My Little Lady Will Be Turning 7

I cannot believe that in just 15 days my little baby girl will be turning 7 years old.  I remember like it was yesterday, contracting in the rinky dink Labor and Delivery ward that was Fort Bliss Army Hospital, crying my eyes out waiting to get into an exam room and watching other pregnant women walking by me on a tour of the L&D wing.  I remember getting so many stares because of how much pain was showing on my face.  Contractions hurt people, so yes, I'm going to cry.  I remember my mother looking at them saying, "This will be you soon!" Haha, she showed them. 

I remember being in the exam room for all of 5 minutes when they finally said, "Yup, this baby is coming." I looked at them with a confused look on my face.  Clearly I was thinking, "Ya think?" About an hour later my mother got a call from my husband asking where we were. He thought we were going to Walmart to walk around and jump start my contractions.  I still to this day do not know how he did not see me doubled over in pain, with tears running down my cheeks, as a sign of me NOT being in labor. Men. 

After my mother informed him of where we really were, he got in the car right away and drove over.  When he got there he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were in labor?" Ugh, men.  Needless to say, I did NOT answer that question. 

A couple of hours went by and eventually my husband got hungry, but since the cafeteria at the hospital was closed he had to go down the road to Burger King.  By the time he got back he ended up walking into the room with doctors and nurses surrounding me telling me to push. What an idiot. He just HAD to go get food. I wasn't allowed to eat, so why should he be allowed? Makes no sense to me. 

Finally, after 5 and a half hours of labor and pushing, my baby girl arrived.  I remember seeing her little face and tiny toes and I could not help but cry tears of happiness, joy, and love.  She was so beautiful and tiny and perfect. 

I looked at my husband and saw the same tears running down his face.  She was everything he had wished for.  The next day Ed brought our son to finally meet his little baby sister.  He was so happy.  You could tell he was excited to be a big brother. (Oh, how times have changed on that front) 

She has grown into a beautiful little woman, packed with personality, sassyness, kindness, a smile that lights up a room, and hugs that warm you to your soul. I am so proud of my baby girl. 

So, for her birthday, I will be making a layered confetti cake with pastel icing. There will be different colors between each layer and will totally reflect her crazy and outgoing personality.  

For decoration, I'm envisioning a lot of pink. Pink tablecloths, pink streamers, pink, pink, pink...  

Last year I taped a clear plastic sheet to her door and stuffed it with balloons so when she opened her door there was a balloon avalanche. It was funny.

She loved it and was completely surprised. This year, I have to top it.  I can't wait!

Days 3 to 11

I know I said when I started that I would post something every day and tell you about my progress.  Well, as many of you know, life gets busy.  Life got pretty busy with kids, work, working out and school.  So here I am on Day 11, the first day of the Max Phase and for me I am taking MNS (metabolic nutrition system) Max E for maximum energy.  

Lets go back to Day 3.  Day 3 was pretty easy going.  Besides the fact that I had a huge essay to write for my Sociology final, I was able to get in a good 2 hour workout and a little Jillian Michaels on the side.  By the way, I still stand by what I said before.  That lady is crazy mean, but she is crazy lean and if I have to do what she says to look like her, I totally will.  The next few days were pretty much the same except I had some work time in there and I also managed to get my hair cut.  It's short and cute and I'm loving it.  I had cut it back in June before I got the job at Great Clips, but just a few days ago I got it cut a little shorter because my bangs kept bugging me. Ugh! 

Here is what I look like now! (this was taken after I first got it cut back in June)

Even though it is super cute and I love it to death... this is what it looks like in the morning... (this was yesterday)

I look like I should be in a Flock of Seagulls tribute band. 

Back to the challenge.  I started noticing an increase in my energy, even more so than after drinking just a Spark.  I have more focus and am able to get a lot done without becoming distracted as I normally would.  I have been feeling more rested when I wake up in the mornings. And not to mention, now that it is Day 11, I am down 3 pounds and have lost 3.5 inches.  Now, I know this may not seem like I have lost a lot, but I started out pretty small.  My main goal for this was to lose a couple pounds, but mostly inches and to become more toned.  I also wanted to gain more energy.  So all in all, I am on the right track and I am more than pleased with the results so far. 

