Day Eight on a Monday!

Today is day 8 on the 24 day challenge and I’m still alive, feel pretty good, and can’t wait to see what this 10 day cleanse has done at the end of it. (Day 11 I’ll weigh in again)

Friday was a cluster of crap and I didn’t get to post… Sorry about that, but life happens and I’ve gotta deal! I did pretty well over the weekend… Friday night the boys went to their dads and it was my oldest 7^th birthday…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AYDEN!

This year has been a whirlwind with him.  You can read about some of that here… That boy… He’s gonna be a heart breaker! We took him to dinner, I had a salad, then I dropped them off with their grandmother and off they went to OKC! This was my first year to not spend his birthday with him, so it was a little emotional.  Luckily, we had a great big Harry Potter Birthday for him the weekend before.

We had decided to go watch my sister cheer in her last football game… got there and they were cheering from the stands, so that was a bust.  We ended up leaving and heading to Lowes and Pier 1 instead. (Aren’t we a ball of fun!) I picked out a washer and dryer and picked up some clearance Halloween stuff and we were home and in bed by 9!

Saturday my aunt and uncle took me to breakfast, I kept it as clean as possible since we headed to a buffet. Fruit, some yogurt and granola and some bacon and scrambled eggs.  No biscuits and gravy for me! Aren’t you proud?! I skipped out on lunch since breakfast was so late, then headed over to get my nails filled and a pedicure from my favorite place. It kept me busy (and relaxed) so food wasn’t on my mind the whole time. It helped, but dinner rolled around and I have to say, I was pretty hungry.

We hit up the local casino, I lost $50, he lost $100 (don’t get me started) and we ate at Gilly’s.  The food was excellent, and for our waitress to not be a waitress, she did an excellent job! I had the chicken quesadillas, and while it wasn’t the cleanest of meals, it was the cleanest they had besides more salads.  And I’m a little salad-ed out. After we were done giving away all our money, we decided to hit up Sears… just to seal my decision on the appliances I had picked out. Again, home and back in bed by 9… We’re some wild ones, I tell ya!

Sunday, we do big dinners at my grandmothers.  Yesterdays menu was nothing but soups so I stuck with the chili (home raised beef and tomatoes) and didn’t stuff myself like I normally would.  I picked up the boys, we came home, discussed the appliances once more, then headed to town to actually purchase them this time.  Poor salesman… Didn’t see it coming. The appliances were already $250.00 off, but Sears was holding a friends and family event from 6-9 and were offering an additional 10% off… I made Lowes give me the same deal.  AND got my 5 year protection plan for about $300 off of the Sears price.  THEN I put it on my Lowes card and got them for 18 months no interest.  HECK YES I a saved myself about a thousand dollars and got a Big. Ass. Washer. And. Dryer. This momma of a king sized bed, two boys, a boyfriend and a dog? Happy!

The boys were starving after momma got through with Lowes and selling my soul to them… so we went to… wait for it… Hooters. Needless to say, I didn’t eat very well. *whomp, whomp, whomp* I’ll admit, I had wings (naked) and a few curly fries. I came home and took my Carb Ease Plus, though, along with the rest of the cleanse pills and I decided not to dwell on it.  A week of very clean eating, plus a Monday ahead of me? One meal won’t kill me, nor will one meal fix me.  Start again, clean it up and stick to it again this morning.

Today starts the fiber drink back… again,

I’m doing the peaches and cream so it’s not that bad… sometimes though, I wish it had small chunks of peaches in it.  Lol.  It seems to fill me up when I drink it, so I have to remind myself to eat breakfast.  Just three days left in the cleanse, then I’ll be on to start the Max Phase. I’ve ordered the MNS Max E (for energy) so we’ll see how that works.  I’ve also ordered the ThermoPlus to take as well… I’m having to get with my sponsor to see exactly how/when to take it, but I’m looking forward to seeing what all of this will do for me!

It’s definitely a manic Monday today, so I’m trying to get this wrapped up and out of the way for today.  How did your weekend go? I’m looking forward to getting past Monday, so here’s to hoping everyone has a great day!

Random Facts about Cupcake

Hey y'all!

I came to the realization that people read this blog.  I even found out Wednesday night that PEOPLE I KNOW read this blog. (Hi y'all!) WOW.  I know you don't have to, but you do. I can't see who you are but to know that people actually come here, actually read it, and actually see what I have to say... It's an eye opener!

