A beautiful day

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day. The weather was in the high 60's and really motivated me! It began with a great walk/hike with a couple of friends in the gorgeous Percy Warner Park. We've been dying to get Brooklyn to kick around her soccer ball and the rain has been preventing that from happening, so it was a must. A trip to our new favorite park to take her, Owl Creek Park, including some soccer, swinging, tricycle riding, sliding, and some relaxing in the beautiful sun. Here are some

pics from the park:

These are the moments that life is about. We hope to take in every single one of them.

I also broke the routine and kept Brooklyn up late past her bedtime to go to the dance recital at SCA. She was enthralled by the dancing and it was worth every minute of it!

Small victories

A week back into the journey and we have some small victories to celebrate!

• last weekend we ate every meal at home (actually a big accomplishment for us, but small in the big picture)
• three workouts over the week--extreme muscle pain prevented more later in the week (maybe went too hard too quickly?)
• over the whole week we only had one meal out due to Brooklyn's soccer practice on the other side of town after work, making it impossible to come home to eat dinner--kept that meal healthy by grabbing low calorie subs at Subway
• thoroughly enjoyed Brooklyn's first soccer practice and hope she loves it

Goals for this week: Lent starts, so we are going to do something together to better our lives. Drink more water and less diet drinks (Diet Dr. Pepper has been my vice these days). Research more recipes for healthier cooking like this.

Re-commitment

March 1 was our re-commitment date on this journey. We had gotten a little off track, but not too bad. Our goals are to exercise more and return to eating at home as much as possible. Many things have happened since August, but we are still striving to have a healthier lifestyle. We have plateaued in the weight loss, so we know that we have to kick up the physical activity if we want to lose more.

My official goal is 40 lbs. by Sept. 1 (6 months from start date). I have the honor of being a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding and really want to rock the dress I'll be wearing. Now that it is getting warmer, I hope to be motivated by the sunshine and get it done! Tom bought me Zumba! for the Wii for Christmas, so I also hope to incorporate it into the routine. I've worked out with it twice now and I definitely felt the burn in my muscles!

So the update since 3/1:

3/1: 30 min. Zumba! for Wii

3/3: 45 min. Zumba! for Wii

We have to learn from our past, right? Well, I wasn't really that involved in many physical activities as a child or growing up, so I hope to change that for Brooklyn. I want her to enjoy sports and other activities. We're starting her young. Last night she had her first soccer practice! I hope she has fun and learns to enjoy playing with her teammates.

I appreciate your feedback and comments as we venture on down the road. Here we go!

Thank you Mrs. Crocker

My achievement for this week was cooking my first whole chicken! I wasn't sure that I could do it, but yes I could with the help of Mrs. Betty Crocker. I never knew it could be so easy!

I am excited for the start of a new school year--all the celebrations, new projects, and being a part of bringing more great girls to a fabulous school!

Another accomplishment this week that may not sound huge to the average person, but I went shopping with people other than my husband or family member. I cannot remember the last time I felt confident and unashamed enough to allow myself to be around others when I am shopping. It was fun, but I also had to remind myself to not get frustrated because I still have a ways to go, but I will never be skinny. I ended the day feeling good which hasn't been the case after a shopping trip for a very long time.

I'm back..../Not just any jeans

Yes, it has been too long. No, we have not "fallen off course." We're still going along in our journey, just kind of hit a level plain. Not mountains, not valleys. In the last six weeks we have spent time with family and friends and I have also returned to work. I've been working on a lot of fun projects that have been challenging yet enjoyable and hence not much energy when I get home. My hubby has been working lots of overtime lately, making up for the dollars spent traveling and visiting family as well as paying off some bills. I'm quite proud of the hard work he has been doing, but ready to have him back on the weekends. I guess I've gotten a small glimpse into what it is like to be a single parent and wouldn't wish it upon anyone!!


These are not just any jeans...





These are the first jeans that I have purchased for a long time that were not plus size!!!! While in Georgia visiting my in-laws, Tom and I snuck away while Brooklyn was napping and did a little shopping. These jeans are from one of my old favorite stores, Old Navy! It has been many years since I have fit into their jeans, and I not only fit into them, I didn't have to buy their largest size! I had a bit of a celebratory dance in the dressing room to say the least. My hubby has also fit himself into the smallest pants he can ever remember wearing. To say the least, shopping is fun again! Being able to shop just about anywhere I want to also allows me to be picky and look around for bargains. Here is my latest:







Not the best photo of it, but this is a stylish gold skirt (4 sizes smaller than when I started this journey), that I would have not ever thought I would look good in before. The original price was $54.50; it was marked down to $39.99 with an additional 50% off and I had a $15 coupon... do the math and I got it for a whole $5!


