Happy Trails too You....

Happy? happy? Oh Powell and Dublin OH - I will miss you!
My first 5K, a new baby, so many instant friends, a wonderful church.

We shall be back to visit. Promise.

Leaving 40 pounds behind.....may they always stay on Scioto Parkway. :)

The movers are here. We are in a fortress of boxes. See you soon, Indiana.....see you soon.
J

Emma meet Baby, Baby meet your sister.

Well girls, today time stood still. I absolutely never thought a moment like this would happen. my darling 4 year old heard a heartbeat coming from inside her mommy's belly. Her eye's. Oh her eye's. Too tall to measure. She exclaims "that HAS to be a boy!" (because we all know girls are sweet and quiet, right?!?!)

We also saw two tiny, yet perfect hands, waving (Oh, yes they were waving) at us from the TV screen. I would like to think he/she was signing "I Love You".....ya, pretty sure. ;)
Dancing and moving. What a wonderful sign. Emma told the doctor that the baby was swimming and must think my belly is a pool. I just love her. I love she is going to be a sister. She will be the best sister, I am sure of it.

Everything checked out well. We are cleared to go forth to IN. How warming to know that we have such a great "souvenir" from the place that I have so dearly fallen in love with and will miss. God is good....all the time.
love love,
Jill

Missing you girls!

Hey Ladies,
I hope that this finds you all doing well.

Things here are pretty good. I just went through a bad spell of colds/stomach bug. I was literally sick 5 times during 7 weeks. No fun! Now, I'm ready to cook/eat healthier and start exercising again. It's so challenging because our new house is still not in order and my kitchen isn't finished. I haven't had a kitchen sink since we've moved in. Who wants to cook when you have to wash your dishes in the bathroom sink. So, my new hobby is calling the delinquent contractor 5 times a day until he finishes the job. Aren't you glad you are not him???

So, tonight I'm going for it. I've put the house and work before my health and now it's time to get this body moving so my feet may not be as swollen, my blood pressure won't elevate and I can keep my weight gain under 30 lbs. (at 20lb at 27 weeks. Much better than with Jackson, but still not exellent.)

I wish that I had some wise information to share like Jill does, but I don't.
But, I do love you all and am sending out hugs. (So does Jackson.)

Carrie

busy busy, but not too busy to have.....

.....lost that 40th pound for the year!!!!! WOO-HOOO! I so can't believe it! That is how much Emma weighs. I literally dropped "her" off of me.....no wonder I can run better now! ;)

Busy time of year - I feel like our feet haven't touched ground in several weeks. And of course no time to slow down in the near future. Busy people....are blessed people. Right?! Of course!

Getting in time (and energy) for exercise is no secret VERY HARD these days. Stretching is sometimes all I can get in. With the holiday's nearing I am on the quest to find some low calorie snacks to make this year instead of the stand-bys of every year. Also looking to use as little preservatives as possible and go as natural as I can. I'll keep you posted on my findings!
busy bee,
Jill

EFF to ARK....

Congrats to Heather Steffey whom is now the Mrs. Heather Starkey!

Back from FL.....wedding was beautiful, Disney was so magical, and back home "enjoying" the, brrrrr, windy weather.

Good to see you WB girls!!!!! Praise God for the amazing friendships!!!! We missed you CA Carrie!!!!!!
more to come, Jill

Biggest Loser

Well last night was a two hour "almost" finale. Again, sooooooooooooooooooooo good! Anyone with the goal to get healthy should watch it. Anyone who needs the motivation should watch it. Anyone that has a passion for loving life should watch it. Just watch it.

Danny is amazing. Dad, husband, good 'ol boy. He saw himself dying. But the kicker is, he did something about it. And kept going. Last night we saw them go home for 60 days. While home, he lost 59 pounds!!! No trainers, no stocked kitchen.....just him. wow. you don't need the big wigs to help you, you just need to open your eyes and do it for yourself. I am so amazed with him. Danny, you have changed your life. You have changed your family's life. Forever.

I can tell withing the past 5 months of my journey a similar occurrence has taken place. Its not about being skinny or wearing those smaller jeans. Its about changing my life. And when my life changes so does my family's. I could not be more excited to feel this way. Life is so different from one year ago.
Heading to that Sunshine state tomorrow!
Jill

December is here!

Hey WB girls, can you believe December is here?!
See you all soon in FL!!!!!

Heather - enjoy those last few days as a single lady! HA!

Well ladies, I have finally surpassed the 35 mark! As of today I have lost a total of 36 pounds for the year. Whooooo-hooooo! Just think how much easier it will be for me to shake my hinny as we dance it up after the wedding!!!!!
Can't wait,
J

Thanksgiving Run. Commit and Deliver.

