Teaching my kids character, structure, and respect

As a mom, I've been a bit of a failure over the last year. Sure I've loved my kids with all of my heart, taken care of their basic needs, but I have failed in a big way. I haven't been their teacher, their instructor, a presence in their lives, I've been here but I haven't been HERE.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it. 
Proverbs 22:6 NIV

In the last year I've accomplished a lot. I've gotten straight A's in school, kept the house well, cooked healthy meals for my family, lost a great deal of weight, run my first 10k, completed bible studies, and taken care of my kids.
However I've also done frivolous things like binge watched 10 seasons of Grey's anatomy for the 4th time, played hours of Skyrim since it was released for the xbox one, and scrolled through my facebook news feed every 20 minutes on some days.
What I haven't done, was be present enough to invest in the training and character of my kids. My boys, my little blessings, the children God entrusted in my care, have greatly suffered for it, and they don't even know it. Now that I've realized it myself, it's time I made some changes.
The boys are often disrespectful, lash out in anger when they are punished, hitting each other when they are angry with each other, and lack self control in just about everything. I blamed them. It was their fault. Why couldn't they behave? Why couldn't they do better? Why are they acting like this?

But it isn't their fault, it's mine.

I'm disrespectful when I don't let them speak their minds because I'm too busy punishing them. I lash out in anger when I punish them for their wrong doing. I use corporal punishment when I don't like something they do. I lack self control when they make mistakes no matter how big or small. I'm modeling the exact same behavior that I'm seeing in them every day, I do nothing else. Sure I talk to them, I play with them, but I also do so little to teach them to be good, kind, and in control of their emotions.

By the way, this isn't easy. None of us as moms want to admit to our faults and failures as parents. We fear judgement of others. I'm trying not to fear right now. The only judgement I should fear is the judgement of the Lord. My hope is that my admittance reminds other moms that feeling failure is normal and we all make mistakes when raising our kids, because none of us are perfect. So moving on, what am I going to do about it?

I had a major realization of just what is happening the day after Christmas, which was actually Christmas Day for everyone else. Our kids had had their new toys for only one day. When I put their train table together in their room, I told them that if they took the tracks apart, I would take them away. Not only did they throw the tracks all over the room before the day was out, but a new toy got broken and another one bent, and less than 24 hours after they received these things. I must admit I went a little crazy. I yelled a lot, I took every new thing they received out of their room, I banned them from video games, I yelled a lot more. I was so beyond frustrated with them! After all of this, I knew that taking away their things was a good punishment, then  I realized I went about it all wrong. I had become this mom monster that my kids didn't like, and I didn't like.

I began to realize where the problems lie. Why was Timmy constantly "parenting" Billy? Because I put that on him. It was always small commands that I thought nothing of. I wasn't asking him to punish his brother. "Timmy, go check on Billy." "Timmy, get your brother away from there." Timmy, tell your brother to get out of there." I was setting him up for the parent role because I was too busy  to take it on myself. He was delivering punishment the way he saw me do it. Yikes! So what am I doing about this? It's a tough habit for him to break, he just immediately hits his brother when he is doing something wrong. So now it's my job to teach him to talk to his brother about the things he doesn't like, and come to me if the problem persists. It's not his job, but my job, and I promised him I would do it better.
Why does Billy have no self control? Sure, some of it has to do with age and personality, but it certainly doesn't have to be as bad as it is. He has no structure. Why? Because I don't offer him any. I keep saying to myself, that he is going to preschool in the fall, he'll get structure there. But it's not their job to fix the problem, it's mine. I think a big culprit lies in the number of hours he spends a day playing video games. Since Timmy has been in school, we have implemented a rule that he is only to play video games on the weekends. However, I've continued to let Billy play them throughout the week. Not only that, but most days while I'm busy doing other things, whether important or frivolous, I've let him play video games most days from the time Timmy leaves until he returns. The day goes by so quickly I don't even realize he is playing video games for almost seven hours a day! And he's only 4 years old! Well, change is coming. Video games will be restricted to the weekends and no more than an hour a day on the weekdays if he earns it. I will make more time to be there for him by cutting out the things I don't need. The constant checking of facebook, and keeping the TV off for most of the day. He deserves better from me. He thinks it's great of course that he is playing games all day, it's so much fun! But it's my job to find other ways for him to have fun, and give him more structure.

