Fourth of July Week/Weekend

Our Fourth of July was one for the books this year! It was Vivian's first Fourth of July, the first parade I've been in since High School, and the girls' first fireworks show! This was by far my favorite Independence Day since I've been married! Nothing is better than spending the entire day surrounded by family and friends!

I spent the morning getting ready for the parade with Karmen. We found a site that showed us how to cut regular t-shirts into workout shirts. So we took two shirts and made them for the parade! Once they were done, we headed over to Jennifer's house to line up for the parade. We took photos and then lined up for the parade!

Back Row (L to R): Kayla, Karmen, April, Carie (me), Tawnya
Front Row (L to R): Jennifer and Jessica

Charles was an *awesome* husband and had the girls all to himself! Super Daddy! It was hot outside, but that didn't keep the girls from enjoying the parade! He told me that they got to the parade a little late, but the girls had a blast picking up the candy and waving to the people in the parade!

I knew where they'd be as I started doing Zumba in the parade. They were at the half-way point in the parade, so I knew I'd be tired by the time I saw them! But as soon as I did, they were yelling, "MOMMY!" and I was waving like crazy! It was a nice energy boost!

They met back up with me at Jennifer's house. They were very excited to see me! Caitlin showed me the candy bag, Rosalie showed me some pencils and toys, and Vivian had all smiles! We came home and enjoyed the air conditioning! I showered and everyone else napped before we headed out to Aunt Karen and Uncle Dean's house for the annual 4th of July grill-out.

I was beyond tired, but the party was awesome! The girls just LOVE the toys at their house! PLUS, they bought a bunch of water guns and were filling up water balloons as we ate our supper. We were served hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, pasta salad, grapes, chips, and more! I made some rice krispie treats and sugar cookie cups for dessert and everyone loved them!

After dessert the entire family had a HUGE water balloon fight. I sat out with Vivian to take pictures! It was chaos at first, but soon after, everyone went after Charles!

After the water balloons were done, the adults filled up a bucket and let the kiddos play in it. They filled water guns up, splashed, and in the end, it was dumped over my nephew, Austin! Rosalie got some of the water on her, but she just laughed and laughed!

Afterwards, we went home to watch the fireworks from our front yard. It was the first fireworks display the girls have ever watched! They usually go to bed around 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the fireworks were at 9:30 p.m. The girls napped late, so we knew they'd be fine to stay up. And they did wonderfully! They colored with sidewalk chalk, ran around the yard, and blew bubbles until it was time to watch the fireworks.

Right before the show started, Rosalie decided it was time to take off all her clothes! She does this inside, and we kept telling her to stop, but she decided to not listen... I decided to take photos instead of getting mad! She was super cute!

Once she was "nudie", it was time to watch the fireworks! After each one went off, the girls would giggle and scream, "THE FIREWORK WENT BOOM!" Caity kept her hands over her ears the entire time while Rosalie danced in circles after each firework!

We took the girls to the public pool the day after. It was Vivian's first time at the pool! I forgot my camera, but Jamie went with us and snapped a few photos of Vivian in her floatie!

Vivian turned 9 months on the 6th! Crazy to think that my baby is that old already! She is doing things much faster than my other two. She is pulling up onto things faster, trying to walk across the couch, and more! Happy 9 Months to my beautiful, precious baby girl, Vivian Rane!

We went to Red Oak for my nephew's first birthday party on Saturday. The girls were so excited to see Graydon and have some birthday cake! Once we got there, my sister Melissa was there with her baby boy, Tommy. I have never seen him before, so I was pretty excited to get to hold him! And Caitlin was pretty excited to see him as well!

Graydon and the girls kept loving on each other! They have only seen him about 10 or so times because we live across the state from each other, but they have never forgotten him! As soon as they saw him, they wanted to hold him and love on him!

Happy First Birthday Graydon! We love you very, very much and wish you many more birthdays! We hope to see you more than we did in your first year. Your Mommy and Daddy are very lucky to have such a handsome son!

Carie's Weight Loss Journey - Week 5

This past week was an off week for me. With the fourth of July and having my husband home, we were super busy! There was a lot going on, but I made sure to get my workouts in! That was the one thing I told my husband I needed to do!

Saturday, June 30th - We took the girls to Blank Park Zoo for Bunn's Employee Appreciation Day. We got in for free and had a free meal. It was a HOT one outside. We walked around for 2 hours and were pretty much drenched in sweat! I came home and still did the Couch to 5K run with Jamie! I was tired, but we were happy to have completed the workout!