With my new confidence due to my healthier life, it was also time for another drastic change for my new look. My good friend Maggie blessed me with a gift card to Studio 120 for a hair makeover--and boy did I need it! I figured if I wanted to get something different, I should go all out---





and I did!


I promise to blog more and don't forget to send me recipes for your tasty healthy meals! I need to expand my recipe book to keep things changing with our eating and we won't get bored.


Till next time!

The fun stuff we are doing

I met up with a coworker yesterday to get some ideas for a summer camp I am teaching in a couple of weeks and she asked what we had been doing so far (this is technically just week 1 of summer break). I was telling her that I've been in a predicament because summer is shorter than I was looking forward to all school year (going back to work July 6), so I have all these ideas of things to do and want to enjoy the time I have off. But yet, I still want to relax a little so that I feel refreshed when I go back to work. I'm working on the balance.

With that said, I thought I'd share some of the things we have done this week and last week when I didn't have inservice meetings:

• Nashville Sounds baseball game- Tom got to see a legend coaching the Iowa Cubs (Ryne Sandberg)
• Lunch date and a movie
• Wave Country ($12 for the family with our Citipass coupon)
• Trip to the zoo (many more to come)
• Story time at the main library (a must for all young children)
• Free family movie at Green Hills Cinema
• Staying up late and catching up on movies from the Redbox since summer television stinks
• Finished a book I started on Spring Break

If you have other fun and inexpensive things to do, please share!

Today we head to Indiana after Tom gets off work. The first celebration of the summer--my little sister's engagement party! Still hard to believe my little sister is getting married because she's supposed to stay little to me and not do these kind of grown up things--just kidding Karen!

Yesterday I found out that registration for a camp increased, so next week I'll return to my art state of mind and maybe it will inspire me to do some more of my own artsy things!

Summer please slow down.

Summer has begun

I've been busy with my to do list for the month and realized I hadn't written an update in a couple of weeks. It's going to be a busy month, but we are excited to see family and friends over the next few weeks! One project I am working on is a recipe book of my own! I collect recipes from various Web sites (eatbetteramerica and Mrs. Dash are my faves), but need one place to put them all so I don't have to keep searching for them. If you have a recipe I can add to my book, please send it to me! We need to energize our menu so that we don't get bored with it!

Here's our next weigh in:

Amie has lost 2 1/2 more pounds for a total of 53 pounds!!

Tom has lost 5 more pounds for a total of 48 pounds!!

We'll post some updated pics after we take some this weekend!

Yummy dinner

Tonight I made this chicken stir fry recipe for dinner and it was very yummy. It has a kick of spicy--which we didn't expect. Easy to make as well!

Celebrations

I've been asked a lot lately how I plan to spend my summer. Although it will be shorter than expected (returning to work July 1), I do have many things to look forward to during the month of June. My little sister's engagement party in Indy, Huntsville to celebrate Sophia's birthday and Eli's baptism, Father's Day, July 4th weekend in Georgia, and squeeze in zoo trips and storytimes at the library with Brooklyn--I hope to go back to work in July to relax!

Another milestone happened last weekend when we cleaned out our closets and donated four trash bags full of clothes that are too BIG to Goodwill. We're used to donating stuff that is too small, so this felt very good.

I keep forgetting to mention that another health benefit from our journey has been that Tom's snoring has pretty much disappeared. I've woken up many times during the night and there hasn't been any snoring. YEA!!!! He had surgery for his deviated septum, tonsils removed, and other stuff four years ago to help with his sleep apnea. They told him the rest was up to him--to cure the snoring and apnea, he had to lose weight. That he has done!

Last night was the finale of The Biggest Loser and I was completely amazed at all the contestants results. We did a weigh in and here are our results:

Amie lost another 4 1/2 pounds for a total of 50 1/2 pounds

Tom lost another 2 pounds for a total of 43 1/2 pounds

I met my pound for pound challenge! I pledged 50 pounds thinking it was a far-reaching goal. WOW! I can't believe I met it! My new goal is another 30 pounds. I'm giving myself the timeframe of my sister's wedding in September 2011.

Here's to the next phase of our journey! Thanks for traveling with us!

Blessings

The past couple of weeks I have been reminded of the many blessings in my life. This Mother's Day as the Bishop of Nashville said a blessing over mothers at Mass, I got a bit emotional because I absolutely love being a mom and it defines who I am. I strive every day to be the best mom I can be and just hope that Brooklyn knows at least an inkling of how much I love her. Nothing quite describes the love a mother has for her child. It's undefinable.