Moving on, I've been working on setting up a new structure. I've only just begun so there will be changes all the time, but here is what is happening now.

More responsibility: I spend many hours a day cleaning up after my family, and the most I ask of the boys is to clean their room every couple of weeks and clear their plate from the table. Occasionally I ask them to help me clean the living room and throw something away. Part of their punishment for treating their toys badly was a lot of chores yesterday. Sweeping the floor, cleaning every room with me, vacuuming, putting their own stuff away, taking out the trash, wiping down their space after eating, putting their clothing on hangers and hanging it in the closet. What did I discover? Two boys arguing over who got to take the trash out, wipe down the counter tops, and put their clothing on hangers. Two boys who WANTED to do these things. Why didn't I try this sooner? I've always heard kids crave structure and responsibility, and now I'm witnessing it. I plan to make a chore chart for them to remind me of the importance of this. An added bonus is that having their help frees up my time to spend more time enjoying them and less time shooing them away because I'm cleaning up.

Less screen time: No video games during the week, for either of them. I'm still working out the TV details but I'm thinking an hour of cartoons in the afternoon and an hour in the evening every day. I'm also working out a way to make them earn their screen time.

Daily devotionals: I found a great character qualities worksheet to work off of. Every week a new character quality and memory verse. We started with Truth vs. Deception. Lying has become a problem, especially with Timmy, so this is a great place to start. If anyone is interested in a copy of the character qualities worksheet for their own kids, just ask!

Daily workbook time: For Timmy this means practicing things like sight words, and writing. For Billy, this might mean a sticker workbook, or coloring. Either way, they need some education at home, not just at school.

Daily reading time: Especially because Timmy is learning to read. Grab some books, sit on the couch, and either read or look at the pictures. This gives me a little quiet time and gives them structure as well.

Adjusting their punishment: Screaming at them and constant corporal punishment obviously isn't working. I believe in spanking when it is well deserved for the most serious issues. Punishment looks different for every child. It would seem that taking away the things they love is effective, and when I return their train tracks to them today and remind them what happens if they mistreat their toys, the result will be an indication of the effectiveness of this punishment. I also plan not to punish them in anger, even if that means taking a few moments to calm my nerves before deciding how to handle a situation.

In your anger do not sin, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. 
Ephesians 4:26

I am praying and hopeful that these changes will bring about change in my boys and myself. All three of my children are blessings from the Lord, and they need me to be their instructor and love them unconditionally.

I've said it already, there are many ways I need to work out these changes, and for any of you who have read this entire post, that may have suggestions or wisdom in the area of parenting, I will happily accept any advice or comments on how to improve myself and teach my kids in this area.

The War Room, and how it's inspired me to break away from all social media

If you haven't seen "War Room" yet, I'm disclosing that I'm not about to add any spoilers, but below there is a brief synapse of the movie. :)

Last night I finally got to watch "War Room." It was a fantastic movie, both touching and humorous. The roles played by Priscilla Shirer, Karen Abercrombie, and T.C. Stallings were inspired and moving. If you don't know what it's about, it is about a couple who is struggling in their marriage and in their spiritual life, and with the help of a very funny and Godly mentor, they are able to repair their marriage and get right with God. Elizabeth Jordan, played by Priscilla Shirer, describes her life as "too busy" for time of prayer and a relationship with Jesus. I think a lot of us Christians go through phases of life when we feel that way. Currently, I have a full schedule of classes, responsibilities as a wife and mother, and spending time with my friends and other family when I can, there just isn't time for God and Jesus in the picture right?
Wrong! I don't spend EVERY WAKING MOMENT taking care of my family, playing with my family, and studying for tests. I spend time watching TV in the evenings, I spend time playing candy crush and scrolling through social media. In fact, I spend quite a bit of my morning with my smartphone. Right there, that is something superficial that is getting in the way of me and Jesus. I like knowing what is going on with my friends and family, but since when is that the only thing facebook offers? If it was, we'd spend a lot less time with it. 
So here I am again, wanting to take a hiatus from social media. Except it will be an extremely long hiatus. Because I'm consumed in a big way by school work, I'm putting my social media accounts aside, at least for the duration of this semester, in order to focus more on what's important. I am nothing without God, so I need him first and foremost. 
I've heard great things about the books written by Stormie Omartian such as The Power of a Praying Wife, and The Power of a Praying Mom. I can't wait to read all of them, but first I will read The Power of a Praying Woman, because I feel it's important to get my own relationship with God right before anything else. 

