for the occasion.

Well, today went well. I made it to the gym and did a 60 minute back and biceps work-out. I held off on doing any push-ups since that's what caused my arm to hurt last week. I didn't push too hard on my arm work-out, but I did still manage a good work-out. I ran 2 1/2 miles and got in 1,685 calories.

I also weighed Mr. Lovely this morning and he weighs 13 pounds which is 1.4 pound increase from two weeks ago. That to me is proof positive that he's getting plenty to eat despite me being on a diet. I also have noticed that the more water I drink, the greater my milk flow...like today. I got in plenty of water and I've had plenty of milk production.

Oh, my weight actually increased 4/10 a pound this morning, so now I'm at a 6 pound loss in 15 days.

Have a good one!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Let Me Count The Ways That I Feel Better

2011-01-17T22:48:00.005-06:00

Hi friends!

We made it through another Monday. Hope yours went well for you.

It's been two weeks since I started eating clean and working out five days a week at the gym. In that time as you can read from the top headline, I've lost 6.4 pounds in 14 days. I weigh myself every morning so come Tuesday morning, I will try to update with a new weight check.

I think it takes 21 days to create a good habit like eating clean...so getting through this third week is very important in setting the groundwork for the rest of my diet.

So, in the spirit of keeping myself motivated, I've decide to share the improvements that I have noticed.

1.) I'm happier.
-Because I know that I'm not going to gain any more weight and I have a goal and plan of action that will allow me to successfully lose weight
2.) I have more energy
-my arms are stronger which I notice when I'm hoisting kids around, my legs don't feel sore any more when I'm walking up steps, I feel this extra bounce in my step
3.) I'm more alert
-I'm thinking more clearly. I've revamped the home school schedule and am more productive during the day
4.) My face looks healthier
-I've lost weight in my face and my skin appears more vibrant and clearer
5.)My stomach is flatter
-the baby pooch is a-going down
6.) The other jeans fit
-Since I actually gained a little weight after having the baby, I was unable to fit into this one pair of jeans...now I can perfectly...for now! ha!
7.) I'm looking leaner
-I can see more muscle definition because of the loss in fat
8.) I'm not as engorged with breast milk
-My breast milk would "let down" too fast for Mr. Darling to be able to drink it quick enough, so he ended up getting upset. Now it flows at a more appropriate rate.
9.)I'm content without sugar, white flour
-I am enjoying eating natural foods and tasting their good flavors and discovering new recipes. I tend to be an all or nothing kind of gal. So, since white sugar and flour are completely off my radar, I don't even bother fantasizing about that food. Instead, I'm looking for new ways to make natural food taste great.
10.)

Well, I couldn't think of anything for #10, but these are all good reasons for me to keep the pedal to the metal.

Also, I wanted to apologize to Sunshine or anyone else out there who might have been offended by my use of the word "oldish" in my last post.

Today I ran 2 1/2 miles, did abs, a 60 minute leg work-out and consumed 1,785 calories. I was short on my water though.

Have a good one!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Last Night's Gym Talk...

2011-01-15T19:03:00.007-06:00

Hi folks,

Sorry I missed posting last night, Friday, but it ended up being a late night with grocery shopping...ect...

However, I still wanted to post my funny thought.

I was at the gym last night when I overheard this old-ish guy...maybe 50's sitting on the bench press talking to a nearby youth. He was one of those kind of guys whose voice tends to carry, one of those personalities that make you want to pause and listen to what he's going to say next because his voice has kind of a gruff quality, and he uses it to say things that are definitely not politically correct.

So, he sees this young guy nearby and says to him, "How old are you?"

Answering half as loudly as the man, the boy says,"20"

Then the old man begins to tell the young man a little about himself.

"I was weight lifting at your age too.

And nobody was weight lifting back then....

*pause*

But I was weight lifting so I could beat the cr*p out of people."

I know I wasn't the only one that stopped what they were doing and smiled, rolled their eyes, or shook their head.

The kid smiled.

And then not ten second after that remark the old man says...

"And it worked too!"

Well, folks, whatever your reason is for being in the gym, weight lifting and working hard...I hope it works for you too.

I'll be honest...this week was a tough week and I didn't even want to get into the gym last night. As it happened, I think I strained my arm after doing some push-ups last night. I had to back off on some of my arm exercises because of it. Hopefully, my arm will feel better by my next arm work-out Tuesday night.

But, I did do it. I made it all five days.

My weight went up a little Friday morning and then stayed the same this morning. So, altogether I'm at a six pound loss in almost two weeks. I'm not too concerned about the fluctuation because I'm eating perfectly.

So, last night I ran 2 1/2 miles, did abs, push-ups (1 set of 15 girl style and 3 sets of 15 boy style) then I did a light 25-30 minute arm work-out because I hurt my arm after the push-ups. I consumed about 1,500 calories yesterday.

Today I took off of working out. Instead I have been baking like a fool. I baked eight loaves of whole wheat bread, and eight loaves of white bread. I've also been cooking up some meat and freezing it to use for soups later. We made a batch of whole wheat noodles.

Well, I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday! I Found Some Positive

2011-01-13T22:28:00.004-06:00

Happy Thursday folks!
Are you hanging in there?

Yesterday I talked about trying to find the positive in situations when it comes to getting through the first several weeks of this weight loss/fitness journey.

Today it occurred to me that sometimes taking the spotlight off ourselves and focusing it on others may just be another remedy for making the time fly faster.

Take me for example. I have plenty of kids to focus on in my life. And catching a snapshot of Mr. Lovely sucking his thumb...well, that just makes me very happy. Very positive. Ha!

How about another angle?

Can you believe he's ten weeks old today?
I didn't even weigh him.
He might be 12 pounds by now.

Ahh...so anyway,

I think good conversations with friends, helping others, doing some deep cleaning organizations...other things that make you feel good...may just help you feel a little more in balance with the whole "waiting-for-the-next-ten-weeks-to-go-by-while-I-drop-this-weight-feeling".

I mean... who wants moments like this to go by fast?
Make your moments today count!

Have a good one!
Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Today, I ran 2 1/2 miles, got in a 45 minute leg work-out and got in 1,848 calories. Oh, and I actually gained 4/10 a pound. So, now it's 6 1/2 pounds lost in ten days.

Looking For The Positive

2011-01-12T22:52:00.004-06:00

Hi folks!

It's almost 11:00 p.m. here. Today was long but very productive.

I lost another pound this morning, so I've lost 6.8 pounds in nine days. So, that's basically seven pounds.

I have to be honest with you. I'm a little surprised that eating clean seems to be making the weight drop faster than it usually does when I start my ten week diet. I'm still waiting for several days to go by where I don't lose any weight. Maybe that will happen soon.

Oddly enough, as quickly as the weight seems to be leaving me, I still feel like I still have forever to go yet before I reach my goals. Like I look in the mirror still and see the negative.

