I have 6 days left in my 24 day challenge. I have found that I have more energy and have been doing very well with eating. I have increased my workouts and have only had 2 cups of coffee and 2 glasses of wine in the time I have been doing this challenge. I have lost about 5 pounds (I was hoping for more) but we will see how this next week goes. The past week has not been super fun in the house. Ivie had pink eye two weeks ago, Madelynn came home Friday morning from school throwing up. I went to the doctor with pink eye on Saturday and now have a horrible sore throat and sinus drainage. I was in bed at 6 tonight and my body seems to hate me currently so hopefully I can get back to the working out routine tomorrow (I did do a short run last night and went to the gym Monday). To top things off I have a student who started with me 2 weeks ago. He is very nice but has had no patient care experience and this is his last clinical. He is overwhelmed with the amount he needs to learn in 12 weeks (almost 10 now) and I had to make the suggestion to him today that he may need another clinical after this before he begins his career (which would delay his graduation). Not great news to give anyone but hopefully this will be the nudge he needs to get to some serious hard work. I am taking a disciple class this fall and learning alot about myself and my faith. Hoping for more clarity and understanding! Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV)

24 day update

I have officially started the 24 day challenge and am on day three. It has been suprisingly easy thus far. I have had a bit of difficulty getting in protein - especially at lunch. I had a salad with nuts yesterday but it was not good and everytime I have eaten chicken I have not felt well (dry heaving) so I am going to try to change things up and maybe do some tofu tonight for dinner and leftover turkey chili and raw veggies at lunch. The eggs are cooking this morning. My only complaint.....My fiber drinks are disgusting! Today the girls and I are home. Catching up on Laundry then going to go to the hospital for the pink glove video my department is doing in support of breast cancer awareness and then Madelynn has her dance class tonight! It's nice to be at home today even if it is a little busy!

24 day challenge

This summer I have used an excuse to over eat and not exercise nearly as much as I should. I am trying a new great routine starting tomorrow. The Advocare 24 day challenge. Here are a few of my Before photos and we'll see what happens with exercise and a plan after 24 days! Hopefully this will be a good jumpstart for a healthier and happier me!

This weekend we were also able to visit Alldredge Orchards and picked some apples and played with the chickens. Madelynn is having a series about apples at schools so she will have some special items/pictures to share this week at show and tell!

New Year New Me!

The New Year is an excuse to reflect on those things in life that you would like to change about yourself and also about those things which are going well. That is exactly what I have been doing. There are things in my life I am not very proud of. I am not a great friend, sometimes think too much of myself and less of others and often take those who I love forgranted. If you are reading this blog than you are likely very close to me and I want you to know that I do love each and everyone of you and continuously pray for your health, safety and happiness!!!
In addition you all probably know the weight issues I have had in the past/present and my love for all sugary substances. I am loving and committed to weight watchers now and am excited to say that I have lost 17 pounds and counting and need you to keep me on track for that "lifetime membership" goal (I have about 10 more pounds to go. I have also joined a cross-fit class and am really enjoying it so far. Brian is also keeping busy and is likely going to be traveling more with work. He has also been working out with a friend who is a trainer this past year and lost more than 30 pounds. I am very proud of him. The girls are very busy bees! Ivie is all over the place and Brian calls her "our linebacker" because she eats everything in site. Madelynn is very opinionated, talkative most of the time and it has been really fun to watch her grow in the past year! Again thank you for your love and I'll keep the blogs/updates coming as I am able!