Wednesday, September 22, 2010

c25k & Shrinkvivor

I am still doing Week 3.  I think I am on Day 6 (or 7) by now.  I have a love/hate relationship with it.  I was going to continue on with Week 4, but decided to go back to Week 3.  It still kicks my butt!  I have not added any workouts to my days off of c25k  :-(

I have joined The Sisterhood of The Shrinking Jeans and am taking part in their Shrinkvivor Challenge!
It is going well!  I did OK in our first challenge, which was to log our miles and the team with the most miles wins immunity!  I logged 6.5 miles  :-(
I did lose this week!

Monday, September 13, 2010

c25k: w3d3 & w4d1

I did w3d3 on Sat night (at 10:30pm!).  It was HARD, but I did it.

Tonight I attempted, yes, attempted, w4d1.  I could not do it.  I failed.  The first run was 3 min and I had to slow my pace from a 5.0 to a 4.5.  I don't know why, but I thought I was going to fall.  I did the first 5 min run at a 4.5 and had to speed walk a few seconds here & there.  It kicked my butt.  I then did the 90 second walk and got into a few minutes of the 3 min run and just could not do it. My shins were aching and I hurt SO bad.  The thought of pushing through was NOT an option.  So, I quit.  My shins are on fire.

I will do w4d1 again on Wed and will continue doing it every other day until I actually finish the complete workout.  I HOPE I can finish it on Wed.  Either way, I have a feeling I will be repeating Week 4 again.  :-(

I hate Week 4.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

c25k: w3d2

Completed  :-)

My shins still hurt and my back, but I pushed through!

1.74 miles

30 minutes

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

c25k: w3d1

I made it to Week 3. This week is SO much harder than I expected.  In this week, you do two 3 minute runs.  I thought I was going to die.  My shins & side hurt.  I think I even had tears in my eyes!  But, I did it and survived with hardly any pain (lets see how tomorrow goes).  I REALLY need to not skip 2 days between these workouts!

1.74 miles

30 minutes

Saturday, September 4, 2010

c25k: w2d3

I did it, I completed Week 2!  This run was not that bad.  I am still not looking forward to doing Week 3, but I am confindant that I can do it. 

30:31 minutes

I completely forgot to look at the miles before I shut down the treadmill!  :-(

Thursday, September 2, 2010

c25k: w2d2

Today kicked my butt.  I barely made it through.  My ipod went all crazy and did not tell me when to run again after Run 3.  So, I ended up walking for a while before I realized that something was wrong.  I had to pull the nike + iPod sensor (thanks to the wonderful momma who gave it to me!) out of the ipod to get the podcast to work again.  Today was the first day of trying to use the nike + sensor.  I think I need to read through all the instructions before I attempt to use it again!

Again, w2d2 kicked my butt and I don't see how am going to move on to Week 3 after w2d3 on Saturday.

2.09 miles in 36:30 min

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

c25k: w2d1

Today was the start of Week 2.  It about killed me.  I don't know if it was because I took 2 days off between my last run or because the running time this week has been upped. 

1.80 miles in 30 minutes. 

Saturday, August 28, 2010

c25k: w1d3

Week 1 is completed!

1.75 miles in 30 min.

Day 3 was pretty easy.

I start Week 2 on Monday!

Friday, August 27, 2010


Let me start by saying that getting sick with a head cold is no fun in the summer!! Now that I have gotten that off my chest I can breathe (wait no I can’t because my nose is stopped up!!  Ugh!!). Well the week started just like any other Monday, up at 6am and waking up my sweet baby girl up by 6:15am only to find she has a 102.4 degree fever!!  Needless to say I haven’t walked any this week.  I did do P90 on Monday, Tuesday, and by Wednesday I was sick. Good news is that my E was well!! I think I am too now!!

I have had scale and non-scale victories the past week!!  The scale victory is obvious but here is the non-scale which may be better than the scale….My sister is getting married next month and the bridesmaid dress that I was measured for and was ordered came in a couple of weeks ago and did not fit at all (in a very soft voice…. it was too small.)!! Now for the non-scale part…The lady was able to let the dress out and make it fit. However, at my last fitting she had to TAKE THE DRESS BACK IN!! YES!!! That felt great!!

I am kind of moving all over the place today. So bear with me… In my last post I told you about my new way of life. I don’t want to call it a diet because I am committed to living the vegetarian life.  Here are some websites that were given to me by some of my Facebook friends:

I also thought I would share the book I am reading.  I have laughed and cried all in the same chapter.
Disclaimer: I must say that the language in the book is rough, but if you can get past it there is some good information.  The name of the book is “Skinny Bitch”. http://www.skinnybitch.net/


Thursday, August 26, 2010

c25k: w1d2

Today was day 2 in week 1 and it went great!  I am actually enjoying it.

1.71 miles in 30 minutes

3,519 steps

260 calories


And I earned another 60 points for my replay!  (PS--if anyone is interested in a replay, I can send you an invite and you get 20% off your order!).

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The 10 Best Poses for Runners

The 10 Best Poses for Runners

 I thought is article was very helpful!  I am always looking for new stretching poses!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

C25k: w1d1

C25K =  The Couch to 5k in 9 weeks running program.  I have started this program many times before and never made it past the first week and always repeating week 1 for many weeks.  I have been debating starting it up again and FINISHING the 9 weeks.  Debating.  I came across Momma of 3 On The Run.  I sent her an email asking her about her c25k and she inspired me. 