Monday, July 2nd - Walked to ZUMBA with Jamie! Amber was there and the class was a little crowded again, but that always makes the energy level high! It was a practice day for the parade. And it was super hot inside! The humidity was killer. Karmen showed up for the practice. Afterwards, Karmen and I went on an hour long walk while pushing my girls in their strollers. (I was pushing Caitlin and Rosalie in the double stroller, Karmen had Vivian in the umbrella stroller.) We watched our guys play Frisbee golf! It was an awesome day for working out!

Tuesday, July 3rd - Another Zumba practice for the parade. We were sweating in the shade while waiting for everyone to show up! Afterwards, I went on Week 3's workout for the Cto5K with Jamie. It was a little more difficult, but we pushed through it and had a great jog!

Wednesday, July 4th - ZUMBA in the parade! I met up with the Zumba ladies about an hour before the parade for one more practice, then walked a few blocks to the start of the parade. Temperatures were nearing the 100's, but that didn't stop us! We did Zumba through the entire parade and we were very, very exhausted at the end! We had a cool-down walk back to our cars. We had a blast and even made the paper the next day! Here are some photos that were posted to Facebook the last few days:

Above photo is from the paper. The caption said;
Zumba: With temperatures nearing the 100-degree mark Wednesday, Jennifer Frakes, front center, instructor of Zumba Fitness at Southern Prairie YMCA and a handful of students from the class do Zumba though the entire Fourth of July parade route in uptown Creston.

Thursday, July 5th - We took the girls to the city pool with Jamie. It was a beautiful day, despite the heat. We swam for about an hour, then headed home. Jamie stayed with us the rest of the day and we ran our Cto5K workout that night. It was a lot easier to run than the first day! Plus, we were very sore from the parade the day before!

Friday, July 6th - Walked to ZUMBA alone because Jamie got stuck behind a train while walking over. The class only had 5 people in it! Kinda small, but it gave us lots of extra room! My instructor, Jennifer, and I were very, very sore from doing Zumba in the parade! We kept laughing back and fourth at each other every time we'd do a move that hurt! Plus we both got quite a bit of sun from the parade!

Start to Week 5, right side progression photos:

Start to Week 5 photos:

* I wasn't all the way turned to the side in this photo, so it looks a little bit off. *

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

Weight Lost Since Last Week: 1 lb

Total Weight Lost: 14 lbs

Weight To Go: 53 lbs

I am down another pound and I am so, so happy! I have had a few friends who have said, "Only one pound? Aren't you upset that you've only lost one pound last week?" This is my answer to them.

I am very happy when I look at it like this: Here is 1 lb of fat.

Here is what the 14 lbs I've lost look like:

So yeah... I'm VERY happy with only losing about 1 pound a week! It's fine by me when I look at what I've lost so far! I just keep my sights on the big goal and the reasons I am doing this! Change takes time!

Carie's Weight Loss Journey - Week 4

I am 4 weeks in and feeling AMAZING! I didn't realize just how bad things had gotten for me. My zest for life had pretty much diminished. I didn't want to go out (even to shop) and I wanted to stay home and hide. And now that I have all this energy, all I want to do is go, go, GO! I am feeling better, my clothes are fitting me, and some clothes don't fit anymore at all! Talk about EXCITING! I am becoming more confident and even feeling sexy for the first time in a long, long time! Which is HUGE for me!

I have been asked lately about how long I plan on updating my weight loss journey. Until August 1st, I will be doing updates weekly. After that, they will be monthly. I am in a body-fat percentile lost challenge with some friends (this is JUST FOR FUN) and the challenge started June 1st and will end August 1st. I plan on continuing my weight loss journey, but I won't be updating as often.

This week has been a hot, hot week. I think each day this week had a heat advisory warning. I'm talking, 8:00 a.m. and it's already 75 degrees outside! Talk about sweating! Oh my, oh my!

Saturday, June 23rd - This day was a total weather fiasco! I kept my eye on the weather all day. A storm system had hit us, barley, and was moving out of the area. I decided to go on ahead and walk to Jamie's house. In order to get there, I have to cross the train tracks. I had to wait 25 MINUTES! A train stopped, and slowly, and I mean s-l-o-w-l-y, started moving again. It had finally pulled away enough for me to walk across the tracks, but by that time, lightning had started and it was sprinkling. I pulled out my small umbrella, only to find that it was broken. Great... I got to Jamie's and she decided to run in to get her own umbrella. We didn't even get a block away before it started down-pouring. We stood under an awning to get out of the rain. Once it slowed down, we continued our walk to the track. In the time it took us to get there, my umbrella had broken in about 3 more places. I gave up and told Jamie we should walk to a friend's house and get a ride home. I walked back to Jamie's later that evening, and we were able to get our workout for the Couch-to-5K done!

