Yes, I do

..believe that everything happens for a reason.

I believe that the not so pleasant things that have happened in my life have allowed good things to happen that otherwise might not have.

I don't really know where I am wanting to go with this thought.

Sometimes people have to make mistakes and do stupid things in order for them to remember what is really important.

Life is too short to throw it away on insignificance. Love the ones you love. Enjoy being in the moment. Don't let the moment enjoy you.

Day 2 : 06.26.2011

I didn't sleep well at all--Had a bad case of insomnia. So this morning when i went back to bed at 7:30 I didn't wake until 11:40 (luckily my sister and her boyfriend were here to help with the kids)

Breakfast: none

Lunch: none

Snack: 1 strawberry

Dinner: jr. bacon cheeseburger (plain) from Wendy's
small fry
2 can of coke

I don't usually skip meals. And I do not think this is a proper way to lose weight. But when I am stressed and sad, then I can not eat. I need to stop drinking coke, and buy me some water!

Day 1 : 06.25.2011

Breakfast: 1 (Kashi 7 grain) waffle
1 tbsp syrup
1 cup fat free milk

(I normally eat 2 waffles--blueberry--if I eat waffles that morning. And the grain really filled me up. One was plenty. I actually had to make myself eat the last few bites.)

Lunch: 3/4 of a (hamburger Tostino's) pizza
2 tbsp ranch dressing
1 can of coke

(wow! lunch was bad!! I forgot I was trying to watch what I eat. ugh!)

Snack: none

Dinner: none--only because time got away from me

About 10 pm: 1 chocolate chip cookie
1/2 can of coke

**No exercise.

A New Beginning

Ok! I had a difficult time documenting my personal project 52. Especially when school started. So, I decided if I feel like posting I will. ha.

I am on a mission now. I have made up my mind. I am going to lose this weight. I am going to get myself healthy. I am going to have more energy. I am going to be able to dress the way I want again. Let's face it, plus size clothing is a huge slap in the face. That is unless you have a lot of money to spend. Anyways. Moving on. I will be able to seduce my husband without feeling self-conscious. I will feel comfortable in a bathing suit when we take the kids to the beach. I will not have to worry about what I look like dancing. I will reduce my risk for diabetes.

There are many many reasons i want to lose weight. But the reason that sticks out the most is that I want to enjoy my life and not have to worry about stupid things. And I want to be healthy and be a good role-model for my kids. I want them to see that exercise is important, and so is eating a healthy and balanced diet. I do not want my kids seeing me shove chocolate ice-cream in my face everyday. I want to make good choices, so they will make good choices. But it can't be about the weight. The key word is HEALTHY.

I DO NOT.. and I repeat DO NOT want my children to be weight obsessed. Too many young kids are these days--and it makes me sick. I want my kids to enjoy life. Not worry about being the thinnest 3rd grader.

So...I know how I am. I know that I will give into my temptations. I will eat that ice-cream and then feel guilty. I will not succeed without someone to back me. And sure, I could ask Justin to be my wingman on this. But lets face it. The minute he steps up and says "Jennifer, you shouldn't be eating that." I am going to flip out inside and immediately resent him. My brain will tell me he thinks I am disgusting. And that's no good for anyone. So, internet friends, you will be my shoulders.

I am not asking anyone to tell me that I did bad, or even good. I just know that if I will be held accountable (somewhat) then I am more likely to follow through.

So...I will be journaling what I eat daily. I will also be journaling my activities. And yes, I will also be documenting my weight. Either weekly or biweekly.

I know this is going to be hard. I am even going to take a picture of myself. Which I regret to inform you will probably not go up on this blog until later. But hey--maybe I will get brave and post it. ha.

Enough of this. I better go to bed. We are taking the kids swimming tomorrow. I am hoping to get some sun. And some pool exercise. :)

Home Schooling

Ok, I must admit I never really understood the whole homeschooling thing. But a few years ago I thought about it a little more. It has since always been int he back of my head. Usually along this scenario:

We sell all of our belongings. We move far away and live off the land. We make our owns clothes, and so on... and of course we would home school.

But just recently has the thought of homeschooling our children come to the front of my mind. And I have been researching and talking to other moms that home school their children. Now I can't seem to push the thought to the back anymore.

I have no idea whether or not this would be the right thing for our family. But I want to atleast try it out. I have been talking to Brenna about it, and she is on board, which surprises me because she loves going to school.

I would feel bad to start this next school year though. That is when Trent starts pre-k, and he has been waiting on that day forever. He wants to go to school so bad. And I would definitely want his big sister there with him. So maybe in another year or two I will get to take our family on the homeschooling journey. I can't wait!

Plus, I don't know how I would juggle running a business, being a full-time nursing student, and homeschooling, along with everything else I must take care of in our life. So...we will see. Maybe we will do a little practice run this summer just for fun :)

5 People 12 Times : February

This technically was taken the beginning of March. It was taken in out backyard using the self-timer.

Week 11/52

I took the kids out for a little photoshoot while my sister was visiting. She said she wanted to see how the kids responded. And like usual they acted as though the camera was a natural part of my arm, and if asked to do something they would. I just love this image of Brenna and Emily. (You wouldn't even know that Brenna was whiny and hated it bc she said the grass was too itchy-haha). A perfect sisterly moment.