I downloaded the Podcasts over the weekend to my iPod.

Today was Week 1, Day 1.  I did 1.61 miles in 30 minutes (the podcast ended at 28 minutes after a 5 minute cool-down, but I am weird and had to walk to 30 minutes).  I did the warm-up & brisks walk at a 3.0 mph and the runs at 5.0 mph. Sadly and stupidly, I forgot to turn on the pedometer on my iPod. 

And I feel great.  I had NO problems with the workout.  None.  I was able to do and enjoyed it. 

I WILL finish this program. 

15 Best Diet Tips

I saw this article from Web MD linked from another blog and thought I would share.

15 Best Diet Tips
  1. Drink plenty of water or other calorie-free beverage
  2. Think about what you can add to your diet, not what you should take away.
  3. Consider whether you're really hungry. 
  4. Be choosy about nighttime snacks
  5.  Enjoy your favorite foods.
  6. Enjoy your treats away from home
  7.  Eat several mini-meals during the day
  8. Spice it up.
  9. Eat protein at every meal.
  10.  Stock your kitchen with healthy convenience foods
  11. Order childrens portions at restaurants
  12.  Eat foods in season
  13. Swap a cup of pasta for a cup of vegetables
  14.  Use non-food alternatives to cope with stress
  15. Be physically active

Monday, August 23, 2010

Checking In


I haven’t posted anything in a long time so I thought  that I would check in. Also, I haven’t been walking with the girls this past month (its so hot here). I have chosen to get up earlier and walk with my dad. It has been a wonderful father-daughter time.

 My weight loss is going well. I have lost 1/3 of the amount I want to lose!!! I also have decided to become a Vegetarian!!  It has been a week since I had meat and I love it!! My husband….not so much. I am still working on him.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Things I Can't Workout without

Bondi Band: these headbands are amazing!  They keep the hair back, the sweat off the face and don't slip off!  I have 3 and just won another one, but want a Wicking Ponytale Hat.

My ipod Nano and the armband.  I do want the Nike + iPod Sport Kit

I decent ponytale holder, Goody StayPut (which I have ran out of).

A BPA Free Re-usable water bottle, 32oz. 

I have a S2H Relay, but could live without it.  It is a good concept and I loved the idea of earning 60 points for every 60 minutes of activity (which I am doing almost everyday), but it does not work unless your arms are moving constantly.  So, pushing a stroller does not work with this.  I emailed the company and complained.  They reimbursed me my money and promised to send me their new product (a pedometer that you earn points for every 10,000 steps).  I like it because with the points I can buy itunes giftcards!  Hopefully, the new product works better.  I do try to remember to wear it when I am not pushing the stroller.  It is really hard to push the Triplet Stroller with one hand though!

Our group workouts have gotten smaller.  Shannon and I are the only ones walking in the morning now  :-(

The pictures from Shannon's Mountain Post don't do the mountain justice. That thing is huge and steep and we did it!  I had serious doubts and am still surprised I made it.  That stroller is HEAVY.  My van had trouble going up it when we drove over there to take pictures of it! 

Monday, August 16, 2010

Aint No Mountain High Enough

Evey time we walk we get to a place in the road where we can turn left and climb "The Manchester Mountain," otherwise known as Pine Mountain, or we can turn right continuing on a relatively flat track. Today, Jen and I chose the Mountain. It took us a while; we stopped several times to catch our breath. But, wow! What a sense of accomplishment!

By the time I was half way up it, my thighs were burning. In all honesty, I was getting ready to quit. I said a little prayer asking for the strength to continue on and I thought of Isaiah 40:31 which says "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Low and behold, we made it all the way up. By the time we made it to the top, we were rewarded for our efforts with a spectacular view.

















On an unrelated thought, since the climb this morning, I have been singing Ain't No Mountain High Enough. I thought I would share this little ditty. Maybe it will brighten someone's day or offer a tid bit of encouragement. I guess this means that we will fording a river next!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Clean Your Plate!

My husband and I shared an amazing day at Six Flags recently. One of the best things about going to an amusement park--the food. First of all, you walk approximately one million miles, which offsets any caloric intake. Secondly, all food, even the mundane, seems foreign and exciting when eaten in the shadow of a sky-scraping roller coaster. In short, diet be darned.

Instead of lunching on the $7.99 kids' meal, which my painfully frugal, coupon-clipping soul yearned for, I chose to get the overpriced chicken tenders and fried sides. Having already consumed my liquid weight in PowerAde, I honestly didn't have much room left for solid food, but I gave it the old college try.

As I sat there staring at the leftovers--one monstrous piece of chicken and assorted and sundry deep-fried root vegetables--I attempted to allay my guilt at not wanting to clean my plate. Could I stuff down the food anyway? (Yes, but they might have to shut down Batman: The Ride for some impromptu cleaning of the rails.) How long would chicken last, wrapped in a cheap paper napkin in my pocket? (Probably until I unwittingly laundered the pants.) That childhood imperative was ringing so strongly in my ears: clean your plate. Don't be wasteful. Show your gratitude in times of plenty instead of turning down perfectly good food.