It's good that the negative is still motivating me, but I am also trying to look at the positive in the negative. For example, because I'm carrying extra fat, I'm not as cold this winter when I run to the gym. I'm just not as cold period. I never thought that that would be a positive to a negative. Ha!

Heck, by the time I get to the weight where I start feeling colder (because of carrying less body fat), it will be April. So, I'm basically sweating it out during the short cold days of winter.

The positive is that I'm now twenty pounds and ten weeks out from fitting into that black vintage suit.

So, if you're there with me feeling like your goals are still a long way off, try to find the positive in the situation.

Tomorrow I get to photograph Mr. Lovely as he will be ten weeks old. My how time flies. In the last few days he's been trying out sucking his thumb. As cute as it is, I'm trying to discourage it before it forms into a habit.

Hope your all having a good one!
The weekend is almost here.

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Oh, I ran 2 1/2 miles today, did sit-ups, did four sets of 15 push-ups ( the first two were girl and the second two were boy style), did a 35 minute chest and triceps work-out. My calories came in at 1,750. I felt better with the increased calories.

Slugging It Out

2011-01-11T23:00:00.004-06:00

Hi folks!

Happy Tuesday?

Actually it was very productive for me on the home front, but I really felt like I was slugging it on the gym front tonight. When I went to the gym for my biceps and back work-out, I felt drained of energy and sluggish.

I figured out why. Not enough calories today. So, I took in some more after my evening protein shake and I'm up to 1,740. I will adjust higher if I have to.

But this is good information to know. It appears I need more calories during the week when I'm slugging it out. Ha! And right now I'm being sensitive to how I feel and monitoring my milk supply to make sure Mr. Lovely is getting enough. And at this point he's still getting plenty.

Just want to keep encouraging you all to keep at it. Sunshine, SunshineMeg...good job for getting it done even if you didn't feel like it or maybe weren't looking forward to it.

I would have to say that I think Tuesdays and Wednesdays just may be those uninteresting work-out days. That's why good o'le Mr. Routine and that work-out habit you've created will help push you out the door.

Remember after 21 days, getting to the gym will seem easier to do and require less mental thought.

Good news, however, the scale said I dropped almost two pounds from the day before, so I'm sitting at just over 5 1/2 pounds lost in eight days.

As for Sunshine Meg's question on why running feels harder than working on the elliptical machine?

I actually thing the elliptical can be challenging and is a good replacement for if you can't get in the run. However, I wonder if it may be because the smooth motion of the machine makes it so it's easier on your knees and your joints. It's displacing some of your weight. Plus when you're running, you're pulling in a lot of things that you're not with an elliptical machine. Especially if you run outside. It's a proven fact that getting outside once a day and breathing in all that fresh air is good for lifting your mood. I also know there is balance involved with running...

I guess I don't know all the technical aspects of it...give me some more time and I might come up with a more coherent explanation. Ha!

Now...if you were to ask me how the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley died? I could tell you because we are studying some of his poetry and life right now.

Anyway, oh thank you Dawne and everyone on your kind comments yesterday. I really am looking forward to wearing that outfit.

Well, hope you all have a good Wednesday!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Goal Setting With The Vintage Black Suit

2011-01-10T19:37:00.009-06:00

Happy Monday friends, I hope your work out today felt as good as mine did. The two days off really helped.

Today I wanted to talk about using prized outfits as a motivational tool in your fitness journey. I have done this with some outfits, but it is usually a pair of jeans that I aim to fit into.

But this time around there is this one outfit that really gets me cranked. If your recall I bought this last year from my sister who sells vintage clothing. I saw it on a model and wanted it. There is a suit jacket that goes with it.

I am 12 weeks pregnant in this phot0 and was barely able to squeeze into it. What my sister will do is actually have some of the vintage things in her store personally tailored to fit people. This particular outfit was tailored to fit the model who was my height, weight and physique. And of course the thing about vintage is that there are only so many out there. So, I snatched up it for $40 with the intention of fitting into it once I had Mr. Lovely.

Well, guess what?

I've had Mr. Lovely.

For those of you who are not already doing this...do what I do. Get out the calendar, is there an event coming up that might coincide with an outfit that you've been wanting to wear?

There is an event coming up with our eight-year-old son who sings in a choir on March 19.

That is ten weeks away. And I need to lose a good 22 pounds to fit into this outfit by that date. If you look close, you'll notice my belly is a-sticking out a little because of Mr. Lovely, so maybe this will fit if I can get down there by then. (Unless of course I get pregnant before then, ha, ha just kidding, just kidding!!!) Well, I feel like if I can do it,

I will be sliding in right under the wire...

I mean so close will I be that if it doesn't fit

me by March 19, it will fit me a few weeks after that.

This is one of those outfit that if I'm too big...

well, then too bad. Ha!! Ha!!

So, that's the one goal I have.

The other goal is to look good for the family pictures.
We got these taken in March last year.
So, come March... probably April, we will be taking
pictures again that I want to look good for.
Does anyone have an outfit they have there eye on?

-----------------------------------------------------

Well, today went well. I gained actually about 4/10 a pound,

but I still have, overall lost about 4 pounds in the first week of my diet.
In the past I have found, that after the first week of a new diet, I will see no loss for several days.

However, I am eating clean, so I am curious to see if that will have an affect on the rate of weight loss. I'm hoping the weight will drop faster.

So, to recap today...I ran 2 1/2 miles, did a 55 minute leg work-out, did abs, did four sets of 15 push-ups, the first two sets were girl style and the second were boy style.

So far today I've consumed 1,580 calories. I may eat more tonight...haven't decided.

They are:

7:30 a.m.- 1/2 to 2/3 cup oatmeal-170, 2 large eggs-140, 1/2 grapefruit-40=350

10:30 a.m.- chocolate protein-110, 1 T of peanut butter-100, 4 oz banana-100=310/660

12:45 p.m.-1/2 cup of brown rice-105, 1 t of olive oil-40, 2 large eggs-140=285/945

3:30 p.m-3/4 cup of rice-160, 2 large eggs-140=300/1,245

6:30 p.m.-4 oz banana during work-out=100/1,345

7:30 p.m-4 oz banana-100, chocolate protein powder-110=210/1,555

8:30 p.m.-bite of peanut butter-25/1,580

Well, I hope you all have a good one!!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

I Couldn't Wait Until Next Weekend...

2011-01-09T22:20:00.006-06:00

Hello everyone!

I couldn't wait until next weekend to try making spelt pancakes. The buckwheat pancakes that I made yesterday were just too much fun, and I knew these might taste even better.

Here's the finished product...

But here's what I began with...organic spelt grain.
Is costs $1.99 a pound.

I looked at a couple recipes on google and then just made it the way I wanted to.

The spelt grain is a higher calorie grain than buckwheat, so I cut down on the olive oil to try to keep the calories in line. I also never add the milk or sugar. It's amazing. You can make pancakes out of just about anything. This recipe made seven pancakes.

