#Mamavation Monday - Pluggin' along...

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First of all, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for everything I have, I am especially thankful that I found Mamavation this year! You all have been so inspiring and helpful! Love you all!




Yep, I am pluggin' right along... This was probably my best week yet with all the meds/new job/etc... The banishment of the scale lasted a whole two days, then I remembered I had joined a challenge over at Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans with some fellow sistas from the Mamavation Sistahood. The good news is, I DID NOT GAIN WEIGHT THIS WEEK! Which is HUGE. :) I have dropped down another 5 mg on the Prednisone, so hopefully as I go down on the dosage, so will my weight. I didn't do great with water this week, I have purposefully been holding back on drinking enough, because of having to run to the bathroom so often! I am still in training at work, so it is awkward getting up to leave in the middle of the class to go pee! I take on my actual position starting Friday, so maybe I will have a cubical close to the bathroom. Ha ha!

I kinda sorta found out the shift I am going to be on at work. While I am not super excited about it, I am not too disappointed. My dear mommy has been babysitting my two boys since I started my new job, and at 5 days a week, it is truly a task for her. I had been browsing around at different daycare/sitter options, and the prices are through the roof. One daycare close to my apartment wanted $600 a month for both boys twice per week. Um, not! So now, with me working something like 4:30pm-11:30pm, my mom will only have to watch the boys for a couple hours each day until my husband gets off work. This does however create a potential problem with my plans to apply to be the next Mamavation Mom. You may recall, one of the requirements is to be available every Monday night during the campaign for Mamavation TV. Well, if I was chosen, and was still working the late schedule, I would not be available! Ack! So I am praying and hoping that my schedule will be bumped up a few hours before then! I really want to be your next Mamavation Mom! (Can't start campaigning too early, right?!)

I will start vlogging again soon. I am a little self conscious lately over my face. The prednisone has caused me to develop moon face and a rounder belly and I am not to fond of either. This medicine is horrid!!

Congrats to our SOTW, Heather, @notdiyheather! This lady is an awesome sista and I love her to death! I steal recipes from her site all the time. She is such an encouragement to me! :)

This week's Special Guests are Sharon Catherine Blanks and Billy Blanks Jr.!! How exciting! 

This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Subway,  @subwayfreshbuzz. One winner will win $100 towards the fitness goal of their choice. I would SO buy some running/walking gear with this if I won! My commit to fit challenge is to walk/run a 5k in the next 6 months. My goal was originally set for December 5th, but I have had quite a few setbacks with my new diagnosis, etc. 

Have a great week sistas!!

#Mamavation Monday - Banishing the scale

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Yes, you read my title correctly... I am banishing the scale. This past week went well, or so I thought. I started my new job, meal planned everyday, ate well everyday and still gained 4 lbs. This gain I am blaming on the prednisone (and my time of the month). I was really depressed over this yesterday and that huge number really got to me, so the scale is going away until I am done with these wack-o medications. I know this puts me out of the running for the Move it and Lose it challenge, but until December 31st, when I am done with this medicine, I can't even begin to take the scale seriously. 

I admit, I did
not exercise this past week, it just felt like I couldn't find time to fit it in. I am struggling a bit trying to find a happy medium between being a 5-day a week working mom/student, and fitness. Now, I know some of you do this and have been doing this forever, but I just can't seem to get a grip on it. It seems like as soon as I get home from work, the kids are needy over something, dinner is screaming to be cooked/served/cleaned up and then the packing/cooking/preparing for the next work day begins, then, it's bedtime. Sigh. Where do I find time for me in all this!?

The new job, however, is going great. I am enjoying learning about what I am going to be doing, and all the people there are great. The environment is so positive, and it seems like everyone there is pushing me to advance as far as I can. 

I had a bit of a snafu with my diet this week. I ate A LOT of fiber on Monday and I seriously thought I had sent myself spiraling into another UC flare. My stomach was messed up for the rest of the week (Like 4-5 BMs per day!), and by Friday my joints had begun to ache. I was scared! Now I am feeling better, more normal again. Thanks to Greta who introduced me to the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, which is directed towards people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I am going to focus on sticking to this diet as closely as possible, and following the legal/illegal list to get my intestines back in tip-top condition.

So my goals for this week...

-Exercise at least 3/5 work days

-Drink lots more water

-Follow the SCD as closely as possible to aid in the healing of my intestines

-Remember to take my probiotics daily!