And then it occurred to me: the ways that I view food are sometimes unhealthy or antiquated. How many times have I used food in an inappropriate way, causing myself to become physically ill or, at the least, overweight and unhappy?

What if, instead of gorging on earthly food, I overate at the table of the Lord?

What if I woke up each morning and treated God's word as fresh-fallen manna, being sure to lick the plate clean? What if I chose to share the abundant blessings of love, resources, and talents I have been graciously given, instead of wasting them? What if I thanked God with a genuine heart?

I wonder how God might use me, should I be able to turn my bad habits into a desire for all the good things He's been cooking up.

Anybody hungry?

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Go UP a size

In shoes!  Ever since I started walking almost everyday, my feet have been killing me.  Mostly, my toes and heels.  Towards the end of each walk, it took everything I had to make it back to the van.  I always wear toenail polish and one night when I took it off, I noticed that some of my toes were black-n-blue (from hitting the front of my shoes when we walked downhill).  I asked around and got the best advice: go up a size.  My current shoes were old and falling apart and since my birthday is next week (I turn the big 3-0!), I bought new shoes (Nike running), going up a size.  And I did and my feet could not be happier!  My feet actually have room to swell in this GA heat and for all the uphill and downhill work we do.

So, if your feet are really killing you, go UP a size!  

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Lean, Mean Learning

Every year one of the community churches offers a three day workshop in which church members share their expertise and talents with others. This year, some of the M&M moms decided to participate. We took a photography class, a tai chi class and a cake decorating class which was the best. We had a ton of fun! Although by the end of the workshop Haley B. and Shannon were a little punch drunk off the huge quantities of icing. (No worries, calories were reduced and exercise increased to make up for all that sugar.) Check out the pictures of the yummy madness!







You may learn more about the First United Methodist Church's "Gift to Pine Mountain" here: http://www.lagrangenews.com/view/full_story/8845310/article-Church-classes-to--8216-give-back-8217--to-community?instance=secondary_stories_left_column

Shopping Spree

Perhaps it wasn't so much of a shopping spree as it was two shirts, a pair of shoes and a whole bunch of school clothes for Peanut. Regardless of what it is called, those two tops that were purchased for me are a whole size smaller than the size I have been buying for the last 4 years! Kudos to me!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Mmmmm...Fresh Pineapple

I have eaten so much fresh pineapple over the last few days that my mouth is literally raw. This past Monday, I began the Daniel Fast which means I have consumed nothing but fruits and vegetables for 4 days. The fast follows the verses of Daniel 10: 2-3 which read
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
It is a partial fast in which meat, dairy and synthetic products are not consumed. Typically, people who choose to participate in this fast are doing so for spiritual purposes. And, while I consider the weight loss to be spiritual, my primary goal with the fast was weight loss -- a type of cleanse if you will -- not prayer. I hope to continue with the fast for 7 days; I will finish Sunday, July 25th. For more information visit: http://danielfast.wordpress.com/daniel-fast-food-list/

In addition to the Daniel Fast, I began Jillian's 30 Day Shred last Thursday. I have managed to do it 5 out of the 7 days. It is hard but well worth the effort. Hayley Y. and Erin have done it with me a few times which makes it tons easier.

Now, for the point behind explaining what I have been doing for the last seven days. Two weeks ago I went to weigh and had only lost 0.6lbs. I was really disappointed. Anytime I get that discouraged, however, I rebound quickly and attack. Attack is the best way I can describe what I have been doing over the last two weeks. I have walked harder and father, eaten leaner and less, and sweated as much as possible. On my way to weigh this morning, I knew I was going to be really happy with whatever I had accomplished...and boy was I happy. As of today, July 22, 2010 I have lost a total of 35 pounds. Over the last two weeks I lost 10.2 pounds. I even did a little bit of a dance on the scale. I would say "how 'bout them apples?" but I feel that something along the lines of "how 'bout them PINEAPPLES?" is more appropriate.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Energy for Living

They call me...Energy Erin. (I was about to say "Tater Salad," but that is probably copyright infringement.) Okay, so I'm Erin, and I'm new here. I live in the Manchester area with my handsome husband (HH), darling daughter (1 year), and awesome son (3 years). My job is with a local school, and I love what I do. Currently, I am attending my alma mater to get my Master's degree, and I recently learned how to make coupons work for me. My hobbies are reading, singing, writing (wait a minute--do poems on the back of a receipt in the doctor's office count?), and the ambiguously titled pastime of "crafts." And, and, and....

And, I'm tired.

Energy Erin? You kiddin' me, Pancho? I'm exhausted, friends and neighbors, and I am looking for that last little bit of get-up-and-go in the fridge, the pantry, the mp3 player, the encouraging Facebook post from a friend...essentially, everywhere except the source. So, no wonder I am zapped. Somehow along the way, between thrice-weekly trips to the Pig for milk and scavenging through the clearance aisle at drug stores, I became unplugged from God and what He wants for me.

He wants peace for me. He wants stillness. He wants acknowledgement that I am not in charge of my life, or even the lives of my children and family. He wants surrender. He wants brokenness. He wants me to show him the dirty and disheveled rooms of my heart and ask Him to help me do some serious spring cleaning.