Monday, June 25th - Walked to ZUMBA with Jamie. The heat made us sweat like crazy! But we got an awesome workout in!

Tuesday, June 26th - I walked briskly to meet up with Jamie so that we could go to the track for our Couch-to-5K workout. It was hot, but no where near as humid as the day before. We did our workout and were completely drenched in sweat, yet again! We walked back to our meeting place and as I walked on my own towards the street that takes me to my house, I thought, "Maybe I can get a steady pace and jog the whole way home?!" So that's what I did! I had to stop once to cross a busy street, but I picked right back up where I left off and pushed myself all the way down the street! It felt great! I hadn't really felt that way since high school cross country! Pushing myself even though I'm tired, but knowing that I can do it. I felt very strong! And I was a sweaty, hot mess!

Wednesday, June 27th - Walked to ZUMBA with Jamie to meet up with my friend, Amber, who will now be joining us for classes the rest of the summer (as her work allows!). The class was PACKED. The YMCA had to relocate because of the Tornado that hit earlier this year, so we are in an old school building, exercising in a class room. We were like sardines! It got hot fast, and the workout was intense, but the energy level was high and it made me feel empowered! I pushed really hard and kept going even when I wanted to stop! By the time class was over, it looked like someone had splashed water all over me! Sweaty deliciousness!

Thursday, June 28th - Jamie and I decided to do our Couch-to-5K workout at 8:00 p.m. to save us from the awful heat that day. I sent Charles to pick her up because I did not want her to get overheated before our workout. It was hot, but we made it through and didn't stop!

Friday, June 29th - Jamie and Amber met at my house to walk to ZUMBA together! Class wasn't as full, so that made it easier for Amber to learn and get the hang of the Zumba moves. But it was still as hot as before! We were all dripping within minutes of the warm-up song! I had to stay after to practice 2 songs while walking for the 4th of July parade in my town. The ZUMBA class is going to represent the YMCA in the parade again, but this will be my first time! Last year I was VERY pregnant with Miss Vivian! At the end of the 2 songs, I was dripping, literally, from head to toe in sweat. I am going to burn SOOOO many calories that day! It's going to be AMAZING! I'm pumped and ready to go!

Start to Week 4, left side progression photos:

Start to Week 4 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

Weight Lost Since Last Week: 1 lb

Total Weight Lost: 13 lbs

Weight To Go: 54 lbs

I am feeling great! Down one pound is fine by me! I don't want to lose weight too fast because I want my skin to bounce back with me. I can feel my body changing and it is truly an amazing thing. I feel stronger! I feel as if I can do (almost) anything I set my mind to! I want to love myself again.

And I am starting to!

Post-Workout Snuggles

After my Couch-to-5K workout last night, Vivian looked at me as if she hadn't seen me all day!

It made me feel like a million dollars!

She kept giving me baby snuggles and kisses!

So I pulled out the camera and captured her cuteness!

I just LOVE my baby!

Welcome Summer 2012!

Summer 2012 is officially here and we have been feeling the heat! We have been keeping cool in the air conditioning, we do not take it for granted! I keep it off until the girls start telling me that it's hot. They usually say, "Mommy... It's time for a freezy-pop now!"

I have been going outside with the girls in the morning before it gets too hot! We don't have a lot of yard toys, so it's always a little boring for the girls to just swing and have nothing else to do outside besides run around. I had mentioned it to our Parent Educator, so the next time she stopped by, she brought the girls some yard toys! They have had a blast with them inside as well as outside!

All three girls in the crawl-through tube!

Miss Vivian crawling through the tube! And not on her belly!

Our Parent Educator also brought by some lawn mowers for the older girls to push around the yard! They are great outside... not so much for the inside! They are LOUD!

And while the older girls are playing with the toys, Vivian and chilled on a blanket in the yard together! It was nice to get some sweet baby cuddles from my girlfriend!

We are trying to beat the heat, but it gets hot fast! It's hard to get Caitlin and Rosalie to wear clothes right now! They keep telling me, "It too hot!" So generally, they are running around in cloth diapers or undies! Or completely in the buff (Caitlin).

