Wow...I sat down thinking "I should update our blog, it hasn't been that long." Ha! Try over a year! I make no apologies for the sudden super extra business of our life, chances are if you are friends of ours on Facebook, you've caught the highlights. But since one of the huge big wonderful things going on was the addition of our spunky little girl, it didn't feel appropriate for the blog to just be named for Glen and I. We're a family of three now so...voila! New name, new design *oooohhhh ahhh* I know...I know...hold your applause.
So I'll fill in on what's happening like...now. Glen just hit his two year mark at Aliera Healthcare. In those two years his position has changed several times, he's learned a lot, and earned his health and life insurance license. He's worked with some really good people who have taught him a lot. When it comes to personal business aspirations, he's always got something going on and that creative entrepreneurial river runs deep. So he's always got a project here, there or somewhere. He is a wonderful Daddy who loves to play with his girl, and she loves him right back. As soon as she started saying "Dada" I was pretty sure she would get whatever she wanted with a bat of her pretty eyes and that one word. Every morning she crawls into our room, pulls herself up on the side of our bed frame and peeks to see if he's there; and when he comes home she gets to him as fast as possible. They're two peas in a pod.
As for me, I am adjusting to stay at home mommy-hood. It's a very strange change in my day to day life. I love it but it takes getting used to. I've never been one that does well feeling like she's not doing as much. I know...raising Casey every day is work. Like exhausting. But I have also been trying to figure out this whole "self-care" business people have been telling me about for a while. Hobbies? What are those? I....got nothing. I'm thinking back to the last time I had a hobby; turns out I was like 11. But I loved to read! So I've been getting back into reading for fun instead of just teaching books. I've done pretty well so far! I've started bullet journaling which has helped me keep organized, but my bullet journal has become more of a day planner type thing than a creative outlet. Turns out my creative side, not so strong. I can barely doodle. BUT my colored pen game is STRONG so I have that. Need a pen? Name a color and ink type preference, I've got you covered!
Casey is beautiful, crazy, independent, sassy, stubborn, with a mind and personality of her own! We see it more every day. So far she eats anything and everything we put in front of her and loves drinking out of a straw. Sippy cups and bottles are not her thing, but she does love those straws! She is still nursing and my being home has caused her to be out of practice using a bottle and therefore she won't take one. So we're working on that....kind of. I always said I'd stop nursing after she got teeth and I just haven't stopped. On one hand I super don't want to spend a ton of money on formula and on the other I love the bonding time with her. She is so crazy fast when she crawls and puts anything and E V E R Y T H I N G in her mouth! Including a gel silica packet. Enter baby's first call to poison control. In case anyone is wondering, they're not toxic. Hurray! She pulls herself up to standing constantly but hasn't really attempted walking much. We're not in any hurry for that. I figure eventually she'll be like "hey...this seems cool!" That's what she did with crawling. Also any toy that shakes and rattles is the best, so we have a million different kinds of rattles.
Anywhoooo....that's us for now! I'm toying with the idea of doing a personal blog just for fun. No particular purpose in mind just as a creative outlet I can do! No drawing involved there, just typing. Luckily for me I am a pretty solid typer. Add that to my talent list!
Oh wait...tomorrow is our EIGHTH wedding anniversary! Go us! What a whirlwind these 8 years have been. Nowhere near what we thought they'd be but so much better. So here's to the past eight years and an eternity more with a man who is far more patient with me than anyone ever could be!
Monday, August 26, 2019
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Happy Summer!
Happy summer everyone! I have not updated this as frequently as I used to. Whoops! I'll try to update things the best I can!
As mentioned in the last post, I taught kindergarten this year. I definitely had an adjustment period switching from my second grade brain to my kindergarten brain, but I definitely felt like it was a learning and growing experience. People all year long asked me which I liked teaching better and I could never give anyone a straight answer! Comparing those two age groups is like comparing apples and oranges; they're so so different. But while I had my frustrated moments and times where I had to remind myself "they're five...they're five..." I really enjoyed my group of kids. I think even more so than last year I had a wide array of different personalities; it definitely kept me on my toes. But when the time came for kindergarten graduation I definitely got misty eyed. But I think the most heart breaking thing was on the last day of school it was time for the bus kids to leave. So I hugged each of them and wished them a great summer; but one of my quietest ones held onto me and said "wait...Mrs. P it's time for me to leave?" I told her that yes it was and I would see her when she was a big first grader. She started to tear up and just held onto my waist. I gave her another hug and she headed to her bus. But it's hard to go from seeing these kids 8 hours a day for 175(ish) days to not seeing them at all. I think about them a lot. As much as I miss them, I was ready for the break! Glen always says that after a school year ends I have a hibernation period. During this time I sleep in until my body wakes up and I don't do a whole lot in general; typically it lasts about a week. But being newly pregnant at the end of the school year, my energy was zapped even more, but I still had to keep up. So my hibernation period seems to be lasting a little longer than normal. It's frustrating feeling so tired all the time but I'm trying to give myself some grace and let it happen a bit.
Glen has been with Aliera Healthcare now for nearly a year and really enjoys his job. He's working toward getting his health and life insurance license to help further his work at Aliera. He's got a couple other things on his mind that he's looking to pursue as well, as is his typical fashion. I have to give him a huge shout out because he has been the most gracious person while I have been adjusting to pregnancy. He's been so patient with me falling asleep at the drop of a hat (no matter how early it is), or not having the energy to cook. He's been wonderful with all of it, even though I'm getting frustrated with myself.
We got to enjoy some fun family visits since our last post. Chris, Holly, Justin, and Lucy visited in February and we got some good play time with them. Glen's parents came and visited over spring break and I got to spend most of the time with them. It was fun! We even saw some stuff that I hadn't seen yet, even though we've lived here for almost 7 years. Glen's sister Britney was visiting just a couple of weekends ago. It was nice to be a stop on her summer long travels! Now we are pretty much enjoying the summer by swimming and spending time with family as we can.
I guess our biggest life happening is that we are about 15 and a half weeks along expecting our first baby! A little girl due December 9th. This little girl is an answer to about a million prayers over the course of a couple years. I've had the chance to experience some really cool things and lucky for me I have sisters who were open about their pregnancies, so I've seen untrasounds before and kind of have a general idea of "the drill" when expecting a baby. But it was so different for our own! The first time we heard her heartbeat was amazing! I thought for sure at least Glen would get teary (he's better with the feels than I am), but neither of us did. We just smiled a lot! As strange as it sounds, as new as the experience was it was like I had known that sound forever I'd just been waiting to hear it. We were both nervous for our last appointment because I have been so sick, we were worried she wasn't getting what she needed. But she is healthy and growing exactly as she should! And I have medicine to help with the morning sickness! YAY! Our last ultrasound was the longest one we've had and it was the craziest thing! As soon as she put the little doohicky (yup...that's the technical term) on my belly, her little head popped on the screen. She was moving like crazy and was chilling with her hand up by her face and her legs crossed. The poor ultrasound tech had to fight with her a bit to see that she was a she. We have a picture of her with her hand up by her face. Glen says she already sleeps like me. This ultrasound made it even more real and we are so so excited to finally meet her!
We are enjoying our summer so far and hope you are too!
As mentioned in the last post, I taught kindergarten this year. I definitely had an adjustment period switching from my second grade brain to my kindergarten brain, but I definitely felt like it was a learning and growing experience. People all year long asked me which I liked teaching better and I could never give anyone a straight answer! Comparing those two age groups is like comparing apples and oranges; they're so so different. But while I had my frustrated moments and times where I had to remind myself "they're five...they're five..." I really enjoyed my group of kids. I think even more so than last year I had a wide array of different personalities; it definitely kept me on my toes. But when the time came for kindergarten graduation I definitely got misty eyed. But I think the most heart breaking thing was on the last day of school it was time for the bus kids to leave. So I hugged each of them and wished them a great summer; but one of my quietest ones held onto me and said "wait...Mrs. P it's time for me to leave?" I told her that yes it was and I would see her when she was a big first grader. She started to tear up and just held onto my waist. I gave her another hug and she headed to her bus. But it's hard to go from seeing these kids 8 hours a day for 175(ish) days to not seeing them at all. I think about them a lot. As much as I miss them, I was ready for the break! Glen always says that after a school year ends I have a hibernation period. During this time I sleep in until my body wakes up and I don't do a whole lot in general; typically it lasts about a week. But being newly pregnant at the end of the school year, my energy was zapped even more, but I still had to keep up. So my hibernation period seems to be lasting a little longer than normal. It's frustrating feeling so tired all the time but I'm trying to give myself some grace and let it happen a bit.
Glen has been with Aliera Healthcare now for nearly a year and really enjoys his job. He's working toward getting his health and life insurance license to help further his work at Aliera. He's got a couple other things on his mind that he's looking to pursue as well, as is his typical fashion. I have to give him a huge shout out because he has been the most gracious person while I have been adjusting to pregnancy. He's been so patient with me falling asleep at the drop of a hat (no matter how early it is), or not having the energy to cook. He's been wonderful with all of it, even though I'm getting frustrated with myself.
We got to enjoy some fun family visits since our last post. Chris, Holly, Justin, and Lucy visited in February and we got some good play time with them. Glen's parents came and visited over spring break and I got to spend most of the time with them. It was fun! We even saw some stuff that I hadn't seen yet, even though we've lived here for almost 7 years. Glen's sister Britney was visiting just a couple of weekends ago. It was nice to be a stop on her summer long travels! Now we are pretty much enjoying the summer by swimming and spending time with family as we can.
I guess our biggest life happening is that we are about 15 and a half weeks along expecting our first baby! A little girl due December 9th. This little girl is an answer to about a million prayers over the course of a couple years. I've had the chance to experience some really cool things and lucky for me I have sisters who were open about their pregnancies, so I've seen untrasounds before and kind of have a general idea of "the drill" when expecting a baby. But it was so different for our own! The first time we heard her heartbeat was amazing! I thought for sure at least Glen would get teary (he's better with the feels than I am), but neither of us did. We just smiled a lot! As strange as it sounds, as new as the experience was it was like I had known that sound forever I'd just been waiting to hear it. We were both nervous for our last appointment because I have been so sick, we were worried she wasn't getting what she needed. But she is healthy and growing exactly as she should! And I have medicine to help with the morning sickness! YAY! Our last ultrasound was the longest one we've had and it was the craziest thing! As soon as she put the little doohicky (yup...that's the technical term) on my belly, her little head popped on the screen. She was moving like crazy and was chilling with her hand up by her face and her legs crossed. The poor ultrasound tech had to fight with her a bit to see that she was a she. We have a picture of her with her hand up by her face. Glen says she already sleeps like me. This ultrasound made it even more real and we are so so excited to finally meet her!
We are enjoying our summer so far and hope you are too!
Friday, December 22, 2017
Talk About Catching Up...
Oh my goodness! I had no idea how long it had been since we had done an update! There is so much that we have to cover; I will try to cover the highlights. It may take me a while but if you feel like enduring the lengthy post, more power to ya! Away we go!