Our Special Guest and giveaway this week is Patricia Friberg @patriciafri.

Don't forget about the Fiber Twitter Party on the 18th (Thursday)! Make sure you go RSVP!

Congrats to Scarlett, @MMScarlett for being named SOTW, for the second time! Way to go girlie!

#Mamavation Monday - We're goofy!

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Forgive the goofiness in my vlog, we all truly enjoyed our extra hour of sleep last night, and it shows! We are also in that "Holiday mode" now, we had our first snow yesterday and we were so giddy about it!

Weight: Okay, So, I was WRONG in my vlog, I thought I lost this week, but apparently I gained 0.2 lbs, lol. Drats.

Measurements:

Wow, even though I have gained like 7 lbs I have still lost a couple inches or so!

	10/18/10	11/8/2010	11/ 29/10
Waist	42’’	42’’
Bust	47.5’’	47’’ (-.5’’)
Hips	60’’	59’’(-1’’)
L Thigh	29’’	29’’
R Thigh	28.5’’	29’’
L Arm	16’’	15.5’’ (-.5’’)
R Arm	16’’	15.5’’(-.5’’)

This week's blogging carnival sponsor is EarthFootwear! I WANT a pair of these shoes!

Congrats to an awesome Sista, @OnlyLaila for being named Sista of the Week. She is so awesome and supportive and always up for a chat if you need her! Way to go girl!

EASY Pumpkin Muffins (I'm not kidding, SO easy!)

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I am a lover of all things pumpkin... Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin rolls, pies, etc. So when I came across this recipe today, I knew I had to try it! 

Thanks to my friend Heather from On Pans and Kneadles for sharing this with me!

The recipe is called Brownie Muffins, but I decided to use white cake mix instead of devil's food cake mix. I think I may plunge and try carrot cake and/or spice cake next time! 

Ingredients:

1 box devil’s food cake mix (or whatever flavor cake mix tickles your fancy)
1 can pumpkin (15 oz.)

Directions:
Mix the cake mix and canned pumpkin together. That's it. Leave out the eggs, oil, and water. Seriously. That's all. The mixture looks kind of thick, but I promise, it bakes up wonderfully. Bake for 12-18 minutes (start checking, mine were done at 12 minutes) at 400 degrees F.

I sprinkled the tops of mine with cinnamon before baking just to add some flavor, I imagine it would be great topped with some pumpkin pie spices! Enjoy!

#Mamavation Monday - Operation Avoid Halloween Candy: FAIL

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*Just for the record, the Halloween candy has since been disposed of!*

So, here is a quick run down of my week in case you didn't want to sit through my long, scattered video... I started out strong Monday and Tuesday, working out lots, and drinking a GRIP of water each day, I had lost 2 lbs by Wednesday then Halloween candy took over my life and I gained those 2 lbs back (and then some)! Thanks to said Halloween candy I feel like junk. No energy, stomach ache and pounding head. Can you say "Halloween Candy hangover"? This is my last week at my old job, it's going to be an emotional one! Planning on drinking lots of water and eating tons of greens this week!

Scale pic... *SMILE*
265.6 (+1.2)

This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by Subway and the #commit2fit campaign! Jared will be running the marathon soon, and I will be interviewing him over the phone afterwards! Can't wait!

Congrats to Lorrie @cuteangel79 for being named our SOTW! Way to go Lorrie, and thanks for your support!

Waiting on God...

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I don't have a lot of patience... I dare not pray for patience, but I think that this year has been one of learning for me. If you read back through my blog archives, you will see that in July, I got sick, very sick. I had terrible abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, and no appetite. This lasted for quite some time. At the ER, I was diagnosed with Colitis and referred to a gastroenterologist. We prayed, long and hard, and I finally decided to visit the GI doc in August. Not because I was told to, but because I was still having stomach troubles. After the GI doc checked out my bloodwork and CT scan he decided that a colonoscopy was not necessary, and diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Fast forward to mid-September. I woke up one morning with a stiffness and pain in my wrist and ankle that I could not explain. I attributed it to poor form during exercise, but that wasn't the case. The pain started spreading from joint to joint and got worse with each passing day. Eventually I was swollen, in pain, and covered in red knots. I visited two different doctors who both mentioned that these problems were most likely related to my stomach issues. And they were right. After a visit, again, with the GI doc and a colonoscopy I was diagnosed with moderately active Ulcerative Colitis. The weirdest thing happened once I received this diagnosis. I was happy. I finally knew what the "monster" was that had made my life practically unlivable for almost 4 months. 