I'm looking forward to this next great read, and really getting my life back in order! Christianbooks is having a "fall mega sale" right now, so I'd love to have some ladies join me in this bible study. We can have discussions in my home or online. If you love Jesus but are looking to build a stronger relationship, or don't know Jesus and are looking to learn more, Join me on this journey! I'll order you a book just send me a message! 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

                                   Matthew 6:33

To my bread winning husband....

Today marks five years we've been married. Five years of both hardship and bliss. I'd like to celebrate that by thanking you.

I recently read a letter from another wife to her breadwinner husband. I could have shared it on Facebook with a quick "Love you babe" and a heart emoji. This I felt, was much better.
You see....I enjoyed the sentiment of her letter, but her facts and feelings were different from mine. So here it is, my love.

I see you. Day in and day out, for all of the years we've been married plus some, going to work to make a living. I watched you come home, your body tired and sore after working 14 hour days not just driving, but unloading entire trucks by hand, alone, twice a week, for years. (I'm so grateful that you aren't doing that anymore!) For years we said goodbye to you for days at a time. Then you would come home and stay up for more than 24 hours before going to bed. (Also glad you don't do that anymore!) We had each other, me and the kids. You had your truck and the road. We had each other, you were alone. We're so blessed to be able to see you every day now, even if only for ten minutes, but despite your slightly easier workload, I see that your sacrifices don't stop there. There are many pictures of you playing with and taking care of our kids in your work uniform. Even playing one of our children's new games on Christmas Day before getting on the road. For years this is what it was like. 

Timmy will be 6 this year, and so 6 years will have also gone by that I have been a stay at home mom. Long before I became a mom I wanted to do that. Here I am. I'm living that dream. Not only am I living that dream but I was able to pursue another dream and start a ministry. Now I'm pursuing the career of my dreams and taking college classes to prepare for nursing school. I'm pursuing my dream of becoming a runner. If there is something I'm passionate about you have always paved the way for me to make it happen! I know you had big dreams for yourself, too. When we met you could have chosen to pursue any dream you wanted and you choose me. That is such an incredible blessing to me! And there are times I definitely don't deserve it. No matter what I'm doing or whether our relationship is on an up or a down, your loving sacrifice of keeping this family afloat is unchanging. You work out there and always do your best to balance everything that's happening here. 

As I write this and think about these things I can't help it I'm beaming because I'm just so proud of you! I pray that God continues to bless and impact us and our marriage as long as we are alive. I still do babe!

60 Before 30- Six months down.

In 15 days I will be 29 years old. When I was 27 I told myself I was not going to spend the rest of my 20's overweight. For a woman who is 5'3 overweight is anything over 130 pounds. So after all, I will likely be overweight for the rest of my 20's. However, I have a chance to make a change and be in the best shape of my life when I reach 30 years of age. I've been blessed with three beautiful, healthy children. After three births, and the beginning of this year, I weighed 195 pounds. Yikes! This set my goal weight loss at 65 pounds. Not as catchy so I'm calling it my 60 before 30. Get it?

So here I am, one-third of the way through it. The first two months were great, as the weight fell off. After that, motivation and good eating habits became a struggle to maintain. I was fairly consistent with my exercise, at the very least I was walking to reach 10,000 steps almost every day. However, exercise is nothing without healthy eating habits. Some months, I lost only about a pound. It was discouraging at times but it was forward progress and although there were times that I slacked off, I never gave up.