Wow. What a morning to be thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving - hoping each of you is enjoying family to the hilt!

My morning started off with a goal to finish the challenge of a four mile run. Never running that far in one continuous stretch, I wasn't sure it was doable. But what kinda thought is that? I couldn't stop! That's right 44 minutes and 8 seconds! Done. Did it. Never felt better. What an accomplishment. Love it.

Couldn't help spending those 44 minutes thinking and visualizing each of my WB Girls and their families, Ali running her turkey trot this morning, my beautiful family (Adam who was graciously tending to the turkey at home, and Emma standing on the porch yelling "GO MOMMY, YOU CAN DO IT!"). I was also thinking much of my sister-in-law and the whole Phipps' side of the family....a new weight loss challenge has been erupted this week and I am so excited to see life changing habits happen for the whole family.

Wow. so many people. So many good friends. So many lives. How could I possibly not be the happiest gal in the world?

Couldn't help but have Adam take a picture of me after the run. Wanted to find the "before" picture, there was a bit of a problem....I couldn't! For the past year I have hid from the camera...ashamed of where I had gotten. The best I could find was one from this past June. Keep in mind I had ALREADY lost 15 pounds by then! So excited to see the change. Feel the change. Live the change. Take that Satan... you can go in your corner and cry like a baby now.

Which brings me to a small reflection. Last weeks sermon was absolutely perfect. Titled "samshing Satan inthe Motuh." A clear reminder that Satan is here, feeding us lies nonstop. Our preacher didn't walk on eggshells when he spoke....he laid it all on the line. Satan is here to destroy us. And he will if we don't smack him around and let him know that God's will has more authority over any one of his lies. Man, it sure does....do i ever believe it. Oh what a six months it has been. I no longer let Satan run my health. He has taken too much away from me, but no more. No more.

As the sermon came to a close the praise band began to softly play their music in the background as the Pastor Mike gave a perfectly spoken conclusion. Heartwarming. Inspiring. Uplifting.

He finished with this sentence (and I would like to close today with it also);

"It's time to tell Satan, ' YOU CAN GO TO....

...well....HOME'."

***For the whole sermon, use this link. If anything catch at least the last ten minutes. :) http://www.vistacommunitychurch.org/sermon-audio/smashing-satan-in-the-mouth.html

Tuesday's Biggest Loser.

So am I the only one that cries in this show? :)
I just love it. These people have got it. They see what they are doing and why. It's not about losing the weight - it is about giving life back....to themselves and their families. I just love them all.

here are some figures for you from the show tonight:
- America spends over $147 BILLION on health care cost related to obesity a year. STUNNING. Now it doesn't matter what political party you are in favor for, but times are scary when it comes to American health care. Time to take care of ourselves and depend on no one!!!!
- 1 in 3 children in America are obese. So apparent when you walk in our schools. What are we doing to our kids?
- An average American family can SAVE $20 by eating at home rather than eating out. AMEN.

Wow. Wow. To change today is to change FOREVER.
Still drinking my water, still exercising, still centering meals around veggie and fruits. Still making a difference. Every minute. Everyday.
Love that show - how motivational. Find it on the web and watch it if you missed it.
Givin' life,
Jill

Couple tidbits.....

haven't put in a any tidbits lately...here are a few I found interesting today.
For starters, I TOTALLY agree with Mel that weight loss is 80% what you eat, 10% exercise and 10% genetics. As I look over my journey this couldn't ring any more true. Agree agree. With that being said here are a couple things to keep in mind on our healthy journey to come.

In a recent question to Women's Health Mag. Q&A, a person wrote in asking if you can have too many artificial sweeteners? The answer from Keriglassman, R.D., "YES". "Artificial sweeteners can actually curb your sweet tooth, and some research has shown that they may even trick your brain into craving MORE sweets! So wean yourself off sugar and sugar substitutes with naturally sweet snacks that additional dietary benefits, like fiber-filled berries or antioxidant-rich dark chocolate."

I'll add to that, don't forget artificial sweeteners contain aspartame which is very damaging to women's hormones, with in turn can affect your weight and cancer odds. Be sure to check and read your labels on EVERYTHING. Don't forget if you are a soda drinker....best thing there - kick it....don'tjust take my word on it read the article on Monday Nov. 2 blog posting....seriously read it.

