The Summer is Almost Over

It has been a while since I've posted anything other than a weight loss update, so I figured that since we're well into August, I'd finally post a family update!

We last left off at my nephew's birthday party. A lot has happened since then! So I'll do my best to remember all that has happened!

On July 10th, we had our friends Amber and Jake, over for supper! They brought their puppy, Maddie, with them. The girls were a little scared at first, especially Caitlin, but they all warmed up to her and had a blast chasing her around!

The next day, I wanted to work on the wall art for the girls' room upstairs. (I'll be posting more on that on my craft blog!) I am doing the fabric in embroidery hoops that is popular right now. I don't usually like trends, but I really like the look of the finished product! Anyway, while I was getting things ready, I decided to feed Vivian beforehand. After she was finished, she got a hold of one of the hoops and kept looking thorugh it and saying, "Hiiiiii! Hiiiii! Hiiiii!" It was super cute, so I had to snap a photo! When Caitlin saw what I was doing, she wanted me to take a photo of her. Right before I snapped the photo, she said, "Hold on! I have to put my puzzle on my head!" I love that little girl!

On July 13th, I spent my day preparing for Jamie's birthday party at my house. I found a pin on pinterest for glee themed cupcakes, so I decided to make them for the party! I served them with fruit and dip, popcorn, and strawberry lemonade. Jenny, Deidre, and Karmen came over to help us celebrate! We watched The Vow and painted our nails! It was nice to kick back and relax with friends!

We have spent a lot of time outside! The girls just love playing in the yard and going to the pool. That is how most of the last month or so has been spent!

One Saturday the pool was closed, so we broke out our own! We even got a sprinkler! The girls had a blast! Even Vivian was enjoying the water!

We spend our evenings in the front yard enjoying to cooler weather! Charles chased the girls around and took the photos below on the right. They had so much fun running around with their Daddy!

The next morning, the weather was cool. I took the girls outside and had the camera with me. Caitlin noticed and said, "Mommy, Rosie and I are going to make silly faces! Take pictures of us!" So I did!

Vivian even wanted to join in on the picture taking! She was being a ham!

On the days where the weather was too hot to go outside, my girls had plenty to do inside! We played Memory a lot, colored in coloring books, drew on blank paper, sang songs, and more! It gives me a taste of what it must be like for Mothers who homeschool! 

Cheese-faces!

Spinning around in their Sunday dresses!

One of the things I love the most about being a stay-at-home mother is being able to watch my daughters grow each day. It is a day-to-day process and it goes by so fast! I swear it feels like we just brought Caitlin home from the hospital! Where have the past 3+ years gone? It's gone by so, so fast! Before I had Caity, people would always tell me, "Don't blink!". It's taken me this long to realize what they meant. 

I now say that to every new parent! It is so true! It's hard for me to believe that Vivian is 10 months old! Where has the time gone? So much has happened and yet I feel like some days go so slow. I guess having children changes a parent's perspective on time. That's all we really have that's important. I try to spend as much time with my daughters as I possibly can! I don't know how much time I have with them. (of course I hope it's years and years and years and YEARS!) But what I want my children to remember later in life is that I spent my time with them. Playing, laughing, singing, dancing....

Our Five Year Anniversary

Five years ago today, Charles and I sat in the celestial room in the Nauvoo, Illinois Temple as the sun was rising. It was shining right into the room and bouncing off the chandelier inside. It was just the two of us sitting on a couch, holding hands, and looking into each other's eyes. It was a wonderful moment for us... one that we will never forget. It was the first day of the rest of our eternity together.

We had our family and friends by our sides that day in the temple, as well as outside waiting for us. I am the only member of the Church in my family, so my best friend Jenelle sat next to me in the temple in the Mother's seat. It meant the world to me to know that she was sitting next to me, supporting me. I had a tough road in 2007 leading up to the day I entered into the temple to be sealed to my eternal companion.

The people standing by our sides in our wedding party are the people who supported us both through every single curve ball and bump in the road. There were some people who weren't able to make it to stand with us, but they were there in spirit. By my side that day were Jenelle, my matron of honor, and Alyce, my maid of honor. The other two ladies who weren't able to stand with me were Caitlin, my second maid of honor, and Sara, my third maid of honor. As you can see, I couldn't choose just ONE maid of honor... so I had three! By Charles' side that day were John, his best man, and Brigham, his groomsman. The other two groomsmen who weren't able to stand with him were Nate and Brandon.