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ...

During my first visit to the ER I remember my sister asking me if I had prayed for patience. I replied no, but, as the time went on and the sickness progressed, I learned a lot about patience. I have always been a right here, right now kind of person. An impatient person. And more times than not, that attitude gets me frustrated or aggravated when things don't happen right away. Was that adding to my stress? Yes. Was it something I could have controlled? Probably. Have I learned something this year? Definitely. God has his own way of doing things, and His way is perfect! No matter if we think He should hurry, or if we think He is behind, God is always on time. You know the saying, "Three days late, but right on time."

Success!! Roasted Garbanzos

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After seeing many tweets about roasted garbanzo beans, I decided to pick up a can and try my hand at it! I love trying new things, especially if it is quick and easy!

So here we go...

I preheated the oven to 350 degrees.

First of all, I used canned garbanzo beans. I drained them, and set them aside. I sprayed the pan with olive oil and tossed in the beans. I shook them around a bit to cover them in olive oil.

I chose to use Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder and Mrs. Dash for my seasoning but I would think you could use just about whatever you wanted! Shake the beans around a bit to distribute the seasoning. (Don't be afraid to use lots of seasoning! I wish I had added much more to mine!)

Put them in the oven and shake the pan every 15 minutes or so for about 40 minutes. While your waiting, you could enjoy a nice cup of Peach Ginger White Tea that an awesome friend who just happens to be one of the newest Mamavation Moms sent ya! ;)




And when they're done, let them cool a bit and enjoy! If you have extra, store them in a plastic bowl with a lid! Mmmm, yummy!

#Mamavation Monday - I got a new job!!

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 Hi ladies! Hope you all had a wonderful, productive week! Here's my vlog!

Weight: 264.6 (+2lbs) Grr.

Congrats to our sista of the week, April, @GAFlyGirl!

Our sponsor this week is once again, the awesome Subway! I am loving reading about Jared's training for the marathon and the #CommitToFit campaign! I was contacted by Subway to set up my interview with Jared, and I will be interviewing him after the marathon! Subway is offering a $50 gift card from Lulu Lemon, a green Gaiam gym bag and a yoga mat for our giveaway!

Make sure to stop in and see Tracey Mallet as our guest speaker on MamavationTV! I am SO excited!

#Mamavation Monday - Move it & Lose it!!

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Hi everyone! I am so psyched for the Twitter Party and the beginning of a new campaign! I am also super excited to be a participant in the Move it and Lose it challenge! 

Here is my vlog for this week!

I realize I mentioned the colonoscopy but never told what the diagnosis was. The doc says I have Ulcerative Colitis, which is a better diagnosis than we were expecting! Thank God! There is not a cure, yet, for Ulcerative Colitis but I will be able to manage it with meds and diet.

Move it & Lose it Challenge Stats

Beginning - October 18, 2010

Measurements:

	10/18/10	11/8/2010	11/ 29/10
Waist	42’’
Bust	47.5''
Hips	60''
L Thigh	29’’
R Thigh	28.5’’
L Arm	16’’
R Arm	16’’

Pictures:

Weight: 262.6

When God's plans are different from yours... #Mamavation Monday

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Hi everyone! I am getting ready to head off to church, so I will get to the point...

Here's the vlog...

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I go to have a Colonoscopy on Tuesday!

Here's my weight... (Ouch.)

262.4 (+4)

And here's what's happening Monday night!

Our Special Guest this week will be: The Mamavation Finalists

Congratulations to Amanda @beeacutie2 for being the Sista of the Week! 

This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Subway. They are giving away a green iPod Shuffle and a $10 iTunes gift card to one lucky winner. Don't forget to use the  Commit to Fit Campaign hashtag on twitter! #commit2fit

#Mamavation Monday - Teething is Tough

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Hi sistas!! I vlogged this week's post, so... See below!!

I am now weighing myself on a digital scale so I can take a pic with my toes on the scale. It seems to line up okay with my Wii Fit Weight, only 1.1 lbs off! I lost a ton of water weight this week, I dehydrated and retaining like crazy! So last week's weight was, 263.7, this week is...