Since I posted last I got an amazing teaching job at Remynse Elementary. I taught 2nd grade last year and loved it so much! I had a class full of amazing different talents and personalities. I had my challenges and my stress for sure, but I loved it. I think the entire year hit me over the course of two experiences.The first was during the last week of school I was giving my students their end of year gift. I had gotten each of them a chapter book that I thought they would enjoy and I wrote a note to them to go on top. I sat in a circle on the floor with them and talked about how I remembered meeting each and every one of them. I asked them what some of their favorite or most memorable parts of the year were and we shared some memories. I gave them each their gifts and just watched them open it. I loved seeing them all excited about their books. It was a good moment to have with them. The last was in the last 15 minutes of our year. We had just done the sixth grade clap out and there was music playing over the loudspeaker. I spent that last 15 minutes dancing with my class in my nearly empty classroom. That final dismissal bell rang and my kids took their last bit of materials; I got a hug from each of them on their way out the door and then they were gone. I was sitting in my classroom that was no longer colorful or covered in work or student mess. I couldn't even help it; I closed my door and started to cry. This was the first group of kids that were mine. I wasn't a student teacher anymore, they were my class and I put my heart and soul into everything I did for them. That class will always have a special place in my heart.
At some point around January (maybe?) I found out that I was being surplussed(spelling?) which basically in teacher land means that the coming group of second graders wasn't big enough to need as many teachers as we had. But I still had a contract so I would be placed somewhere in the district. The idea of that made me nauseous. I loved my school and my administration and my team; I hated the idea that I would be leaving because of numbers. I got a call from my principal a month or so later asking if I had been placed yet. When I told her no she told me she thought she could keep me at the building but she had to act fast. A couple hours later I had a new contract to sign to stay at the same campus but teach Kindergarten. So this year I have 19 kinder babies. They keep me on my toes, give me lots of hugs, test my patience on occasion, and make me laugh. All of which are exactly as it should be.
Over the summer Glen worked really hard at Leslie's and I tried to keep myself busy with the sudden lack of things to do. My best friend Kassy and her hubby and kiddo moved to Texas over the summer (finally...YAY!) But after working hard at Leslie's, Glen had an opportunity to interview with the same company that Francisco (Kassy's hubby) works at. He got that job and has been working there for a little over three months and he is really enjoying it! Personally, I appreciate the regular 9-6 hours and getting him to myself on the weekends. YAY twice! He is learning a lot there and enjoys those he works with. Over the summer Glen and I went to the Webb family reunion, my first one ever. We enjoyed catching up with his side of the family. I haven't spent much time with them, so it was fun getting to know them. Now we are working hard and spending time together as much as we can. He is still working on growing his business; it's a consistent work in progress. We also celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary. Each year we learn a little more about how to make our relationship work and about each other. I am grateful to be married to someone so different but also so compatible.
We have had a year full of changes, as well as ups and downs. We find ourselves incredibly blessed and enjoying our life here in Texas. We look forward to spending Christmas with our family and starting a new year.
Since I posted last I got an amazing teaching job at Remynse Elementary. I taught 2nd grade last year and loved it so much! I had a class full of amazing different talents and personalities. I had my challenges and my stress for sure, but I loved it. I think the entire year hit me over the course of two experiences.The first was during the last week of school I was giving my students their end of year gift. I had gotten each of them a chapter book that I thought they would enjoy and I wrote a note to them to go on top. I sat in a circle on the floor with them and talked about how I remembered meeting each and every one of them. I asked them what some of their favorite or most memorable parts of the year were and we shared some memories. I gave them each their gifts and just watched them open it. I loved seeing them all excited about their books. It was a good moment to have with them. The last was in the last 15 minutes of our year. We had just done the sixth grade clap out and there was music playing over the loudspeaker. I spent that last 15 minutes dancing with my class in my nearly empty classroom. That final dismissal bell rang and my kids took their last bit of materials; I got a hug from each of them on their way out the door and then they were gone. I was sitting in my classroom that was no longer colorful or covered in work or student mess. I couldn't even help it; I closed my door and started to cry. This was the first group of kids that were mine. I wasn't a student teacher anymore, they were my class and I put my heart and soul into everything I did for them. That class will always have a special place in my heart.
At some point around January (maybe?) I found out that I was being surplussed(spelling?) which basically in teacher land means that the coming group of second graders wasn't big enough to need as many teachers as we had. But I still had a contract so I would be placed somewhere in the district. The idea of that made me nauseous. I loved my school and my administration and my team; I hated the idea that I would be leaving because of numbers. I got a call from my principal a month or so later asking if I had been placed yet. When I told her no she told me she thought she could keep me at the building but she had to act fast. A couple hours later I had a new contract to sign to stay at the same campus but teach Kindergarten. So this year I have 19 kinder babies. They keep me on my toes, give me lots of hugs, test my patience on occasion, and make me laugh. All of which are exactly as it should be.
Over the summer Glen worked really hard at Leslie's and I tried to keep myself busy with the sudden lack of things to do. My best friend Kassy and her hubby and kiddo moved to Texas over the summer (finally...YAY!) But after working hard at Leslie's, Glen had an opportunity to interview with the same company that Francisco (Kassy's hubby) works at. He got that job and has been working there for a little over three months and he is really enjoying it! Personally, I appreciate the regular 9-6 hours and getting him to myself on the weekends. YAY twice! He is learning a lot there and enjoys those he works with. Over the summer Glen and I went to the Webb family reunion, my first one ever. We enjoyed catching up with his side of the family. I haven't spent much time with them, so it was fun getting to know them. Now we are working hard and spending time together as much as we can. He is still working on growing his business; it's a consistent work in progress. We also celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary. Each year we learn a little more about how to make our relationship work and about each other. I am grateful to be married to someone so different but also so compatible.
We have had a year full of changes, as well as ups and downs. We find ourselves incredibly blessed and enjoying our life here in Texas. We look forward to spending Christmas with our family and starting a new year.
Monday, July 18, 2016
Exciting New Chapter Filled With Blessings!
Hi everyone! We have had a great summer and I am so excited to share some of it! It hasn't been easy but we have been doing our best to count our blessings and kind of power through it. I will update the best I can!
Having nothing to do after graduation really wigged me out. It was nice having time to relax but I don't relax easily. Glen always says that I can never just do nothing, which is pretty accurate. I had my first interview about a week after graduation. It was exciting to get to interview for a "grown up" job, but when I came out of the interview I wasn't as excited as I knew I should be. Immediately, Glen and I started praying about what we should do if I was offered the position. We both agreed that something felt off about it and decided to turn it down when it was offered to me. This was so hard! Turning down the type of position I have been waiting for forever and the paycheck that went with it seemed absolutely ridiculous; but we did it. I found out about 10 minutes after I called and turned down the position why I was prompted that way. I don't want to go into too many details but it would not have been the right place for me. So....we took a leap of faith and it turned out to be exactly right.
Starting in June I went back to working at the animal clinic just for the summer. We turned in our application for the apartment complex that we have wanted to live in for forever and we got accepted! So we both took on more hours to pay for deposits as well as our current expenses. Glen is working his butt off at Leslie's and is still on track to become the assistant manager at his store. With the hours we were both getting we were able to pay half of the deposits and set our move in date. This was another light at the end of the tunnel; we've grown out of our apartment and so many things have been going wrong with it that we are ready to get out of here! Toward the beginning of the June I was crunching numbers and freaking out, as well as worrying because it had been almost a month with no other calls for interviews. Literally as I was thinking this I got a phone call from the school that I attended for my first observation year at UTA. I went to the interview and felt like I sounded like a total dummy. The questions were so much harder than I expected but I answered them the best I could. Right after my interview Glen and I went to the temple; after our session I spent some time in the celestial room and part of that was praying about the interview and the job in general. I could tell right away that this one was different; I was anxious to get the phone call from the principal and hoping it would happen. We prayed about it and felt that if the position was offered to me, I should take it. I heard back from the principal the next Monday and I got the position! I will be teaching second grade at Remynse Elementary in Arlington ISD and I am so excited!!
Glen and I have been enjoying our mutual days off together. While I was student teaching we didn't get a whole lot of quality time. We've gone swimming a couple of times, played games, and gotten to veg some. The one thing that we didn't get to do is travel like we wanted, so we've made plans to save and go next summer. I did get to spend some time in New York. I went with Megan and Caelan and we were there for about 6 days. We went with Chris, Holly, and the kids to see The Hill Cumorah Pageant. We played games. went to a birthday dinner for Caelan and just got to spend some time together. I also got to go to my best friend Kassy's baby shower. It is crazy and awesome to see her as a mom; they're going to be so great though. No doubts.
*WARNING: SHAMELESS GUSHY FEELS PORTION*
Okay so here's I think one of our biggest blessings this summer. I posted a status about it on Facebook but couldn't type details through the tears. I'm able to talk about it without crying, I am just amazed. For months Glen and I have been praying that our finances would work out with moving this coming Saturday. I always forget how expensive moving is with having to still pay rent in the current place as well as deposits and rent in the next place. Finances are painful for me, so I am pretty sure that my brain blocked out that pain. Anyways, we have included this next couple weeks especially both in our individual and couple prayers. We've fasted about it about it and brought our concerns to the temple. Well the peak of our financial hill is coming up in the next week and a half. As I was coming home for lunch today I was thinking about all of our upcoming bills and wondering how this was all going to work out. Thinking about how we'd done all we could; we paid our tithing first thing after each of our checks and we have been as careful as possible with our finances. I was thinking all of this when the email alert on my phone went off. The email was from UTA and it said that a refund had been generated to my checking account. I figured it was a little refund for parking or something so I logged onto my account to see what it was from and how much. It was a good thing I had put the car in park because otherwise I would have wrecked. Almost $1,500 was the amount of my refund.
I walked into our apartment and I am sure by the look on my face Glen thought something terrible had happened. I told him and we thought they had made a mistake. I called my mom to see what I should do or if I should call the financial aid office. She told me to do what I thought was best. I intended to call but thought I should first check my financial aid page and all the way at the bottom was the grant that was being refunded. I was supposed to receive it last summer but never did so they issued the refund now. I just started to cry. This is literally the exact amount to pay our deposit we've been looking for relief for and some other bills.I We are so incredibly grateful. The first thing Glen mentioned was blessings from our tithing; my first thought was the hundreds of prayers answered.
Whatever caused it, we know we are blessed beyond words. The following quote seems to sum it up nicely. We were feeling blessed as it was by friends and family who support and love us, this was the icing on the cake.
Having nothing to do after graduation really wigged me out. It was nice having time to relax but I don't relax easily. Glen always says that I can never just do nothing, which is pretty accurate. I had my first interview about a week after graduation. It was exciting to get to interview for a "grown up" job, but when I came out of the interview I wasn't as excited as I knew I should be. Immediately, Glen and I started praying about what we should do if I was offered the position. We both agreed that something felt off about it and decided to turn it down when it was offered to me. This was so hard! Turning down the type of position I have been waiting for forever and the paycheck that went with it seemed absolutely ridiculous; but we did it. I found out about 10 minutes after I called and turned down the position why I was prompted that way. I don't want to go into too many details but it would not have been the right place for me. So....we took a leap of faith and it turned out to be exactly right.
Starting in June I went back to working at the animal clinic just for the summer. We turned in our application for the apartment complex that we have wanted to live in for forever and we got accepted! So we both took on more hours to pay for deposits as well as our current expenses. Glen is working his butt off at Leslie's and is still on track to become the assistant manager at his store. With the hours we were both getting we were able to pay half of the deposits and set our move in date. This was another light at the end of the tunnel; we've grown out of our apartment and so many things have been going wrong with it that we are ready to get out of here! Toward the beginning of the June I was crunching numbers and freaking out, as well as worrying because it had been almost a month with no other calls for interviews. Literally as I was thinking this I got a phone call from the school that I attended for my first observation year at UTA. I went to the interview and felt like I sounded like a total dummy. The questions were so much harder than I expected but I answered them the best I could. Right after my interview Glen and I went to the temple; after our session I spent some time in the celestial room and part of that was praying about the interview and the job in general. I could tell right away that this one was different; I was anxious to get the phone call from the principal and hoping it would happen. We prayed about it and felt that if the position was offered to me, I should take it. I heard back from the principal the next Monday and I got the position! I will be teaching second grade at Remynse Elementary in Arlington ISD and I am so excited!!