A few weeks after the wedding, we honeymooned in Huatulco, Mexico. We spent an all inclusive week at the Gala Resort. It was a beautiful honeymoon and we had an amazing time losing track of time! We had no schedule to go by... no clocks... it was just us and the ocean! Our hope is to go back on our 10th or 15th anniversary! I am excited for that week!

We found out on our first anniversary that we were expecting a baby! We later found out that we would be expecting a little girl! It was a wonderful way to wake up on our first anniversary!

I can't even count the ways that we have changed as a couple over the past five years... we have welcomed three beautiful daughters; Caitlin Nadine, Rosalie Cadence, and Vivian Rane. God has blessed us so much by giving us our three little ladies! We have grown so close as a couple and as parents.

I love our love. It is truly one of a kind! Our love has shaped and molded us into the people we are today. We have gained and lost so much in the past five years... but with everything, we have turned to God and trusted in His plan for us. We have been blessed more times than I can count... I am grateful.

As with everything that we have celebrated and endured over the past five years... COME WHAT MAY!

And on a side note, I tried the five-year-dress challenge today. And guess what...

IT STILL FITS!

Thank goodness for corset style wedding dresses! 

Seven Years and Ten Months

Today is my seven year anniversary for belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Seven years ago today, I entered the waters of baptism to take upon me the name of Christ and stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places. I had some amazing people who were by my side that day! *Note; some of these photos are kinda hard to see because they were taken with a disposable camera and scanned back in 2005! I wish I would've had a digital camera back then!

Elder Grant Powell
He was transferred in a few weeks before my baptism. He confirmed me a member the next day.

Elder Nate Miller
One of the original Missionaries who taught me. This was right before the baptism!

Elder Nate Miller
After the baptism, before we went back into the chapel.

Elder Kevin Johnson
Outside afterwards. He was in the original set of Missionaries who taught me.

At the park afterwards.
Alyce, Adam, Carie (me), and Dan

My best friend, Alyce, shared the gospel with me after we had graduated in 2005.  It was exactly what I needed for myself.  I had a lot of opposition from my family and some of my friends, but in the end, the decision was my own. And of all the people to have come, when Adam and Dan showed up, tears started streaming down my face. The three of us had been through a lot in High School, and no matter what, they were there that day to support me. Alyce saw a light in me and never gave up on me. There were times where I thought she'd run for the hills... but she stayed by my side! And for that, I am eternally grateful!

Alyce and Carie
Sisters FOREVER
On the way home from my baptism.

My last discussion before I left for College.
(L to R) Clinton, Clark, Elder Powell, Caleb, Carie (me), Elder Miller, Alyce

When I went to UNI, I met so many wonderful people. People who inspired me and made me want to better myself. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father put those people in my life. I needed them. I still do. I probably always will. They are my family now. We have all changed, and some of us hardly talk anymore, but it doesn't change the fact that these people have touched my life and set amazing examples for me.

Carie and Jenelle
She is my Mother in the gospel. I can't even describe the love I feel for this woman. She. Is. Amazing.
She took me through the temple for my Endowment and sat at my side in the Mother's seat on my wedding day.
I love her so much. I wish we lived closer.

Carie and Sara
We are called the RCC (Recent Convert Chicks)
I love this girl so much! We were baptized around the same time!

Nicole, Cara, Melinda, Sara, and Carie
Some of the amazing women I met while at UNI.

Christopher and Carie
I love this guy! He's my best friend! We are into a lot of the same things (musicals, music, etc) and he has been awesome to me these past seven years! 

Dave and Carie
Dave is an amazing guy! He helped me through some really hard times!

Sammy G and Carie
Sammy was there for me all the time! He never judged me and proved to be a best friend! 

And of course, there are many more people that have changed my life, and they know who they are! But the one person who has changed my life for the better, I married! I needed a righteous priesthood holder to lead me to the temple. I needed a best friend in my darkest hour. This man helped me to become the woman, wife, and mother that I am today. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have my gorgeous daughters: Caitlin, Rosalie, and Vivian. Charles, I love you. You are my eternal companion. And I thank Heavenly Father above all, for you. 

Our Wedding Day
August 11, 2007

I have changed in so many ways since I was at college. And I know it has been for the better. But I still have a long ways to go! I am learning more and more each day. I pray to be a better Latter-day Saint, daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and teacher. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have received in my seven years. I look forward to the next seven years, and MORE! 

Today is also Vivian's 10th month! It's hard to believe that my baby is 10 months old! Times sure does fly!