And then, when there is nothing else to say or do but praise God for all He has given me--so much!--I will have energy for living this life He blessed me with. I will have energy to screech to a halt in front of a good friend's house at 7:16 in the morning so we can walk and talk. I will have energy to fix a healthy meal for my family instead of giving in to takeout.

All I have to do is plug in to the source of it all: my loving God who just can't wait to see what hare-brained scheme I come up with next. He won't roll His eyes, like some HH's I know.

Well, He won't roll them much.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

How to Put On a Sports Bra

1. Approach the sports bra with confidence, secure in the belief that you will wear it.


2. Holding the sports bra open by its bottom edge, peer into it and locate the medium-sized opening in the center of the cavity. This is your target.

3. Take a moment to ask yourself the following questions:

A. Am I naked from the waist up?
B. Have I removed my glasses?
If the answer to either is “no,” make the necessary adjustments and return to Step 1.



4. Snake your right arm through the right armhole as far as it will go. Repeat for left arm and left armhole.

5. Assume power stance: feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Hook your thumbs into the sports bra’s bottom-edge elastic and pull it out in front of you as far as possible. (Note: do not let go.)

6. In one, deft motion, pull the elastic toward you and over your head. If you have martial arts training, this would be the time to release your battle cry, or kiai.

7. You should now be standing with arms pointing skyward, the sports bra encircling you at chin level, binding your biceps to your ears.

8. Remain calm. Visualize yourself wearing the sports bra while engaged in a pleasant activity, such as not watching Jersey Shore.

9. Cross your arms in front of your face, grasp the bottom of the sports bra and begin tugging it down to your chest. This process should take 2-25 minutes and can be streamlined by the removal of one of your arms (advanced yoga practitioners only).

10. If you have followed steps 1-9 correctly, the sports bra is now strapped across the rise of your bosom, compressing the breasts downward to the point that you can see your pulse in your areolas.

11. Resume power stance (see Step 5). Holding firmly to the bottom edge of the sports bra, pull it away from your body in a downward arc until it grazes your kneecaps. Then, with a scraping motion, drag the sports bra upward along the front of your body, capturing all excess flesh in its path.

12. When the bottom elastic reaches the desired altitude on your rib cage, release it. Then, while holding the top of the sports bra away from your body with one hand, plunge the other hand into the sports bra to distribute and align its contents, which should include both of your breasts.

Note: If you are unable to locate two (2) breasts in the sports bra, do not become alarmed as they are likely nearby. Remove the sports bra (see “How to Take Off a Sports Bra”) and return to Step 1 of these instructions.

this was found here.





Thursday, July 15, 2010

All by myself!

Everyone bailed on me...or so I thought. Last night, I went to bed genuinely expecting to be the only one walking this morning. Everyone else has appointments, classes, grandparents, wedding dresses, etc to tend to, so I figured I would be going it alone. To my utter surprise, I was just as determined to get up and at it this morning. We didn't even sleep late! I started on the usual rout and there was Energy Erin so I didn't have to go it alone after all. I am still really proud of myself for having the gumption to do it, as Peanut would say, "all by me self."

As a "treat" to myself, I purchased "Jillian's 30 Day Shred." Hayley Y. and I did it after our walk yesterday. Today, Erin and I did. We are doing really well. We have a lot to build up to, but it is a start!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Not Going So Well

So, things are not going so well here.  I have not been able to fit in a workout at all.  It is hard to workout with 3 toddlers and no stroller.

I totally except the M & Ms to kick my butt back into gear!  I think we should add something to our walking.

Here are my suggestions, just because I have both of them, I really enjoy them and are both great workouts!
Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, and/or Biggest Loser Workout Weight-Loss Yoga.  And because I know Hayley has the PX90, I am suggesting that as well.   

Monday, July 12, 2010

Class --- Blah

I decided at the end of the school year that I would start the process of getting gifted certified. So I'm taking the first class this week. It is all week in Grantville, which is like 45 min away. So, I'm not going to be able to walk with the MM's this week :( I haven't weighed in in a while, basically because I'm worried about how bad it will be. Hopefully this week won't kill me or set me back too much. I'll miss you guys!!!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

New Member Orientation: Energy Erin

So this morning Peanut and I were walking toward Hayley's house to start the daily routine with a lag in our step. The stroller seemed heavier to push. It was way hotter than usual. It was just kind of blah! So, because I am a prayer, that is just what I did. I asked God to restore our energy -- to give us a boost of the excitement that we had when we first started. As I continued to walk, I noticed the sun shining through the trees differently. It was beautiful. Was it God responding to my prayers? Maybe so!

Peanut and I reached Hayley's house and to our surprise we had a new member drive up with her stroller, water bottle and walking shoes! Her name is Erin; she is a friend from church. She is a super fun chic! She is going to add so much energy and aspiration to our little group that we have nicknamed her "Energy Erin."

We discussed adding her to the blog and decided that she needed to meet "membership requirements." Of coarse, we had to figure out what those would be so Hayley and I made an executive decision that when any new member has walked with us for five days, they get to join. So, look forward to her posting on all kinds of lean, mean mommy stuff!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

First Big Challenge

Bright & early tomorrow morning ABC & I are going to stay with my parents for about a month.  I am NOT looking forward to the long drive (suppose to be 7 hours, but we will see how long it takes us).  I love going to stay with my parents, being able to see my family & friends, having actually help with ABC.  But, I also hate going.  I hate going because it is a HUGE struggle and always a BIG setback on my weight loss.  I get out of routine there and get lazy, not working out.  I won't be able to git The Stroller, so keeping our wonderful schedule (up at 6am, walking at 7:15, back to the house by 9am) is not possible. There is a treadmill that I can use at night, but I hate the treadmill, down in the dark basement.  