I use this space as my outlet.  For everything.  Not only do I use it for weight loss accountability, but to also talk about my life. Its my journal so to speak. Thank you for reading and tolerating me. Thank you for not blasting me if I drive you crazy, thank you for your support and positivity.

For those of you that I don't actually know, haven't met, or may be new in my life, I thought I'd do a post about random fact about me that you may or may not know. I love to know new things about new people, and it occurred to me, you may want to know too. So, here goes!

1. I am a mom to two wonderful little boys.

Ayden (8) 

and Remington (7).

2. I date the most wonderful man (Darrell)  I've ever met and I wouldn't trade him for anything.
This man brought me back from some darkness that I can't even explain.  He helped me walk away from relationships that I didn't need and has brought so much joy to my life. I love you honey.

3. I am an only child, the youngest child, and the oldest child... which also makes me an only child.
My mom and dad split when I was very young.  I was their only child, and was treated as so until they each found another partner. My dad, Tracey, married Kathy and she had two daughters already.  Dondi and Stephanie. Both are 2-4 years older than me.  My mother, Connie, married Ron shortly thereafter and he had a son, Brian who is about 3 years younger than me.  They then had Todd (17) and Desaree (16). I also have a "brother", Brent,  who's not really my brother, but IS Brain's half brother, but that has been raised in the family our whole lives.  He's 9 months older than me. It's a big-ol screwed up family, but it's mine. :)

4. I have 4 nephews, 1 niece and one on the way.
My oldest sister has Adam Bill, JR.

My next older sister has David & Justin

My "brother" Brent has a son and a daughter, with one on the way. I love ALL these crazy kiddos. Every last one of them.

5. I made the hardest decision of my life back in March. My oldest son went to live with his dad, Zack in Colorado. We don't know for how long. We don't know how any of this will turn out.  I know I miss him, but as his mother, I have to do what is best for him and his brother and it's not about me. You can read more about that, here.

6. I'm THAT mom.
Remington plays baseball.

We play at least twice a week and I've made all but one game this year I think.  He's a slugger, he's a third baseman, and he loves the game.  Until something doesn't go his way.  Then he's huffy. I'm the mom that is always cheering, always letting the kids know where the "play" is, and I'll be the first one to tell that coach to pull my kid and put him in the outfield if he's not playing his part. I will ride your ass to perform better, and it's not just cause you're my kid. It's because it's YOUR team.  YOU have to help THEM win. It's not just about you.  They count on you as much as you do them and you should always give 100% plus more. I'm not afraid to call you out... or anyone else for that fact.  I'm a baseball mom. I've grown up on or around the field for 20 years and it looks like I've got at least 10 more.

6. I plan parties
I LOVE to have an event to plan for.  I start months in advance.I decorate weeks in advance (if I can) and I try to use local businesses to make things work, as much as I can. I've done mostly birthday parties, but I've also planned 3 weddings (all mine, lol), a graduation party, and love details of other peoples events.

7. I met Darrell, THROUGH my ex-husband.
AWKWARD! Yeah, tell me about it.  They worked together, we met though their job. We all hung out. And then my relationship ended.  Its so hard to tell the story without being judged, and I honestly avoid that question as much as possible. Darrell was my support group during my divorce, and NO, it's not like that. He even told me to go back a time or two.  He tried to be a much of a middle man as he could.  We were TRULY friends before we became boyfriend/girlfriend. I wouldn't change it if I had to though. :)

8. I'm EXTREMELY modest.
So modest that it bothers me to talk about being modest. I don't do naked, I don't talk about naked, I don't like to talk about sex, I don't even like TV sexual encounters. It all makes me SO uncomfortable. My face turns bright red and you can automatically tell that I'm no longer at ease.  I don't even like to do naked in the comfort of my very own home... by myself, let alone in front of Darrell. I'm hoping that as I come more comfortable in my own skin, that I become more comfortable around him and myself. One day. Baby steps.  Putting my weigh-in and progress pictures on here is one step... my spray tan parties are the next. LOL

9. I'm a licensed Cosmetologist.
I took cosmetology school while I was a junior and senior in high school, missed my baccalaureate to test my state boards, and received my certification letter in the mail, the same day as my high school graduation. :) I don't "do" hair and nails in a shop.  I do haircuts in my kitchen, I paint my own toes, but I go get my hair did... I get a new set of nails... I don't take care of my face. lol. All those things I learned... they're in the back of my head. I just don't always do it myself.