I'd like to share a little about the tools I used for the first six months. In January, I accidentally stumbled upon www.skinnymom.com and the Skinny Mom 21 Day Shred. I liked this meal plan because it included grocery lists, every recipe, and even dinners for at least four to feed an entire family. The food was delicious and there was no work counting calories or coming up with meals to make. I did three rounds of this, and they weren't all perfect but it worked well. I also used the great FREE workouts from the Skinny Mom YouTube channel. The creator of Skinny Mom, Brooke Griffin, also released this fantastic cookbook this year, skinny suppers. I'm telling you, the food is amazing and healthy! You can check out the 21 Day Shred here.

I've also been getting in shape by running on a regular basis. When my family moved in 2013 I stopped running. Oh how I missed it! I'm so glad to be back into it, and I'm currently training to run a 10k sometime in the fall. I consistently run 3 miles 2-3 times a week. I wake up at 5am before the kids get up and before my husband goes to bed. It's not always fun, I don't always want to do it. However, I found that if I want to get myself into shape, I find the time, and sacrifice an extra hour of sleep for the health of my body. It's so worth it!

I'm trying something new for the next phase of my journey. My very dear friend Bethany sent me a 21 Day Fix system in the mail last week. Today marks a new place and a new plan. I enjoyed the 21 Day Shred, however, trying different plans keeps me interested and vastly increases my knowledge of healthy eating as well as introduces me to an even larger variety of healthy foods and recipes. I'm excited for this new plan and ready for today, which is day one.

Now, onto my six month results which I am so excited about! I'm continuing to track my progress on a chart on my refrigerator every month. When I stepped on the scale this morning I could have cried....

That's a total weight loss of 27.9 pounds in six months. And yes, that .1 pound drives me crazy, I would have loved an even 28 pounds but I'm completely thrilled with the progress I made. I've also been tracking my measurements I won't type them all out this time, but I'm happy to say my total inches lost is 19.5! Below are some progress photos. January, March, and July. Also it's summer so I have the bonus of a tan now!

I've thoroughly been enjoying this time in my life so far, and I encourage anyone to jump on the wagon with me. I'd love to have friends and family share this with me. If you're inspired but struggling to feel motivated or encouraged talk to me and I'll do my best to help how I can!

Focus on the feeling- Day 54

This is what someone said to me when I shared my weight loss pictures with them.

I'm going to put the scale aside right now and reflect on what I'm feeling.

I have more energy-
I used to sit on the couch most of the day. Unless I was cleaning I was sitting. Now I'm wrestling with my kids for exercise (they love that) and I've made small changes like instead of the couch I sit on the floor and stretch to improve my flexibility.

I don't crave sugar and junk food-
Ok well SOMETIMES I could really go for a cheeseburger. Hey, I'm human.

I had a major accomplishment this month-
I put on a pair of jeans! I haven't put on a pair of jeans in at least a year. None of them fit me. Only one pair fits me now but it's one more than what fit me 56 days ago when I started this thing.

I hardly exercised in the second half of February. Those darn steps put me put for two days and then I got sick, and then it rained for days. Excuses excuses! I admit it! But now it's time to get back out there!

I finished one round of the 21 day shred! Tim did it with me and I'm so proud of him. He was brave enough to just eat whatever I made for him, even when he didn't like it. And it paid off, he lost 11 pounds in 3 weeks! I'll get to my results shortly.

We are now starting round 2 of the 21 day shred.

This March I will focus on my running. I ran for over half of 2013 and was up to almost 6 miles. We moved into our home and I just stopped. I never did get to run an official race. This year however I plan to run my first 5k and 10k before the end of May. (Maybe we'll talk about a half marathon later.....maybe)

I'm trying not to focus too much on my goal for the end of all this, partly because this will never really end. I want to enjoy each phase, think about each pound I work to lose, focus on how I feel in the moment. Enough stalling. These are not my shred results. I'll tell you I lost 5.8 pounds in 3 weeks but my actual goals are monthly so here is what I've accomplished in the month of February:

Weight: -7.4
Neck: -0
Arm: -.25
Bust: -.5
Waist: -.5
Hips: -0
Thigh: -.5
Calf: -0

Total for the year:
Inches: 10.75 inches
Weight Loss: 16.2 pounds

January 5th, February 8th, February 29th

I am deeply ashamed of January 5th. I've been back and forth for 4 hours trying to decide if I should share these. Upon reflection though, as embarrassed as I am, the way I look, miserable and unhappy, is exactly how I felt that night. I looked in the mirror and said "I can't live like this" and decided it would be the last time I looked like this. That should be documented.  I carried 3 babies, my body has done incredible things, and even though I'm not creating life, I'm realizing the incredible things my body can do beyond that.

I went from starting 10 pounds over my pre-baby number 3 weight to 6.2 pounds under it! I haven't seen the 170's in over a year *doing my happy dance*
If you're reading this I hope it inspires you, and if you're looking for support in your own journey I'd love to talk to you about it!

Mom confession time!



Our MOPS group is currently doing a bible study using the book "No More Perfect Moms" written by Jill Savage. We are three chapters in and I feel like I might burst from all of the insight, perspective, and peace it is giving me. I wanted to share those things with everyone I can, because letting go of negativity and letting the Holy Spirit in is such an amazing thing!

Ok, Mom confession time.
I yell at my kids at least once a day
I've killed their joy by yelling at them for playing too loudly
I say no a lot because I'm to preoccupied to get something out that they want, or I don't want them to make a mess.
I have judged other moms and other people
I have told myself I'm better than other people

Chapters 2 and 3 of this book are fantastic, I really do recommend every mom, even dads, read this book. I wanted to cry through all of chapter 3, I'll get to that in a minute.

Like most of us I have a problem with pride, and that is just the sort of thing that would keep me from confessing my shortcomings. I don't want to be judged, I don't want to people to think I'm a bad mom. The thing is though, I'm not a bad mom, I'm an imperfect mom. Humility is an amazing thing. I won't quote the book, I'm not sure if that's a copyright issue, but I will say that if you take the time to focus on humility instead of pride, it will give you a great joy and peace. No more hiding your shortcomings, no more judging others for theirs. It's a liberating feeling.

Chapter 3 focuses on our expectations of our kids. I always thought I had a handle on that. They don't need to get perfect grades, I don't even expect them to go to college. Sure, those things would be great, but expectations always lead to disappointment. There is so much more to it than that. While reading this book, I realized that I have unrealistic expectations for them right now. Expectations that kill their joy, and cause me to have outbursts where they aren't necessary.

We're getting ready to go somewhere and I need to get Billy's coat and shoes on him but he wants to jump around for 30 seconds more. Jumping is definitely his favorite mode of transportation. I yell at him to "get over here NOW!" When we get in the car instead of sitting in his seat he walks around the van. I yell at him to "get in his seat NOW!" When the kids are laughing and playing, they are getting along but loudly, I yell "settle down NOW!" I expect my kids to listen to me when I tell them to stop doing something that is actually wrong, but getting angry with them for doing things that give them joy as children, I can do better than that. God trusted me to care for them, to train them up in the Lord. They trust me to care for them, and I feel like I'm letting them down.

Also my kids will make actual mistakes. I really was expecting perfection without even realizing it. If I let them make mistakes, I'd be giving them grace, which is something we all need to give and receive a little more of in a world of imperfect people.

I'm in such a habit now of quick and hot responses to things that don't warrant it, it's going to be a tough habit to break. I'm in such a habit of saying no, it's going to be tough to break. I'm going to do my best here. There are still many more chapters in this book and I can't wait to see what clarity it brings on subjects like our bodies, our marriages, our homes, and more. Whether your faith is strong or non existent this book can change your perspective and guide you away from high expectations and worry, and towards peace and confidence in yourself as a person and a mom.