Crazy to think that I am now planning for her first birthday party! She is getting so big, so fast! She will be walking before I know it! It makes me happy and a little sad! I'm not ready for my baby to be walking! She is talking more and more! Her personality is shining through in all that she does! She is my sunshine baby! 

Carie's Weight Loss Journey - Week 9

This is it! The last post that will be made from a week-to-week basis. I will be updating you all on my progress from month to month now! It's a little sad, but I plan on continuing my journey and reaching my goals! I still have quite a bit to go, so there will be more updates in the months to come!

The past 9 weeks have been difficult, hard, fun, and incredibly rewarding! I can honestly say that I am not the same person I was on June 1, 2012. I feel different. I feel better. I feel happy. I feel loved. I feel inspired. I felt not one of those things before I started this journey. I knew what was ahead of me if I kept living the way I was... I knew things were going to be hard.

But I was up for the challenge. I know that if you want something in life, you have to work for it! Few things in life are handed out. No one was going to hand me a healthier Carie! (Although that would've been awesome and a whole lot easier!) Being healthier and happier is something that only I am in control of! I ate all the food that got me where I was 9 weeks ago, and now, I am saving my life and working towards success.

Saturday, July 28th - Went to the pool with Jamie. We did some water aerobics while watching my girls. Our legs were super sore (we realized) but it was a good burn! Amber and Jake met up with us and we all had a fun time! Jamie and I ran our C25k workout later on. Mike and Karmen met up with Charles, Jamie, and myself for some bowling that night to celebrate my birthday with friends!

Monday, July 30th - Walked to and from ZUMBA with Jamie!

Tuesday, July 31st - C25K with Jamie. We ran 25 minutes without stopping! I was incredibly proud of Jamie! It was not easy to do! Easier than when we started, but still difficult. We are feeling stronger and stronger! I didn't get a chance to get my other workout in because things have been so busy around here, but I did some serious deep cleaning and I was sweating like crazy!

Wednesday, August 1st - I had a dance party with my girls and by the end, I was a sweaty mess! That afternoon, I walked to and from ZUMBA with Jamie! I got into the moves a little more than usual to get the extra burn, and I was feeling it! I seriously LOVE Zumba!

Thursday, August 2nd - I jogged to the Y and met up with Jamie (unplanned). I showed up as she was leaving. But she ended up staying and talking to me the entire time! I did the NuStep for 10 minutes at different intervals, then did the stationary bike for 15 minutes at different intervals. I jogged home. Later that evening, Jamie and I ran our C25K workout!

Friday, August 3rd - Walked to Zumba with Jamie! I used two toning sticks for the toning section and by the end I was a huge puddle of sweat! I honestly didn't realize that your legs could sweat so much! Karmen, Deidre, and I met up for our final weigh in afterwards.

Start to Week 9 progression photos:

Start to Week 9 photos:

Start Weight: 202 lbs

Week 1 Weight: 193 lbs

Week 2 Weight: 190 lbs

Week 3 Weight: 190 lbs

Week 4 Weight: 189 lbs

Week 5 Weight: 188 lbs

Week 6 Weight: 184 lbs

Week 7 Weight: 182 lbs

Week 8 Weight: 179 lbs

Week 9 Weight: 177 lbs

Weight Lost Since Last Week: 2 lbs

Total Weight Lost: 25 lbs

Weight To Go: 42 lbs

Total Inches Lost: 23 inches

Start BMI: 32.6
End BMI: 28.6
Total BMI Down: 4.0

Results of the BMI challenge were very close in the end! But Karen won by 1.4! She has done an amazing job and has lost 31+ pounds! Karmen and Deidre lost about 10 lbs each. So combined together, we all lost 75 lbs! SEVENTY-FIVE POUNDS! Crazy!

I feel amazing! A-MAZ-ING! I look in the mirror and I'm not afraid to actually look at myself! I am so proud of the way my body has changed! I still have my baby skin, but that will tighten up with time! I'm in no hurry! I do not have a set date to reach my goal weight! I'm just going to keep going until I hit it! If it takes me 3 months or 12 months, I will hit it eventually! I am proud to have gotten rid of every single pound! I have no intention of finding them again or ever!

My plans are going to remain the same. I am going to continue going to Zumba, working out in the Cardio room at the Y, and running! Jamie and I are almost finished with the entire C25K workouts! As of today, we have 2 weeks left! Weeks 8 and 9! I am going to run at least 10 miles a week until I am finished breastfeeding Vivian in October. I will be done on her first birthday, which is also the day of the Color Run in Des Moines! Then, I am going to switch over to Half-Marathon training. It'll give me plenty of time to train for the DAM to DAM in Des Moines on June 1st, 2013. That 's my one year anniversary for my lifestyle change! Perfect timing!