This is the recipe:

1 cup of spelt flour (which is 1/2 cup of grain )

2 teaspoons of baking powder

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 egg

1 teaspoon of olive oil

1/4 teaspoon of salt

3/4 cup of water
The batter was a little runny but poured fine.

This is how they looked cooking up.

It tasted AWESOME!

Each cake was 80 calories.

I was feeling stuffed about half way through the third cake.

I added one teaspoon of natural peanut butter.
With three pancakes, the peanut butter and two large eggs,

the calories came to 480.
Just loved these spelt pancakes!

I think I'd like to try millet next.

I'd also like to make some crepes.

---------------------------------------------

Anyway, it's almost Monday.

I actually gained 8/10 a pound this morning

so now I'm back to losing four pounds in six days.

I was thinking the gain may have come because of those

silly "too-salty" buckwheat pancakes that I made yesterday.

Or I may not have gotten in enough water.

This is my second day in a row of rest.

I should be a-rari'n to go to the gym this week.

Hope you all had a good weekend!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Super Duper Low Calorie Buckwheat Pancakes

2011-01-08T20:22:00.015-06:00

Happy Saturday folks!

I made some buckwheat pancakes this morning for the first time in my life.

I added way, way, way too much salt but otherwise they were perfect!

Here is a shot of the final product,

but wait till you see what I started with.

They call these buckwheat groats.
(I know where do they come up with these names.)
I buy these organic at our local coop.
This is what they look like in grain form.

This is a "kitchen mill".
Something my momma is borrowing me.
I can make flour from all kinds of grains with this thing.
It's very, very loud and startles the entire household when I turn it on because is sounds similar to walking outside and being blasted by a hurricane.
Seriously, it's really loud and sometimes fun to scare
the kids who might be walking nearby when I turn it on.
Ha, Ha, just kidding, I wouldn't do a thing like that, would I?
But it's amazing how THAT (above)
Can turn into THIS (below)
.
It looks just like white flour.
I've ground up spelt and made spelt bread.
I've ground up millet and made millet meal (kind of like malt-o-meal)
and have also put it into bread.
The kitchen mill has opened up a whole new world for me and has me excited about the healthy food possibilities with using different types of grain.
Freshly ground grain is much better for you,
and, gosh, it's so easy to grind it up.

So, I took a recipe off a box of buckwheat in the store and modified it to make it "clean", although I'm still not sure if baking powder is clean...same with corn starch.
Here it is:
1 cup of buckwheat
1 tsp of corn starch
4 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of salt (no, no, please don't do this use 1/4 tsp of salt)
1 egg beaten
3/4 cup of water
2 tsp of olive oil

The batter had kind of a pasty texture to it.

It was thick and poured slowly.

And the pancakes look substantial don't they?

I was able to make 11 1/4 pancakes with a double batch.

"Lord, help me.

Should I really post this picture of me?"

Now, if you would like to see what my husband

looks like when he makes pancakes, click here.

Guess how many calories are in one pancake?

That's it.

Plus I was stuffed.

They were very filling.

And I'm sure it would have tasted wonderful if it didn't taste like I was licking a salt lick.

(Cows use salt licks. They are big blocks of salt.

Hey, don't make fun. I know I'm producing milk, but I'm not a bovine.)

So, next time I make these...I will use much less salt.

But I'm really curious about making some spelt pancakes,

or millet or some other grain out there.

Didn't I tell you that my diet this time around would be fun?

So, my breakfast this morning was:

2 pancakes-140, 4 tsp of peanut butter-133,

1 small bacon slice-25, 2 large eggs-140,

and 1/2 a glass of orange juice-55=493

I took a day off from working out, although I still might do some push-ups.

My calories so far today are 1,353.

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Oh, I forgot to add that I lost another pound this morning,

so that's five pounds lost in five days.

The Magic Of 7 And 3

2011-01-07T22:35:00.005-06:00

Happy Friday friends!

We finally made it through the work-out week. I will admit that knowing that I was completing my fifth work-out this week did put a little extra spring in my step on the run home tonight.

How are you all doing? I need to visit you all and catch up.

I thought of this title on tonight's run to the gym, which by the way I do with our 15-year-old Darling Rose. SunshineMeg asked who watches the kids when I go to the gym. Lately, the way we've been doing it, is...as soon as Daddy Rainmaker gets home from work, Darling Rose and I take off to the gym while he has supper with the... count 'em five other kids. (and, yes, I have actually been cooking them some meals this week. Tonight it was chicken noodle soup using home made, whole wheat egg noodles. They said it tasted very good.)

Meanwhile, Daddy Rainmaker works out twice a day, once in the morning before breakfast. That's when he weight lifts. He just started the weight lifting this week. Darling Rose has also been working out with him then too. So, she has been getting in double work-outs. Then, Daddy Rainmaker does some cardio, usually bike during the lunch hour.

Get this...his work actually pays him up to three hours a week to work out at their gym. So, he spreads that time over four days of lunch.

Wow. Come to think of it, I might be the one slacking here if my husband and child are working out more than I am. Ha!

But, anyway...I wanted to share with you the few thoughts I had on the magic of the numbers 7 and 3.

After 3 days of eating clean, I start to feel better. My face begins to look younger. I can't explain it other than there seems to be a glow.

After 3 weeks, which is 7 x 3, twenty-one days, you feel even better.

You have more energy because you are eating foods that actually fuel your body instead of foods that make you weak. When white flour and sugar combine they make you weaker, and make you retain fat.

Also, they say that it takes 21 days to form a habit. So, after three weeks of me being on this diet, it should become more natural for me. And, I will want to be on the diet because I feel better and look better.

The same applies to my plan to work-out five days a week. After another two weeks of this, going to the gym won't require a big mental battle. It will feel like just a natural part of my day.

And that is exactly the place you all want to be with working out. You want it to be habitual and routine like the way you treat brushing your teeth before bed.

I mean, who actually has an internal argument about brushing their teeth, "Well, I don't really feel like brushing tonight. I mean I ate that celery stick and getting it out of my teeth will be too hard."

"Ah, C'mon. If you don't brush your teeth...you could build up plaque and then you could get gingivitis. And then have to go the dentist to have him pull your bad tooth."

"Ok...fine. I'll brush my teeth."

Granted teeth brushing takes two minutes while the gym is more of a commitment, but believe me, it's easier to keep that commitment when it becomes part of your routine.

Oh, and the last magical thing about 7 and 3?

They're both favorite numbers of mine. 7 first 3 second.

That's why Daddy Rainmaker and I got married on October 7. It's his favorite too.

Oh, hey, wouldn't you know it, it's January 7th today. That means we've been married 111 months.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Tonight I ran 2 1/2 miles, did my abs, did a 55 minute arm work-out that worked my back, triceps, chest and biceps. So far I've consumed 1,565 calories. I lost 2/10 a pound this morning. I haven't been keeping track of my water levels. I should do that.