I lost 3lb last week and REFUSE to gain the month at my parents.  I REFUSE.  I have been weighing on Fridays, but while gone, I won't weight at all.  My goal for the month of July is to workout at least 3 days a week, to continue to keep track of my calories, staying within my daily calorie range and to not gain.  This month is going to be a huge challenge.  I am going to miss the support and companionship of my Manchester Moms!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Add-on To Hayley's Happy Cleaning

Homemade Laundry Powder
(Makes approximately 5 cups)
2 cups grated castile soap (1 bar of Dr. Bronnersmakes about 2 cups)
1 cup borax
1 cup baking soda
1 cup soda ash (washing soda)

Clean House, Clean Planet is a wonderful book with tons of recipes and great information.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Little Victories

Peanut and I are on vacation with friends in Florida. While we have all been especially conscientious of eating healthfully, we still have a ton of food lying around. It is semi-healthy food like pringles and chex mix but it is EVERYWHERE! I have done extremely well with making good choices, however.

Yesterday morning, we were leaving the house to do a little shopping. Peanut said she wanted to take a snack with her and she picked an apple. The last night after a really long day at the beach, in and out of the ocean and another several hours at the pool, Peanut ran into the kitchen where we are staying saying, "I'm really hungry!" Before any of the adults could get to her to help her choose something to eat, she came back outside with a banana.

Now, this may not seem like a huge deal to some of you, but I am ecstatic! One of the reasons I started this "lifestyle change" was because I wanted Peanut to be raised in a more healthy way. I wanted her to be able to make the right food choices on her own. And, it seems that she is doing this! Yea!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

I guess it's time to gear back up

I haven't been walking as hard (meaning strenuously) the last two weeks and I've gotten kind of slack on my eating habits. I guess it's good that I've still been walking, but I need to do better. The last few days, I have been starving all day long, and so therefore, have eaten all day long. I don't really know why, it could be stress . . . but I'm not sure. So, I have gone back up a few pounds in weight which I am not happy about. I must ramp back up and get serious! Perhaps after vacation next weekend though ;)

Happy Cleaning

Vinegar has hundreds of uses in and out of the kitchen. It is a natural disinfectant. I keep a spray bottle under my sink all the time. I use vinegar to clean the floor, table, showers, and in the laundry. It is my most used cleaning product. If you don’t like the smell you can add any essential oil you like to the mix!

What I like most about it is that it is completely harmless, and that mean I don’t have to worry about a curious three year old getting into it. Sure it may make her tummy hurt but that’s about all it would do to her.

There is a book that my dad gave to me. He knows I love natural products and knew that I used vinegar for cleaning most anything. The title of the book is “Over 100 Helpful Household Hints” by Christine Halvorson. I love the book and it is really helpful!! It covers kitchen clean up all the way to beauty and relaxations potions!

Although vinegar is a wonderful tool for me while cleaning I must mention that you MUST NOT use it on any granite or marble surfaces!! It will dull the finish and even take out the color of the natural stone!! Yes this news saddened me when the man installed my counter tops. However, the good news is that he recommended a warm cloth with a little liquid soap for the granite!!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Does this make my butt look....

SIX POUNDS LIGHTER!!! Why, yes...my butt does look six pounds lighter! I went in and weighed today and have lost another six pounds! For a total of 23.4 lbs since April 19.

On my way to weigh, I really thought that I would not have lost all that much. I have had a really difficult week with the bummed ankle, a Peanut with Strep and 744,612 other things going on. I was just hoping I had not gained. Then I got there and swa the numbers and started jumping up and down. I couldn't stop giggling. The nurse thought I was a hoot. This just makes me want to get out and start working that much harder!

If you haven't noticed Jen's last post, we have decided to all walk in the March of Dimes 5K in November. Several of us are hoping to be jogging the 5K by that time. The March of Dimes cause is especially dear to us because 4 of the 7 babies that walk with us every morning were born prematurely. We would love for you to join us, come out and see us or sponsor us!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

March Of Dimes

As our first team event, we have are walking for the March Of Dimes!  You can see our team page here, donate and watch our progress in reaching our goal.  You can also donate through the little badge to your right  :-)

Sunday, November 21, the annual MOD Walk is at Callaway Gardens.  All tickets for this ticket proceed the March Of Dimes.  Each year, this night that reserved for walkers to hike the winter wonderland of  Fantasy in Lights!  All tickets for this ticket proceed the March Of Dimes.  I personally, have done this walk each year since The Trio was born and it is amazing!  The kids LOVE it and it is so beautiful and of course all the proceeds go to this wonderful cause.  Four of the 7 babies in our group were born prematurely.

Anyone is welcome to join our team and walk with us!