Some people have asked me for some tips on how to lose weight and keep going. I have gone through a ton of websites during this journey and the things that have helped me are actually pretty simple things to remember! Here are the things that helped me through:

This is my number one tool for fool-proof weight loss. Keep track of everything, and I mean E-V-E-R-Y-THING! If it goes in your mouth, write it down. Or log it into an online food journal or diary. I use a food diary via My Fitness Pal. I love it. It opened my eyes to just how many calories I was consuming in a day.

I cannot stress how important this one is! I could not have done everything I have done without someone to push, push me, and talk to. I have had some amazing workout buddies in the past few weeks, but the one who has done almost each and every workout with me has been Jamie! This girl is one tough lady! She pushes me to do better, and I have done the same for her! We have both changed so much and grown closer together!

Most of the recipes that I have made in the past 9 weeks have been from Skinnytaste.com. The meals are delicious, filling, and light! Perfect for us! Even my kids love the food! I am a visual eater. I need to see a full plate in order to feel "full". And with most of the recipes on the website, I get a full plate and half (or less) of the calories! Our favorite recipes are: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken, Skinny Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting, and Quick Skillet Steak with Onions and Mushrooms, and Chewy Low Fat Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies.

I can count the number of times where I wanted to binge eat and just stop working out. It was hard to get over that mentally, but once I decided that I wanted to be healthier and happier, I told myself to never give up. So that is my advice to you. Do not give up. Your own journey is going to be difficult and full of struggles. But you need to push through it all and WORK! Your results will show you that you were (and are) capable of amazing things. When you are doing a workout and you want to stop because you are tired, DO NOT STOP. Unless you are hurt, of course. Otherwise, keep moving and keep pushing!

MOVE! It doesn't matter if you're walking, jogging, running, dancing, swimming, or whatever, as long as you are MOVING! Walk to the gym, walk to work (if possible), walk during your breaks at work, take the long route, have a dance party with your kids (or by yourself) for 10 minutes, anything you can do move, DO IT! If you're working out already, put a little more into it! Push yourself a little further!

Some of the snacks that I've eaten have also helped me to keep my weight coming off. I am not a dietitian or health professional in any way, but the snacks that have helped me may not help you. I also do not endorse these brands, I just like them. Some people are all about the "fat-free", "reduced-fat" foods, while others are against them. I, for one, just read the labels on the back of the things I purchase. The only thing I stay away from is the flavored drink mixes. Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, Mio, etc. Most of those things have aspartame in them, I just stay away from that at all times. Here are some of the snacks that have gotten me through:

• Quaker Multigrain Fiber Crisps - Blackberry Pomegranate
• Quaker Rice Cakes - Caramel Corn
• Quaker Rice Cakes - Chocolate
• Nabisco Wheat Thins - Reduced Fat
• Ann's House Good Energy Blend - Soy Nuts, Cranberries, Almonds, & Pumpkin Kernels
• Ann's House Almond Granola Blend - Almonds, Raisins, Dark Chocolate Soy Nuts, Walnuts, & Chocolate Granola (not pictured)
• Orville Redenbacher Natural Popcorn - Simply Salted
• Edy's Fruit Bars - Peach
• Edy's Fruit Bars - Pomegranate
• Edy's Fruit Bars - Strawberry
• Not Pictured Foods: Great Value Pretzel Sticks, Great Value Pretzel Twists, Apples, Bananas, Carnation Instant Breakfast Powder, Celery, Green Bell Peppers, and a ton of other fruits and veggies.

The serving sizes are perfect and the calories per serving are low! Perfect for me! Perfect for my husband! He takes snacks to work to eat during his breaks, and it brings comfort to me knowing that he isn't loading up with empty calories from candy, pop, and other junk. He is getting healthy calories that will give him energy! The other bonus, most of these items always have coupons online!

If I have learned one thing in the past 9 weeks, it is this:

There have been moments where I literally felt like I was back in high school running a workout for cross country or track. The smell outside, the weather... all of it. It felt so empowering. I had so much strength and power back then. I wasn't the fastest runner. But I could go for long distances without stopping. I could tune the world out and just go. I haven't felt that in so, so long. Until recently! And it feel so, so great! I get overwhelmed thinking about it. I miss those days of being able to just run to run. And go and go! I am getting there! I can feel it because this is usually how I look after I run:

My new motto: