Three years gone but not forgotten!

Today is anniversary number 3 for me and AJ! What have the last three years been like? Amazing! Although, I must admit that nothing has really gone according to plan, ha ha. Whatever the plan WAS I am thankful for where we are NOW.

Since today is our wedding anniversary and I haven't blogged "our story" yet I figured today would be a great day to share! Read on if you dare! (I just rhymed... sorry.)

 AJ and I met in 2008 when we went to the Diana singing with a mutual friend... also known as "the guy I was talking to". When I first met AJ I didn't really give him any thought besides "Wow, he's funny!" and "Wow, that guy knows a lot about the Bible!". Anyway, the three of us went to the singing and had a good time. A few weeks later I wasn't talking to TGIWTT anymore... he dumped me! (Yay!) For some reason after that I got on good ol' Facebook to tell AJ I was dumped. From that moment on we were talking daily and for hours on Facebook and finally on the phone. Less than a month after we met we decided to meet for a date. I can't remember if he asked me or if I asked him.When it came time for us to meet for our first date, I couldn't even remember how tall he was! It didn't matter; I was already hooked. AJ came to Jacksonville to go to a JSU football game with me, and a friend of mine and two of her little girls. I guess you could say it was a chaperoned date. We had a blast and after that AJ and I were meeting every weekend we could, usually half-way in the big town of Talladega. It's where we had our first kiss and where I, according to him, proposed just about two months after our first date. I didn't get down on one knee or anything!! It just came up in conversation and ever since then AJ has been convinced I proposed... maybe I did.

Snap shot of my future husband the day we met!   Sept 12, 2008.      

Our first date! Oct 4, 2008

We are cool, we made a sign for the game!

One of my favorite pictures of the two of us.

Well we officially became engaged in March of 2009; six months after we met! When you know, you know; you know? After six months of wedding planning we became Mr & Mrs! September 25th of 2009 will always be one of the best, most amazing days of my life! We have been moving ever since... seriously!

Engagement shoot, CDP.

Claire Drummond Photography

Honey moon!

Sorry, I don't have a single wedding picture on the computer I am using! 

AJ moved to Jacksonville so I could finish school. Next thing we know we are moving to Wilsonville, AL in December of 2009. In April of 2010 we moved to Calera, AL, just two towns over, into a nice new and fancy apartment. We both had really good jobs at that time and could afford it. Later the cost became too high (2 hours to and from work for me... that was 4 less hours I could spend with my sweet hubby each day!) and it wasn't worth it. So we found ourselves moving again in... October of 2010, just after our one-year anniversary, back to Wilsonville. We almost stayed there for a year until AJ finally came to terms with the fact that his desire was to become a gospel preacher. (I was so glad. It's what he has always wanted to do.) So August 2011, we packed up again and headed north to Memphis, TN. Here we are today! We have officially lived here for one year, plus a couple of weeks; it's the longest we have ever lived anywhere since we have been married. Go us!

It's been a little crazy, but crazy is fun, right?! After all the packing and unpacking and telling our parents we are moving for the fourth time I couldn't be happier. I will never mind moving as long as I'm with my one and only. I love you, baby!

What's in store for us next?!?!?  

Babies! Lots of babies!!! LOL J/k... or am I?

Seriously, for now we are focusing on AJ finishing school at MSOP and finding a congregation of the church to work with. Pray for us! :)

How many times have you moved? Anything new and exciting in store for you?

Thanks for reading. You're awesome! 

PS. I don't know why the pictures are positioned the way they are so just deal! Thanks! 

Work out week 2.

Two? Yes, two. I repeated the first week because I didn't feel like I really did everything correctly the first time. Even repeating it I didn't do the 60 min jog on Friday. It is hard for me to get to the gym on Fridays.

Updated. I totally forgot to post my work out for the week. Here you go! 

Week 2:

• Monday – 5 sets of 8: deadlifts, bulgarian squats, lunges. 50: squat jumps,  calve raises.  Plank for 3 minutes, 60 reverse crunches, 60 hanging knee raises (these are almost impossible for me... going to get it.)
• Tuesday – 60 minutes HIIT cycling (:30/1:30 format)
• Wednesday – 5 sets of 8: incline bench press, clean and press, overhead tricep extension, bent over barbell row, concentration curls, upright row.
• Thursday – 60 minutes HIIT running (sprint for 30 seconds/jog for 1:30 minutes)
• Friday – 5 sets of 8: deadlifts, bulgarian squats, lunges. 50 squat jumps, 50 calve raises.  Plank for 3 minutes, 60 reverse crunches, 60 hanging knee raises

Tips: When there aren’t any sets listed for squat jumps, calve raises, planks, and any ab exercises, complete the number of reps/time in as few sets as possible. i.e. 50 squats as fast as possible, before moving on to the 50 calve raises.  Continue to go heavy on the weight during resistance training.

 
I use to really enjoy going to the gym first thing in the AM. Now I would rather go at 1:30 in the afternoon. I have figured out that it is the SLOWEST time for the gym; there are like 2 or 3 other people there at that time. Its awesome. Starting next week I will begin working again, keeping a little girl at my apartment 3 days a week. I will have to go first thing on those days at least.

I am afraid I will have another poor weigh-in next week. Even though the first is a Monday I am waiting until the fourth in order to give myself an extra couple of days. :/ Sad I know. I am going to predict a 2 lb loss. We shall see!

Tomorrow is mine and AJ's THIRD anniversary!!!! Yippee!!!! I love him A LOT! Won't say much about it since I will probably do an anniversary post tomorrow. <3 data-blogger-escaped-br="br">
Wednesday is our oldest nephew Sam's 8th birthday! I can't believe how grown he is! He is in second grade and loves video games, books, movies, Star Wars and all the super heroes. Most 8 year-old boys do though, don't they? He plays soccer, too! I am planning to go home for his birthday party this weekend. I am more than excited about this because it has been awhile since I have seen him! Not only that, but my brother (Sam's dad) and his youngest son, Gareth, are coming from Maryland, too! Its been a really long time since I have seen them. Its going to be a great weekend. The only thing that would make it better is if AJ could go with me. Sam loves his uncle and will be sad AJ couldn't come.

I'll leave you with a couple pictures of the birthday boy.




Sam when he was about two. Photo belongs to his mom.




Sam at 7 and 3/4s with my beautiful mom. Isn't Sam a handsome boy? :)
This photo was taken by my sister-in-law.

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Monster sighting... Big and green.

Okay that was sort of corny. I'm talking about the "Green Monster" spinach smoothie. I've known about these smoothies for a while, but am just now getting to try them. You can find more information about green smoothies here and the benefits of spinach here.

I bought the ingredients I needed for the most basic green smoothie on Monday and made one that day for lunch. AJ even tried it and said he would like to have more!

Here is the recipe I tried.

1 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon flaxseed
2 cups organic baby spinach
1 banana
Blend completely then add ice and blend on ice setting.








Viola! Green Monster! I am really weird about things I have to drink and its texture. However, this was not awful. The spinach taste really is covered up by the banana taste. It sort of had a bite to it when it first hit my tongue, if that makes sense, but then it just tasted like banana. I haven't tried to make another yet, but planning to today. I am going to put one or two more types of fruit in it. That should make it taste super delicious!
Have you tried a green smoothie? What is your favorite recipe?

Gym time

Check out my gym routine this week.

Week 1

Monday – 60 minutes HIIT cycling (30 seconds 100% intensity, 1:30 60% intensity, repeat for an hour)

Tuesday – 5 sets of 8: squats, barbell deadlifts, sumo squats, walking lunges, reverse lunges. 100 box jumps. Is that possible?

Wednesday – 30 minutes HIIT jump rope (45 seconds jump, 30 seconds rest. repeat for half-hour)/15 minutes row machine. This day will also include a training session with Trainer Lady, henceforth "TL".

Thursday – 5 sets of 8: bench press, military press, barbell curls, skull crushers, snatch, lat pulldowns. 250 ab reps ( you pick the type of exercises)

Friday – 60 minute jog

Tips: Try to complete this Mon-Fri, allowing yourself a full two days off on the weekend. On weight days, make sure the weight is heavy enough that the 7th and 8th rep are VERY tough to complete. Training heavy at the beginning of this program is key for establishing your base.

I found this routine on Pinterest. Its a 12 week program that I intend on sticking to exactly. It looks pretty intense, especially as you progress. I need intense though if I want to lose 30 by Jan 1. It seems like Cross Fit almost. By the way, I saw some of the 2011 Cross FIt games on ESPN today, those ladies are hosses... I don't want to be a hoss. I am not going to post a link because the woman who designed this routine has photos posted of herself and she is not dressed appropriately. Sorry.


Today I'm going to try my first green monster smoothie! Everything I read says they are delicious. Going to do the most basic version first. What are you going to do today to better your health?