Glen and I have been enjoying our mutual days off together. While I was student teaching we didn't get a whole lot of quality time. We've gone swimming a couple of times, played games, and gotten to veg some. The one thing that we didn't get to do is travel like we wanted, so we've made plans to save and go next summer. I did get to spend some time in New York. I went with Megan and Caelan and we were there for about 6 days. We went with Chris, Holly, and the kids to see The Hill Cumorah Pageant. We played games. went to a birthday dinner for Caelan and just got to spend some time together. I also got to go to my best friend Kassy's baby shower. It is crazy and awesome to see her as a mom; they're going to be so great though. No doubts.
*WARNING: SHAMELESS GUSHY FEELS PORTION*
Okay so here's I think one of our biggest blessings this summer. I posted a status about it on Facebook but couldn't type details through the tears. I'm able to talk about it without crying, I am just amazed. For months Glen and I have been praying that our finances would work out with moving this coming Saturday. I always forget how expensive moving is with having to still pay rent in the current place as well as deposits and rent in the next place. Finances are painful for me, so I am pretty sure that my brain blocked out that pain. Anyways, we have included this next couple weeks especially both in our individual and couple prayers. We've fasted about it about it and brought our concerns to the temple. Well the peak of our financial hill is coming up in the next week and a half. As I was coming home for lunch today I was thinking about all of our upcoming bills and wondering how this was all going to work out. Thinking about how we'd done all we could; we paid our tithing first thing after each of our checks and we have been as careful as possible with our finances. I was thinking all of this when the email alert on my phone went off. The email was from UTA and it said that a refund had been generated to my checking account. I figured it was a little refund for parking or something so I logged onto my account to see what it was from and how much. It was a good thing I had put the car in park because otherwise I would have wrecked. Almost $1,500 was the amount of my refund.
I walked into our apartment and I am sure by the look on my face Glen thought something terrible had happened. I told him and we thought they had made a mistake. I called my mom to see what I should do or if I should call the financial aid office. She told me to do what I thought was best. I intended to call but thought I should first check my financial aid page and all the way at the bottom was the grant that was being refunded. I was supposed to receive it last summer but never did so they issued the refund now. I just started to cry. This is literally the exact amount to pay our deposit we've been looking for relief for and some other bills.
Whatever caused it, we know we are blessed beyond words. The following quote seems to sum it up nicely. We were feeling blessed as it was by friends and family who support and love us, this was the icing on the cake.
Monday, May 16, 2016
The End of A VERY Long Chapter
Hello again!! We have a lot to catch up on. Last time I posted I wrote about our last challenge and my gallbladder surgery. My complete recovery really has only happened the last few weeks. As it turns out, when they take your gallbladder it messes with every last bit of normal digestion. Funny how before it decided to act up, I didn't even know what it did. Then all of a sudden its absence messed everything up! The last few weeks Glen and I have been on another challenge. I am not gonna lie, we have not done well! With graduation, people visiting, and a whole lot being unable to be planned, it made things difficult. We still have lost some and we aren't finished yet, but the cleanse part of this challenge seems to have done something I did not expect. It fixed my messed up digestion! No lie! I tried for the month and a half or so after my surgery to fix and regulate it in a variety of different ways. I don't know why I didn't think about trying this before but when we started the challenge, I realized it. Even if we haven't done perfectly, or well even, that by itself has been huge! Even if I haven't lost as much as I should have, that has been a huge burden.
I also wrote about how hard Glen has been working; that has not changed. Anyone who knows him shouldn't be surprised by that. Since I last wrote, Glen has been transferred to another store. This is actually pretty convenient because the new location is like 2 minutes from our apartment and 5(ish) from where I will be working over the summer. His manager is awesome and he is being fast-tracked to be an assistant store manager. This is exactly what we've needed! He will consistently be full time and we will have the opportunity for insurance. He also has been able to make contacts about his t-shirt business which has been growing. I am so proud of all that he has done and will do. He takes care of us and does anything he can to make sure we're covered. There are big things coming this summer and I am incredibly excited to see what happens.
As for me, the chapter of my life that I have been working on for the past 6 years. This last Saturday I graduated with my teaching degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. I cannot describe how I feel about this. For years it has been my focus. "I just have to do.....so I can graduate." Then in a matter of minutes, it's over. I told Glen that, in a way, it feels kind of like when we got married. We spent months planning, arranging, and imagining what it would be like. We planned our life around what would happen after the day was done. Then all of a sudden, in a flash, it was over. The day after we got married we remember looking at each other like "okay...now what?" That is how I feel. We have been working so hard to achieve this goal and now that it's done, it feels so strange! It's like I have to be a grown up all of a sudden. I realize I have been one, but still. My job now is applying for jobs. I've passed all the tests, taken all the classes, and walked the stage. Now it's time to get my own classroom.
I have spent this school year at an amazing school. Diane Patrick Elementary has an amazing faculty and administration. I have truly been learning from the best and I have learned a lot! I would love to get a position in any school! Teaching is what I have wanted to do forever. I would love my own classroom, and I know that will happen. I would love to be offered a position at Diane Patrick; I feel comfortable there and I have seen the community. But I know I will end up wherever I am meant to be. I am looking forward to being wherever that is. I would add pictures from graduations but those have been all over Facebook already.
This post is more of an update on us; I will post a personal post (just from me) on my personal blog. Stay tuned.
I also wrote about how hard Glen has been working; that has not changed. Anyone who knows him shouldn't be surprised by that. Since I last wrote, Glen has been transferred to another store. This is actually pretty convenient because the new location is like 2 minutes from our apartment and 5(ish) from where I will be working over the summer. His manager is awesome and he is being fast-tracked to be an assistant store manager. This is exactly what we've needed! He will consistently be full time and we will have the opportunity for insurance. He also has been able to make contacts about his t-shirt business which has been growing. I am so proud of all that he has done and will do. He takes care of us and does anything he can to make sure we're covered. There are big things coming this summer and I am incredibly excited to see what happens.
As for me, the chapter of my life that I have been working on for the past 6 years. This last Saturday I graduated with my teaching degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. I cannot describe how I feel about this. For years it has been my focus. "I just have to do.....so I can graduate." Then in a matter of minutes, it's over. I told Glen that, in a way, it feels kind of like when we got married. We spent months planning, arranging, and imagining what it would be like. We planned our life around what would happen after the day was done. Then all of a sudden, in a flash, it was over. The day after we got married we remember looking at each other like "okay...now what?" That is how I feel. We have been working so hard to achieve this goal and now that it's done, it feels so strange! It's like I have to be a grown up all of a sudden. I realize I have been one, but still. My job now is applying for jobs. I've passed all the tests, taken all the classes, and walked the stage. Now it's time to get my own classroom.
I have spent this school year at an amazing school. Diane Patrick Elementary has an amazing faculty and administration. I have truly been learning from the best and I have learned a lot! I would love to get a position in any school! Teaching is what I have wanted to do forever. I would love my own classroom, and I know that will happen. I would love to be offered a position at Diane Patrick; I feel comfortable there and I have seen the community. But I know I will end up wherever I am meant to be. I am looking forward to being wherever that is. I would add pictures from graduations but those have been all over Facebook already.
This post is more of an update on us; I will post a personal post (just from me) on my personal blog. Stay tuned.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Updates of All Kinds
Hello everyone! First things first, I was not able to keep up the frequent updates with our last challenge because of school. But Glen and I each lost at least 10 pounds and several inches. I accidentally threw away our paper where we kept our exact stats. Unfortunately, Glen had to finish our challenge without me because in the middle of it I went to the emergency room with what turned out to be a gallbladder attack. This made it so that there were only some foods that didn't totally kill my stomach; lots of crackers and applesauce. But Glen did finish without me and did well. We're both still working on our goals of course and now that my gallbladder is out, we can work on them like we really want to.
Glen has been working crazy hard at work. He's one of the ones that gets relied on the most. I am so grateful for him and everything that he does to keep us going while I finish my schooling. He works long days and is the first one to step up and help me cut out something for the kids. He's been a life saver during all of this and every day he does something like this or willingly works a 12 hour day I don't think I could possibly appreciate or love him anymore. But then he does it again or sleeps on the floor for me, and somehow I do love him even more. I am amazed at his perseverance. He works then comes home and puts everything he has into his business. Which seems to be growing and doing well.
As for me, I spend literally half of my days at the elementary school. I just switched to the second half of my placement. One thing I learned from all of my time in third grade is that I never realized how much I could love so many children who were not related to me. Each and every one of those kids is different and each one of them taught me something. There were a lot of challenges along the way but I love those kids and I miss them bunches. That sounds really dumb to say since they're just upstairs from where I am right now but it's true. But this has made me so excited to go back down to kindergarten. I got to know those kiddos some from being there one day a week but I am so excited to get that time with the kinder kiddos. I am two months from graduation and time is flying, but it's taken so long to get to this point that I am kind of okay with it. Now comes the end stretch, what does that mean? Finishing my student teaching, taking my last (and biggest) certification test, and job hunting. Whew!
We hope life is treating you well. One thing Glen and I have talked about a lot lately how it is becoming more necessary for us to hear about the good in the world. People just being decent human beings. Nothing extravagant or over the top, just decent people. So I am ending this post like Ellen Degeneres ends many of her shows. Be kind to one another.
Glen has been working crazy hard at work. He's one of the ones that gets relied on the most. I am so grateful for him and everything that he does to keep us going while I finish my schooling. He works long days and is the first one to step up and help me cut out something for the kids. He's been a life saver during all of this and every day he does something like this or willingly works a 12 hour day I don't think I could possibly appreciate or love him anymore. But then he does it again or sleeps on the floor for me, and somehow I do love him even more. I am amazed at his perseverance. He works then comes home and puts everything he has into his business. Which seems to be growing and doing well.
As for me, I spend literally half of my days at the elementary school. I just switched to the second half of my placement. One thing I learned from all of my time in third grade is that I never realized how much I could love so many children who were not related to me. Each and every one of those kids is different and each one of them taught me something. There were a lot of challenges along the way but I love those kids and I miss them bunches. That sounds really dumb to say since they're just upstairs from where I am right now but it's true. But this has made me so excited to go back down to kindergarten. I got to know those kiddos some from being there one day a week but I am so excited to get that time with the kinder kiddos. I am two months from graduation and time is flying, but it's taken so long to get to this point that I am kind of okay with it. Now comes the end stretch, what does that mean? Finishing my student teaching, taking my last (and biggest) certification test, and job hunting. Whew!
We hope life is treating you well. One thing Glen and I have talked about a lot lately how it is becoming more necessary for us to hear about the good in the world. People just being decent human beings. Nothing extravagant or over the top, just decent people. So I am ending this post like Ellen Degeneres ends many of her shows. Be kind to one another.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
We're All In!
Hello hello everyone! This is a sort of update on what we're doing. So read it if you want, don't if you don't...whatever!