This is a picture of us (ABC & my husband) last year:

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Baby wearing




So bug is a pretty good baby, though I am a little bias, but when he gets sleepy all he wants is to be held. This can make things difficult. When he was younger, he mostly wanted to be held all the time, and so in order to get things done around the house (and ever leave) we had a balboa sling (left). Well he doesn't like it much any more, and it's kinda hot for summer in Georgia. So, for mother's day, I asked for a baby ergo (right). He loves it now and we use it all the time. In fact, he rides in it while we walk. Why? Because nap time falls while we walk, and he needs to be held, and my ergo provides the perfect solution to it. So David and I ergo while we walk. It's a little hot, but he doesn't fuss and he can see everything that's going on. He also likes chewing on the soft thick straps, and he looks pretty darn cute in it!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Leaner, Greener.... and Cheaper?

I have been consuming large quantities of Bear Naked Granola since this whole diet business started. At this point in the game, Bear Naked Granola is possibly one of the yummiest foods I will allow myself to put in my mouth. I eat it in all kinds of stuff, yogurt (both frozen and non-frozen) with berries, with milk and even by it self. If you haven't tried Bear Naked, you really should! Then, I realized how much it is costing me to consume these vast amounts of granola. Around $6 for a small package of about two cups.

So, I hit the web and Googled low-cal granola recipes. I found one that incorporates oranges and vanilla. I made some today and it is super YUMMY! If you would like the recipe you can visit this site

Do you have any yummy, healthy, cost-saving recipes? Please share them with us!


Granola in process...


Mmmmmm... yummy.


Oooooo...pretty.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Setback--POP Goes A Wheel

While walking today with Hayley a wheel on my HUGE stroller POPPED.  It was SO loud it took us a while to release what it was!  Pushing this with ABC is NOT fun nor EASY. Pushing it with a busted wheel while trying not to mess up the rim was even WORSE.  But, we made it, only to realize that not only is that wheel popped, but the others look like they are about to.  There was NO tread left on the tires!  I freaked.  I have no idea how old the stroller is.  A very good friend gave me the stroller because she already had a triple jogger and she bought it used.  I know it can be found on ebay, but you can't locate/contact the company.  I googled and searched on line, coming up empty handed and even more frustrated.  In the end, I went to a bike shop.  The guy was horrified at the conditions of the wheels!  He said only 3 wheels needed to be replaced and he had them in stock!  The cost, only about $30!  I seriously thought I was going to be paying a lot more.  I would have gotten the 4th wheel replaced, but they only had white in stock (and this stroller is ugly enough as it is) and the guy said it was fine.  The bad news is the stroller won't be ready until the middle of next week.  Luckily for me, I have a summer helper!  So, I am sneaking out of here WITHOUT The Trio!  I wonder how much easier it is going to be without pushing 150 lbs (and hearing them whine, fight, sing (BADLY, ask Hayley's E!)?  I am super excited about my mommy time for the next few days!  :-)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Way to be a Loser!!

Success!! I went to Weight Watchers last night and had lost 2lbs since the last weigh in!!

~Hayley P

Shannon's Setbacks... Number One, Two and Three

When I first started walking in late April I was really motivated. I mean SUPER motivated. I had gotten to the point where I was literally disgusted with the weight. I was walking and eating right. I bought a new iPod which made walking so much easier. When, out of the blue Setback Number One struck.

I was pushing Peanut in her stroller. We were trucking it down the sidewalks. It should be noted here that the sidewalks in a lovely little town are AWFUL!!!! and desperately need work because they are so uneven and cracked. We now stick to the road side because of the terrible condition of the sidewalks. Anyway, Peanut and I "was dancin' and singin' and movin' to the groovin'" when I turned my left ankle on a five inch crack in the side walk. That was sometime in mid-May. I had to stop walking for about a week to let the ankle rebuild strength.

We are fortunate to be friends with two of the world's most renowned Physical Therapists. (Okay, maybe not world renowned, but they are REALLY AWESOME!) I talked to them and began the exercises they suggested.

Setback Number Two occurred this past Friday night when I stepped off my back porch into a hole. I was so disappointed that I burst into tears. The ankle didn't hurt that badly but my heart did.

Then, this morning, the M & Ms are movin' to the groovin' when out of the blue, I hit the pavement. So, here we are, five women, one teenager and seven children stopped in the MIDDLE of the road, me down on my knees, sweat dripping off the tip of my nose. Too bad it couldn't have at least happened in the shade. It was probably really hilarious; I have a way of making my numerous falls funny. What can I say? It must
be some kind of comedic gift.

Hayley P. walks back to get a car. The rest of the group takes Peanut to my parent's house. Hayley P., Rebecca and I go to see Rebecca's soon-to-be husband Doctor Scott. So, here I am with my foot on the dashboard of Hayley P. car when I realize that I haven't shaved my legs in like five days! My toenails look like they were painted by fingerless monkey. My heels have are cracked and callused to the point of making those five inch cracks in the side walks look minuscule. Now, I am in real pain here but all I can think about is how horrific my feet look.

Hayley is quite the nurse so after leaving the Dr.'s house we go to the Physical Therapist's. It was on the drive between the two locations, again with my foot in the windshield, I notice that not only have I not shaved my legs but my big toe is fuzzy. It just gets worse and worse. Hairy legs, chipped polish, cracked heels, furry toes and all kinds of stinky!

The bad news is that I have to stay off it for a while and we missed a mile and a half of our route this morning. The good news is that we all got to take a little breather and I have a learned something very important. You remember when your grandmother used to tell you to always make sure that your underwear was clean? Well, I have now learned that it is not only important to have on clean underwear but it is equally important to keep your legs (and toes) shaved!

Have you had any setbacks in your diet / exercise routine? Share them with us!

*Side note: The x-ray is not of my ankle. It is a random image found at Google Images. Although, that foot even looks better than mine. ;)

A little about Rebecca P

Yes First off I am Hayley P's Sister. Well I am the youngest of the bunch, also the newest to the group. I am the Mother of Two. M is 3 and Peyton died April of 2007. She would be 5 if she were still with us, 5 hours after receiving vaccinations she quit breathing. She didn't die then. she developed seizures and the only thing that was conclusive about her rare situation was that she had mercury in her blood which destroyed her blood brain barrier. She lived for seven months and she gave all she had to living. Children a tough and she never quit smiling. God has been so good to me! I am so blessed. I truly live on Gods Grace alone. I have so many God moments. God is always right no matter how much life can suck sometimes. I was holding Peyton when she Died, and I was looking into the Beautiful face of my daughter the moment She saw our Master face to face. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass it is about learning to Dance in the Rain! We donated her organs and that has been a true blessing for me. I firmly believe that Peyton lived her entire life and her purpose was to save the Children she did. I had to learn to enjoy life without her and I am still struggling with it today. My son was 2 weeks old when she died.......Yea I was questioning God Big time..... The truth of Gods love is NOT that he allows bad things to happen to us, it is HIS PROMISE to be there with us when they do......God knows what he is dong..... We just have to trust Him no MAtter What!! Hey that kinda sounds like FAITH>>>>right? M is my life he is such a blessing! Even though I was grieving for Peyton I still had to get up in the morning and take care of M. M saved my life. My little guy kept me going. He is such a sweet, loving Child that has the most beautiful eyes that truly dance. He loves life and his mama. See E my niece (Hayley P's daughter) is only 3 weeks younger than him so they are the best of friends. I am currently new BACK in town. I was born and raised here but I lived in Nashville, TN for a while and I am back, newly engaged to a wonderful man! He is the Newest Doctor in town and he is the most amazing Guy ever. He is truly my angel, my God send. He is kind and compassionate, funny and just plain nice. He loves me for just me. He brings so much peace in my life. He is the most amazing Dad to M. Like I said God has truly blessed my life. I really enjoy M&M we have a good time and the kids love it as well. I love to stay in shape so exercising it fun to me....such a stress reliever. I feel better all day when I get up and get going with the Manchester Momas..We are truly Making More out of Mommyhood.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

A little about Hayley P

I am Hayley P! I am a mother to a beautiful 3 year old girl! I grew up in our small town and married a wonderful man. He had a house in a larger town and we made that our home. We started a family and eventually grew out of the house. He is a public service worker and after the baby was born I quit my job to stay home. With that said we were on a limited income and I was not leaving my baby with strangers just to get a bigger and nicer house! We searched, and searched, and searched! A close relative suggested a home in the small town I grew up in that was for sale. My first thought was yeah right my husband does not want to drive 45min. to work and back each day!! I briefly told him about it and HE wanted to go look!! It was love at first sight! We both felt like God meant for us to have this house! It was a foreclosed home. We placed an offer and waited. The offer was taken and we had a new home and still needed to sell ours in the larger town. It took 9 long months, but again God was with us! The church down the road bought it because they needed to expand!! God is Awesome as E would say!

Since the sale of our home we have completely gutted the new home and fixed all the problems one can run into during a renovation. We have lived with my parents for the past 8 months while work was going on in the old but new home (the house was built in 1937). I have enjoyed my parents very much, and will be forever grateful for the love and grace that they have shown to my family during this time. Thanks mom and dad!! I love you!!

However, the last 4 ½ years of marriage and a child have placed me into the “Happy Fat” stage!! I am no longer “Happy Fat”! I am fat but also happy with my life. I would like to be healthier! I need to lose 63lbs. My goal is to lose 50 by the end of the year!! I was in a size 8 when I married and am going to get back to that size 8 soon!!

I started walking alone and that was no fun. Shannon was also walking alone and I don’t think she was having much fun either. We joined up and now we have fun! We since then have had several more ladies and children to join up with us and start having fun while sweating!

Monday, June 14, 2010

A Little About Jen

I am Jen, mother to ABC, who are 2.5 years old.  I have always been fat and have always tried to lose the weight.  I was losing weight and doing great until I moved to GA.  When I started dating my husband I fell into what Shannon called Happy Fat. I had no easy access to a gym and no friends to workout with.  My husband is NO help and never has been.  So, I gained and went up a jean size.  In 2006 (a year after I was married) I had 2 miscarriages back-to-back.  And I continued to eat my depression away.  Went through 5 months of fertility treatments and ate from stress and hormones (those drugs are HORRIBLE).  I continued to try to lose weight during those 5 months, but I just maintained.  Then I got pregnant with ABC.  I was told not to workout and to take it easy.  By my 20th week of pregnancy I was on full-blown bedrest, only allowed up to use the bathroom and shower.  I gained about 70lbs during the pregnancy (was told to gain 60lb-70lb).  And I admit, I ate for four!  I was at my heaviest on the day I delivered ABC.  They were in the NICU for 38 days, some of which I lived at the Ronald McDonald House across the street from the hospital.  Then they came home and I don't really remember much of their first year.  I struggled to make it out of bed everyday and to keep 3 infants fed and changed.  I have been struggling to get the "baby weight" off every since! 