258.4 
(Loss of 5.3 lbs for a total of 19.4 since joining the Sistahood in July!)
Just for reference here's my Wii Fit weight

Watch my official Mamavation Mom application here!

Don't forget to tweet for me! 
"Hey @bookieboo! I want @christlikemommy to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She totally has my support! http://bit.ly/zqUxa"

I participated in today's (Saturday) 5Kday which was created by Steph, @fitmomtraining. Here is my pic of myself getting active... I promise, I was walking! lol

Congrats to our SOTW, and a close sista of mine, Shelley, @momma_oz! Way to go lady!

I am supa dupa excited about our blogging carnival this week, which is sponsored by Subway!! @subwayfreshbuzz You will often see me in a Subway store ordering a footlong Turkey Breast sub on wheat bread with lots of veggies! (Sometimes I add a little cheese!) Their breakfast menu is awesome and I love it as well!

Have a great week y'all!

Can I get a tweet? Just takes a moment! #Mamavation

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I have applied to be one of the next two Mamavation Moms on Mamavation.com! This week through the 11th of October, I need your tweets! I need you all, my community, to help me show Leah, @bookieboo, that I have your support! It only takes a moment to tweet, so would you help me out? 

Tweet this:
“Hey @bookieboo! I want @christlikemommy to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/zqUxa” 

Then starting on October 11th voting will open for FIVE finalists! If I am chosen as one of those five, I will need your vote! Voting is allowed once per day per computer! So if you have a computer at work, vote! If you have multiple computers at home, vote, vote, vote!

I appreciate all the support from my friends and family during this exciting time!

View my application video here!

#Mamavation Monday - Mamavation Mom Application

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I am officially applying to be a Mamavation Mom. I am so excited! I have been losing weight pretty consistently since May, but I feel I still need some direction. My nutrition is still a little "off", not much balance in my diet. I also need more direction with my fitness routines. I hope to become a finalist, and if I do, please take time to vote for me! If I don't make it as a Mamavation Mom, I will be participating in the Move it and Lose it challenge, all while cheering on all my sistas!!

Are you wondering what Mamavation is all about?? 

Check it out by clicking here!

 

Alas, Here is my video...

My starting weight for this campaign is, 

263.7 
which is down 2.2 lbs from last week, I have had Reactive Arthritis for the past couple weeks, and it has cause my joints to be inflamed and I have been retaining some water.

Don't forget about Mamavation TV tonight at 10pm EST/7pm PST! We will be joined by the one and only Pete Cohen, I am SO excited, he is awesome! Check out his new nutritional program!

I want to congratulate our Sista of the Week, Joanna, @way2gomom. She is so awesome and helps us in knowing what to eat and what to avoid!

#Mamavation Monday - What a week!

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Hey mamavation! No vlog this week, but I promise, there will be one next week!


This has been a rough week, my dad was in the hospital on Tuesday with chest pains, so far, the docs just think it's a combo of stress and acid reflux. Also on Tuesday both of my wrists started hurting and were pretty stiff. I just assumed I had hurt myself during the previous night's workout. But the pain spread to my elbows, knees and ankles. I visited the ER Saturday night and was diagnosed with Viral Arthritis/Arthralgia. Pain. And lots of it. Most days this past week I couldn't drive, shower, or fix my hair. I was depressed because I am a very independent person who was having to be dependent on everyone. Especially my husband who was helping a lot more (Thanks Baby!) and having to help me bathe, and get dressed. It was stressful. It's not over just yet, but I am feeling better tonight. I went to church and just being there in the presence of God and my church family really lifted my spirits. I am still in some pain, and am mainly stiff from not using my limbs as much, but I am hopeful. The doctor expects this to resolve itself within the next week. Thank God!

I had a gain of 3.3 lbs (265.9) this week, but I am sure this is from water retention. All of my joints were/are pretty swollen. I did great with water this week, and ate well. 

I will be taping my Mamavation Mom application vlog sometime this week. I am going to visit my Nurse Practitioner to get a release letter so that I can participate in Mamavation, if I am chosen. Thanks for all the support and encouragement you all have provided this week as I have been through SO much! I love you all!


This week's SOTW is @PamelaMKramer! She is so awesome, inspiring and encouraging!


This week's blogging carnival sponsor is Subway @subwayfreshbuzz. I love Subway! They are my go to restaurant if I am out and about and need to eat. My favorite sub is the turkey breast sub. YUMM!