Also here is a great link I found with Thanksgiving approaching: http://www.prevention.com/cda/article/your-stay-slim-holiday-survival-plan/0de77e643f803110VgnVCM10000013281eac____/weight.loss/strategies.for.success/emotional.eating?cm_mmc=Spotlight-_-11232009-_-Weight%20Loss-_-Holiday%20Overeating

Keep truckin' my friends. I have gotten word from my in-laws there is a new and upcoming challenge coming for the whole family to lose unhealthy fat and get the body working at its prime. Go Phipps' family....GO GO GO!

ahhhhh...Sunday Mornings.

Love Sunday mornings! (when we are home)
Usually a great time to get in that long walk/run since Adam is home with Emma, but today I simply rested and then got in a very good yoga DVD. I love that stretching and muscle burnin'. "Breathing" really does refresh me. Feelin' good.

And of course we go to the best church ever that doesn't start until 10:30. So I have prepared lunch (cooked the chicken and all!) this morning, dishwasher loaded and going, everyone dressed and looking good and simply enjoying the family....all before church starts.
And...I am wearing tights with a denim skirt that I use to teach in BEFORE Emma was born. Rock on new bod.....rock on.
Jill

ok - so editing the post a bit...it is now Sunday evening and just for the record, I want everyone to know we were late to church after that beautiful morning! :) Blaming this one 100% on my husband!!!!
ps - drank 96 oz of good 'ol H2O today. gonna pee all night.

Hey Class, Listen up, there's a new runner in town!

Hey hey - watch out Dublin OH...Ali Hooper is hitting the pavement! YEAH!!! Kudos girl! Keep it up!
Who else is out there stepping up the game? Heart rates up ladies - lets do it!

Can't wait to see you WB Girls in FL....just a few days away!

Long day here. Over six hours in car. -ugh- good thing I got out there with my dog this morning for some fresh air.....always starts the day good.
Off to bed my friends,
Jill

Good day, good day.

Heard last night there are a couple of OHIO-ERS running a turkey trot on Thanksgiving day - absolutely cool. They are awesome. Go Life Group. I love hearing about people taking control of their future!

Getting excited around this place. Brisk air will do that to you. ahhhhhhh - love this new running gig in my life, always have liked the outdoors....and no better time than the cool fall with a little Indian Summer.
God is good.....all the time.
Jill

Today's Motivation.

So if ....... "adding 11 minutes of walking each day will reduce your risk of getting breast cancer by nearly 20 percent" -Journal of the National Cancer Institute

...and if...."carrying weight around your middle is risky because excess fat produces hormones and chemicals that can contribute to insulin resistance - which increases risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.....less than 35 inches in considered healthy" -Study in Archives of Internal Medicine

.....then I have some more work to do.
Perhaps more than 11 minutes a day. :)
Still No Excuses November,
Jill

LIFE.

So did anyone watch the Biggest Loser last night? Anyone cry? Man, I tell you the people on that show are amazing. I have the up most respect for them. THAT is what hard work is. You can all the best trainers and cooks in the world, but NO ONE gives you the motivation/determination other than yourself. I could not be more proud of the speeches they gave last night - so many involved their family.

I can relate. It isn't on as near big scale as they, but I can relate. A year ago this month, I lost the next precious member in our family when I miscarried. It happened at home. There is a moment when you are just standing there feeling hopeless. Hopeless. Hopeless. What I had done?
On that day I looked in the mirror and saw a very unhealthy person. Overweight. I was someone who wasn't healthy enough to carry that precious life that God was giving us. What had I done? I was cheating my family. Its not just my life but its theirs too. How selfish of me to let my weight get this way and do nothing about it. It was time for change.

One year later. 34 pounds lighter, taking my BMI from obese to just barely overweight. Still have some to go. Exercising every day....no matter what. Eating fruits and veggies every meal, all day....no matter what. My waist has dropped in inches - reducing my risk for cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. No trainers, no cooks, just me. Just me determined to make LIFE better and longer. I'm doing this for my family...for myself....for the family we could have had - I owe it to that little one.
Every time I want to give in or give up, I just think of that moment a year ago...standing in the bathroom - hopeless. I have to do this. I have a responsibility to do this. Getting healthy is not an option or something on my "to-do" list. It is my LIFE. My family's LIFE.
So go pick on someone else Satan. I am NOT letting you or your temptations take one more day away of anyone's precious life.
LIFE.
Jill

Catching up.

Playing catch up today. We were all in IN for a long weekend "house shopping". Emma stayed with Grandma and Papaw....and came home with stomach yucks. Puking and diarrhea....booooo - hate to see little one's sick! Ironically I just read an article on keeping kids from not getting sick this season.....top three things, wash hands, get plenty of rest, avoid lots of sugar....well that just might have tipped the burg this weekend! :) Weekends with Emma's grandparents usually mean extra sugar and late bedtimes! Hoping for a speedy recovery.....she only puked twice last night.

