A Challenge...

This week as I was leaving the Y after working out, the sign by the door caught my eye.  I stopped and read the first "headline".  It said, "The Amazing Race".  I continued to read.  The Amazing Race includes 5 miles of swimming, 224 miles of biking, and 50 miles of running.  At least that is what I think.  I am recalling this from memory, so I may be off a bit with the miles.

After reading this the first day and then the next couple of days the excitement grew.  This is a new challenge to keep me going towards my goal of getting healthier.  I look at the numbers and think, what am I getting myself into?  That is a lot of work.  Then I think, what a great challenge!  This is something to keep me motivated for about the next 6 weeks.  It is a challenge I am looking forward to completing.  I am already calculating numbers so I know how many miles I will need to complete each day to stay on track and complete "The Amazing Race".

So, now here is my challenge to each of you.  To my Chillicothe friends, I challenge you to sign up for "The Amazing Race".  The cost is $25, but I think that is nothing compared to a healthy life.  For some they are probably thinking that is a lot of swimming, biking, and running.  I say try.  Sign-up and try.  For my friends who are not in Chillicothe, create your own tracking sheet and embark on this challenge with me.  "The Amazing Race" officially begins on April 11.  The end date is around May 21st.

This challenge, this journey, I am about to embark on would be great to share with others.  I would love to hear about accomplishments, struggles and challenges during "The Amazing Race".  I hope to log my miles on here each week and to also share my accomplishments, struggles and challenges.

Let me know if you plan on doing "The Amazing Race" at the Y or on your own by commenting on this blog post.  You never know what rewards you my receive!

My journey...

I am on a journey that started about 11 weeks ago.  This journey includes weight-loss, exercise and a life style change to eating healthier.  In these 11 weeks I have lost 14 pounds.

These pounds have not come off easily.  It has taken work and dedication, but it is also rewarding.  There are days when I feel like this is part of my daily routine and wouldn't give it up for anything.  And then there are the days that I don't want to workout, but I do anyways.  Some days are difficult, some days are just there, some days are good and some days are great.

Today was a great day.  I have come to discover I have a cheering section on this journey.  I have family and friends who provide encouragement and support each day.  Thank you to all of you who have cheered me on, encouraged me and provided support.  Today I also came to the realization that I have people cheering for me who I would consider acquaintances.  One of them came by to talk and to give me encouragement during my workout today.  WOW!  It was refreshing to have that person provide support in so many ways and he probably does not even know it.

My journey will continue on and I will take it day by day.  I know that to be healthy there is no "dieting", it is a change in eating habits.  Changes include healthy eating...fresh fruits and vegetables, minimal carbs and lean meats.  It also means exercise.  For me I enjoy the exercise for many reasons.  I feel refreshed when I am done.  I feel energized.  I also get some time to myself.  I put my ear buds in, turn my iPod on and start my workout.  I try to change-up my workout each day.  I may just change one little thing or I may change-up the whole work out.

Thru this journey I am learning a lot about myself.  I feel great and I can't wait to keep this journey going for 11 more weeks, then 11 more, and more and more and more.

Thank you to everyone who has given me support, I could not do this on my own!

Julianne and Katelyn's artwork

Here are pictures of the artwork Julianne and Katelyn have done at school this year.

Katelyn's polar bear

Katelyn's stocking

Katelyn's little girl

Julianne's Valentine Butterfly

Julianne's Pumpkin

Julianne's Christmas Tree

This is my favorite of Julianne's artwork.  They were asked to do a picture of what Christmas means to them.  She did Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.  I am so proud that we are raising her thru God's grace.

Julianne's ornaments 

Katelyn's baby Jesus

Katelyn's Humpty Dumpty

Katelyn's Brown Bear

Julianne's mask

Katelyn's Spookley pumpkin

Katelyn's candy corn

Julianne's green mask

Julianne's dinosaur depiction

Julianne's "Beach Map"

Katelyn's bird picture

Dance Competition - Lawrence, KS

About a week and a half ago Julianne was in the IDC dance competition in Lawrence, KS.  The whole family went to watch her perform.  The girls did a great job and I believe earned a gold award.

Here are a few pictures:

 Julianne's class and two of their teachers.

Julianne's jazz class. 

Julianne and Emily 

Julianne, Emily, and Abby 

Julianne posing. 

Katelyn and Julianne.

A beautiful Sunday!

Today was a beautiful day outside!

The girls went to Sunday School this morning and then to the grocery store with me.  After the grocery store it was outside to play while I prepared lunch.  The girls played outside for about 30 minutes until lunch.  After lunch it was back outside for both Julianne and Katelyn.  Not too long after that William joined them because he just didn't want to nap!  It was great to get outside with the kids today.  I spent most of my time taking pictures, chasing William, and watching the girls.  Brian was outside with us too.  He FINALLY put Katelyn's bike together and she was SO excited!

Here are some pictures of us enjoying the beautiful day outside that God blessed us with.

(Sorry about the turned picture, I have rotated it and added it multiple times, but it just isn't sticking!)

A few videos.

William going down the slide...

William climbing up the play set rock wall...

William on a trike...

Katelyn riding her new bike...

William...

My oh my, can William throw a temper tantrum!

But he can also smile and laugh and melt your heart!

I love my baby boy!  He will always be my baby boy who pulls at my heart strings.  He is becoming a toddler and full of life.  William is always on the go and exploring.  He is very interested in electronics and tries to plug old power cords into anything he can.  Don't worry, we have safety covers on the outlets so he can't plug them into those and get hurt.

This spring and summer are going to be quite an adventure with my baby boy as he continues to grow and explore the wonders of God outside!

St. Patty's Day Thank you

Grammy and Papa, thank you for the money and socks for St. Patty's Day!  We love both....and we love you!!