Calling All Losers!!!!!

Well it has been a very busy day. Worked really hard a the charity today and got home just in time for a tostada and rice before we had to be at the Biggest Loser Competition at the church. I think we had 50 people or more show up. This is going to be so much fun and what great fellowship. Our church is so huge that it is hard to know everyone and this will give us a chance to meet some more people. This is a money pot from the $5 everyone will put in every week, plus the $1 per pound they gain, lol (not planning on doing that, crossing my fingers anyway). Every week the person who losses the biggest percentage of weight will win $20 and at the end of April the person that has lost the most percentage of weight overall wins what is left in the pot. It should be a fair amount since we had such a good turn out. Time to dust off the treadmill and elliptical machine that has been so badly ignored. Kevin and I are going to do this together so we should be driving each other crazy by the end of the week. You know I'm just kidding. I know we will be supportive and help each other any way we can because we have the best relationship.

Some tips we were given for Week One:

1. Set realistic expectations and goals for exercise. (I figure at least 30 minutes on the treadmill a day would be a good first step)

2. Working out in small bust strenuous spurts will get you the same results as working out moderately for a continuous about of time. (3 days this week I plan to turn up my pace for 5-10 minutes, as long as I don't pass out)

3. Pick exercises you enjoy. (I love to hula hoop on the Wii Fit, so I might do this a few times this week)

4. Integrate weight training into your routine. (the treadmill had weights, so once I get my balance and am sure I won't fall off I'll just start swinging those weights in my arms)

5. Do not expect Spot Reduction. (hey I plan on the all over weight loss, if it was just my arms then I wouldn't have joined I would have bought long sleeves, lol)

Well wish this house luck, this will be a journey for us all. Let me know if you are doing it, I'd love to know how you are doing and what you accomplish.

Biggest Loser Diet

I was wondering what to expect when we start the Biggest Loser Challenge at our church tomorrow night, so I went to the Internet and here is what we all want to know. This seems pretty simple explained this way. Hope this is helpful to you if you are interested.

What You Can Eat

The book includes one-week sample meal plans for 1,200-, 1,500- and 1,800-calorie diets, along with some recipes. Forty-five percent of the total calories come from carbohydrates, 30% from protein, and 25% from fat.

The 4-3-2-1 Biggest Loser Pyramid sets the stage for number of servings from each of the food groups:

• 4 servings of fruits and vegetables
• 3 servings of protein -- lean, vegetarian, or low-fat dairy
• 2 servings of whole grains
• 1 extra of fats, oils, sweets, alcohol, or your choice, equivalent to 200 calories

Here's a sample meal daily plan:

Breakfast: 1/2 serving protein, 1 serving whole grain, 1 serving fruit

Snack: 1/2 protein, 1 fruit

Lunch: 1 protein, 1/2 whole grain, 1 vegetable

Snack: 1/2 protein, 1 fruit

Dinner: 1/2 protein, 1/2 whole grain, 2 vegetables

Dieters are urged to choose foods that are not processed and contain no added fats, sugar, or salt. "Read food labels, and if you can't pronounce some of the ingredients on the list, don't buy it," suggests Forberg.

Whole fruits and vegetables are preferred over juices or dried fruits. Foods should be eaten raw or prepared simply without extra fats. Whenever fats are used, they should be healthy fats -- not saturated or trans fats.

Dieters should choose whole grains that are less refined and have at least 2 grams of fiber per serving of bread or 5 grams of fiber per serving of cereal, with no more than 5 grams of sugar. Protein choices include lean meat or fish, vegetarian protein, or low-fat dairy. Your calorie level determines portion sizes and your protein options.

Still hungry? You can eat more than four servings a day of fruits and vegetables.

found this on Internet at:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/biggest-loser-diet

Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup

Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup

32 oz Chicken Broth (4 cups)
1 can Carrots
2 med. Diced Potatoes
2 cups Diced Leftover Turkey
4 cups Water
1 cup Macaroni Noodles
3 cups Baby Spinach
1/2 tsp Salt (leave off if concerned with sodium)
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1 Tbsp Minced Onion
1 Tbsp Parsley

Pour Chicken Broth and Water in Pot and bring to boil. Add Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Minced Onion and Parsley. Dice Leftover Turkey and Potatoes and add to pot, drain carrots and add to pot. Once potatoes are to liking at Macaroni Noodles and cook until done. Stir in Baby Spinach and let boil for about 5 minutes. Yep it is ready to serve.

Serves 8
266 Calories Per Serving
Takes about 30 minutes from start to finish...not to bad.

Good Morning!

Well it is a brand new year and we are off to a tremendous start, lol. We have had some car trouble and of course, as usual it wasn't cheap. I hope today starts off a wonderful week of no troubles. I am going to be very positive.

The holidays were just absolutely wonderful. It was filled with tons of family and friends. The kids had a great time. And I'm proud to say we had sweets but didn't overdo it. To me that is a major accomplishment.