As for me, I am washing my hands like crazy and trying not to breath her air! Was able to get outside this morning for some fresh air which felt so good.
Boostin' the immune system,
Jill

See Adam run.

So the dog and child are at Grandma and Papaw's house.....therefor Adam was up and at 'em with me this morning for the four mile walk/run. A bit shaky, but he made it (well most of it) ;)
Good for you Adam, good for you - way to sweat!

The fresh air feels so good. I can't complain at all about the beauty God has planted right in front of our eyes. Such a perfect fall morning out.

Feeling a bit better. -shew- So hard. An indescribably hard. Not giving in though. Can't.
I AM NOT LETTING SATAN WIN. SATAN SUCKS.

rough couple days

Ok. I absolutely do NOT understand what is going on and more than it physically hurts, it is more frustrating.
My whole self feels like it has regressed back four months. the past two days have been torture. Back pain, breast pain, cramps, emotional downfall, absolutely no energy, hungry all the time, emotional eating, and absolutely no desire to do anything about it. It is so hard to feel this way. There is absolutely no control over my emotions (or lack thereof) and it is so frustrating. I feel like a failure. A bad mom. So frustrating. What is wrong with me? I am doing all the right things, right? Why is it constant punishment? So frustrating. I hate it. I hate everything about it. I don't understand. The weight is coming back on too. yippee. so much for diet and exercise, huh? I just don't get it. Exercise, nutrition, diet....that is suppose to get you fit and aid in baby making.....why is I work so hard and the reverse comes. kinda hard to encourage others when it doesn't work for me. Seriously, this isn't a step back....I feel like I'm all the way back at the beginning. -sigh-
Tried to do something uplifting this morning with a 1 mile walk and 5K run. Don't really feel anything...but tired.....and hungry. Just want french fries and a big mac.
So down, jill

11:27 PM

Just finished kempo of p90x. Sweating. but feel good. Especially since I was able to get in a 45 minute workout this morning, mowed the lawn and cleaned out the garage today! Burn baby burn! Mid-day....Kale Chips for a snack.

Soooooo love watching the Biggest Loser tonight. Those people are AMAZING. Their bodies HAVE to hurt. If they can do it - SO CAN I. Adam and I were sitting on the couch watching it when it dawned on me that we hadn't done our evening workout. it was near the end of the show and 10:00....could have easily gone to bed - actually wanted to....but nope, Shey inspired me. She so should NOT have gotten voted off the show tonight. KUDOS SHEY...keep up the good work. So 10:00 Adam and I started....and so glad we did.
BL fan,
Jill

Thanks Mel!!!

Let me introduce everyone to Melanie....she is a super good friend that I taught with at UC. (for those of you that have a baby quilt - she was my teacher!) Melanie is an outstanding role model when it comes to eating right, exercising, maintaining a healthy body and raising a family with these values. She is awesome!

Mel and I have been emailing over the recent frustrations of my "no weight loss" plateau. Here is a copy and paste job of her responses:
Plateau: You have to get the book The Eat-Clean Diet by Tosca Reno. It'll take you the extra few pounds. She has a cookbook too, but her recipes are often tasteless. Check at the library--they should have it. She says that your weight is influenced by 80% diet/nutrition, 10% exercise, 10% genetics. I believe this. I have worked out consistently since 1984 (literally) and my weight has fluctuated depending on my eating habits. She does emphasize that the 10% exercise is critical, but 10% nonetheless.

I have been "eating clean" since Aug. 1 and have lost 10 pounds. I can tell a huge difference in my body.

Here are my favorite, couldn't live without, cookbooks.

The Food You Crave, Ellie Krieger (I think you're getting her e-newsletter)
Fiber Up Slim Down Cookbook by Prevention Magazine
Fix-it and Enjoy-it Healthy Cookbook by Phyllis Pellman Good with nutritional expertise from Mayo Clinic

I think this is valuable information! Not to mention that when I went to the library today ALL the above books were already checked out!!! That's a good sign! I was sharing with Adam tonight and he agrees completely. His comment was "oh, totally agree. The Bible mentions nothing of exercise, but it does mention nutrition/diet. Exercise is something we have added to our life to compensate for bad eating habits."

Don't forget though, we are talking about weight loss here. Don't think twice that exercise isn't important or something we shouldn't do! When it comes to prevention of heart disease, cancer prevention, and all that stuff exercise takes a big role! Right? right. ;)
Anxiously awaiting on the books,
Jill

Switchin' it up.