Here is what I ate today:
7:15 a.m. 1/2 cup of oatmeal-150, 2 large eggs-140, 1/2 grapefruit-40 =330
10:15 a.m. chocolate protein powder-110, 3 oz banana-75, 1 tbl of peanut butter-100=285/615
1:30 p.m. (late lunch don't usually do it this late) 4 to 5 oz chicken breast-115, 1/2 cup of brown rice-105, with 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil-40, spinach salad with cucumbers, radishes, broccoli, tomato, and green pepper-55 (estimate) and 2 teaspoons of Newman's Own oil and vinegar-50, and 2 teaspoons of ground flax seed-20=385/1,000
4:30 p.m. 1/2 cup of brown rice-105, 2 1/2 oz of chicken-65=170/1,170
6:15 p.m (during work-out) 4 oz banana=75/1,245
7:45 p.m (post work-out) protein powder-110, 4 oz banana-100=210/1,455
9:30 p.m 1 teaspoon of honey in tea-25, 4 oz banana-100/1,565

Well, as Bugs Bunny once said, "That's All Folks!!! he, he he (wasn't there a laugh?)"

Have a good weekend!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday! When Failure Becomes Success...

2011-01-06T21:19:00.008-06:00

Happy Thursday everyone!

Only one more day till the end of this work-out week. I conducted a little photo shoot and update on Mr. Lovely here, who is nine weeks young today. Doesn't he make your heart melt?

------------------------------------------------

But while babies melt our heart, it is up to us to melt away extra weight.

I thought of this title during homeschooling today.

I have a strong desire to encourage you all in your journey toward healthy living.

Although failure and success are polar opposites of each other, the two concepts are quite often closer to each other than you think.

Lifting up a glass of water to your lips and swallowing... is success. Drinking another glass on top of that is more success because getting in 8 to 10 glasses of water helps us lose weight.

Failure might be grabbing one too many treats, but success is close on its heels when you manage to stop yourself. Success is when you first think about stopping yourself and then actually doing it.

Why is just thinking about it success? Because when you have thought about it, you are closer to your goals than not ever having considered it at all.

Failure can be turned into success so quickly more often than not, that it is actually astounding when you consider how much power you really do have within your own control.

Consider that in only three days on this diet, I have lost four pounds. (I lost another pound this morning).

That's a short period of time to make such a big change when just four days before that, I had stepped on the scale and gained two pounds in one day from eating too many cookies, and other high calorie food.

But why then, if we have so much power does not everyone do this?

I'll tell you why.

It's for lack of knowledge that we allow failure to take away our success.

You see, I know exactly what I need to do to lose 20 pounds in ten weeks. In fact, since the last time I lost this weight, I have discovered more secrets to dropping the fat even faster. So, yes, I have a certain measure of confidence because of past success. But much of that success was aided by my obtaining knowledge.

And, of course, knowledge isn't everything...you need other things to be successful...like determination, practice, patience, goals, flexibility, resolve and an undying belief in yourself that you can do it even when you can't see your goal in front of you.

In a word, faith.

Faith means believing in something yet unseen, which I suppose might be an idea for another post.

Anyway, what I really want to say here is to exhort you all in the knowledge that success in your journey's are just a choice away.What you might consider to be little successful choices, are very important in leading the way to building your bigger successes.

Again, little things do mean a lot.

It's lacing up your shoes and pulling on a jacket for a walk outside before you can talk yourself out of it.

It's getting a good night's sleep so you can think clearly the next day.

It's buying more vegetables even if you don't eat them all the first time.

It's picking up a chocolate chip cookie ....and then putting it back down. (ok, so that one is a little tougher. ha!)

Well, I photographed my lunch. It's a pretty stacked salad with broccoli, green peppers, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, spinach topped with two teaspoons of Newman's Own oil and vinegar and two teaspoons of ground flax seed.

Complementing that salad and on a matching plate is 1/2 cup of Basmati brown rice topped with one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and a five ounce chicken breast.

For a total of 390 calories;
I was stuffed.
----------------------------------------------------
I made it to the gym for a 45 minute leg work-out, a 2 1/2 mile run, four sets of 15 push-ups. The first three were girl style and the fourth set was "boy" style.
I consumed 1,665 calories.
And I can't wait to weigh myself tomorrow.

Someone asked me to post my daily menu, which I have already thought about doing.
I don't have time tonight, but I may do it as a postscript soon.

Anyway, I hope you are all doing well!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

The Sounds Of Soreness

2011-01-05T23:00:00.005-06:00

Hello friends!

I lost 8/10 a pound this morning for almost three pounds lost in two days.

I thought of this title while breastfeeding Mr. Lovely, who by the way will have his photo taken tomorrow.

Anyway...I digress...there are the sounds of soreness in our happy home.

You know...like when you've been sitting for awhile and you move to get up and those squats you did the other night remind you how hard you worked them. So, you groan out loud in response. Your legs feel a little heavier in the walk up the stairs because your calves are sore from running.

But I'm not the only one making soreness sounds.

Our daughter, Darling Rose is making them.

Daddy Rainmaker is making them. He just started at the gym on Monday. So, two days after his leg work-out, he mentioned to me for the third time how sore his legs are.

Nobody wants to get up and get anything because their legs are sore.

The arms are sore too. Darling Rose laments over the arms and abs.

But I don't mind too much that we are all sore. In fact, I usually just smile to myself and revel in the fact that our family is working out. We are all sharing something in common...

soreness. ha!

My daughter is even eating a clean diet with me and is already sick of eating eggs. I told her that she has to be patient with the menu because it's also the first week back homeschooling after being off for ten days during Christmas break and that's a lot for me to think about.

Tonight I ran 2 1/2 miles, did a 35 minute chest and triceps work-out, and abs and took in 1,745 calories.

So, three days down of working out...two more to go!

Keep up the good work everyone!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Determination And Black Coffee

2011-01-04T21:06:00.003-06:00

Hi folks!

I lost two pounds. yippee.

I thought of this title while working out at the gym tonight. One of the hard parts about going on a sugar free, flour free, processed foods free diet...is that my coffee gets really hard to swallow. Ha, pun intended.

Like if I don't drink it fast enough my mouth starts getting this dry, blech-y feel to it. And, then I want to start making little exceptions to my diet, like...well, I'll only put processed stuff in my coffee to make it drinkable.

But this morning, as I was facing another coffee, I just got this little spurt of ah...how shall I describe it...determination? Like, "hey, I decided to go on this diet, so I need to figure out a way to make this work without adding anything."

So, after thinking about the whole black coffee situation, I realized there was a certain temperature where it tasted better. The cooler it got, the less tasty it got. So, this morning, as soon as I could handle it, I dove right in and sure enough the coffee tasted better.

What's more is, even if it hadn't tasted better, I was determined to not add that processed stuff.

So, at the gym tonight, it occurred to me that succeeding at our goals is determined by our level of determination.

Determination means the mental quality, habit or power of deciding definitely and firmly.

