MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Clare is so excited about Christmas this year. She's not the least bit afraid of Santa. Her elf, who she has affectionately named Purple, flies back and forth from our house to the North Pole every night to report on her day. She loves looking for him every morning. She wants 2 chairs (an art table), a Tinkerbell movie, a Tinkerbell costume, and a bike. I hope she can make it one more week so Santa can deliver all her goodies.

Christmas Photo

Santa Photo

End of 2009 Boot Camp

So, we have come to the end of Boot Camp (technically, it ended last week). I had really good results, especially when you look at it from the beginning (back in May). So, for the month of October, I lost 4 pounds, almost 1% body fat, and 4.6 inches. HOORAY FOR ME!!!

Since May 8th (6 months, 1 day), I have lost a total of 15.4 pounds, 4.9% body fat, and 20.25 inches. My achievements are that I was able to run a mile in 9 minutes, 29 seconds and I can do 40 full sit-ups in 1 minute. My biggest achievement by far is that I can do 42 full push-ups on my toes in 1 minute!!!

This has been one of the most rewarding, both mentally and physically, things I have ever done. Probably more mentally than physically. I feel so good about myself. I still have a way to go to get truly toned, but I am on the right path.

I have a wonderful Boot Camp instructor, Stacey Blind, who puts so much time and energy into Boot Camp for us girls. She makes it challenging and fun while making us feel like we can accomplish anything.

We have time off through the holidays since it is such a busy time for everyone. I am going to Curves to keep up my routine. The Curves circuit training is challening as well and I know will keep me in shape.

I hope to stay motivated into 2010!

Fall Fun

We have had fun the past few weeks taking Clare to the Argyle Pumpkin Patch and participating in Halloween activities. Below are various photos from recent events.

Argyle Pumpkin Patch

Premier Academy Halloween Party

Dogs Unleashed Daycare Halloween Party

More pictures from Halloween night will be posted soon. Clare had so much fun and got a bag full of candy from Trick or Treating for over an hour!

Good results!!!

Well, this Boot Camp has ended and we have a week off until the next one starts. I lost over 5 pounds!!! I am so excited and proud. I also increased my push-ups on toes to 26 and tied my best ever sit-ups at 37 (all of this done in one minute). I also lost 1.5% body fat and 3 inches total. This brings my overall total (since the spring of 2009) to 11.8 pounds lost, 4.2% body fat lost, and 15.60 inches lost!

Boot Camp #3 has kicked off....

Boot Camp started again...on Labor Day. I am doing 4 weeks in Sept. and 4 weeks in Oct, 2 days each week. I think it's already paying off. The first session back was hard since I had done absolutely nothing in the form of exercise since the second one ended mid July. But, fitness assessment-wise and measurement-wise, I did well. It was very hot, and I had a hard time keeping up. I almost threw up and passed out. But now I know my limits. Today was great. The air was very heavy despite the rain, but it was nice and cool. At least I can look forward to it not getting hotter, but cooler throughout the next 2 months. Wish me luck....after my issues on Monday, I will need it.

Clare's First Day of the New School Year

Clare's first day of school went well. She has had no problems at drop off and talks about how fun it is. She has to wear uniforms and doesn't seem to mind it. Her teachers are Mrs. Lorraine, Ms. Jennifer, and Ms. Krystal who have been great! We are looking forward to a wonderful school year that hopefully will include overcoming the potty training issue.

Back from Vacation...

Chris, Clare, & I just got back from our vacation to San Antonio. We had a fantastic time. We left on Sunday. My brother and his family kept Clare while Chris & I went to the Riverwalk. We ate supper at Casa Rio's & took a boat ride. On Monday, we spent the day at Sea World. We got to see the walrus, sea lion, & otter show, the dolphin show, 2 Shamu shows, & the penguin exhibit as well as letting Clare play at the park & splash area. On Tuesday, we went to Fiesta TX Six Flags. Clare rode every ride that she was big enough for, saw the Wiggles show, & played at the water park. Needless to say, she was pooped after 2 days of fun & excitement. On Wednesday, we went on home, but stopped at the outlet mall in Round Rock-we hit the Banana Republic store, where Chris racked up, and I hit the Coach store, where I got a fabulous purse. We enjoyed it alot and plan to visit again. The pictures that are on this post are from Clare ready to go on Sunday & us on the Riverwalk boat ride. I will be sure to post more pics soon.

The results I have been waiting for....

So, in just this 4 week period (6/22-7/20), I lost 7 inches, 5 pounds, and 0.7% body fat. My mile improved from 10 min, 8 sec. to 9 min, 29 sec. And I was able to do 15 push-ups on my toes as compared to 4 push-ups on my toes.

Since I first joined Boot Camp on 5/8 (so a total of 10 weeks), I have lost 13.25 inches, 7 pounds, and 2.6% body fat. My mile improved by 3 min, 9 sec. At the beginning of this Boot Camp, I was not able to do any push-ups on my toes.

I am very proud of my strides. Hope I can keep it up until the next session in September!

Second Summer Session of Boot Camp has ended...

I will soon be posting info about my results. I had a very successful boot camp, given that this is only my second one and the heat has been almost unbearable. I hope to be able to post previous results just to get a comparison. Can't slack now....next one is in September. Must keep up so it's not like starting over again.

Mama's Little Firecracker

Here are several shots from 4th of July weekend. We had a very nice one with Clare. On July 2, we celebrated at the Premier Academy Annual 4th of July parade. We had popsicles in her class afterward. You can see where she spotted me in the crowd and took off to get me. On July 4, we grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and just hung out outside. She has a darling dress on to celebrate the 4th. The fun continued to July 5, where Clare found her American flag and proceeded to wave it proudly and appeared to be singing some sort of song she made up for the special occasion.