As many that I know also experienced and survived the disastrous floods last week, I am very thankful for everything I have and that we did not have to experience that trauma personally. I am truly touched by the spirit and courage of my friends who experienced losing their homes and belongings to the rivers. I had the opportunity to go help in the clean up a little and wish I could have done more. I enjoyed helping out a guy named Will who needed help packing up things he could salvage (who knew the skills I learned moving so much growing up would help in a disaster as well). Our super-woman team of Deb, Pam, Jenn, Stephanie, and I did everything we could in our three hours only to find most everyone in the neighborhood we were at had plenty of help. The volunteer spirit is thriving!


We haven't given a update on our weight loss, so this is where we are:


Tom has lost another 4 1/2 pounds for a total of 41 pounds and I have lost another 5 1/2 pounds for a total of 46 pounds. Here are a few pics from Mother's Day. Doesn't Tom look so skinny??? I am in my new skirt that is two sizes smaller!

It's a lifestyle

After nearly four months on this journey, I've recently come to realize how our efforts to leading healthier lives has transformed into a lifestyle. It is coming natural to us and is a part of our everyday decisions. We've had some low times in the last couple of weeks, but we continue to encourage each other to keep pressing forward to reach our goals. An unexpected thing that has happened is how our relationship has strengthened as well. The desire to want the best for each other and the pride we have for each other has brought us closer to each other. Every time someone tells me that Tom looks good, I feel so happy and proud of him.

This past weekend we did a small amount of shopping, which gave us a boost of encouragement. Tom fit very comfortably into shorts two inches smaller and also bought a large size Cubs t-shirt. He use to get an extra large if not 2XL. I was very happy when a skirt for work fit me at two sizes smaller than my other skirts and I also bought a few shirts in a smaller size. Sounds like we may have spent a good amount of money, but shopped at Ross and Old Navy to get cheap prices so we aren't investing a lot of money when we hopefully will need even smaller clothes.

As we watch our inspiration tonight (The Biggest Loser), I watched the contestants complete a 5K. It inspires me to research any that might be in the Nashville area and make it a goal for myself as well. Anyone who wants to join me would make it even better! I won't promise to run it, but I want to complete it!

We are also nearing our goal for the Pound for Pound Challenge. It feels good knowing someone in need is benefitting from this journey and getting the food and nutrition they need.

It feels good to feel good.

40.5/37.5

We've hit another milestone! I've lost 40 1/2 pounds and Tom has lost 37 1/2 pounds!!!!!!

Gangsta Style

I had a good laugh today when Tom walked in from grilling out and his shorts were almost around his knees. He was rollin' gangsta style since they were so big! I guess we will have to budget for a new summer wardrobe. My capris and shorts are big as well, but not falling down as much as his.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks as the floors were finished and we decided to change things up a bit in the house while we had the opportunity. There are still a few things to put away/figure out, but we feel good with how things are looking. Here is a before and after of our floors:

This project actually goes along with our goal of financial responsibility. We invested our tax return into our house instead of what we have done in the past--spending it on "things" that don't show for anything. It felt very good to complete our first big home improvement.

We've continued to eat healthy and watch our portions. The temptations were numerous with the stress of the house being out of order and such, but we stuck with it. Today I put a dress on for Easter that was two sizes smaller and it fit great and it felt wonderful. I actually wore it with a lot of confidence. Here are the results:

Tom lost another three pounds for a total of 35 pounds!

Amie lost anotehr three and a half pounds for a total of 39 1/2 pounds!

Weeks 10 & 11

It has been a busy couple of weeks. We are preparing for the installation of hardwood floors tomorrow. Today is "moving day." We'll pick up the u-haul truck and clear out the downstairs after church today. I am ready to say a huge "good bye" to this carpet! I'll post before and after photos once it is complete.

Brooklyn and I had a fantastic Spring Break week. We did lots of fun activities during our stay-cation. I think the most budget friendly and surprisingly fun for her was the library. She is at a great age to be excited about seeing all the books and interacting with the other kids. The week also included painting pottery, the Tennessee Aquarium, and the zoo. I cannot wait to take advantage of our zoo membership this summer. It is well worth the money! A lesson I learned from this week is how easy it is to go out and do something and be active. It's easy to stay at home and get into a rut. This week I looked forward to our next activity.

Tom and I continue to lose a few pounds. We are really looking forward to spring weather so we can get fresh air while getting the exercise in. And here are our numbers...

Over the past two weeks Tom has lost 3 pounds for a total of 32 pounds and I have lost 4 1/2 pounds for a total of 36 pounds!