I need motivators and friends to keep me going.  I get bored very easily and can get thrown off of the workout track easily.  Getting the kids up and out of the house just to walk alone never seemed worth it.  I was on their schedule, waking up with them around 8am.  They don't nap too well anymore, so I can't sneak in the basement to use the treadmill and in all honestly, I don't want to spend my only free time on the damn treadmill.  By the time my husband got home from work I was too tried to do anything and all the wanted to do was sit on the couch.  So, I sat with him.


Until last week when I started walking with Shannon, Hayley and Haley (and now Rebecca).  And it has been GREAT.  I am so grateful for them letting me join their walking group.  Even though it takes ALL I got to get up at 6am and get ABC & myself out the door on time to walk, it is worth it.   I enjoy the friendship as much as I do the working out!  I actually look forward to my mornings now!


My mini-goal is to lose the "baby weight", even though I was told by my Dr that my babies are TOO old to be calling it "baby weight"  :-)  So, far I have lost 12lbs, leaving me with 32lbs to my mini-goal.  I am copying Shannon's goal of wanting to job 5 miles by this Christmas.  I have walked many 5k (for the March of Dimes), but I want to RUN.  I want to be healthy, to have more energy so I can keep up with The Trio.  I want to fit in my pre-pregnancy jeans.  I want to wear cute little summer dresses.  I want to look forward to summer and not to winter (where I can bury myself in sweatshirts & jackets).  I want to not be self-conscious ALL the time.

Haley B

My name is Haley (not to be confused with Hayley who lives two doors down from me!) and I am a high school math teacher. I graduated from UGA (go DAWGS!!) with a bachelors in math education and have a masters from Troy in Post Secondary Instructional Technology. My husband, one of my best friends who I couldn't make it without, is a youth minister in town. We have one son, we will call him Bug. He came 6 weeks early in December and spent 17 days in the high risk and special care nurseries, they may have been the hardest days of my life. He is the light of my life! I have enjoyed being a mom, more than I have enjoyed anything else in my life. Being a short term stay at home mom over the summer has been wonderful so far!! It took us over a year to get pregnant with Bug, because I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) . Though, this is something I have had my whole life, I was not diagnosed until January 2009, mostly because of my refusal to go to the doctor. To be very basic about it, my body doesn't treat insulin correctly, and instead of affecting my blood sugar like diabetes, it affects my hormones, which as you can surmise affects many areas of my body and life. I have never been able to control my weight in any direction, and birth control only seemed to make all matters worse. I did not gain weight with my pregnancy (I actually lost 6 pounds because I had gestational diabetes and was trying desperately to be good), but was overweight to begin with. Chris and I would like to have more children, and probably not too long off. PCOS is more easily managed within a good weight and healthy lifestyle. So both for the ease of getting pregnant and good health in general, I am trying to lose weight with the other manchester moms. My goal is to fit in a size 4 or 6 as soon as possible. I am taking my meds more regularly than ever, eating somewhat better, and walking with the girls. I've already lost 7 pounds! I've never blogged before, but I'm going to give it a good try!

A little about Shannon

Hi! I am Shannon. I am the mother of a three and a half year old daughter whom I will call Peanut. Peanut and I moved to Manchester to be nearer my parents in May of 2008 when my ex-husband and I separated. We purchased a house down the street from Hayley and Haley; our street is a happening place! I am currently working toward a master's in Library Science and Information Studies at the University of Alabama -- Roll Tide!

Hayley Y. and I started walking in early May. The original distance was just a little more than 2 miles. We quickly progressed to 3.2 miles or a 5K. We motivate each other a lot and started pushing toward other goals like walking a full 5 miles, which we have since achieved. We started posting on Facebook and others wanted to join in. Haley B. joined us when school got out for summer. Then Jen, a friend of Hayley Y's joined. The most recent member to join is Rebecca, Hayley Y's sister. It was Rebecca's idea to make this a little more organized -- we may even get t-shirts!

As for my personal motivation, I have always struggled with my weight. When I went to college, I began putting more and more on. Then, I got married and did the whole "happy fat" thing. Now that I am single, I am happy but I am not going to be happy fat anymore!!!! I mentioned that I have a toddler. Peanut is my world. I want for the two of us to be world travelers and adventurers. This will be a lot easier if I don't have to ask for an extended seat belt on the air plane to all those adventurous locals. Also, I am a Christian and have been heavily convicted about my lifestyle. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reads: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." I want my body to be to His glory.

We all have goals to keep us focused on the end result. In addition to creating a healthier lifestyle for Peanut and me, I have milestones that I want to reach. By Christmas 2010, I want to be able to jog, not walk, five miles. The next milestone is a swimsuit that I have not been able to wear since my freshman year in college. It is a blue Speedo size 16 (see pic). I want to be in it and look good in it no later than March 14, 2011. I leave on a cruise to the Bahamas that day. By summer 2012, I want to be a size 8 and look good in a two piece. I have the biggest goal, but that is only because I have the most to loose.

Hope you enjoy the blog! We sure are having fun walking and I know will have just as much fun blogging!