The weather has been gor-geeeee-ous the past few mornings, so I have been out hitting the sidewalks. Saturday I got in a great 3 mile power walk with a 1 mile run, today I turned it around - ran 3 miles and walked 1.....gearing up for that Thanksgiving Turkey trot! ;)
Trying to stay positive,
Jill

Frustrated.

Today (and yesterday) have been a little low. Somedays I know why I am doing this. I know the big picture. BUT when taking it day by day, even with accomplishments, the road to getting back on track/healthy/fit is sooooo hard. I have injured my back....again. I am pretty sure this isn't from any exercise I have been doing....in fact that is the only time it actually feels good. Sitting and riding a car is very painful. Frustrating.
Started p90x this week with Adam. Two reasons....one was to add some more cardio into my routine to help with weight loss (still need to get to that healthy BMI), and the other was to add some variety to muscle toning. Well, with so much lateral movements in the program, my feet are very sore and I had to back off a bit this morning - felt the same pain in my arch that I did a few months ago when I tore the ligament. Frustrating.
Steps onto the scales today. Shouldn't have. Still 175. I have been stuck there for FOUR weeks now. Why? I am adding in more workouts, I am sweating more, I am doing what the books say, I am doing what the doc says. Why is the hard work NOT paying off???? I am taking this thyroid supplement to get it back in par to help with the metabolism issues....obviously not working. Frustrating.

Just a frustrating day all over. And the weather is beautiful, therefore I should be happy....grrrrrr.
Could use a pick me up, Jill

BRING IT.

Well, Adam and my goal of p90x three times a week has come down to still needing 2 with only 2 nights left in the week, crap. - NO EXCUSES - It's Friday, house is clean, I'm tired, we so wanted to give in....but we didn't!!!! It is 10:00 pm and we just finished...sitting here in my sweat as I type. Hated doing it, but FEEL SO GOOD for completing and not making up an excuse! ahhhhhhhhhh - lovin' it.

So hey - did you eat an apple today? YOU SHOULD! Here is a very proud mom moment....
Emma and I took a walk today around 3:30 then a short bike ride. She wanted to turn around and go home before we got to the end of the road....she said "I want to go home now...I need an apple for some more energy, then we can go again!" Right on Emma!!! But here is the kicker - Adam pulled in home right as we were going inside - with potato chips left over from his office lunch. So here we have an apple AND open bag of chips on the table......Emma said nothing and took THE APPLE. For any of you that know my daughter and her love for chips this was MONUMENTAL. I am so proud of her. As a family, we all lead by example - our kids learn from us.
Applelicious,
Jill

today's run and tid bit...

brrrr again - Hank and I were up at at 'em this morning....catching a two mile run before Adam went to work. Wore my gloves for the first time this season! Well worth it though - my day is off to a great start and feeling great about myself.

Today's tidbit......
Every woman produces estrogen, but not in the same way. Adult women are prone to cancer if there is an imbalance......women who produce the "bad estrogen" are at greater risk for breast cancer. Organic brussel sprouts and kale can benefit your estrogen metabolism....tipping the delicate balance of estrogen in favor of the good form.
--Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2000 Aug;9 (8):773-9

Did everyone see the yummy recipe below in yesterday's blog on how to make kale chips??? Emma and I can down a large bowl of these in one afternoon! So good, and GOOD FOR YOU!
turning green,
Jill

No Excuse November continues...with potato chips???

....ok ladies....just to add to yesterday. I saw this in a mag. today and couldn't help but rip it out - here are your pep talks to get you out of excuse mode!

you think....Life is short - I'm going to enjoy my favorite foods.
instead tell yourself....I don't need to use food for entertainment. I can eat right and live longer with my family!

you think....I already had an unhealthy lunch, I might as well get pizza for dinner.
tell yourself.....one meal will not mess up my lifestyle, but lets move forward and not make it two!

you think.....I'll never be skinny anymore, so why not order the fries?
tell yourself.....I'm going to eat right and exercise so i can be fit at any size!

you think....just one more spoonful.
tell yourself...this isn't the last time I'll ever eat this, I have tasted it today, so lets move on.

There you have it ladies....just one more way to get it going on! wink wink! Don't you just hate me! HA! Well let me tell ya, I am LOVING life and LOVING my new jeans....it is such a good feeling and I hope that every person that reads this can make the moves to feel the same way!

Craving potato chips? try this.......Buy a bunch of fresh Kale Greens. Wash/rinse and break into "potato chip" sizes off the stems. Spread on cookie sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a tad of sea salt. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.....woo-la! yummy treat - like eating air and kale is SUPER FOOD jammed with great stuff for keeping us healthy. Emma LOVES them! Me too!
crunching away,
Jill