10. My bestest-best friend lives in Austin.
Meagan has three beautiful little boys and an amazingly smart hubby and we DO NOT get to see each other often enough. We became friends when I asked her if her name was MAY-gan or MEG-en.  BIG difference. I needed to know. We've been together (pretty much) ever since. I was her MOH in her wedding she was there for the birth of my children. She loves me and I love her. She is the one that knows ME. And still loves me for it. We know secrets, we don't always like the same things (Dr. Who?), but we always come back to each other.  We both visit her moms house when she's in town, sleep in the same bed, drink, laugh and stay up entirely too late. And you ought to hear the gossip. LOL She gives the best hugs and the best gifts. She's my Meagan. I couldn't exist without her.
10a. My other Bestie- Suzan, I just found out is moving away from me next month. :( More on that subject later. Love you lady.

Well, there you have it... 10 random fact about this Heavy Cupcake.  I hope you learned something new. I hope you come back.  And if you ever want to know more... Just ask. :)

Hi there, hey there, ho there... Lots of links in this post!

I'm (obviously) a little behind on this weeks posts. Please forgive me.  I'm sure most of you will if you know whats been going on, but still, please.

So lets get down to it!
Monday started my 30 day challenge with Adie of Four Fit Sisters. So far, so good.  I'm loving the daily "homework" she posts to our facebook group, although, I'm not as impressed that I'm in a group of mostly repeaters... I feel like I'm asking stupid questions pretty often, and don't feel like other people are "participating" as much since they've already asked most of the questions they're going to.  Oh well.

Our first assignment was to figure out our average RMR (mines 1844). You can do that here... This number tells you how many calories your body should burn just sitting around. Not doing anything additional.  You should try to eat at or just under that number of calories per day.  Uh... hello! That's about 400 MORE calories than I've been eating for the past two months! So, I've adjusted my calorie intake on my LoseIt App around 1725. I just couldn't make the dive to over 1800... Just couldn't.

Our second assignment was to take pics and measurments of ourselves. Now, I had just done that on the fourth for the month, but I went ahead and did it on Sunday as well. Here they are:

 

 

Hey Look! I got new clothes to take pics in! Not really, I was just tired of those grey pants... they made my ass look terrible.  And that cheapo bra was driving me crazy!

Anyway, I posted mine on the facebook group page.  I'm pretty sure she said we were supposed to... but I'm the only one that did it. :-/ It's there... No take backs now!  Anyway, we're supposed to cut out wheat and dairy for the first two weeks.  So far, so good I think. I'll know more in two weeks! I don't feel any different as of yet, but I tried not to consume wheat anyway just because its usually in bread and so high in calories/carbs.  And the only dairy I really eat was shredded cheese on my eggs and salads... I do kinda miss that.

So... after two days of being in the group, this was my weight for weigh in Wednesday... I'm not sure if it's actually due to the group or he lack of wheat/dairy or just a better day for me.

And of course, since it's a weigh in, I've linked up with Heather and Ashlee

And Nina here...

(Sorry it's a day late guys!)

Back to the 30 day challenge group, Another assignment we had was to fill this out.  

This page was so emotional for me, given the circumstances I've been in the past couple of weeks.  After dropping my son off at the airport on Sunday, this hit home so much more than on just a weight loss level. Each one of these answers both pertain to me losing weight, as well as things I need to work on for myself emotionally. Ugh. Talk about a tough day.  And I'm super glad that it wasn't Monday's homework.  Cause I was a wreck that day.  I didn't make it to work, I laid in bed a cried.  I'm at work today, I'm trying my damdest to make sure each assignment is done and that I put on a (semi) happy face.

Two of the ladies that most inspired me to jump in to Adie's group challenge are hosting a linkup today for healthier foods.   Alicia at Brew Mama

 and Candra at Camo & Lipstick

.Since so many of us are on diets of "clean eating", "gluten free", "low carb" etc, I think this linkup will be SO beneficial to so many.  Even if not all of the recipes appeal to you, ONE of them will.  I'm so excited for this and have already been scouring the recipes for myself! Unfortunately, I don't have a recipe to add this week, but you can have a gander over here...