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49 Fun Things I'm GOING to Do This Fall

Thanks to Pinterest I found a really neat blog that featured a list called "101 Things to Do This Fall!" After I read it I immediately thought I needed to make my own list. Her list included a lot of things to do with your own children. I modified a couple of them to do with other people's kids (We live on campus with all the other students and their families... lots of kids!), but I removed most of them. Plus, 101 things is a lot to do! ONE day AJ and I will have children and I'll have a whole NEW list. :) Fall officially starts on Saturday, September 22! Make your list and get going!
(My list has many of the same things listed as the original because a lot of fall activities are very generic. i.e. visit a pumpkin patch)
49 fun things I'm GOING to do this fall...
49? Are you thinking why not 50? Well, I couldn't think of a 50th, but I might later. For right now its 49.

1. Go on a hike and take in the beautiful colors of Fall.
2. Watch a high school football game.
3.Create a new door wreath with fall flowers and ribbons. (Actually already did this one!)



4. Invite friends over for chili night and have a chili bar like this one.
5. Carve/decorate a pumpkin.
6. Go on a hayride.
7. Make cards for special friends and send in the mail.
8. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte!! This will not be a one time thing...
9. Go to an apple orchard and pick apples!
10. Make homemade apple butter :)
12. Start a family gratitude journal.
13. Surprise someone you love with a mum. My mom actually surprised me with one! Now I need to pay it forward. :)
14. Tailgate before a football game with friends.
15. Visit the pumpkin patch.
16. Collect pine cones and create a beautiful garland or centerpiece.
17. Go to local elementary school and read fall-themed books to children. (I have a friend who is an elemntary teacher who might could help me with this!)
18. Prepare a nature scavenger hunt for the kids at school and help them make art out of their findings.
19. Roast pumpkin seeds. I think I over cooked them! OOPS! I'll know better next time. 
20. Make pumpkin pies, mini ones!
21. Visit a corn maze. I went with my mom, dad, and nephew Sam. It was fun just because we were together. Missed AJ.
22. Have a night time singing (camp songs) and eat s'mores!
23. Participate in trunk or treat and decorate our car all spookey! 
24. Refashion a fall outfit/dress.
25. Make crockpot apple cider, YUM!
26. Purge my closet (and AJ's) of old clothes and donate.
27. Provide dinner for a family (or 2) in my community.
28. Jump in leaf piles and take lots of photos! (Does that mean I have to rake?)
29. Plan a day at the park just lying in the grass, take picnic snacks of course!
30. Invite friends over to watch a football game and serve game day snacks.
31. Enjoy a bonfire with friends and family.
32. Slow down… after the craziness of summer, enjoy the brisk autumn air, the smell of the leaves, the coolness of evening, and savor each moment…
33. Bake pumpkin bread!
34. Pull out the sweaters, wash them up, and anticipate the coziness to come!
35. Make caramel corn.
36. Watch "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown".
37. Go for an early morning walk and watch the sun rise on a cool, crisp day
38. Go on a “day trip” with my hubby.
39. Make a huge pot of homemade soup and enjoy our cozy home!
40. Visit a craft show with friends (great way to get ideas for Christmas!)
41. Bake pumpkin spice cookies.
42.Stay up late and watch the harvest moon. (Sept 29!) It was over cast :/ and after the fact I read that this years HM was supposed to appear smaller than usual.
43. Decorate home and front porch for fall. Decorated the front door thanks to a good friend providing an adorable pmpkin door hanger!
44. Make homemade applesauce.
45. Enter a race! (An excellent gaol to include in my weight loss journey.)
46. Read through the New Testament. (I'm in Luke already!)
47. Eat a delicious Thanksgiving meal with family.
48. Make sweet potato casserole for the first time ever using my Aunt's famous family recipe!
49. Save my pennies to buy a new camera! (I'm reaching here.)
And there you have it! This is my list. I'll be updating the list periodically to cross thing off! Watch for posts about me and AJ doing all of our fun Fall stuff :)
What are you most looking forward to this fall?

So what's up?

Just so you know, trying to lose weight and gain my health back is not the ONLY thing I am doing lately. (It is a major part, however, because I don't want to get diabetes or heart disease!) But since you're here and I just got back from my work out I'll tell you what I did. Today was a weigh-in day, as you know from my last post. It went just how I thought it would go, well, worse.... I GAINED four pounds in August. In July I LOST eleven pounds. It truly is a science. Put the right things in your body and build muscle and burn calories... VIOLA! Weight goes down. Here's my work out today, pretty short but effective.

Concentration: Chest, shoulders and triceps

Dumbbell chest press on exercise ball, 15 reps.
Dumbbell shoulder press on ball, 15 reps.
Lap around indoor track holding weights.
Repeat three times.

Seated dips on bench, 5 reps. (I know, I'm a weakling!)
[Girl] push-ups, 5 reps.
Repeat three times.

Chest press on band machine, 15 reps, 3 sets.