So as many know Glen and I did our first 24 Day Challenge back in the end of May and we saw amazing results! If you didn't see those, feel free to go here. We were PUMPED! We tried to do another challenge in the fall (I think...?) but I had some medical issues thatsidelined derailed blew up that idea. So that was discouraging. After our first challenge we kept going for a while, but in the name of full disclosure, we slipped back into old habits. Sometimes it's less expensive (or seemingly so) to buy food that's not as healthy or refrain from getting the supplements and multivitamins that our bodies need in the name of the budget. Don't get me wrong, the budget thing is valid! But we learned the hard way (again) that it totally takes you off track and takes a toll on our body.
With the new year we spent a good chunk of time looking at our life style. It was not easy and it was not comfortable.Glen signed up for a budgeting/spending website called Mint and it categorizes our spending and let me tell ya...holy crap! We spent so much money without even realizing it on like take out and stuff because we had no groceries. As soon as we saw that we agreed that the money that went towards that last year is going towards a healthier us this year. No doubt. We knew we had to do this again and really stick to it. We knew we had to find the value in the investment into our health. This meant being okay using some money on our challenges that before would have gone to take out. It meant being okay with ignoring the junk food cravings in the name of fueling our bodies.
After we had decided to do this we saw an episode of Biggest Loser where they were giving the nutrition information (like....all of it) of some of the popular junk foods that a lot of Americans especially eat. It was the popular mall food court food and watching it actually made us so sick to our stomach that we couldn't even finish what we were eating. All of this helped us make the very easy decision to jump All-In with thousands of other challengers nation wide.
So we're holding ourselves accountable even more than before (partly inspired by my sister-in-law Holly being so transparent with her goals and process). We seriously fell off the wagon and we want back on for good. Today was day one.
Aimee
To put this out there is really hard for me. I am a perfectionist so the fact that I failed at staying on that path really sucks. I let my life and my busy schedule get in the way; basically I said everything else in my life was worth more than investing (both time and monetarily) in myself. That is something that I always have had an issue with; Glen has pointed that out about me too. I tend to give every bit of time and energy to other things and people that I have nothing for myself. So I am trying to be okay with spending money on healthy food to take care of myself (and obviously Glen too). I'm trying to be okay with taking an hour at the gym as an investment in myself. So here are my starting stats; officially the heaviest I've ever been and the most unhealthy I have ever felt. No the pictures aren't good ones...it was before bed and I was sleepy! :)
Weight: 157.2 lbs
Chest: 36.5 in
Waist: 29.5 in
Hips: 36.25 in
Thighs: 20 in
I came into this constantly feeling tired. Coming home at the end of the day just tired and wanting to munch! I am a stress eater...for sure. Not to mention just feeling super gross all the time.
I was so excited to get started today and I had some serious wins! First of all the kiddos in my class today started a fundraiser selling chocolate...sorry kids Mrs. P isn't buying any chocolate this time but I'll try to find someone who might! They were learning fractions with candy and I realized how totally mindlessly I munched when I had a Hershey kiss in my hand without even realizing I had picked it up. I was completely shocked at myself and put it right back down. Win #1. After about a ten hour day at school when it would have been easy to say that I didn't want to go to the gym, I drank my Spark and my Rehydrate and buckled down. Win #2. Lastly, with my endometriosis makes it so there are days when I am in a lot of pain just because. Today was one of those days but I pushed through our workout anyway. I hurt like crazy afterwards but it was worth it. I invested in myself and I felt good for it. Win #3.
I am now home, worn out in the best way, snuggled up with my boy in one of his sweatshirts. I'm finishing up this post, looking at some school work, then going to bed on time. A successful day one...on to
day two!
Glen
Weight: 233
Chest 43 in.
Waist: 45 3/4 in.
Hips: 44 1/4 in.
Thighs: 24.5 in.
This is Glen speaking now giving some of my own thoughts and opinions. After going without our healthy routine for a good amount of months I can honestly say I am incredibly stoked to getting back to this CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE routine!
Even though I am a bit tired at first getting up in the mornings, I enjoy the time with my wife and knowing that we are on our way to being healthier and having a long life together.
The first days typically of each challenge are the hardest but this third go round I found that it was so easy to get up and start the day out.
My absolute favorite product which I will say over and over and over and over and over is SPARK! This product for me is not just about giving me maintained energy through out the day but it allows me to be more focused and productive working on. My wife has mentioned in previous posts on here and on her facebook page so now I am going to mention it again.
I own an online custom graphic apparel company Shirts Just For You and because I am so confident in these challenges I am offering to anyone and everyone that is willing to purchase a 24 day challenge I will give them a free shirt with one of my recent new motivational shirts DONT QUIT which you can see here. Let's get started. This is your year!
So as many know Glen and I did our first 24 Day Challenge back in the end of May and we saw amazing results! If you didn't see those, feel free to go here. We were PUMPED! We tried to do another challenge in the fall (I think...?) but I had some medical issues that
With the new year we spent a good chunk of time looking at our life style. It was not easy and it was not comfortable.Glen signed up for a budgeting/spending website called Mint and it categorizes our spending and let me tell ya...holy crap! We spent so much money without even realizing it on like take out and stuff because we had no groceries. As soon as we saw that we agreed that the money that went towards that last year is going towards a healthier us this year. No doubt. We knew we had to do this again and really stick to it. We knew we had to find the value in the investment into our health. This meant being okay using some money on our challenges that before would have gone to take out. It meant being okay with ignoring the junk food cravings in the name of fueling our bodies.
After we had decided to do this we saw an episode of Biggest Loser where they were giving the nutrition information (like....all of it) of some of the popular junk foods that a lot of Americans especially eat. It was the popular mall food court food and watching it actually made us so sick to our stomach that we couldn't even finish what we were eating. All of this helped us make the very easy decision to jump All-In with thousands of other challengers nation wide.
So we're holding ourselves accountable even more than before (partly inspired by my sister-in-law Holly being so transparent with her goals and process). We seriously fell off the wagon and we want back on for good. Today was day one.
Aimee
To put this out there is really hard for me. I am a perfectionist so the fact that I failed at staying on that path really sucks. I let my life and my busy schedule get in the way; basically I said everything else in my life was worth more than investing (both time and monetarily) in myself. That is something that I always have had an issue with; Glen has pointed that out about me too. I tend to give every bit of time and energy to other things and people that I have nothing for myself. So I am trying to be okay with spending money on healthy food to take care of myself (and obviously Glen too). I'm trying to be okay with taking an hour at the gym as an investment in myself. So here are my starting stats; officially the heaviest I've ever been and the most unhealthy I have ever felt. No the pictures aren't good ones...it was before bed and I was sleepy! :)
Weight: 157.2 lbsChest: 36.5 in
Waist: 29.5 in
Hips: 36.25 in
Thighs: 20 in
I came into this constantly feeling tired. Coming home at the end of the day just tired and wanting to munch! I am a stress eater...for sure. Not to mention just feeling super gross all the time.
I was so excited to get started today and I had some serious wins! First of all the kiddos in my class today started a fundraiser selling chocolate...sorry kids Mrs. P isn't buying any chocolate this time but I'll try to find someone who might! They were learning fractions with candy and I realized how totally mindlessly I munched when I had a Hershey kiss in my hand without even realizing I had picked it up. I was completely shocked at myself and put it right back down. Win #1. After about a ten hour day at school when it would have been easy to say that I didn't want to go to the gym, I drank my Spark and my Rehydrate and buckled down. Win #2. Lastly, with my endometriosis makes it so there are days when I am in a lot of pain just because. Today was one of those days but I pushed through our workout anyway. I hurt like crazy afterwards but it was worth it. I invested in myself and I felt good for it. Win #3.
I am now home, worn out in the best way, snuggled up with my boy in one of his sweatshirts. I'm finishing up this post, looking at some school work, then going to bed on time. A successful day one...on today two!
Glen
Weight: 233
Chest 43 in.
Waist: 45 3/4 in.
Hips: 44 1/4 in.
Thighs: 24.5 in.
This is Glen speaking now giving some of my own thoughts and opinions. After going without our healthy routine for a good amount of months I can honestly say I am incredibly stoked to getting back to this CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE routine!Even though I am a bit tired at first getting up in the mornings, I enjoy the time with my wife and knowing that we are on our way to being healthier and having a long life together.
The first days typically of each challenge are the hardest but this third go round I found that it was so easy to get up and start the day out.
My absolute favorite product which I will say over and over and over and over and over is SPARK! This product for me is not just about giving me maintained energy through out the day but it allows me to be more focused and productive working on. My wife has mentioned in previous posts on here and on her facebook page so now I am going to mention it again.
I own an online custom graphic apparel company Shirts Just For You and because I am so confident in these challenges I am offering to anyone and everyone that is willing to purchase a 24 day challenge I will give them a free shirt with one of my recent new motivational shirts DONT QUIT which you can see here. Let's get started. This is your year!
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Our Advocare Favorites
We posted some in our last blog post about our Advocare adventures. As promised, here is a post about all of some of our favorite products. We have not gotten to use all of them yet, but we're working on it! If you have any questions or anything feel free to call, text, message, email, or whatever!! We're happy to answer any of your questions. So here goes!
We love the 24 Day Challenges! We love the products in the challenge. The cleanse phase (the first ten days) help clean out all the junk that accumulates in your system and it really makes you feel a lot better!
The challenge also includes the other products that we love, so I'll put the details for those with those products. One thing that I really like about the 24 Day challenge is that it is totally able to be customized! If there is a part or parts that don't work for you, it can be tweaked for your goals!!
This is one of our go to, must have products. It comes in a bunch of really yummy flavors and it is great as a no-crash source of energy. Unlike soda or coffee you don't need a nap after it wears off! I drink some in the morning and I am good all day. I like that it doesn't make me jittery and runs all day! I could go on about this all day, but I won't. This too is part of the 24 Day Challenge.
Chocolate-chocolate snack bars are a tasty and healthy snack to have on hand. I am a huge chocolate addict so they are a healthy way to satisfy my chocolate hankering.
Rehydrate is awesome for before, during, or after the workout. My favorite is actually the Red Raspberry. I drink it before every gym session and sometimes mix it with grape or fruit punch spark and it is sooooo yummy!
This is one of Glen's favorites. I don't mind it, but I like Spark best. This is like Spark bumped up a notch. It tastes really good and it's his go to work his 6 am truck shifts.
These are great for a quick on the go meal. The vanilla are my favorite and the chocolate and chocolate peanut butter are glen's favorite. I am not a breakfast person, so I use these mostly in the morning which works great because usually I am running late and I usually drink it in the car on the way to school. This is a part of the 24 Day Challenge.
This helps with post workout recovery; it keeps you from getting sore after a work out and helps with energy and focus as well. This is an optional part of the challenge but we always include it because it makes a huge difference.
These are vitamin chews. I got to try them when I was putting together an individualized challenge for someone and they taste like starbursts! I am using the CorePlex as my vitamin but these appeal to the inner child who always wanted the Flinstone vitamins. :) A perfect example of how the 24 day challenges can be personalized.
This is a really awesome source of the healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. The biggest effect that I have seen it have is on my hair and nails. My hail feels healthier and my nails aren't as brittle. This is part of the 24 Day Challenge.
This is the multivitamin that I mentioned. It has all the nutrients you need! Not as fun as the V100 chews but hey...they're grown up vitamins and work well! This is also part of the 24 Day Challenge.
Well there they are! Feel free again to ask questions about any of it or go to the website to look at the ones that we haven't gotten to try yet. Enjoy!!