Week 9 Weigh In

This weekend we came to the conclusion that eating at home is better in several ways than going out to eat.

1. It's cheaper
2. You don't have to sit and wait on slow service
3. It tastes better

Last week we treated ourselves to a dinner out and ordered small steaks. Tom's steak was over-cooked and my steak was dry. Last night he grilled out and it was so much better! It was delicious and we got four portions of steak for $6.

We weighed in yesterday and Tom lost 4 1/2 pounds for a total of 29 pounds! I lost 1 1/2 pounds for a total of 31 1/2 pounds! I better step up my game so he doesn't catch up to me!

Delicious Dinner!

Last night I made this for dinner and it was quite tasty! I had leftovers for lunch and two of my coworkers also loved it!

"Healthified" Cashew Chicken and Broccoli

7 reviews

Log in to Rate

12 ratings

55% less sat fat • 52% less fat • 21% fewer calories than the original recipe—see the comparison. It's not nutty to serve chicken with cashews. We cut the fat in this dish by using half the cashews. Brown rice and more veggies raised the fiber to new heights. From eatbetteramerica.

prep time:30 min

start to finish:30 min

makes:4 servings

2	teaspoons canola oil
1	lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1	teaspoon finely chopped gingerroot
2	cups fresh broccoli florets
1	cup Progresso® reduced-sodium chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1/8	teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2	cups Green Giant® frozen sugar snap peas (from 24-oz bag)
3	tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2	teaspoons rice vinegar
1	tablespoon cornstarch
1	teaspoon sugar
2	medium green onions, sliced (2 tablespoons)
3	cups hot cooked brown rice
1/4	cup salted roasted cashew halves and pieces

1.	In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and gingerroot; cook and stir 4 to 5 minutes or until chicken begins to brown.
2.	Add broccoli, 1/2 cup of the broth and the pepper flakes. Cover; cook over medium heat 2 minutes, stirring once. Add peas; cook 2 to 4 minutes longer, stirring once, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
3.	In small bowl, mix remaining 1/2 cup broth, the soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch and sugar; stir into chicken mixture. Add onions; cook, stirring frequently, until sauce is thickened and bubbly. Serve over rice; sprinkle with cashews.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

30/25!!!!!!!!!

This weekend we hit another milestone in our journey...

Amie lost 3 1/2 pounds for a total of 30 pounds and Tom lost 3 pounds for a total of 25 pounds!!!!!!!!!!

We have found ourselves deciding that the "easy" meal options do not sound good to us because they are not healthy. Yesterday we found another good healthy place for a quick eat. We met friends at Jason's Deli and really enjoyed the salad bar. It was delicious.

We are feeling good....

A good feeling...

No post this past weekend because we didn't have much to say. Unfortunately it was a down week as I gained a pound and Tom lost just 1/2 pound. We're not going to let it get us down though! I've already lost the pound I gained, so here's looking to the rest of the week.

Today I had a good feeling--sitting in the theatre seats at school have always been uncomfortable, but today as I sat down, I had a bit of room and sat more comfortably! Another good feeling has been the fact that we have had a hard time keeping our pants on, literally. This weekend as we were walking, I felt like my pants were falling down! Tom bought a pair of jeans in a smaller size and the were a perfect fit.

We're hoping for more of those good feelings!

What a week!

So much has happened in the last week! We survived the trip to Indy and all the festivities for Brooklyn's birthday. It was great to hear family say they could see the difference of the weight loss in us. It's always encouraging to hear that something you work hard for is noticed. While there we also talked wedding plans with my sister and she chose a dress for us bridesmaids. It is beautiful and another inspiration for me to keep moving forward on this journey.

We had a bit of a heat wave today in Nashville (49 degrees), so

tonight we hit the pavement and walked with our new iPod nano. The songs that came across for me weren't that inspiring or uplifting, so I have a new mission of making the best walking playl

ist. I'll take suggestions!

When we returned from the trip, we weighed ourselves and our results from Tuesday morning:

Amie lost another 3 pounds for a total of 27 pounds!!

Thomas lost 6 pounds for a total of 22 pounds!!

By the way, if you didn't already know, here is our inspiration to leading healthier lives:

Mid week weigh in

Tomorrow we head north for Brooklyn's birthday. I won't be able to post until late on Monday, so I decided to weigh in this morning and I'm showing a 5 pound loss since Sunday. We'll see how that "weighs out" when we return from traveling and less control of our meals by cooking for ourselves.

Can't wait to see all the family we'll see. I think I am still in a bit of denial that Brooklyn is turning 2, but I'll try to keep the emotional eating in check!