Determination is all about finding a way to make it happen against all odds that it will happen.

You tip the odds in your favor, however, when you follow through with your decisions on the little things like taking your coffee black. When you first start out, little things do mean a lot, and they can set the tone for your journey.

I did want to add that sometimes a "coaxing" approach to dieting has also worked for me, simply because I believe that you don't want to set yourself up for failure by making the standards too high. But, I believe I am at a point where I am ready to attack the weight loss goal with strong determination.

In short, I'm not messing around. ha!

But I'm determined to have fun too, which you'll see as a I go along.

Other than that, you all are too good to me to still be keeping track of me when I've been so bad at blogging lately.

Tonight I ran 2 1/2 miles in 7 degree weather and completed a 45 minute biceps and back work-out. My calories so far today are at 1,720.

Hope your week is going well! You can do it!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Today's The Day!

2011-01-03T21:14:00.005-06:00

There is a hope

Inside of me

Inside it begs

To be set free

Today's the day

I give it wings

Today we'll fly

With the power it brings

The strength is there

If you'd just see

Open up your eyes

And watch it with me

Today's the day

To say good by

To choices that made

You afraid to fly

Today's the day

To say hello

to choices that kindle

Your inner glow.

Written by Sunshine Mama

on 1-2-2011

-----------------------------------------------

Does anyone recognize the dress I'm wearing?

If you look at my profile picture, you'll see that that was the dress I was wearing for my "before" picture, before I lost all my weight the first time.

Now here I am again. Starting all over again...at square one.

I have about the same amount of weight to lose too. I'm definitely not happy with feeling the way I feel at this weight. But the good news is that...next month...that dress will no longer fit me. I need to remember how I feel at this weight, how I hate it, how I can't stand myself so that when the going gets tough...I don't give up.

So, of course, I will be attempting to lose 20 pound in ten weeks. Actually I'd really like to lose that 20 pounds in the first nine weeks. I'm doing something different this time around that I did not do the last time which was...I am eating clean. That means I'm cutting out all sugar, white flour and processed foods. I'm curious to see how quickly fat will fall off that way.

I am also giving myself a few more calories to make sure I make enough breast milk. Today, I started out the day with 1,855 clean calories. The last time I did this, I averaged around 1,400 calories a day.

If at any time during this process, I feel like I am not making enough breast milk, I'll up my calories. I may also take a supplement called Fenu-Greek to increase my milk production. I've taken this before and it really works.

So, today, I got in a 2 1/2 mile run, a 60 minute leg work-out, ab exercises and four sets of 15 girl style push-ups. I plan on working out a full five days this week.

I hope you all are having a great start to the new year!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday, And A Story Of An Unhappy Baby

2010-12-30T22:40:00.030-06:00

Hello everyone, is it Thursday already?

So, Mr. Lovely is eight weeks old today and he weighed 11.6 pounds which is 2/10 more than last week. So, basically he stayed the same weight.

But the story starts with preparing for the photo shoot with Mr. Lovely by first taking a few snapshots of his bigger two-year-old brother, Stavesacre.

See, isn't he cute?

And I am always fighting to keep that beautiful mug of his clean.

But, no matter, he and his car make a great picture.

What with those beautiful curls...
Now...lets welcome Mr. Lovely to the scene...

Who is not looking so lovely with that big frown of his.

I swear the second I put him down...nothing would stop him from crying...

Last week...it was he was sleepy...

This week... he wouldn't stop crying.

So, his bigger brother, Stavesacre tried consoling him by patting him on the arm.

But it just didn't work...

He was inconsolable.

So, then Stavesacre introduced his red car.

Maybe that would help.

No, I think it made him cry harder.

I even wrapped him in his blue blanket that his great aunt made for him.

But that seemed to make him cry harder still.

Then, wait!

What's this?!?

Why did he stop crying?

Was it the car on his head?

Nope!

Back to crying we go.

Hearing her brother's cries from afar...

Six year-old Iris Anna makes her entrance

And tries to calm him down...

"It's ok, it's Ok... don't cry!"

Accompanied with the comforting hand (upper left-hand corner) of her four-year-old brother, Peach Blossom, who has also come to the aid of his little brother.

The sudden attention by his siblings may have just done the trick.

He's no longer crying.

Wait.

I spoke too fast.

Time to bring out the big guns...

How about a little holding...singing...

See, he's stopped crying.

Add in with that the getting-him-to-look-at-your-finger-as-you-move-it-around-in-front-of-him-maneuver.

Where did she come up with that idea?

I don't think she got it from me.

Hmm....must be a girl thing.

This ability to calm a crying baby.

Well, at least the car tastes good.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Hi folks! Hope you enjoyed seeing Mr. Lovely again.

Maybe next week I can get him smiling.

I have some really, really, really good news for you all.

Ready for it?

It's official:

I CAN NOT STAND MYSELF ANY LONGER!

I started cleaning up my diet today.

But even better is I have been hitting the gym.

Today was the third day this week.

I've been doing my sit-ups, push-ups and this week have started running as well.

I've ran three times this week and may still run tomorrow or Saturday.

I've designated this coming Monday as the official start of my diet.
Next week also marks the beginning of working out five days a week instead of three.
Next week is also when I will cut out all sugar and flour and processed foods.

Why is it good news that I can't stand myself?

Because I've gotten to the point where I feel aweful enough about how I look and feel to finally stick to a committment.

Also, I have set a fitness goal that requires some fat loss.

Will I lose 20 pounds in 10 weeks?

I sure hope so.

I hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday!!

2010-12-23T16:52:00.007-06:00

Hi folks!
I'm glad there is a Thursday to remind me to take pictures of Mr. Lovely. The time seems to fly by and before you know it, it's another week.

Ever since we caught him smiling last week, we've been busy catching more smiles. I weighed him this afternoon at 11. 4 pounds. Last week he weighed 10. 4 pounds in the morning. So, yes he gained a whole pound, which means he's gained five pounds in seven weeks since he was born weighing six pounds four ounces.

Don't know about you, but I think that's some pretty incredible weight gain.

We took his pictures this afternoon... How about some toes first?

But he was sleepy...

See?

He could barely keep his eyes open.

night, night...

He's been sleeping more consistently throughout the day...

which helps me to get more things done.
He's even sleeping longer periods at night.

So, that the update on Mr. Lovely

------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been making progress on my work-outs.

I made it to the gym three times last week.

Then, I am on my way to the gym in a bit to clock in my third day this week as well.

I also started my abdominal exercises and push-ups (girl style) this week.

I'm also considering going on a run for a mile tomorrow.
I'm thinking through what kinds of athletic goals to set for myself in the coming months as a way to help motivate my weight loss.

I ate too many cookies last week so, I actually gained some weight, but then I lost most of it earlier this week. So, I don't have the eating program completely down, but the exercise aspect is beginning to take shape and slowly progress.

At least I'm eating enough for feeding Mr. Lovely, right?

