Almost to 20!

Friday was a good weigh-in at 2.4 lbs lost for a total of 19.4. I'm thrilled. I can totally feel it in my clothes too, which makes it even more motivating to keep going. Wearing lose clothes is one of the best feelings.

I will admit that I fell off the wage a little bit on Saturday. My son had a basketball tournament and it was difficult to plan. I did plan a ahead some and I had breakfast before leaving home where the rest of my family had breakfast sandwiches from Wawa. I knew that they were more points than I wanted to use. We ate early, so needless to say I was hungry by the time his first game was over, so we went to a fundraiser pancake breakfast at Applebees. I only stuck to two small pancases and 2 sausage links. I definitely could have eaten more, but I had only the one serving. For dinner, which is what killed it, I splurged and had chinese food. I know how fattening it is, especially Genearl Tso's chicken which is my favorite. I will say that I didn't eat the whole thing, but I'm so thankful for those weekly flex points! That is what is so great about WW, because you can splurge and not completely ruin your week!

Even though I splurged, I still have changed the way I'm eating. I would have had the breakfast sandwich and I would have had another helping of pancakes! Before, I would have eaten all the Chinese food that was given to me and then had a fattening snack later. So, even though it wasn't my best day, it was still better than I would have done if I weren't on progra. So, go me!

I Saw Your Face for the First Time Three Years Ago Today!

I can’t believe it’s been three years today that we saw our baby girl’s face for the first time. I will never forget this day! For over three years prior to this day, I wondered what Rachel looked like and couldn’t wait to know what she would feel like in my arms. Right now three years ago, we are overjoyed with excitement as we shared the good news of our daughter’s referral. We probably made 100+ phone calls and shared our photo with everyone who has been waiting with us. I remember getting Jake from school the morning of receiving the phone call from our agency and as soon as Jake saw me at his school, he knew this was the day he would finally see his sister’s face. We got to the agency and they were waiting for us. We walked up to the front door and were greeted with a “Congratulations Crist Family” sign and when we entered, confetti was thrown on our heads. We were dying to see the photos! When we saw our daughter’s face, she was more perfect and more amazing than we ever imagined. I couldn’t get over the size of her and how beautiful her bald head was. I loved the little smirk on her face and that she already looked like she was withholding a funny little secret. Her eyes looked happy and that helped me pass the next six weeks as we waited for travel approval. This day is probably one of the most significant days for me, because this is the first day that we laid our eyes on Rachel. I mean her birthday is special of course, but I didn’t get to share that day with her. Maybe it’s kind of like seeing your child for the first time in an ultrasound…I don’t know. But when I think back, it brings tears to my eyes that our wait was almost over!

Rachel is so perfect for our family and I will always remember, as if I gave birth to her, what I felt when I first saw her beautiful face. She is amazing in everyway and I thank God for the privilege to be her mother. I’m blessed beyond words with the most two amazing kids! I pray that God will give me all that I need to be the parent He would have me be. I love you Jake and Rachel. I hope you will always know that.

17 Pounds Gone for Good!

I am down a total of 17 lbs as of today! I was bummed about the .4 lbs loss this week, but it’s better than being up .4 lbs, right?! But then I realized later this morning that hormones definitely had a huge role in my minimal weight loss this week. The fact that I lost even .4 is a feat in itself. I’ve been known to gain up to 7 lbs during my monthly cycle.

I’m still feeling extremely motivated by my “new lifestyle” and each day I pray to God asking Him to help me be “mindful” of all that goes into my mouth. Even if I splurge with a treat, that I stick with a portion and not more. I’m thankful that God is hearing my prayers, because I haven’t felt this motivated by something in a long time. I am able to resist temptations from birthday cakes at the office to eating Krispy Kreme donuts from a fundraiser at Rachel’s school. I did give in to eating one donut, but in the past I could have easily eaten 4 in one sitting! It’s embarrassing to admit that, but that is where I was and that was reality “then.” I allowed myself one donut, but I was thrilled to learn that the donut was only 5 points and not 7 like I originally thought! I love the new WW program where fruits and vegetables have a value of zero points. When I feel hungry, I know I can grab that piece of fruit!

I don’t know what is different this time around. I don’t know why I am sticking to program more easily this time and why it wasn’t working before. Maybe it’s because I am asking God for guidance each day. I pray that He continues to be in my heart and mind each day and that He uses me to be an example for my brother. Maybe this is how I can help my brother. The only thing I need to rev up is my workouts. I’m not faithful yet doing exercise 3 or more times a week. That is my next plan of action. I need to find something that I love and don’t resent every time I’m doing it. I’m thinking maybe I need to learn a sport, like Tennis or something. Any suggestions? I would love to hear them.