Shoulder press on band machine, 15 reps.
Seated dips (I think that is what its called. Its the same motion) on band machine, 15 reps.
Repeat three times.

10 minutes on Stair Master (death) at 55 steps per minute.

It was about a 40 min work out. I usually try to work out for an hour to an hour and a half, but part of my time was taken up with the weigh-in and then after the SM I was ready to go.

So besides trying to exercise 5 days a week and boring my husband with chicken and veggies I am super excited to say things at MSOP have gone back to exciting! The students' wives meet every Monday night for a chapel service and ladies Bible class. Usually afterwards we go to Starbucks, because we just can't get enough of each other. I have refused to in the past... but I suppose I should start ordering the "skinny" version of anything I order.
Its just not right to skip the whipped cream!!!!

Several other activities have commenced as well including FH ladies class on Tuesdays and Game Day Wednesdays. :) Also, I've been doing a good job about keeping up with the Digging Deep Bible study by Cindy Colley! Are you following along as well?

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On the eve of a weigh-in.

Tonight is the eve of another weigh-in for me. This will be the third one. I thought this would be a good time to write about the beginning of my weightloss journey.
A short background... All my life I was active. I took ballet and tap from the time I was three years old and continued dancing until my college years. The reason I stopped dancing is a whole other story its self. I'm 5'11" and have always been a bigger person. There were about two glorious years, while I was marching with the band in college, that I was totally fit.




Here I am in my best physical condition... about five years ago when I was 21. Two years later I met my husband. I had not been dancing for almost two years, but I was still pretty fit. Here is a picture of AJ, me and our parents a month before we got married in 2009. I was also working out almost every day to prepare for our wedding day.




Still looking and feeling great as far as I was concerned. Coincidentally, my parents (on the left side) have both dropped a ton of weight now and look great. I'm so proud of them. The first six months AJ and I were married I was able to maintain a healthy weight for my height. Close to our one year anniversary I started to slowly gain weight. Mainly, I thought, due to my inactivity and just being happy. I've heard that a person gains weight when they are happy!




At first the weight gain was slow. Then between September 2010 and September 2011 I gained 30 to 40 pounds. Mixed in that year AJ and I completely uprooted our lives and moved to Memphis for him to go to school. (So glad we did!) In September 2011, I stopped taking birth control. (TMI? So sorry!) A couple of months passed and NO CYCLE. I've always had irregular cycles so it was no big deal... at first. Fast forward to May 2012 and still NO cycle. Also, I've only continued to gain weight. Tipping the scale at almost 250 pounds! I made an appointment to see a doctor. After blood work and an ultra sound it is determined that I have PCOS. Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome involves and can mess up so many things with your body. I won't bore you with all the details. I'll just mention that PCOS is why I wasn't having monthly cycles... because it totally messes with a persons hormones which can totally mess up a persons metabolism which can cause a person to gain a ton of weight if gone undetected. ::sigh::




(This is me shortly after we arrived in Memphis. Getting bigger...)
So after I was given the diagnoses and immediately began thinking of fertility... or infertility. I began reading and reading. It is possible for a woman to become pregnant with PCOS with the help of different medications. Well, at the time AJ and I weren't interested in becoming pregnant so I determined within myself that I was going to correct my PCOS symptoms with weight loss. I've read that sometimes just losing 5 to 7% of you body weight can correct some of the symptoms.




(Here I am, tallest in the middle, at my heaviest back in June 2012. I had actually already started training but not showing a change yet.)
That week I signed up with a personal trainer at the local gym and began changing my diet. I started training at 237 pounds. At my first weigh-in, almost 6 weeks later, I was still at 237. However, my body fat % had gone down and my muscle mass % had gone up. I was showing some promise. At my second weigh-in I was at 226!! I had lost 11 pounds!! I couldn't believe it. I had also shed 4 inches off of my waist alone. I had my trainer measure twice because I just couldn't believe it. I was ecstatic. Losing 11 pounds gave me the boost of confidence and belief that I needed. Just two days after that weigh-in, AJ had a long break from school, two weeks. Thats two weeks away from home, away from the gym, eating out and little to no control over what I was eating.
That brings me to right now. August has been a bust for sure. I am just hoping I am at the same weight I was at when I weighed in at the beginning of August. I think I gained back two or three pounds though. There isn't another break from school until the middle of December. That's over three months of continuous hard core exercise and eating the right foods! I've set a huge goal of thirty pound by January 1st. I can totally do it.
So that's [part] of my story and I'm sticking to it. Thanks for reading, if you made it this far, ha ha! I'll be back with an update after I weigh-in tomorrow.

**Update** Just as I suspected. My weigh-in results are only a minor set back, though. Ready to hit the gym hard.