Anyway, that's all for now. Hopefully I can whip out another post tomorrow. Thanks for the understanding on the late posts, and hopefully, you'll stick around. Happy Thursday folks! 

Tuesday... a happier post

Hi y'all! Sorry about yesterdays Debbie-downer post, but I needed to get it out, and Facebook doesn't allow that many words, or pictures. ;-)

It's Tuesday, and a new day. I'm not bawling... yet. And am seriously trying not to today.  I had a great talk with Ayden's teacher this morning, and am so glad I have her as a friend.  We've been blessed with some of the best teachers in my kids lives, and Ms. Ramsey is one of them.

I mentioned yesterday that I've signed up with Adie of Four Fit Sisters, (yes, those are two separate links) for a 30 day challenge/accountability group. We got our first welcome letter last night, and assigned to a Facebook Group this morning.  It's called the Spring Slim Down group and it starts up Monday, the 17th.  After flying my boy off on Sunday, I'm going to need all the help and motivation I can get for the first week, I'm sure.

Anyway, she'll send out information on better foods to eat, things to cut out of our regular diet, hopefully some meal planning help and she's all about accountability.  We've already got homework of taking measurements and pictures for the start of the challenge! Now, if you've read my blog already, then you know that I just did photos for the beginning of the month, but because this is a new challenge I'm doing, and because I want to really see just how much this helps, I will be doing new photos, weight and measurements on Sunday. I may move my weigh in day around a bit, just so I'm not weighing too much during the week.  I'm a firm believer that if you weigh daily, it can bring you down. So.. Sunday night or Monday morning I'll have a new post up for you, with my starting... well.. everything.  I'll be changing my "before photo" outfit up a bit, as I want to see all of what it helps... BEWARE! lol

So today... and the rest of this week, I feel like I need to be doing some prep work.  Recipe searches, grocery lists, meal planning.  I need to not fail y'all. I NEED this to work. With Ayden leaving, I almost feel like I know I'll fail if I don't have someone pushing me. I'm an emotional eater. I don't want to pack on 15 pounds of crap just because my son is gone for 9 weeks.  I have vacation coming up. I need to drop 5-10 before it gets here. (especially if I want to have any money to spend at Tiffany's like I told y'all about) I have another little boy that I need to be healthy for... and for Ayden for when he comes home. I NEED this, so badly.

Anyone have any gluten free, dairy free recipes they want to send my way? Or healthy make-ahead snacks?

A Monday Morning of "I don't want to"

I hate time change... Can't we all just get along? Leave stuff alone, already. Really. I love having more daylight, but my kids hate going to bed while the sun is still up.  And hate getting up when its still dark.  Just stop. MMMMKAY?

I woke up late. I'm not sure if it was just me (I'm sure it was) or if my FitBit failed... no vibrations this morning.  I didn't wake until 7:00.  Jumping out of bed at a mad dash is NOT how I want to start a day, and it usually means I have a headache within 30 minutes of the abruptly waking. DING, DING.  The pain is on!

Today is also a lot harder for me because I'm finally facing a cold hard fact that I've been avoiding for 2 weeks.  My oldest son, Ayden is leaving to live with his dad on Sunday.

I love this boy with all my heart and it pains me so much to let him go. But if any of you have read my blog previously, or follow me on Facebook, you know that he and I have had problems. Ayden is a very smart, beautiful young man, but he's also very strong willed and angry right now.  I'm not sure about what, as he won't talk to me, but he's just not happy. His dad and I made the decision two weeks ago that he needed to move in with Zack. I'm not happy about it, but I have to put the well being and health of all involved, first. Ayden's anger is causing problems for him, me and his little brother Remington as well.  I can't place Remington in a bad situation. I want nothing more than for Ayden to be that happy little boy that he used to be. And this is what we're trying next, to make that happiness appear.

Please send happy thoughts and prayers for strength for this Momma who is, quite frankly, a blubbering mess since yesterday.  I have 6 days left with this boy, and most of those days will be spent at work and school. He has come to terms with leaving, this momma has not, and his little brother just doesn't quite get it. It's going to be hard on all of us.

That's all I've got for now folks... Tomorrow I hope to bring you some info on the new challenge I've signed up for with Adie of Four Fit Sisters that starts on Monday. Hope your day is as pretty as it is here... I also hope you're feeling good enough to enjoy it.