Well there they are! Feel free again to ask questions about any of it or go to the website to look at the ones that we haven't gotten to try yet. Enjoy!!
Monday, December 21, 2015
Wrapping Up 2015
Hello everyone! It has been quite some time since we posted any kind of update about what's been going on in our little bubble. Granted, if you're on Facebook you have probably seen bits and pieces. But this year has been a busy and productive one. We won't go into the super huge details but just include some highlights and some thoughts going into the new year.
Aimee
This year has been a whirlwind! I have been working hard in school and keeping my eye focused on graduation. I just finished my last semester of all classes and in the beginning of January will start my full time student teaching. Before this last semester started I was assigned to a brand new school in the Arlington school district for my student teaching and I am so glad I was! I absolutely love the school, the teachers and administration I work with, as well as the students. I have fantastic cooperating teachers and I am learning so much! I cannot wait to be there all day, every day next semester. I was also honored to be initiated this semester into the education honor society Kappa Delta Pi. This was something that I have been working toward since I started and it was awesome to finally see it happen. I took and passed my first certification test this last summer, and will take my next in a little over a week. I am well on my way to graduation and I can taste it! I was released from my nursery calling and have enjoyed just being able to go to classes with Glen.
Of course nothing that I am doing in school could be done without the support and patience of my family, especially Glen. I am a perfectionist to say the least, especially when it comes to my schooling. So being married to me requires putting up with a lot of late nights, obsessing over grades and lesson plans, and so much more. I truly did marry someone who balances me in all of the best ways. He helps me relax and have fun right when I need to the most, and that is exactly what I need.
Glen
Glen has been working hard at Leslie's Pool Supply and enjoys his job. Customer service and working with people in general is his specialty and he is so good at it! Leslie's really seems to like him and he enjoys learning from his work and from his coworkers. He is also growing his t-shirt business and it is going well. His website looks awesome and he is working on growing it however he can to make it successful. He has been working on a lot of new designs and has done very well. This summer he actually supplied the employee shirts for a local animal clinic and they really liked them!
Glen is also the first counselor in the ward's young men's presidency. He works a lot, including Sundays so he doesn't get to do as much with his calling as he wants but he has enjoyed getting to know the young men and work with the other leaders.
We are looking forward to so much this coming year. After I graduate we are hoping to pick the right school district for me to teach in and find a place to live that we like better with more space. Not to mention we are hoping to go on an actual vacation! Not sure where or when yet but we are hoping it will happen. We are looking forward to big strides in Glen's business as well.
Speaking of the business we happen to have two! Many of you have seen Glen and I post about our Advocare adventures. We have done two 24 day challenges and we felt great on both! The second one was interrupted for me by some unrelated medical junk, which was frustrating as heck! But we love the products and what they do. They just released the new All-In 24 Day Challenge and it is amazing! It's all the great products of the 24 Day Challenge as well as a challenge bracelet, blender bottle, and three meal prep containers. It's a huge group challenge starting January 11th. You can pre order now through January 4th and won't be charged until after Christmas. As well as free shipping. We would love to share our favorite products with you and if you have questions, you can contact either one of us. Find the All-In challenge information here.
Glen has even thrown in the incentive that if you order $100 or more in product (which means one challenge) you will get a free "Don't Quit" shirt from his site. It of course does not just come in a ladie's tank top but here is the design: http://shirtsjustforyou.com/product/dontquitladieswidestraptanktop/
Glen and I will be using these products to push towards our health goals as well. I will be creating a post with some of our favorite products and why we love them!!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of the people we know and love!!
Aimee
This year has been a whirlwind! I have been working hard in school and keeping my eye focused on graduation. I just finished my last semester of all classes and in the beginning of January will start my full time student teaching. Before this last semester started I was assigned to a brand new school in the Arlington school district for my student teaching and I am so glad I was! I absolutely love the school, the teachers and administration I work with, as well as the students. I have fantastic cooperating teachers and I am learning so much! I cannot wait to be there all day, every day next semester. I was also honored to be initiated this semester into the education honor society Kappa Delta Pi. This was something that I have been working toward since I started and it was awesome to finally see it happen. I took and passed my first certification test this last summer, and will take my next in a little over a week. I am well on my way to graduation and I can taste it! I was released from my nursery calling and have enjoyed just being able to go to classes with Glen.
Of course nothing that I am doing in school could be done without the support and patience of my family, especially Glen. I am a perfectionist to say the least, especially when it comes to my schooling. So being married to me requires putting up with a lot of late nights, obsessing over grades and lesson plans, and so much more. I truly did marry someone who balances me in all of the best ways. He helps me relax and have fun right when I need to the most, and that is exactly what I need.
Glen
Glen has been working hard at Leslie's Pool Supply and enjoys his job. Customer service and working with people in general is his specialty and he is so good at it! Leslie's really seems to like him and he enjoys learning from his work and from his coworkers. He is also growing his t-shirt business and it is going well. His website looks awesome and he is working on growing it however he can to make it successful. He has been working on a lot of new designs and has done very well. This summer he actually supplied the employee shirts for a local animal clinic and they really liked them!
Glen is also the first counselor in the ward's young men's presidency. He works a lot, including Sundays so he doesn't get to do as much with his calling as he wants but he has enjoyed getting to know the young men and work with the other leaders.
 |
| My daddy and I at the Kappa Delta Pi initiation |
 | |||
| Glen and I at the Kappa Delta Pi Initiation |
We are looking forward to so much this coming year. After I graduate we are hoping to pick the right school district for me to teach in and find a place to live that we like better with more space. Not to mention we are hoping to go on an actual vacation! Not sure where or when yet but we are hoping it will happen. We are looking forward to big strides in Glen's business as well.
Speaking of the business we happen to have two! Many of you have seen Glen and I post about our Advocare adventures. We have done two 24 day challenges and we felt great on both! The second one was interrupted for me by some unrelated medical junk, which was frustrating as heck! But we love the products and what they do. They just released the new All-In 24 Day Challenge and it is amazing! It's all the great products of the 24 Day Challenge as well as a challenge bracelet, blender bottle, and three meal prep containers. It's a huge group challenge starting January 11th. You can pre order now through January 4th and won't be charged until after Christmas. As well as free shipping. We would love to share our favorite products with you and if you have questions, you can contact either one of us. Find the All-In challenge information here.
Glen has even thrown in the incentive that if you order $100 or more in product (which means one challenge) you will get a free "Don't Quit" shirt from his site. It of course does not just come in a ladie's tank top but here is the design: http://shirtsjustforyou.com/product/dontquitladieswidestraptanktop/
Glen and I will be using these products to push towards our health goals as well. I will be creating a post with some of our favorite products and why we love them!!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of the people we know and love!!
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Our Challenge Results
Aimee:
I am having some serious trouble putting into words what my thoughts are after the challenge. I guess my final thoughts are that the leap of faith and those first few days of struggling were totally worth it. It wasn't super easy at first but it became second nature and we love the products. Just for kicks and giggles, on the first day after our challenge was over I decided to see how much of an effect spark had by not having any all day. Let me tell ya.....ZZZzzzzzz. I love my spark. We have tried Slam recently too and that was awesome as well without the caffeine, if that makes a difference to you.
I have never felt healthier. Not only has my size changed but my mindset has too. I see a candy bar and think "that would taste really good...but I have worked hard to feel the way I do and I don't want to go back." I am sure we'll have treats every once and a while but not at all like before. I feel so much more confident. I don't mind trying on clothes and I like the way I feel in my own. I like that the pair of jeans I used to wear all the time don't stay up! Not for a TMI moment but I can take them off without unbuttoning them. Wow! I have lost weight and inches and gained muscle and I love it! I have smaller numbers than Glen but the confidence and the kick start it gave me is like none other. I needed that. We needed that. I have seen myself have more energy. Overall, I stay awake all day every day and I sleep well at night. We got into an awesome routine and we have been just happier.
As a wife, you always want to see your husband happy and confident. Glen has been notable happier and just in a better mood. I see him excited about his loss and he is excited to say "baby...my pants won't stay up and my belt is cinched as tight as it can go!" That makes me so happy! But here are my results. These are my results compared to before we started.
Right Calf:13 1/2 in. (+1/2 in.)
Glen:
The last 24 days have really opened up my eyes in regards to how out of control my eating had been. At the start of the challenge I was concerned that I was not going to be able to keep up with everything that the challenge required but as I began the challenge with my wife and the days went by faster and faster, the better I started to feel and the more energy I began to have. Work started to get easier and from what I could tell I believe I got the best sleep that I have in years.
Now I am going to extend a challenge to each of you and Aimee may do this again at the end but for those that are still reading this I strongly suggest that you at least take the time to learn more about the 24 day challenge. We are here to help you reach your goals. As Aimee has mentioned before I own an Online Graphic Apparel shop and for each you that do the 24 day challenge I will send you a free t-shirt up to a $20 value as well. You will never be alone in the challenge Aimee and I will encourage you and be there the entire time. If you have questions or concerns, need some advice you will be able to message us and talk to us. I promise you if you take the time and commit your life will be changed in a multitude of ways. The physical results are below, compared to when we started:
I am having some serious trouble putting into words what my thoughts are after the challenge. I guess my final thoughts are that the leap of faith and those first few days of struggling were totally worth it. It wasn't super easy at first but it became second nature and we love the products. Just for kicks and giggles, on the first day after our challenge was over I decided to see how much of an effect spark had by not having any all day. Let me tell ya.....ZZZzzzzzz. I love my spark. We have tried Slam recently too and that was awesome as well without the caffeine, if that makes a difference to you.
I have never felt healthier. Not only has my size changed but my mindset has too. I see a candy bar and think "that would taste really good...but I have worked hard to feel the way I do and I don't want to go back." I am sure we'll have treats every once and a while but not at all like before. I feel so much more confident. I don't mind trying on clothes and I like the way I feel in my own. I like that the pair of jeans I used to wear all the time don't stay up! Not for a TMI moment but I can take them off without unbuttoning them. Wow! I have lost weight and inches and gained muscle and I love it! I have smaller numbers than Glen but the confidence and the kick start it gave me is like none other. I needed that. We needed that. I have seen myself have more energy. Overall, I stay awake all day every day and I sleep well at night. We got into an awesome routine and we have been just happier.As a wife, you always want to see your husband happy and confident. Glen has been notable happier and just in a better mood. I see him excited about his loss and he is excited to say "baby...my pants won't stay up and my belt is cinched as tight as it can go!" That makes me so happy! But here are my results. These are my results compared to before we started.
End of Challenge Weigh In:
Weight: 141.5 lbs (-7.5 lbs)
Right Arm: 9 3/4 in. (-1 1/4 in.)
Shoulders: 41 1/2 in.(-1 1/2 in.)
Chest: 38 in. (-1 in.)
Waist: 31 in.
Hips: 39 3/4 in. (-1/4 in.)
Right Thigh: 20 in. (-1 in.)
Right Calf:13 1/2 in. (+1/2 in.)
Total loss: 7.5 lbs and approx. 4 in.
Glen:
The last 24 days have really opened up my eyes in regards to how out of control my eating had been. At the start of the challenge I was concerned that I was not going to be able to keep up with everything that the challenge required but as I began the challenge with my wife and the days went by faster and faster, the better I started to feel and the more energy I began to have. Work started to get easier and from what I could tell I believe I got the best sleep that I have in years.
