It's been 8 weeks.........

So I am at 8 weeks today! Here's the scoop.....I am now down 22 lbs and well over 20 inches less of a person! (I have misplaced my original measurements sheet about 3 weeks ago, so we had to guesstimate my measurements at that point.) However, this last week alone, I lost 5 inches and 6 lbs!
Last week, I noticed I was getting lax on my diet....I would have a handful of this or a bite of that (all of which the "this" and "that" were foods that are not included in my diet). So Monday I decided that I need to tighten my diet back up to where it was during the first 4 weeks.
During these last 4 weeks, we have increased my weight on lifting days and I have found a new love for running! My new goal I have set for myself is to run a 5K on May 23rd here in Bremen. Four weeks ago, I was so super pumped when I ran 10 mins without stopping to walk......yesterday I ran 34 mins without stopping to walk and in the 34 mins I ran 3.1 miles. I still workout with Matt two days a week and the other days I go to New Energy. My attitude overall is completely different.....I'm a MUCH happier person to be around these days! :) Husband says he's got his old "Mindy" back........


Ok, ok so here's the pictures........



I wanted to wear the same thing I had on in week 1 and week 4, so here's that pic.


And here's week 1 to week 8......I had to do it! :)



Soooooo, there ya have it! I have 4 more weeks to go on this regimen, then who KNOWS what Mr. Packer has in store for me! heehee!
Again, if you need more information or are interested in talking with Matt at Healthier U, give him a call at (740) 215-2629 or stop by the studio at 721 E. Main St in Lancaster! :):):)
AND THANK YOU to all of you out there that have been supportive! It's fantastic and great to hear from everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week 1 to week 4

As most of you know, I began a hard core training regimen and eatingp lan with Matt Packer at Healthier U in Lancaster. I have battled my weight for a year or so - last year from January to December, I worked out every day - I did various cario workouts religiously and ate pretty healthy.....never lost a pound or an inch.....:( total sadness.....
Fast forward to January 13th, 2009. I started on a eating plan and began seeing Matt twice a week. The first week was a little rough....brown rice, chicken, eggs, veggies and protein to a picky, carb-loving eater is NOT fun! :) But, I said I'd try it and that I'd eat perfectly and that's what I did. Eating every 2.5 to 3 hours is hard to do....I pack a cooler with my food, my protein shakes, my snacks...I have to pack it all because as everyone knows, I'm on the go, ALL THE TIME!
The workouts at Healthier U are never the same.....I love how Matt changes the routine up - one day we'll do more cardio than others, other days we'll do more weights.....it's fun and I honestly look forward to my hour of gym time by myself! (Well, that was, until Lyon started joining me on Mondays! heehee!)
My first week I lost 6 lbs.....I got on the scales just out of curiosity and was so surprised and exicted! On January 20th, I did some body measurements. I waited a week and did them again - I had lost 6 inches overall! The next week, another 5.5! :) I am now going to New Energy two other days during the week - something that I would have never done! I had no idea what workouts to do and where to start! :)
As you can see, this "project" has been extremely successful for me right out of the gates! The plan is to run this for 12 weeks and see where I am....I have my 10 year reunion this year, my husband turns 30, we're spending 2 weeks at the beach this summer and my best friend is getting married....I need to be fit and look good! Sooooooo.......life is good.

Here's my photo comparing week 1 to week

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I'm extremely happy about my results thus far and am SO excited to see what the next 8 weeks are like! I will do a photo from week 4 to week 8 and another from week 8 to week 12! :)
If you're interested in checking out Matt's gym, please do! He has a myspace - www.myspace.com/healthier_u and his number is (740) 215-2629. The gym is located at 721 E. Main Street in Lancaster and he's typically there Monday through Friday after 5pm and on Saturday mornings! Check it out or message me if you're interested!!!!!!!!!!!! Your first workout there is always FREE!
Just wanted to share! :)

Pat myself on the back moment of the day....

Tuesday, February 10th was the one-year anniversary of the last time I smoked a cigarette......this, my friends has been one of the greatest things I have EVER done for myself........and my kids and Husband!
I love that I don't spend $4.50 a day on them....that's a lot!
I love that I don't HAVE to wear perfume if I'm not feelin' it that day....
My clothes smell GREAT! ;)
My breath is great.....I don't have to chew gum ALL the time now! ;)
My hands don't stink.....nor does my car, coat, scarves, hoodies, hair.....i could go on forever!
My kiddos just love that I don't smoke....Gunanr says to me all the time, "Momma, yooooo don't smoke....and IIIIIII don't smoke.....dat's good stuff! Cigooooreeeets are gwoss!"
Don't get me wrong....I miss them terribly! I STILL have a craving for them a lot....I miss them....it's like losing a best friend....but, I"m pumped I made it a year!
There's my "pat myself on the back moment" of the day!

1-31.............2-1

We've always called each other on these two days....no matter what. It's fun to share that with someone! :)

Mrs. Megan Egger....you're one of the greatest friends I could ever ask for. We've known each other for um, let's see......18 years.....right? I love it!

Happy Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 25th Birthday Sister....




Sisters...

You have her memories.
She has ours.
You have the goods on her.
She has the dirt on you.
You've got her alibi.
She's got your back.
You have her loyalty.
She has your trust.
You've got her.
She's got you.

You've always got each other.

Decorating for the Holidays......bring on Christmas!

Well it's that time of year! I usually have my tree up the night of Thanksgiving, however, this year was CRAZY busy for us! So, we began the process after the first of December....

The beginning.......



Gunnar hanging his "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornament


My new tree topper....it was my Grandma Beckley's....:*(


Finally finished!!!!!


Jory decorating his and Gunnar's tree...


Tah-Dah.!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanksgiving!!!!

For Thanksgiving, we spend Thansgiving Eve at the cabin with Mom and Dad! :) This year, Lyon had to train for a fight on Thanksgiving Eve, so Gunnar and I were the ones who got to spend the night with them!

Gunnar and Nana cleanin' the turkey.....




Wake up Gunnar! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!



Me 'n my Gunnar...waiting on everyone to get there for our feast!!!



Our Feast!!!!




Our attempt at a group photo.....



I am so very thankful for my fantastic family, friends and life! THank you all for being a part of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!