Well, I hope you're all doing well.

I'm still working on trying to post more.

Hope you all have a great Christmas!!
Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday!! The Smile We've Waited For...

2010-12-16T23:16:00.019-06:00

Hi everyone!

We gave Mr. Lovely his bath this morning in preparation for his weekly Thursday photo shoot. Up until this point we see what we think are smiles...but we aren't really sure if they are the real thing.

Well, he is six weeks old today and these are snippets of his photo shoot in order as I post the photos.

So, this is the first photo where we have to ask ourselves... "Doesn't this look like a smile?"

We see a smile in his eyes here?

Kind-of a smile here...definitely a happy baby...

Let's try a sitting position.

a stomach position...I think I see a little something here, don't you?

ok, on the back again...he's after that fist like he's hungry.

Took off some clothes to see some feet...

and what have we got here...

Is that not a smile?

A different shot...a bit closer...

Look at that...you can see he wants to smile!

Ahhh....Haaa!!!

Proof Positive Baby...

This Baby is definitely smiling!!!!

A little blurry...but that is the real deal!!!

A little leftover smile...

Then get this...an open-mouthed smile.

It has to be...

His eyes are happy, this is only two seconds after the first real smile.

Now he's got a little mischievous look.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I also weighed him this morning and he was 10. 4 pounds which is 6/10 more than last Thursday.

So, six weeks ago he weighed 6 pounds, 4.4 ounces. That means he's gained four pounds in six weeks.

I talked to a doctor tonight at the gym and he said that that means I am burning 500-700 calories a day in just breast feeding Mr. Lovely. And I honestly believe it because I went to the gym last night...ate 2,500 calories yesterday and lost one pound.
Can you believe it?

Oh, and you heard me right folks, I have returned to the gym this week.

I hit my legs last night for the first time in six weeks and thought I was going to die.

Then, I hit my biceps and back tonight.

Tomorrow I plan to hit my chest and triceps.

My plan is to get to the gym three times a week for three straight weeks and then hit if five times a week on the fourth week.

I'm playing the calorie game one day at a time, but I'm definitely back to counting.

I want to make sure I take in enough for Mr. Lovely.

Well, that's it for now.

I hope you're all doing well.

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday...He's Five Weeks Old Today

2010-12-09T21:44:00.015-06:00

Greetings, friends!

It's been five weeks since Mr. Lovely was born, so.... I decided to take a few more pictures today.

After bathing him, I weighed him.
My scale says he 9.8 pounds.
Almost ten pounds!

We keep thinking he's smiling at us.
They usually will smile at around six weeks,
so we know that first smile could happen very soon.

But I have just been really enjoying him.
The way he smells,
The little noises he makes,
The way he stretches
The way his soft head feels against mine.

What a blessing he has been!

And, well, how do you like this photographic set-up?

Our two-year-old son, Stavesacre wanted to try it out too...

As did our four-year-old son Peach Blossom....

Around here, if some one does it, the other person has to do it too.

"Good grief, Darling Rose....you too?"

Now you know what I used as a back drop,

the back side of this blanket.

So, get this...I am the mother of count 'em

not one....

not two....

not three...

BUT FOUR

sons!!!

Here they are:

Eight year old Dandy Lion is the oldest.

Mr. Lovely doesn't look too sure about the two-year-old's ability to hold him.

"Whoops...there he goes!"

Ahh... Peach Blossom can look so peachy sometimes.

------------------------------------------------------

Well, I know I can't just post pictures of babies and children all the time for my diet blog, but I thought you all would enjoy them.

Thank you all for your comments about my dad,

And for you comments about my sleep.
I am working very hard to make sure I get my sleep.

It's not always easy because sometimes I want to stay awake to read a book or if baby is asleep I want to do something "fun".

"Whatever that may be. ha!"

But I am starting to feel better with just the whole me getting more sleep and also my body is feeling better as time has elapsed that has allowed my body to recuperate.

Also, I have noticed that Mr. Lovely is beginning to sleep for longer spells. With a few people that I have talked to, their babies started sleeping through the night when they were around two months old. I'm hoping for that.
But in addition to that, I'm thinking about revisiting my diet again and hitting the gym soon. I'm still eating whatever I want at this point and remaining the same weight. If I were to estimate how many calories I was eating right now I would estimate it to be between 2,500 to 3,000 calories easily.

*pause*

I though I'd give you a second to pause and let that sink in for a bit. ha, ha!

I just can't believe that I'm not gaining any weight.

So, obviously the baby is taking it all in the form of breast milk because he's gained 3 and a half pounds in five weeks.

I'm so proud of him!

So, if I cut any calories I want to be careful to not do it too hardcore so that I make sure he gets enough calories for his breast milk.

Well, that's it for now.

I really want to be more consistent with blogging

*sigh*.

But until I am, thank you all again for keeping up on me.
It's practically Friday.

I may hit the gym tomorrow night.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Where I've Been...

2010-12-04T21:16:00.011-06:00

Hello friends!
In case my dad is reading this, "Thank God you're feeling better. We love you!"
This photo was taken on Thanksgiving. We brought all the kids to the hospital to see my dad who five days before that was flown into a special hospital for emergency care because his kidneys were failing him.

I had all these wonderful aspirations to do this post last week when it was timely, but I am quickly realizing that nothing seems to be happening on time because of having a newborn. But my dad spent a week in the hospital before being discharged. So, we spent part of Thanksgiving at my mom's house...

And then went for a little road trip and visited Dad in the hospital.

This is Mr. Lovely on Thanksgiving Day.

And then, this next photo is just a few days ago.

If you think he looks like he's wearing a little baby fat...

You would be correct.

He weighed over 8 1/2 pounds this last Thursday which means he's gained over two pounds since birth.

I have made a few feeble attempts at trying to diet.

In fact, I've been eating a LOT of food and everything I eat doesn't seem to reflect itself on the scale. I take that to mean that all those additional calories are being turned into breast milk to feed Mr. Lovely.

Our son officially turned four weeks old this week and I've managed to work out at the gym once so far.

I actually had a bit of a crisis happen to me this week that revolved around me not getting enough sleep and trying to do too much. I know...you all find that hard to believe, but one of the reasons I can't seem to keep up on my blog is sleep deprivation, quite simply.

So, for the past few days, everyone has been "making me" sleep in, take naps in the afternoon, take naps in the evening. In fact, I think I'm caught up. It's just weird to walk around the house, now and not feel like I have grit in my eyes anymore.

So, what did I do with all this extra energy?

I made some yeast donuts of course.

I fried them in the deep fat fryer.

In my opinion, they were just "ok".
I have a long way to go before I can get my donuts to taste like the kind I like at the store.

(not that I should be making that an aspiration of mine. Ha!)

Although, everyone else seemed to think they tasted great.

Well, it's my sincere hope to make it to the gym this coming week or to get in some kind of exercise. I'm trying to not be too hard on myself if I don't get in the exercise the way I want to get it in. At this point, it's really important that I get in my sleep before I get in the exercise.