After high school when I started working for a job that kept me sedentary I was eating the same that I was even during high school but I was not as active as I had been and that is pretty much how it went up until 24 days ago. Besides the healthy factor for me this became more than just the weight loss and losing inches on my waist. For me this turned into a huge bonding experience with my wife. We worked together to accomplish a goal and it was time we got to spend together each morning and night and we of course would encourage each other to be the very best we can be.
In my own perspective I feel like our marriage has been strengthened. I love seeing Aimee be so confident in herself and I love hearing her talk to her friends and family about how the products have helped change her. Seeing her be so excited about shopping again for new clothes makes me smile. Seeing her smile makes me smile.
Now I am going to extend a challenge to each of you and Aimee may do this again at the end but for those that are still reading this I strongly suggest that you at least take the time to learn more about the 24 day challenge. We are here to help you reach your goals. As Aimee has mentioned before I own an Online Graphic Apparel shop and for each you that do the 24 day challenge I will send you a free t-shirt up to a $20 value as well. You will never be alone in the challenge Aimee and I will encourage you and be there the entire time. If you have questions or concerns, need some advice you will be able to message us and talk to us. I promise you if you take the time and commit your life will be changed in a multitude of ways. The physical results are below, compared to when we started:
End of Challenge Weigh In
Weight: 219.8 lbs. (-11 lbs.)
Right Arm: 15 3/4 in. (+1/4 in.)
Shoulders: 52 3/4 in. (-3 3/4 in.)
Chest: 46 in.
Waist: 44 1/2 in. (-2 1/2 in.)
Hips: 42 1/2 in. (-2 1/2 in.)
Right Thigh: 20 1/4 in. (-3 3/4 in.)
Right Calf:16 in.
Total loss: 11 lbs and 12 1/4 in.
I am adding the photo below of Glen as well because the pants he is wearing (this picture was taken on day 18) were ones that before we started he said were too tight to even try to really wear all day. He wore these on a date and they were loose!
We have been so blessed by this challenge and we would love for the ones we love and who love us to feel the way we do! If you have questions, ask! If we don't know the answers, we'll find them. If you wanna try some of the amazing spark, we can send you some! Take a risk, you will not regret it! We certainly don't!! Thanks for coming along on our journey! We will keep going and keep you informed because we both have goals to continue and here they are:
In the next 3 months:
- Glen wants to be under 200 lbs.
- Aimee wants to be back to her pre-wedding weight
- Both of us want to tone up and build some more muscle
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Second to Last Weigh and Measure
Aimee
Alright everyone! Most of my thoughts are on my last post. I am just very focused on how to continue with progress after the actual challenge is over. But here are my measurements for day 18. Disclaimer: we were wearing somewhat different clothes than we normally wear when measuring. Our next weigh and measure will be after the challenge is all over! But here are my results compared to my last weight in:
Alright everyone! Most of my thoughts are on my last post. I am just very focused on how to continue with progress after the actual challenge is over. But here are my measurements for day 18. Disclaimer: we were wearing somewhat different clothes than we normally wear when measuring. Our next weigh and measure will be after the challenge is all over! But here are my results compared to my last weight in:
Day 18 Weigh In
Weight: 141.8 lbs. (-1.3 lbs)
Right Arm: 10 3/4 in. (+ 3/4 in.)
Shoulders: 42 1/2 in.
Chest: 39 in. (+1/4 in)
Waist: 31 in.
Hips: 39 3/4 in.
Right Thigh: 20 1/4 in. (-3/4 in.)
Right Calf: 13 1/4 in. (+1/4 in.)
Some may see the gain in inches and think it's not working. But I know for sure that those are gains in muscle because those are parts of my body where I have seen a difference and that I have made gains in. For example I went up 10 lbs in what I can lift at the gym and I have seen a change in the definition of my arms. I am also able to do more weight with my legs for more reps. Still a super successful week!
Glen
Another successful week in regards to the challenge. You will see below that I am losing a lot of inches in every area of my body and I have lost more pounds this week. I attribute that to the fact of doing a more intense work out. With it being only one more week until we are done with this challenge I hope that those who are continuing to follow our progress are seeing that this is a challenge that requires your full focus and attention and that if you stick to it, results will soon follow.
Day 18 Weigh In
Weight: 222.5 lbs. (-4.6 lbs)
Right Arm: 16 in.
Shoulders: 52 3/4 in. (+2 3/4)
Chest: 46 in. (-1 in.)
Waist: 44 3/4 in. (-1 3/4 in.)
Hips: 43 in. (-1 in.)
Right Thigh: 22 3/4 in. (+1 1/4 in.)
Right Calf: 16 1/2 in. (+1/2 in.)
Thursday, June 11, 2015
But What Happens When the Challenge is Over?
Just a heads up, this is going to be mostly Aimee writing. I am sure Glen echos a lot of the thoughts in it, but it's mostly me. Glen and I were talking last night about how when this challenge started we were not necessarily one hundred percent excited; we were excited about the possibility but we were sure that these 24 days would last forever. Now we're sitting here thinking "holy smokes! our challenge is done on Thursday. This Thursday!" I cannot even believe how fast it's gone and how much my results have surpassed not only my expectations, but even what I heard everyone else saying.
When we've posted the last few times about our results it has been pretty number focused, which is fine but numbers aren't the only measure of success. Plus, if there is a huge emphasis on numbers others may only judge their success based on the numbers and I don't want that! I know what it is like to work your butt off and be so careful about what you eat then to get on the scale and see I've lost .3 pounds or even sometimes gained pounds. It makes you heart sick. It makes you feel like all your efforts aren't even worth it so why bother trying? I get it. But this challenge has been different than anything I have ever tried.
The numbers are cool to see and they definitely make me excited but even more than that I am very aware of the difference in how I feel. I am not tired all the time; I have more energy than I have in a long time. When I am tired it is because it is the end of the day and I have worked hard; it's not because I have sat still for 20 minutes or longer and just passed out. I used to hate looking in the mirror because I felt just so entirely unattractive. I stuck to: "Is my hair crazy? Is there something in my teeth? Do my clothes match?" Now I don't mind because I can actually see a difference in my body. You have no idea how big of a deal that is for me. I want to go to the gym. I have more endurance and I am stronger than before and I can see that in my performance at the gym. I can go longer and I can lift more. I only had one pair of shorts so I went to get another pair on my lunch break and for the first time in about four years I did not have to get a size up-I had to get a size down! For the first time in forever I got to say to Glen "they didn't fit...I need to get a smaller size." It was cool to see the smile on his face because he knew how much that meant to me too.
I feel comfortable in my own skin; I don't just feel "gross" anymore. I know that sounds vague but I think you probably get what I am saying. Before even when I was doing things right there would be that time where I saw a Dairy Queen advertisement and was like "I'm getting me some ice cream!" Sure there are times that I am like "a brownie would taste good right now" or something like that but then I think about how I feel and I don't want to mess that up. Am I saying that I will never have another treat again or anything else? No, because that isn't realistic but I can say that it won't be like before. Before it wasn't an occasional treat, it was a daily treat. A large daily treat.
Which is why I have found myself anxious about what happens come day 25. The inner organization freak in me has loved having everything laid out for me with that lovely guide book and that same organization freak is worried about what happens when the book is over. I know of course to keep eating healthy with the portion sizes and everything but what else? I kind of feel like I am reaching the end of a rehab program because I am leaving the security of planned and regimented which I work really well with.
Those who know me well know that I am a lot like my Grandpa Friday in that I am not an easy sell. I am that obnoxious person who will ask 15,000 questions about why I should get something that you're selling me and usually even if you answer them I still won't do anything until I have done my own research and weighed my options. That being said, these products have made such a difference to me and my husband that I want to share that with others. If you have questions about AdvoCare or you're curious but have budgetary concerns please contact me! You can message me on Facebook, email me, or text me. If you want to try something, let me know and we will figure it out. It's worth taking the risk, I promise! I will be nothing but honest with you, and if I can't answer your questions I will get us in touch with someone who can.
This has gotten long enough, so I will end it here. Tomorrow or Saturday we will post some more results. But I really wanted to show that these products have made a difference for me. A difference that I haven't felt from anything else. Until then...later!
When we've posted the last few times about our results it has been pretty number focused, which is fine but numbers aren't the only measure of success. Plus, if there is a huge emphasis on numbers others may only judge their success based on the numbers and I don't want that! I know what it is like to work your butt off and be so careful about what you eat then to get on the scale and see I've lost .3 pounds or even sometimes gained pounds. It makes you heart sick. It makes you feel like all your efforts aren't even worth it so why bother trying? I get it. But this challenge has been different than anything I have ever tried.
The numbers are cool to see and they definitely make me excited but even more than that I am very aware of the difference in how I feel. I am not tired all the time; I have more energy than I have in a long time. When I am tired it is because it is the end of the day and I have worked hard; it's not because I have sat still for 20 minutes or longer and just passed out. I used to hate looking in the mirror because I felt just so entirely unattractive. I stuck to: "Is my hair crazy? Is there something in my teeth? Do my clothes match?" Now I don't mind because I can actually see a difference in my body. You have no idea how big of a deal that is for me. I want to go to the gym. I have more endurance and I am stronger than before and I can see that in my performance at the gym. I can go longer and I can lift more. I only had one pair of shorts so I went to get another pair on my lunch break and for the first time in about four years I did not have to get a size up-I had to get a size down! For the first time in forever I got to say to Glen "they didn't fit...I need to get a smaller size." It was cool to see the smile on his face because he knew how much that meant to me too.
I feel comfortable in my own skin; I don't just feel "gross" anymore. I know that sounds vague but I think you probably get what I am saying. Before even when I was doing things right there would be that time where I saw a Dairy Queen advertisement and was like "I'm getting me some ice cream!" Sure there are times that I am like "a brownie would taste good right now" or something like that but then I think about how I feel and I don't want to mess that up. Am I saying that I will never have another treat again or anything else? No, because that isn't realistic but I can say that it won't be like before. Before it wasn't an occasional treat, it was a daily treat. A large daily treat.
Which is why I have found myself anxious about what happens come day 25. The inner organization freak in me has loved having everything laid out for me with that lovely guide book and that same organization freak is worried about what happens when the book is over. I know of course to keep eating healthy with the portion sizes and everything but what else? I kind of feel like I am reaching the end of a rehab program because I am leaving the security of planned and regimented which I work really well with.
Those who know me well know that I am a lot like my Grandpa Friday in that I am not an easy sell. I am that obnoxious person who will ask 15,000 questions about why I should get something that you're selling me and usually even if you answer them I still won't do anything until I have done my own research and weighed my options. That being said, these products have made such a difference to me and my husband that I want to share that with others. If you have questions about AdvoCare or you're curious but have budgetary concerns please contact me! You can message me on Facebook, email me, or text me. If you want to try something, let me know and we will figure it out. It's worth taking the risk, I promise! I will be nothing but honest with you, and if I can't answer your questions I will get us in touch with someone who can.
This has gotten long enough, so I will end it here. Tomorrow or Saturday we will post some more results. But I really wanted to show that these products have made a difference for me. A difference that I haven't felt from anything else. Until then...later!