Cameron started back on his school schedule last night. It is so hard for kids to get so much time off and then have to be thrust back in the school scene. This is the first time that I've let him just stay up and sleep as late as he wanted. I'm sure that wasn't a good thing, but everyone deserves to indulge in something every now and again.

Breanna has been gone since Christmas Day afternoon. I really miss her. She can be very tiring at times with all the talk but I really miss her. I'm going to work on getting her room put back together for when she comes home Tuesday. I hope she isn't to tired. It is really hard on her to come back from a long visit and not having the same sleep patterns and having to get up early the next day to go back to school. I'm sure she will do as always and come straight in from school and try to fall asleep and beg for bed at 6:00 pm.

Just like the last few years, Kevin and I get past birthdays, anniversary, and all the holidays and then sit back and say "Wow, look how long we've been together!" Yep, we've been married now 3 years and together for 4 1/2 years...can you believe it! This has been the best years of my life with him. I never thought marriage could be so comfortable. I know comfortable might sound like not a great word to describe a marriage but it really is. We know each other in and out and have a wonderful way to communicate. There is never any drama (unless the outside seeps in from down under, lol) and we just take life in stride. But most of all we love each other and we both know it. If you've ever been in a bad relationship (most have) then you know how wonderful it is to find one that really works. Plus to share a relationship with God tops the list.

The church is starting a Biggest Loser Challenge and Kevin and I have seriously thought about joining. We start Monday and I think more than anything it would be good to do as a family. So keep tuned to see if we crash and burn or become our skinny inner beings, lol.

I'm going to start working on some new recipes. I told Kevin last night that I thought the hardest part of eating healthy was that every recipe called for a dozen items and 1 1/2 hours in the kitchen. Who wants to do that? So my goal this year is to make good healthy food fast. We will see. Today I'm going to do a leftover turkey soup. I baked a turkey breast (the hugest thing I've ever seen) on New Year's Day and have plenty leftover. Everyone knows how I feel about throwing away food and wasting. And of course turkey in my house doesn't go to waste since it is my favorite meat to cook with.

Also, I'm considering a job endeavor. Not sure if it is going to work out. I will know more next Tuesday. It's one of those too good to be true, but to good not to try things and I'm still weighing in on it.

Well not a bad post if I say so myself. I'll try to be on here more often. Yep, you did hear that one before. I decided I'm going to post when I have something to say. So you might see me more than one time in a day. So hold on to your keyboard and don't turn your desk chair over, I'm okay!

Back on track...

Well we went to lunch and had Mexican food with the folks. The kids love to eat Mexican. Of course they wanted to take the kids with them shopping. Explain to me this...why do grandparents want to take kids shopping less than a week before Christmas. They know they are going to be opening tons of presents (especially these kids). They also know they need absolutely nothing, lol. Kids went shopping and I got caught up on some paperwork for the charity, was the most productive 3 hours I've had this weekend I'm sure. I just went and picked up the kids and guess what????? Cameron came home with a remote control hummer and Breanna got a new outfit including shoes, BIG SURPRISE!

I just put corn muffins in the stove to eat with our stew tonight. The kids are showering and it looks like based on the t.v. listings it will be a DVD night, lol. Again I ask, why do we pay the high dollar cable prices when there is nothing decent for a family to watch. This must be the universal question of the world. Well timer for muffins are going off and my stomach is growling.

Waiting on coffee...

Nothing like waking up to a big belch from Mojo this morning after he stuffed his face. Dogs are great, but this one is a bit human.

Cameron attended his very first event without someone by his side. This is such a big accomplishment. He was exited about going and didn't seem worried about me not being there. I was so glad, but also very sad. His Jr. High Class at Church had their Christmas Party last night. He said he had a good time. I know they looked like they were enjoying themselves when I arrived to pick him up and I can only imagine how much he ate...Candice out done herself with the food. I'm sure all the kids loved it.

Breanna and I went to a Christmas Party with my mom. It was great to see people I haven't seen lately and of course the holiday food was fabulous. I love holiday party food...lol it's my favorite.

Well I'm going to go get my cup of coffee and sit back and relax...if possible. The kids are already up and in full force and the dogs are racing through the house. Can someone send me a one of those sleeping masks and earplugs? Now that would be a Christmas present that gave all year long.

I'm Back!

Okay, so I've neglected you...that's life sometimes isn't it?

We've been through a real sickness scare with Cameron, Breanna was gone during Thanksgiving (not easy), Christopher made some bad decisions and now with all the lights up and most of the presents under the tree; we are ready for Christmas.

We are looking forward to the next week and planning on jam packing them full of whatever comes our way.

Tonight is Cameron's Jr. High Church Christmas Party. I'll drop him off and Breanna and I will meet my mom at her Ladies Church Party. Kevin is working so he will be in his own when he gets off, he will probably enjoy the peace and quiet.

I'll try to do better as the days come and go. Cindy laughs but I have set an alarm to remind me to blog. Maybe I'll start paying attention to it. Perhaps a New Year's Resolution could be to blog daily without fail, hmmmm. I'll think about it.