Well, enough catch-up for now folks!

Our first snowfall happened today.

I hope you're all enjoying the weather!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Happy Thursday!! Our Baby Is Two Weeks Old

2010-11-18T19:49:00.007-06:00

Hello!

What better way to end the work week than a picture of a cute pair of tootsies?

You all know how I loves toes?

I weighed him today on our scale... you know since this is a weight loss blog...

But he was so little, he didn't register.

So, with a big sigh...I stepped on with him...

and then again without him...

Oh, what did I weigh you ask?

Nice try.

But according to my scale, our baby weighed a whopping seven pounds even.

That's up 6/10 a pound from his birth weight of 6.44.

So, don't let this thumb sucking picture fool you.

He's been getting milk a-plenty from me.

And as far as my diet goes, I gained back a pound this morning.

*sigh*

It was probably my husband's chips that I had last night.

Did I mention that I will often have several false starts before a diet sticks?

Hence my favorite mantra, "If at first you don't succeed...try, try, try, try... and try again."

One last day of the work week, folks!!

We can do it.

Oh, did you all read my husband's comment from yesterday's post?

Isn't he the best?

Have a good one!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

An Update...And I've Lost Four Pounds So Far...

2010-11-17T13:00:00.004-06:00

Hi Y'all!

I feel like I should post a picture of the baby or something. ha! I think I'll do that tomorrow. He'll be two weeks old.

I figured I should make a post now...while I'm still wide awake because I can't guarantee how I'll be feeling tonight. Last night, I laid down at eight at night and didn't awake until sometime after midnight.

This child of ours is exhausting me. He is constantly eating, which is great! But...I'm beginning to feel like...slightly suffocated. But sleep helps. Actually, from my experience, the first year with a newborn is usually the most challenging because they are so dependent on you. And, it's also a time when you are adjusting to caring for another person while trying to balance that care with your other responsibilities.

I think, all things considered, it's going well. I'm back to homeschooling, getting that done and developing more ideas to make things go even smoother.

Also, newborns present a special challenge for moms who want to work out at the gym...like me.

Yes, you all knew I would be wanting to hit the gym ASAP. But, it can be challenging, because I first have to pump breast milk before I go, and then hope that he doesn't cry too bad while I'm gone. Because often babies don't like breast milk in a bottle. Usually by the time I get to the gym, I'm feeling a little out of breath from all the histrionics I go through just to get there. But, what's amazing about being gone from baby, even for just an hour, is that I'm in a great mood when I come back and I feel even more love for him than before I left.

So, I may try to work out tonight, or tomorrow night. I want to fit in at least two arm work-outs this week. The leg work-out may have to wait until next week.

As for my diet...remember I said I'd start on Monday?

I've already lost four pounds. But, usually I will lose about five pounds in the first week and then I will lose nothing for about ten days. But by the end of ten weeks, the average will be about two pounds a week. Also, I may still be losing water weight from just having a baby. And, I am breastfeeding, which they say burns between 200 to 500 calories a day. It depend on how much breast milk the baby drinks. They say you burn about 20 calories per ounce that the baby eats.

Either way, losing that first five pounds is an encouragement to me to keep eating healthy.

I really appreciate you all visiting me and checking on me despite me not being able to check up on you. I hope to remedy that soon.

So, let's see...where does ten weeks take me...Monday, January 17...which is two days before my husband's birthday...and three days before my dad's birthday.

Can I do it again?

Can I lose twenty pounds in ten weeks again?

When I did it before, I was able to run from the beginning, but I can't run right now because my body isn't completely healed.

But I'm going to do my best!

Hope you all have a great day!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Eight Hours After Birth Photos...

2010-11-14T21:38:00.019-06:00

Hello again!

Because of the time of morning (2:50 a.m.) that we had our son, it made sense to let the kids sleep in and then let them see the baby on their way out to grandma's house. Granted, it was only eight hours after his birth...But I wanted them to be the first to see their baby brother.

This is our two-year-old, son Stavesacre. Out of all of his siblings, he was the last to get to hold his baby brother. So, by then, he knew what to do.

See?

He's patiently waiting his turn.

Ahh...they look so cute together.

He loves his baby brother.

Kisses too.

Everyone wanted to touch him.

They still do.

My rule is to wash hands first and no poking him in the eyes, nose or mouth.

But they still do anyway.

This is our son, four year-old Peach Blossom.

There were kisses aplenty.

This is our six year old daughter, Iris Anna.

Is it just me or do they look like they are giving similar expressions?

Eight year-old Dandy Lion was the first to hold him

because he had correctly guessed when he would be born.

This is 15-year-old Darling Rose who just loves, loves to hold him any chance she can get. She loves to just sit and look at him as he makes all of his cute little sounds and facial expressions.

He's still eight hours old here.

Daddy Rainmaker is holding him here.

A little later in the day of his first day hanging out with us.

Oh, yes, I suppose I should make an appearance since I did give birth to him. Ha!

See, we're both looking at you!

This is us just before we drive off into the sunset with our new son.

The hospital stay was nice. They fed us like kings and queens. I totally did not stick to my resolution to eat clean. But, not to worry, because I am starting my diet tomorrow, Monday.

Does anybody know of any good weight loss blogs out there?

You know... where you could... like...lose 20 pounds in 10 weeks?

Yah! I think I should sign up for that one.

Have a good Monday, folks!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

Your Peek At Those First Few Photographs...

2010-11-13T00:33:00.016-06:00

Hello everyone!

Thanks for patiently waiting for pictures. The good news is that we have a new computer...the bad news is that I really shouldn't be up this late posting pictures...but see...there is this newer, faster computer that was tempting me to post...

Our son's first few photographs after he was born on November 4, 2010:

This one is less than five minutes after he was born.

A few hours after birth waiting to get checked out.

A proud Daddy Rainmaker.

Not sure what is going on here...Dad was taking pictures; mom was recuperating.

This may have been the beginning of his bath.

Interspersed with a weight picture.

He was 20 1/2 inches long.

He now weighs 6 pounds 11 ounces.

Time to wash his hair for the first time.

Getting it wet...

Rubbing in the shampoo.

Isn't he lovely?

How about another one?

His first diaper...

Changed by experienced hands.

Ahh....swaddled and warm...much happier now.

I have more pictures to share, but I will have to post those later.

I hope you are all doing well!

Sincerely,

Sunshine Mama

A Little Update

2010-11-10T15:07:00.003-06:00

Hello again!

Thank you for all of your congratulations!

I'm at the library with baby this time and he's asleep. I had stopped in to pick up the latest Jack Reacher novel, and I thought, "well, we'll see how long he sleeps."

He just got weighed again today and he's now 6 pounds 11 ounces, as compared to 6 pounds 6.8 ounces on Monday. I'm guessing that he will hit seven pounds very soon.