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Half Way Through the Challenge
Aimee
So I swore this challenge was going to last forever. I thought it would feel like a century; like the Joan Jett concert I went to (which was like a hostage situation...I hear she's gotten better though). But it has actually gone by pretty quick, we're already on day twelve! Holy crap! The cleanse phase was the first ten days so we're done with that which I am not bumming over at all. Now I can have milk! Only a little but a little is better than none, right? Right. I certainly have no amorous feelings toward that fiber drink so I am not mourning no longer having to chug it while holding my nose like a four year old taking cough medicine. As if that wasn't attractive enough, the crazy rambling "it's just orange juice...don't think about it...just orange juice" over and over again added extra spirit to it. It's really not that bad, the sensitive gag reflex made it worse. It also helped that after I drank the fiber drink I brushed my teeth...and my tongue..and the roof of my mouth. I would have brushed my uvula if I could have reached that far; I wanted no remaining fiber drink essence. I know I am not really "selling" it well, but I hear the peaches and cream flavor is better and I don't generally like citrus stuff anyways. But for the two minutes of fiber unpleasantness the cleanse was awesome! My skepticism is gone, and that's not easy for me to say. To give you an idea, Glen always says if someone can sell something to me they can sell it to anybody. I am a practical and fact based person and I cannot deny the facts, which are:
2. I have more energy; I don't fall asleep at the drop of a hat when I sit down. I am able to focus better. It's not cause I'm guzzling Spark either, I only have one a day and usually it's at about 6:30 or so in the morning. Glen isn't falling asleep every time he sits down and both of us work in retail so we move around constantly.
3. The products aren't gross! Well...fiber drink aside (but that's because of my taste). The Spark seriously tastes like kool-aid and it's not the kind of energy drink that makes you feel all jittery and spazzy. It really just kind of wakes you up a little and sharpens your ability to focus. Which I have truly tested because anyone who knows me knows that before now the focus thing didn't really happen before 8 am (and that's being generous). The meal replacement shakes taste like cake and an actual milkshake. Which speaks to the inner junk food junkie.
So my first thoughts on the Max phase which is what the next fourteen days are that there is a lot that you take but all of it is multivitamins, omega 3's, etc. (more info here). But I am so excited to see what the next twelve days bring! Yesterday we measured and weighed; this week my loss was in pounds rather than inches; no complaints here! Here are my results (as compared to my last weigh in):
Glen
With this challenge being half way over and only 2 more weeks to go I can honestly say that I am feeling the best I have in a quite a while. The cleanse phase thank goodness was only ten days however after the 5th day it started to get easier.
The last few days have been rather difficult due to the fact that where I work has picked up quite a bit so being able to follow the program to a T is not so easy to do and it has been extremely frustrating because I have worked so hard to even get to this point and I do not want to do anything to mess it up. I have learned though that it is important to keep pressing forward and do it to the best of your ability. In my own opinion this challenge is meant to get you back into good habits even when your situation is forcing you to do otherwise and that is of course where most people run into their problems but as you will see from my results doing the best I could with what I got still produced some pretty great results. Hard work does pay off. Lost some pounds and inches and gained some muscle!
So I swore this challenge was going to last forever. I thought it would feel like a century; like the Joan Jett concert I went to (which was like a hostage situation...I hear she's gotten better though). But it has actually gone by pretty quick, we're already on day twelve! Holy crap! The cleanse phase was the first ten days so we're done with that which I am not bumming over at all. Now I can have milk! Only a little but a little is better than none, right? Right. I certainly have no amorous feelings toward that fiber drink so I am not mourning no longer having to chug it while holding my nose like a four year old taking cough medicine. As if that wasn't attractive enough, the crazy rambling "it's just orange juice...don't think about it...just orange juice" over and over again added extra spirit to it. It's really not that bad, the sensitive gag reflex made it worse. It also helped that after I drank the fiber drink I brushed my teeth...and my tongue..and the roof of my mouth. I would have brushed my uvula if I could have reached that far; I wanted no remaining fiber drink essence. I know I am not really "selling" it well, but I hear the peaches and cream flavor is better and I don't generally like citrus stuff anyways. But for the two minutes of fiber unpleasantness the cleanse was awesome! My skepticism is gone, and that's not easy for me to say. To give you an idea, Glen always says if someone can sell something to me they can sell it to anybody. I am a practical and fact based person and I cannot deny the facts, which are:
2. I have more energy; I don't fall asleep at the drop of a hat when I sit down. I am able to focus better. It's not cause I'm guzzling Spark either, I only have one a day and usually it's at about 6:30 or so in the morning. Glen isn't falling asleep every time he sits down and both of us work in retail so we move around constantly.
3. The products aren't gross! Well...fiber drink aside (but that's because of my taste). The Spark seriously tastes like kool-aid and it's not the kind of energy drink that makes you feel all jittery and spazzy. It really just kind of wakes you up a little and sharpens your ability to focus. Which I have truly tested because anyone who knows me knows that before now the focus thing didn't really happen before 8 am (and that's being generous). The meal replacement shakes taste like cake and an actual milkshake. Which speaks to the inner junk food junkie.
So my first thoughts on the Max phase which is what the next fourteen days are that there is a lot that you take but all of it is multivitamins, omega 3's, etc. (more info here). But I am so excited to see what the next twelve days bring! Yesterday we measured and weighed; this week my loss was in pounds rather than inches; no complaints here! Here are my results (as compared to my last weigh in):
Day 11 Weigh In
Weight: 143.1 lbs (-2.2 lbs)
Right Arm: 10 in.
Shoulders: 42 1/2 in.
Chest: 38 3/4 in.
Waist: 31 in.
Hips: 39 3/4 in.
Right Thigh: 21 in.
Right Calf: 13 in.
Total Loss: 2.2 lbs
Glen
With this challenge being half way over and only 2 more weeks to go I can honestly say that I am feeling the best I have in a quite a while. The cleanse phase thank goodness was only ten days however after the 5th day it started to get easier.
The last few days have been rather difficult due to the fact that where I work has picked up quite a bit so being able to follow the program to a T is not so easy to do and it has been extremely frustrating because I have worked so hard to even get to this point and I do not want to do anything to mess it up. I have learned though that it is important to keep pressing forward and do it to the best of your ability. In my own opinion this challenge is meant to get you back into good habits even when your situation is forcing you to do otherwise and that is of course where most people run into their problems but as you will see from my results doing the best I could with what I got still produced some pretty great results. Hard work does pay off. Lost some pounds and inches and gained some muscle!
Day 11 Weigh In
Weight: 227.1 lbs (-2.9 lbs)
Right Arm: 16 in.
Shoulders: 50 in. (-4.5 in.)
Chest: 47 in.
Waist: 46 1/2 in. (-1/2 in.)
Hips: 44 in. (-1 in.)
Right Thigh: 21 1/2 in. (-1/4 in.)
Right Calf: 16 in.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
24 Day Challenge Progress
So today was the end of the fifth day of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge, so we'll just dive into how things have been for us!
Aimee
I have always have joked with Glen that I am addicted to junk food, but after these five days (only five...how sad) I swear that wasn't so joke-ish after all. There were days that I swear I was going through withdrawal; at my sister's house I was 90% sure the bag of cookies was looking at me...through the cupboard...in another room. Totally crazy, I know. There were two days in particular that I was like ravenous for anything delicious and not cleanse-ey. Give me thatbrownie ice cream pizza french fries cheesecake....alright fine banana. But I am SO glad I didn't cheat, especially after we weighed and measured today. I think this week was particularly hard because I wasn't able to completely prep like I wanted before we started the cleanse so I felt a little like a rabbit with what I was eating. But I was able to plan for the next week so I can eat person food now too! It sounds silly but even just being five days in I can tell that preparation is huge in being successful. If you prepare it makes it easier so it keeps you from giving up. It also really helps doing it with someone else. Glen may or may not have have to hold onto my hand particularly tight when we were walking passed a table of cupcakes. Yeah...that got a little dicey. But I am so glad he's in this for the long haul too! Otherwise it would have been a flop like everything else I've tried.
I had to admit that even though I was hopeful, I was also a pretty big skeptic. I promised myself that I would look at this experience objectively; that was the whole idea so that I could honestly either suggest or discourage it. I had heard people talk about the Spark drink before I started and how it made them more alert and able to focus. I was particularly skeptic about this but as I was thinking about it today (during my super ridiculously productive day), I realized something. When I watch Caelan during the week I usually get there about 6:30 or 7 am and fall asleep until he wakes up, then inevitably I wil fall asleep during one of his naps unless I force myself to stay busy. That didn't happen this week. I snoozed for about an hour on Wednesday morning but that was it. I was amazed! I can home and was tired at the end of the day like I should be but I was good during the day!
My thoughts on products so far are that there is a lot to keep track of at first, but once you're in the swing of things it's not as bad. The past two mornings without the fiber drinks were lovely. That's my least favorite part but the Spark in the morning is tasty! The grape one tastes like kool-aid and the fruit punch is yummy too! I am trying watermelon tomorrow. But the proof is in the pudding (mmm....pudding):
Aimee
I have always have joked with Glen that I am addicted to junk food, but after these five days (only five...how sad) I swear that wasn't so joke-ish after all. There were days that I swear I was going through withdrawal; at my sister's house I was 90% sure the bag of cookies was looking at me...through the cupboard...in another room. Totally crazy, I know. There were two days in particular that I was like ravenous for anything delicious and not cleanse-ey. Give me that
I had to admit that even though I was hopeful, I was also a pretty big skeptic. I promised myself that I would look at this experience objectively; that was the whole idea so that I could honestly either suggest or discourage it. I had heard people talk about the Spark drink before I started and how it made them more alert and able to focus. I was particularly skeptic about this but as I was thinking about it today (during my super ridiculously productive day), I realized something. When I watch Caelan during the week I usually get there about 6:30 or 7 am and fall asleep until he wakes up, then inevitably I wil fall asleep during one of his naps unless I force myself to stay busy. That didn't happen this week. I snoozed for about an hour on Wednesday morning but that was it. I was amazed! I can home and was tired at the end of the day like I should be but I was good during the day!
My thoughts on products so far are that there is a lot to keep track of at first, but once you're in the swing of things it's not as bad. The past two mornings without the fiber drinks were lovely. That's my least favorite part but the Spark in the morning is tasty! The grape one tastes like kool-aid and the fruit punch is yummy too! I am trying watermelon tomorrow. But the proof is in the pudding (mmm....pudding):
Day 5 Weigh In:
Weight: 145.3 lbs (-3.7 lbs)
Right Arm: 10 in. (-1 in.)
Shoulders: 42 1/2 in (-1/2 in.)
Chest: 38 3/4 in. (-1/4 in.)
Waist: 31 in.
Hip: 39 3/4 in. (-1/4 in)
Right Thigh: 21 in.
Right Calf: 13 in.
Total Loss: 3.7 lbs and 2 inches overall.
Glen
The past five days have been some of the toughest in regards to food. If you do not know me then you do not know how much I love eating. I eat whenever I get the chance and I eat all of my favorite foods. We are only on day 5 and I feel like I am about to go crazy and I probably will have gone crazy but I know that at the end of these 24 days I will have learned a whole new level of self control and discipline.
Up until this point I had not realized exactly how much I used food as a crutch. Whenever I am at home and watching a show or doing some business I would get something to eat and I would eat off and on through out the day until Aimee and I went to bed.
When I first heard about this challenge I knew people were getting their results and I was stoked for them but as far as I was concerned I was pretty certain that I would not be able to last 24 days doing a very specific routine and making sure certain things were done in incremental times.
Aimee then recently of course began looking further into it and one thing that I have come to learn ever since I first met her was that I could accomplish anything as long as she was by my side so I agreed to do it with her shortly after our journey began.
