Back from Fall Family Fun Fest

Friday, October 19, 2012

It's been almost a whole week since Laura & I have gotten back from Michigan and I'm just now having a minute to sit and write about our trip. Our trip was amazing. It was everything I hoped it would be...all the essentials of a true Michigan autumn. 


Laura and I got to spend much needed quality time with my mom & sister (still didn't get to see my brother and sister-in-law and nephew as much as I wanted). We got to go to the apple orchard where I worked in high school & have delicious cider donuts & hot cider. We went to my old high school for their homecoming game...my first time back in 11 years. I bumped into some old classmates too. (I have to say it was uber weird that we're grown-ups (ha!) and have kiddos of our own.) We went to church at my old hometown church where I was baptized, confirmed, and married! We went to the BEST pumpkin farm with Laura's cousin, Logan. Laura licked a goat...yup, you read that correctly. Logan even had a sleep over one night at Irma's house (Grandma's house) so he could spend more time with his cousin. Laura LOVED playing with him and tried to do all the silly things he was doing. My sister and I made piecaken (pie baked inside of cake) because we had to ;) Mollie and I had a great lunch just the two of us at one of my favorite restaurants in Bay City. I got to finally help my sister with her mini-farm. Needless to say I'm not the best farmhand around but I held my own the temperamental rototiller! 


I was just so happy to share my most favorite fall things with Laura. I know she won't remember them but hopefully these pictures will help as I tell her stories when she's older. Who know when we'll be able to spend that much time with my family up north again. This was such a blessing. 


Ten days was a long time to be away from home. Truthfully I wasn't even paying attention when I bought the plane tickets as to how long we'd be gone. I was just going for the best deal...oops! I know it meant so much to my family that we came and actually stayed long enough to really relax and enjoy our time together. I did feel bad for my poor hubby. Mathew missed us so much and Laura & I both were so excited to see him in the airport. Every time we'd talk on the phone Laura would get this quizzical, almost sad look on her face. I can only imagine she was trying to figure out why she could hear her daddy but not hug him. I cried a little when they were finally reunited. I give mad props to any families that have to be separated for any length of time. You are far stronger than I am! 

So we are glad to be home and settling into our new and busy routine of going running, going to music class, swinging by the weekly farmers' markets, and just enjoying every minute of our blessed little life.

Weight War Check-In

Monday, October 1, 2012

Alright, time for my first check in on my two year trek to better health! I was pretty nervous about this but nonetheless, it needs to be done to help hold me accountable and get me closer to my goal. I've decided the quickest and most efficient way to jot down the most important changes/improvements/set backs in bullet points. I heart bullet points. :)

  • Changes in Diet: Our house by necessity has been leaning towards gluten-free, dairy-free ever since Laura was born. Matt has a gluten allergy, borderline, yet untested, Celiac's Disease (Go get tested already, husband!!) so Laura has been kept off gluten and will be until at least January. She can be tested at age 2 but needs gluten established in her system before then. I digress. How does this affect me? Well, it's just plain dumb to buy two different types of bread and everything else that contains gluten. Also I've noticed I have WAY more energy, less headaches and fatigue, and less fogginess of brain since cutting gluten out. So we're sticking with it for now. The other big change is dairy-free. Laura is hugely allergic to dairy and won't be given any more dairy until she's at least 5 per doctor's orders. People with environmental/seasonal allergies also shouldn't be consuming dairy as it makes mucus thicker, leading to more sinus pressure and infections. I have wicked bad allergies so dairy-free we are! Honestly, I don't even miss it. I really thought I would because I LOVE LOVE LOVE me a good block of cheese. Well in the first week dairy free I lost 3 pounds. Now I knew it wouldn't stick but it does show how much dairy was affecting me. The one thing I need to get used to is being dairy free in my coffee. Let's just say I'm working really hard at thinking about how to be ok with out a little cream in my coffee. ;) We've also made a conscious choice after researching to use only grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and organic cage free eggs in our home. It's choice we couldn't help but make after learning all we have. It's definitely affected our budget but we firmly believe it will pay off in less healthcare bills in the future. So all in all we've pretty much revamped our diet in the house. It helped a ton when halfway through the month, Matty boy jumped on board fully. He likes to not eat all day then get all three meals' worth of nutrition in the evening/night. I equate how that affects me like putting an alcoholic in the room full of open liquor bottles. I cannot be around someone eating a lot all at once. I'm a recovering binge eater. Not good. He's been amazing since I explained that to him (thanks, honey!).
  • Changes in Exercise: Welp, I worked out maybe 9 times total this month. I'm trying to avoid spending money on a gym membership since we just don't have it. However, without forking out some dough, I find it hard to hold myself accountable for exercising. SO......I have a fabulous friend, dear Stephanie, who's going to start Couch to 5K with me once I'm back from Michigan. I've secretly always wanted to be able to run, not necessarily a marathon, but more like a mile without feeling like I was going to die. Stephanie is the perfect, no nonsense, kick my booty, no excuses partner for this. (Thanks, Stephanie! I so need your help in this department!) I have the app downloaded onto my phone and I'm ready to go once we get back!
  • How I FEEL This Month: I finally feel like I'm back to myself. Going through all I went through this past year (see here for further explanation :) really took a toll on me and making these changes, I feel SO GOOD! I feel like by God's grace I'm a better steward of the body He's given me and also a better steward of our money by spending it on things that are nourishing and not just things that taste good. (P.S. Nourishing foods taste really really awesome, too!) I'm thankful for the support from friends, advice, and virtual hugs I've received after sharing the struggles I'm facing. I feel the love!
  • Stats for the month:
    • Weight Lost: 2.8 pounds (and I am so pleased with that! Before I've lost like 15 pounds in a few weeks and that sets me up for failure, so this time around slow and steady is my motto!)
    • Clothing Size: 18/20
    • How I Feel: Awesome!

Keep praying for me, friends! I've got a long road to go but I haven't turned around scared yet!
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