I don't know how the weather is anywhere else, but it's been in the 70s here for the past three days which has been wonderful for Daddy Rainmaker to get some outside things done at home.

I have been doing some house cleaning and around 7:00 p.m. last night I hit the wall and fell asleep for four hours. But I've been working hard to make sure I get my sleep. Each day I feel a little bit better recovery-wise. I'm also very glad that we made all that food because meals are a breeze.

Tomorrow and Friday I start back with some homeschooling, so we'll see how that goes. Also, I am thinking about going back in the gym next week, but that will depend on how I feel.

The whole family just loves baby and loves holding him. I don't even mind changing his diaper. Well, I think he's waking up.

I will blog when I can.

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

Baby Boy Is Here...And He Came Facing Up

2010-11-08T19:53:00.004-06:00

Hi friends,

Daddy Rainmaker is waiting in the car with our bundle of joy while I type a quick post here at the library. Ha, Ha. I have to laugh at that because I didn't know how else to do it without bringing in the baby or we can't keep him at home while I write because I'm breastfeeding...

Anyway...All went well. After I typed my last post Wednesday night, the contractions started becoming more intense and regular around 11:00 p.m. Then, when I couldn't stand it anymore, we went to the hospital around midnight.

By the time I got there I was dilated to five and fully effaced. I decided to take some fetanol (I'm not sure I have the spelling right) which takes the edge off the contractions. I started with half a dose and then took the other half as things got more intense. I'm glad I did because I noticed that I was having some back labor, too, which is indicative of a baby facing the wrong way (sunny side up).

Well, I usually start pushing when I hit eight centimeters. And if baby is facing the right way, the pushing is the easy part. Well, the pushing was not easy. She kept telling me to push harder and harder and she said it with a certain urgency. So, I did the best I could, but I looked at her face and realized that this baby may not be facing the right way. So, into my second round of pushing when the next contraction came...she said push twice as hard as the last one...and then they put the oxygen mask on me because the baby's heart rate had dropped. But I pushed again and he came out. Altogether I pushed a total of five minutes to get a sunny side up baby out, which to me is quite miraculous. Baby #4 took 90 minutes to push out because of him facing the wrong way.

I can only imagine that the reason the pushing part went so smoothly, all things considered, was because he wasn't as big as the other babies, I had some pain medication along the way, and perhaps because I'm in shape. After the birth, one of the gals who attended the labor said something about me pushing like a rock star? Ha, I think that was a compliment.

Our son weighed 6 pounds 4.4 ounces at birth and is 20 1/2 inches long. He weighs about a pound less on average than our other babies. I asked the doctor if he weighs less because I gained less weight in this pregnancy and they said they didn't think so.

We had an appointment this morning, and already he weighs 6 pounds 6.8 ounces. So, he's gaining weight. And he eats all the time.

Other than being a slender little guy, he is in perfect health, thank God! He's beautiful. His face didn't get bruised at all from coming out the wrong way, which will sometimes happen.

I have been taking pictures and expect to have my home computer issues resolved by the end of this week if not sooner so that I can post some pictures of the baby.

But I wanted to thank you for keeping an eye on me and the baby and I appreciate all of your words of encouragement.

Everything is going well at home with the new baby. It feels a little strange to not be pregnant after being pregnant for so long. My body is still recovering, and I nap often to try and keep up on my sleep.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to post again until my I get my computer at home up and working. But hopefully that will be by Friday.

Oh, so he was born on Thursday, November 4 at 2:50 a.m.

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama

1st Day Over My Date...I'm Feeling The Pressure...

2010-11-03T19:16:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone!

I so enjoyed hearing your comments today. I agree, I think this baby IS calling the shots and this boy could be a man of leisure, SunshinegMeg.

However, what's so funny about all of this is that I'm only one day over my due date, but, gosh, every day feels like it's reeling by in slow motion or something so it feels like he IS taking his time coming out when in reality...it's only been one whole day past the due date. Ha, Ha!

But there is a very good reason for why I titled this post having to do with pressure. Folks, the time may be very near.

I'm trying to decide how much to tell all of you. I've already shared with you a little about losing some of my mucus plug. Well....and I really don't want to gross out anyone...so let's just say a little more than than that has been happening today. But I called the midwife and she said everything was all right as long as it doesn't look like I'm leaking amniotic fluid or any kind of "flow" is coming out that I would need a pad for. Sometimes when the midwife checks to see if you're dilated (like she did yesterday), it can cause some things to happen. Sorry I'm being so mysterious. I'm trying to not gross anyone out.

But the thing that has really gotten my attention today is that I think the baby had dropped lower into my pelvis. There is just more pressure on my bladder. When the baby moves, I feel pressure and the contractions feel different...lower...and much, much more painful.

They actually feel like labor pains. They actually make me wince. They make me want to stop what I'm doing...try to relax...and breath carefully. However, they only happen two to four times an hour and they don't last too long. But they hurt.

For those who don't know, it's not until they last about a minute and are about five minutes apart before I start thinking about going to the hospital.

In fact, it's uncomfortable enough...Dawne, that I don't want to go to the gym tonight. I am skipping the gym. Though, I probably should go because they aren't happening that often. Right? I went last night and felt fine. Great in fact.

I called my husband before he left work and told him to make sure he had his "I'll be gone" messages in place. I called my mom to put her on standby. But at the rate things are happening now...he may end up going to work tomorrow anyway. Or...I may be getting woken in the middle of the night.

I simply don't know. But I do know that my contractions are no longer subtle or mild. They actually hurt, which is why I have to guess that it may not be much longer. I just have never had it where this thing has dragged out like it has with this one.

If I don't blog by between 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow night, you all might safely assume that the baby has come. We usually stay at the hospital for a few days.

If things happen tomorrow, this will be a "Happy Thursday" baby and our eight-year-old son will be very happy to "win" his guess. He reminded me that he guessed it'd come at 4:30 p.m. on the 4th.

What's interesting is that a part of me would like for this baby to wait till the weekend like all the other babies have. I've never had a baby in the middle of the week before. Then, my husband can finish up his work week, the homeschooling week will be done...but I also understand that the fact that all have come on the weekend is actually probably very unusual, and ultimately, I don't control that.

Also, wanted to share with you some numbers I put together where I took the birth dates of our five children, compared them to their due dates and averaged out when they were born. Comparatively, the numbers are -3, 0, +2, +4, +14...These numbers mean that one was born three days before the due date, one on the due date, one two days past the due date, four days past the due date and 14 days past the due date. So, you add these numbers together and divide by five and that puts the average at +3.4 days past the due date. So, if you go on that average, this baby could be born half way through this Saturday or three-and-a-half days past my due date of November 2.

Wasn't that fun?

See what kind of constructive things I think about? Mathematical speculations on the date of the baby's birth.

Well, since I'm here at the library, maybe I'll check out a good book. ha, ha!

I hope you all have a Happy Thursday tomorrow!

Sincerely,
Sunshine Mama