More information is available on http://www.heartsathome.org/ and you can buy the book on amazon.com or christianbook.com



It's the little things- 1 month down

Previously when I was trying to lose weight I'd try a thing or two which would lead to temporary success. This time I'm using as many tools as I can to keep me motivated month after month.
I titled this "The little things" because aside from eating right and exercising, there are little motivators I'm using to keep me pushing forward.

1. Photos
I took photos of myself on day one. Unflattering, tight clothed, straight up "this is what you look like" photos. I also look at them frequently. Not only has that helped me but when I took pictures again 2 weeks in, WOW! It certainly doesn't matter what the scale says, it's what your body shows.

2. Take measurements
I had to take a step back from the scale. Especially because it's digital to 1/10th of a pound and fluctuates every day. Measurement show results!

3. Accountability
This chart is in my face every time I'm in the kitchen. It says "you will do this all year, and you will not let those numbers go up month to month."
 

So here it is. One month of hard work and commitment has brought me here:
Weight: -8.8 lbs
Neck: -1 in.
Arm: -.5 in.
Bust: -2.5 in.
Waist: -2 in.
Hips: -2
Thigh: -0
Calf: -.5 in.
Total inches lost: 8.5!

There is also a significant difference in my photos but again, not ready to share ;)

My goal for this month, and every month until the end of the year, is to lose 5lbs. It's not a lot, it's a slow moving process, but I know if I try to lose too much too fast I set myself up for failure in two ways. I could end up crash dieting which only shows short term success, or I could give up because I'm not hitting goals that were unrealistic anyway.
On February 8th I begin a program called the 21 day shred via www.skinnymom.com Regularly the plan is $49.00 but there is a special limited time (I'm going to call it a STEAL) going on right now. If you buy her cookbook, which is half the price of the shred, you'll get the plan for free! Also you end up with all these great recipes to try for your family that are healthy but DELIOUSIOUS! My husband has loved every one of them so far and my picky toddlers have, well, liked most of them, which is a big deal in itself! Anyway click here to find the special offer! There is plenty of time to get ready for it if you want to do this with me!
I also decided not to renew my gym membership this month and I will instead do the home workout videos from skinny mom and start running again! I've come up with a workout schedule for myself

Monday: Run
Tuesday: Ladder 10 workout (this will make you feel awesome!)
Wednesday: Run
Thursday: Slow workout, muscle build and tone
Friday: Run
Saturday: Ladder 10 workout
Sunday: Slow workout, muscle build and tone

 I'm only just starting out again, I haven't run in over 2 years, so it's really just walking with short running intervals for now. When I used to run, I couldn't believe how much I ended up loving it and you could too just give it a chance! If you want to run with me, come out and run with me!

I'm excited to see what results February brings!

 

Baby on board

(Written the day i found out I was pregnant with Alexis)

Today I got some wonderful news.

Today I found out I am pregnant with you.

I took a pregnancy test this morning. While I anxiously waited for the results I prayed to be pregnant. I told myself I'm probably not I told myself I wish I am, you know, the normal thoughts a woman thinks when she hopes to have another baby.

Even though this was my 3rd time around, the feeling that washed over me when I saw the word pregnant was just as overwhelming as the times before.

My body is home to new life again. We are so blessed.

I immediately ran upstairs to get out the big brother shirts for both of my boys. Tim wasn't home yet so that was how I would tell him. I took a shower, and used that time to pray and thank God for this pregnancy. I fixed my hair and straightened up the house. I wanted everything to look nice when Tim came home.

He didn't catch on right away and I was ready to burst so I told him to read Billy's shirt. Then I pulled the test out of my pocket to show him. We are both very excited.

We can't wait to meet you in 9 months. This is likely the last time I will be pregnant so I will cherish every moment. When I see you, hear your heartbeat, feel you move. I love you my sweet little baby. 

You are a gift from God I will love you every second of my life.

7 day natural food meal plan for around $50

I promised myself I would not spend the rest of my 20's not loving myself.
That was almost a year ago and since then I've gained 10 pounds. Of course, I had a baby in that time, but now our precious girl is 2 months old and I'm still +10 of my pre-baby weight. I'm miserable.
My husband, who is so awesome, and so tired of listening to me come down on myself (this man still tells me I'm gorgeous, can't figure that one out but I'm glad he thinks so) back to my sentence, is supporting me by getting me a gym membership, and taking care of the kids when I go. He is also eating dinners with a healthy twist and telling me he likes them. Although I know he misses real bacon and ground beef in his diet.