A friend of mine has been doing the challenge right along side me.  She has lost 6.2 pounds and has lost 5 inches.  I am so happy for her and cannot wait to see her results after the challenge is up and as she continues on her AdvoCare journey.  I can totally see the change in her and I see her almost every day. She is doing fantastic!

We both still have 14 days to go, but our time does not stop there.  The 24 Day Challenge is simply a jumping off point.  It is only the beginning to an amazing path to becoming healthy and fit and also debt free. I'm so excited!

Rocking Out While I Work Out

As you know I have been posting a lot about AdvoCare and the 24 Day Challenge.  I have also been working out a lot.  This morning I had an idea.  Since I write about how much I have been working out, why not share the music I listen to while I'm working?  So, here I am to deliver some ideas to you of different music may not have thought of listening to and some you probably already have on your list. 

My Workout Playlist:

"I Wanna Go" - Britney Spears

"Bangarang" - Skrillex

"Roar" - Katy Perry

"Girl On Fire" - Alicia Keys

"Bleed it Out" - Linkin Park

"Can't Hold Us" - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

"Do it Like a Dude" - Jessie J (this song is a little explicit, but it's a great song for chicks that can do things just as well as guys)

"Applause" - Lady Gaga

"I Need Your Love" Calvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding

"Little Talks" - Of Monsters and Men

"Radioactive" - Imagine Dragons

"Bleeding Out" - Imagine Dragons

"Bulletproof" - La Roux

These songs help me push myself and keep going. I love getting a good workout in. 

Day 4 and Counting!

Over the last few days I have noticed so many changes.  First of all being my overall energy level.  I have been more productive these last few days than I have in a long time.  I am able to get so much done it is ridiculous.  Next, would be the weight loss.  I know it is crazy to hear, but I have lost 2 pounds already and I cannot wait to see how much I will lose by the end of this.  I also have been noticing an increase in my workout performance. I am able to run longer, and lift a little bit more than before.  

Plus, throughout these last few days I have had to change my eating habits.  I no longer crave sweets.  I see other people eating them and I no longer feel the need to grab their fork and dig in.  Last night I scooped my husband his last bit of Chocolate Reeses Peanut Butter Cup ice cream and I got some on my finger.  Now, normally I would lick it off, but not this time.  Go me! 

This time around it has been a lot easier to get through.  I have a friend doing the challenge along side me and we are both having great results.  We push each other at the gym, keep each other accountable and help each other stay on track.  This would be my one piece of advice if anyone is considering doing the 24 Day Challenge, find someone to do it with you.  It makes it that much easier.  Having a buddy keeping you going is the best thing for your success. There are those of you reading this thinking you can do it alone, and yes you can.  I truly believe that anyone can do it alone.  If your motivation is great enough, you can do it.  Having someone by your side telling you that you can do it and you telling them the same, is, in my eyes, greater than doing it alone. 

If you and a friend, or friends, or just yourself would like to begin the 24 Day Challenge, please let me know.  

Here is the link: 24 Day Challenge

Also, if you have any questions, or you yourself have completed a 24 Day challenge and would like to share your results, please leave a message below. 

It's Only Day 2 and...

I am feeling GRRRREEEEAAAT!  I have been going to sleep at a normal time (anywhere from 8:30 to 9:30), got a good workout in yesterday.  That Jillian Michaels is a mean lady, but dang is she ripped.  Hopefully by the time I am done I will look like her.  I used the No More Trouble Zones workout DVD.  The reason for me using the DVD and not going to the gym was because... (travel back to 6 pm last night) I get home and my husband is playing on his computer.  I said, "Hey babe, are we still going to the gym?"  He then gets off his computer and we proceed to change into our workout attire.  Btw, can I just say that I am in LOVE with my tennis shoes! ASICS are the BOMB!  After we are fully dressed we head to the kitchen and take our required pre-workout supplements, mine being Catalyst. (I will put links below to everything I have mentioned and also to the 24 Day Challenge if anyone reading this would like to purchase one as well.)
Then we get in the car and head to the post gym that we frequent.  Come to find out... it's closed. WHAT?!?!?!  Yep!  So we turn around and start driving to another gym on post.  It's closed too!  Ugh. Frustration nation is setting in.  Finally, we give up and head back home.  By this point we are pretty upset because we wasted our pre-workout supplements and now we have nothing to do.  Correction, he has nothing to do. Muahaha!  That is when I dig out my Jillian Michaels No More Trouble Zones DVD.