I wanted to give you all an update on Charles' weight loss! He has extremely cut back on his pop intake! And the scale has shown that it's working! He's down 10 lbs! I am a proud wife to that man! He's been getting a workout from going disc golfing. He really, really enjoys it! He's talked me into going out with him for a round... but we'll see! I've never been good at throwing anything! Baseballs, footballs, a Frisbee... yep... I suck! It'll probably be a laugh fest when we go!

You can see a difference in him. He's happier, more confident, and his clothes are starting to fit again! It's a truly wonderful thing! I had no idea how much stress we were both under with our appearances. I think guys won't admit it out loud, but mine will. He was uncomfortable and wanted to make a change! I am proud of him!

We are excited for July! A lot will be happening! We have to buy another memory card for our camera because the one we had is FULL. So I haven't been taking too many photos. But have no fear! There will be more fun photos of our family to come! Enjoy the rest of June!

Carie's Weight Loss Journey - Week 3

I am still receiving emails and messages from people who have been inspired by my story and progress so far! Some are friends, some are complete strangers who have stumbled across my blog. I want to say to all of you that I am here for you! I need just as much support as you! Good luck and good job to you all!

The weather this week has been amazing! It's been wonderful to get outside with my girls and run around in the yard! They love running all over and I love that I can now keep up with them! A HUGE accomplishment for me! This lifestyle change has been wonderful for my family! I can tell the difference in my husband and in my girls! They are my motivation! But when I get discouraged, this is what I think of...

Monday, June 18th - I walked to and from ZUMBA with Jamie! It was Ab day and we were worked hard!

Tuesday, June 19th - I did some serious deep cleaning on my house. I was a sweaty mess! I started the first workout on the Couch to 5K running plan! Karmen and I jogged and walked together for a total of 25 mintues! We did very good!

Wednesday, June 20th - I walked to and from ZUMBA with Jamie! It was another hard day! Jamie had run her first workout for the Cto5K workout that morning, so we were both dragging our feet! But we pushed through it and felt exhausted awesome afterwards!

Thursday, June 21st - Second workout of the Couch to 5K running plan! I jogged to Jamie's house, then we both walked to the track. We walked about 5 laps before everyone showed up! Then Jamie, Karmen, Deidre, and I ran the 25 minute workout together! It was awesome to have 4 of us working together! Deidre and I were in Track in High School, so running on the track was very nostalgic for us! I got a ride home because I was way too tired!

Friday, June 22nd - I walked to and from Zumba with Jamie! We both walked slower than usual, but our bodies were very sore from the previous day! We made it through the workout, but the last song before cool down was hard for me to find the extra energy for that added umph for the big finish. I came home and my husband and I decided to spend the evening with our girls. With all the working out, we still need to find time to spend time as a family! The 5 of us! 

Here is my progression photos of just my left side. (I don't want to overload this post with photos of each side! But you can tell the greatest change in my side!) Here you go:

Here are my Start to Week 3 photos:

Start Weight: 202 lbs

Week 1 Weight: 193 lbs

Week 2 Weight: 190 lbs

Week 3 Weight: 190 lbs

Weight Lost Since Last Week: 0 lbs

Total Weight Lost: 12 lbs

Weight To Go: 55 lbs

I have officially hit my first plateau! And that is alright! I knew it was going to happen! I was just waiting to see when! Well... it's here! Even though I've started the Cto5K workouts, my body is still adjusting to my lifestyle change. Even though my weight hasn't changed, my body has! 

I took measurements my first day, and decided that since there was no weight loss this week, I'd take my measurements instead. And each week that there is no weight loss, I'd measure myself! I was blown away with some of my results!

Waist

Start: 40 1/2"

Week 3: 37 1/2"

Inches Lost: 3"

Hips

Start: 47"

Week 3: 45 1/2"

Inches Lost: 1.5"

Bust

Start: 45"

Week 3: 42 3/4"

Inches Lost:  2 1/4"

Belly (Widest part of my "pooch")

Start: 45 1/2"

Week 3: 45"

Inches Lost: 1/2"

Right Thigh

Start: 27"

Week 3: 26"

Inches Lost: 1"

Left Thigh

Start: 27 3/4"

Week 3: 26 3/4"

Inches Lost: 1"

Total Inches Lost: 9.25"

My change is in the numbers! And I am very, very happy with how far I've come in the last 3 weeks! Seems crazy to me that it's been that long! It has been an amazing three weeks and I am looking forward to next week!

I have also signed up for the Des Monies Color Run on October 6th! It is a 5K run where at each checkpoint, a different color gets thrown on you! It will be my first 5K since High School! And it's on Vivian's first birthday! I am WAY pumped!

I have many goals, but the one I keep in mind the most is this...