Today is the 1st day of a better life. And now I'm writing about it and sharing it with you, my friends and family, so I pretty much have to be committed to it.

I'm trying a 7 day natural foods meal plan. A fruit and veggie smoothie detox wouldn't be appropriate because I'm nursing. I came up with my own plan. I have no idea if it's going to work. I'll update this post daily with a list of food I consumed. I went shopping this morning and I'm ready to go.

I'm even going to share my weight with you today.

This is my number. I'm not hiding behind strategic selfies or maternity clothing (yes, still!) I'm also tracking my measurements and have taken what I hope to be the before photos but I'm not ready to share those right now. We'll see how this goes!

SEVEN DAY NATURAL FOOD MEAT PLAN

Everything is measured except fruits and vegetables,
I just eat however much of those I want

Day one:

Breakfast: 2 hard boiled eggs

Lunch: 4 oz swiss cheese, whole kiwi, baby carrots

Dinner: Grilled salmon, steamed broccoli, salad

Snacks: Grapes and 3 oz of mixed unsalted nuts

Day two:
Breakfast: skipped. Horrible migrane this morning. Would have been 2 hard boiled eggs and some strawberries
Lunch: 4 oz white cheddar cheese, baby carrots
Dinner: Cajun seasoned 4 oz grilled chicken breast, mushrooms sautéed in olive oil, steamed broccoli
Snacks: 3 oz mixed unsalted nuts,  hard boiled egg, tomato seasoned with all natural sea salt grinder

Day three: 
Breakfast: Two hard boiled eggs, strawberries
Lunch: 4 oz monterey jack cheese, baked mushrooms, grapes

Dinner: 4 oz grilled chickem, mushrooms and broccoli sautéed in olive oil with natural sea salt

Snack: 3 oz nuts, carrots, 4 oz swiss cheese

Day four: 

Breakfast: 2 hard boiled eggs

Lunch: 4 oz white cheddar cheese

Dinner: Grilled salmon with fresh lemon, grapes

Snacks: 3 oz nuts, hard boiled egg

Day five:

Breakfast: 2 hard boiled eggs

Lunch: 4 oz jack cheese, cup of fresh fruit

Dinner: 6 oz grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms and green bell peppers

Snacks: hard boiled egg, 3 oz of nuts

(I slipped today and had some banana bread and hot pockets.) Oops!

Day six:

Breakfast: 2 hard boiled eggs, banana

Lunch: 6 oz cheddar cheese

Dinner: Grilled chicken with sautéed bell pepper and mushroom

Snacks: 3 oz nuts, hard boiled egg

Day seven:

Spent so much time re organizing my kitchen that I hardly ate

Breakfast: skipped

Lunch: 6 oz cheddar cheese

Dinner: Grilled salmon with fresh lemon, broccoli cheese rice (I realize the rice isn't natural but it is the last day and all I had left. 

Snacks: hard boiled egg

Add in 30-40 minutes of cardio 5 of the 7 days

Morning of day 8!!!!

I'm actually glad this week is over. It was very difficult. I have a great meal plan for this next week that has more variety but is still healthy. My new number after 7 days is:

Pounds lost: 5.8! I'm very excited about this it means I lost almost a full pound a day. Who knows, maybe I could have done better without a few moments of weakness throughout the week but I'm not perfect and I still did pretty well. 

Inches lost:

Neck: -.5

Arm: 0

Bust: -3 :( although I can't say if such a huge loss had to do with breastfeeding. I measured this time right after nursing I may not have when I measured the 1st time)

Waist: -1

Hips: -2

Thigh: 0

Calf: 0

6.5 inches all over my body in one week is pretty good I'd say :)

Also my very supportive husband will be home soon with the dunkin iced coffee I've been craving all week. Hey, I deserve it!