There are a lot of great health products on the market and after only five days I can already see and feel a difference in myself. I have been able to have more energy and I already feel healthier. Although the first few days have been a bit hellish I see the results and as we all know results have incredible motivation to keep someone going. Plus having a great team mate and not wanting to let her down keeps me right on track. Next milestone will be to get to Day 11. So I am almost halfway there and before I know it the 24 days will be up.
There are a lot of great health products on the market and after only five days I can already see and feel a difference in myself. I have been able to have more energy and I already feel healthier. Although the first few days have been a bit hellish I see the results and as we all know results have incredible motivation to keep someone going. Plus having a great team mate and not wanting to let her down keeps me right on track. Next milestone will be to get to Day 11. So I am almost halfway there and before I know it the 24 days will be up.
Day 5 Weigh In:
Weight: 230 lbs. (-1 lb.)
Right Arm: 15 in. (-1/2 in.)
Shoulders: 54.5 in. (-2 in)
Chest: 46 in.
Waist: 47 in.
Hips: 45 in.
Right Thigh: 21 3/4 in. (-2 1/4) in
Right Calf: 16 in.
Total Loss: 1 lb and 4 3/4 inches overall.
We're definitely still motivated! Talk after our next weigh in!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
We're Accepting the Challenge
Oh my gosh! Two posts in a week?! Unheard of...but true. Normally my posts are about what events have happened with us recently and how we're doing; the next few aren't quite going to be like that. Glen and I have been worried about our health habits for quite some time now. Both of us have a sweet tooth that practically consume our whole heads, both of us lacked serious knowledge about where to start or even where to look for information. For the entire time we've known each other we've talked about how we have bad habits that we don't know how to shake. We knew people who had done Advocare challenges and those who not only did the challenges but were distributors and advisers for the products. We were kind of wishy-washy about it for a while until the desire for healthier lifestyles evolved into wanting to be healthy and needing to find a way for some extra income. Glen has been working already and I knew that it needed to be me who brought in that income(despite his best efforts to convince me otherwise). I looked into Advocare a little deeper and Glen and I both liked what we heard and what we were learning. But we both refused to sell anything we hadn't put to the test ourselves. Thanks to one of my family members we are able to do just that. Which brings me to....
THE ADVOCARE 24 DAY CHALLENGE:
The Advocare 24 Day Challenge is all about resetting your body essentially. The first ten days is all a part of the cleanse phase which cleans out your body of all the toxins and junk it has built up over time. The next 14 days are the max phase which helps reset your metabolism and really retrain your body on absorbing the necessary nutrients. That's the super reader's digest version, if you want more information you can email, Facebook message, text, call, or comment down below. To start the challenge we took our before pictures and our measurements. Over the next 24 days we will periodically make a post about how things are going and we are going to be super honest because we love our friends and family and believe in being nothing but honest with you all.
Day One: TODAY!
Aimee:
Okay, so sharing personal details about myself especially my insecurities is the hardest thing I've ever done so please be kind. I have never been the textbook definition of "fat"and I know that will lose a lot of you, but I think I represent another chunk of women that I kind of call the "in betweens." I like many others have a time where I felt at my best; for me that was toward the end of our engagement, our wedding and shortly after. This was a result of no one hiring me (because of only being in Texas a few months) and doing yoga for an hour or more every day, decreased appetite due to hot temperatures and some medical stuff that I wasn't aware of then. But I was 125 lbs which was still healthy for me but more than that I felt gorgeous.
My goal for the challenge was to get back to my wedding weight and learn more about nutrition and taking care of my body. Some may roll their eyes at me when I say this but it's significant for me; I am the heaviest I have ever been and even more than that I feel more unattractive than I ever have. So for me, the goal of this is my wedding weight, healthy habits, and feeling gorgeous again.
Before Details:
Weight: 149 lbs.
Right Arm: 11 in.
Shoulders: 43 in.
Chest: 39 in.
Waist: 31 in.
Hips: 40 in.
Right Thigh: 21 in.
Right Calf: 13 in.
My initial thoughts today have been these:
1. Fiber drink-unpleasant but survivable.
2. If I drink anymore water I may just float away.
3. I have never been so full while being on a "diet."
4. I miss milk.
So for some of the days during the cleanse there is a fiber drink that you have to drink and I had heard that this was the worst part so I was not looking forward to it. I am a picky person when it comes to my food and drink and to top it off I have a super sensitive gag reflex. I took the suggestion of my coach and mixed it with 4 oz of water and 4 oz of Trop50 orange, I had to mix a little extra water in though toward the end. It also helps if you brush your teeth right after.
The "rule" for water consumption is your weight divided by two is equal to the number of ounces you should consume. I hate water. Sounds strange yes, but it has no flavor so I don't like it. I fixed that problem by putting some lemon slices in the water. Made it more appetizing at least. But I am pretty sure I drank more water today than I did all last week. If I drink anymore you may find me floating somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
There are some diets or health programs that make you go through the day eating very little ("I'm stuffed...I just ate a raisin" kind of stuff). This is not the case with Advocare! You eat basically every 2-3 hours and I am so full! When you do the challenge you get all source of resources to help you but it pretty much boils down to eating what your body needs for fuel. Protein, fruits/veggies, some carbohydrates and small amounts of healthy fats.
For the cleanse portion of the challenge you can't have dairy which is killer for me because I love milk. Normally I drink TONS but today I had none and it feels strange. We don't even have any in the fridge. Is there such a think as a milkoholic? I think I am one and I am having serious withdrawal issues.
That's all for me!
Glen:
Growing up I was a very active kid and well into my teenage years even but after high school because I no longer had P.E or went swimming all summer. I lost all physical activity and I started working as a security guard to help pay for my mission. The first place they put me at had me walking around more but the last place they put me before I left for my mission had me sitting in a booth for 8 hours and for those 8 hours for 6 plus months I was constantly eating and never doing any physical activity so slowly I began to gain weight and by the time I left on my mission I was overweight and unhealthy. For the 2 years on my mission I was walking around quite a bit so I lost some weight but I never got back down to my ideal weight of 175.
After getting home from my mission I followed a pretty unhealthy pattern of eating all the time and doing some moving around but not much, so as you can guess my weight fluctuated and sadly I have never been able to get below 200 pounds.
Before Details:
Weight: 231
Right Arm: 15.5 in.
Shoulders: 56.6 in.
Chest: 46 in.
Waist: 47 in.
Hips: 45 in.
Right Thigh: 24 in.
Right Calf: 16 in.
Here is what I am looking to accomplish in this 24 day challenge
1. Reach the 199 lbs mark
2. Create better daily habits
3. Be more self disciplined
4. Be in better shape to do more activities with Aimee
5. Learn healthy habits
After the first day I know that this is going to be incredibly hard but because of the support of my wife it is going to be a lot easier. I am looking forward to watching both her and I get healthier and personally I feel like we will grow closer together as a couple. 1 down and only 23 more to go!
THE ADVOCARE 24 DAY CHALLENGE:
The Advocare 24 Day Challenge is all about resetting your body essentially. The first ten days is all a part of the cleanse phase which cleans out your body of all the toxins and junk it has built up over time. The next 14 days are the max phase which helps reset your metabolism and really retrain your body on absorbing the necessary nutrients. That's the super reader's digest version, if you want more information you can email, Facebook message, text, call, or comment down below. To start the challenge we took our before pictures and our measurements. Over the next 24 days we will periodically make a post about how things are going and we are going to be super honest because we love our friends and family and believe in being nothing but honest with you all.Day One: TODAY!
Aimee:
Okay, so sharing personal details about myself especially my insecurities is the hardest thing I've ever done so please be kind. I have never been the textbook definition of "fat"and I know that will lose a lot of you, but I think I represent another chunk of women that I kind of call the "in betweens." I like many others have a time where I felt at my best; for me that was toward the end of our engagement, our wedding and shortly after. This was a result of no one hiring me (because of only being in Texas a few months) and doing yoga for an hour or more every day, decreased appetite due to hot temperatures and some medical stuff that I wasn't aware of then. But I was 125 lbs which was still healthy for me but more than that I felt gorgeous.
My goal for the challenge was to get back to my wedding weight and learn more about nutrition and taking care of my body. Some may roll their eyes at me when I say this but it's significant for me; I am the heaviest I have ever been and even more than that I feel more unattractive than I ever have. So for me, the goal of this is my wedding weight, healthy habits, and feeling gorgeous again.
Weight: 149 lbs.
Right Arm: 11 in.
Shoulders: 43 in.
Chest: 39 in.
Waist: 31 in.
Hips: 40 in.
Right Thigh: 21 in.
Right Calf: 13 in.
My initial thoughts today have been these:
1. Fiber drink-unpleasant but survivable.
2. If I drink anymore water I may just float away.
3. I have never been so full while being on a "diet."
4. I miss milk.
So for some of the days during the cleanse there is a fiber drink that you have to drink and I had heard that this was the worst part so I was not looking forward to it. I am a picky person when it comes to my food and drink and to top it off I have a super sensitive gag reflex. I took the suggestion of my coach and mixed it with 4 oz of water and 4 oz of Trop50 orange, I had to mix a little extra water in though toward the end. It also helps if you brush your teeth right after.
The "rule" for water consumption is your weight divided by two is equal to the number of ounces you should consume. I hate water. Sounds strange yes, but it has no flavor so I don't like it. I fixed that problem by putting some lemon slices in the water. Made it more appetizing at least. But I am pretty sure I drank more water today than I did all last week. If I drink anymore you may find me floating somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
There are some diets or health programs that make you go through the day eating very little ("I'm stuffed...I just ate a raisin" kind of stuff). This is not the case with Advocare! You eat basically every 2-3 hours and I am so full! When you do the challenge you get all source of resources to help you but it pretty much boils down to eating what your body needs for fuel. Protein, fruits/veggies, some carbohydrates and small amounts of healthy fats.
For the cleanse portion of the challenge you can't have dairy which is killer for me because I love milk. Normally I drink TONS but today I had none and it feels strange. We don't even have any in the fridge. Is there such a think as a milkoholic? I think I am one and I am having serious withdrawal issues.
That's all for me!
Glen:
Growing up I was a very active kid and well into my teenage years even but after high school because I no longer had P.E or went swimming all summer. I lost all physical activity and I started working as a security guard to help pay for my mission. The first place they put me at had me walking around more but the last place they put me before I left for my mission had me sitting in a booth for 8 hours and for those 8 hours for 6 plus months I was constantly eating and never doing any physical activity so slowly I began to gain weight and by the time I left on my mission I was overweight and unhealthy. For the 2 years on my mission I was walking around quite a bit so I lost some weight but I never got back down to my ideal weight of 175.
After getting home from my mission I followed a pretty unhealthy pattern of eating all the time and doing some moving around but not much, so as you can guess my weight fluctuated and sadly I have never been able to get below 200 pounds.
Before Details:
Right Arm: 15.5 in.
Shoulders: 56.6 in.
Chest: 46 in.
Waist: 47 in.
Hips: 45 in.
Right Thigh: 24 in.
Right Calf: 16 in.
Here is what I am looking to accomplish in this 24 day challenge
1. Reach the 199 lbs mark
2. Create better daily habits
3. Be more self disciplined
4. Be in better shape to do more activities with Aimee
5. Learn healthy habits
After the first day I know that this is going to be incredibly hard but because of the support of my wife it is going to be a lot easier. I am looking forward to watching both her and I get healthier and personally I feel like we will grow closer together as a couple. 1 down and only 23 more to go!
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