I set up my mat and get to work.  PHEW! The DVD is 40 minutes long, but I get so tired and shaky and sweaty that after only 25 minutes, I'm about to die. So my little body gives up.  Though I wasn't able to finish, I still got a workout in none-the-less. And in the end I am proud of myself.

Today, I have extra energy and tons of focus.  Today also happens to be my husbands birthday. Sadly, I have to work, but we shall celebrate tonight.

If you would like to try the 24 Day Challenge, you can email, call or text me.

Here is my AdvoCare Microsite: www.advocare.com/121013857

My phone number is 503-701-4530 and my name is Alicia!  I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the 24 Day Challenge, or any of the products.  If I cannot answer your questions, my sister-in-law who got me started with AdvoCare can help.

24 Days of Awesomeness

This Saturday I will be starting my second 24 Day Challenge.  This time I will be more active and completely committed.  The last time I completed the 24 Day Challenge I did not work out at all, mainly because I did not have the time. I was super busy with school, the kids, the dog, and PTO.  However, this time I have a big support system and a friend who is doing the challenge along with me. I am so excited to have a buddy in this.  We are going to rock it!

The best thing I like about this next 24 days is that I do not have to give up any major food group.  I can eat meats, veggies, fruits, and complex carbs.  This is not a fad diet.  No South Beach, Atkins, weight watchers, shakeology (whatever that is), counting calories type thing.  I actually get to eat!

But that is only the beginning.  These 24 days is just the start of a new lifestyle.  I am fully invested in my future and I am taking the steps to becoming healthy and happy.  But not only that, I am looking forward to paying off ALL of our debt by this time next year.  Who knows, maybe it will be paid off before then. The possibilities are endless. I also have in my list of goals to take my children to DisneyLand. I went when I was their age and I really want them to experience the magic.  Normally, I would not even be thinking about taking them there.  But with using AdvoCare as a vehicle to make those dreams come true, it is now going to happen. I just know it. 

I will put into my phone right now to re-post again this time next year with an update of where we are and our trip to DisneyLand.  It will happen, mark my words. 

Back to the 24 Day Challenge.  I will be posting every day updates on my progress and how I am doing, workout and activity wise, overall wellness and energy.  At the end, I will post my measurements at the beginning and at the end as well as before and after pictures.  I cannot wait to start this journey.  Hopefully, this will inspire more people to take the first courageous step forward and take charge of their health and wellness or even begin their road to financial freedom.  

Welcome to my journey. I am so excited!

AdvoCare... my story

So back in October I joined the AdvoCare community.  I remember because I was at my lowest, mentally and physically.  I could barely keep my eyes open the whole day, I was tired all the time and barely wanted to get out of bed to take the kids to school.  I was so out of shape and could barely do a sit up to save my life.  If someone stood in front of me and told me to do a sit up or I would die, I would have said shoot me now.  

The day I was introduced to AdvoCare was the day I woke up and realized I could be someone better.  A better mother to my kids, a better wife to my husband, a better friend, and just an all around better to person to myself.  My sister-in-law introduced me to Spark and I do not know what I would do without it.  Not only do I have more energy now, but I am able to stay awake and focused throughout my day in order to have fun and play with my kids and not just be in the same room with them, but actually be present in their lives.  Spark has re-energized me and my life. 

After seeing the effect Spark had on my life, I went ahead and started the 24 Day Challenge.  And oh my GOODNESS!!!  Not only did I end up with energy to spare, I lost weight and inches.  I went from a size 7 to a size 4!  I can wear skinny jeans and not feel like a jiggly mess!  That feeling alone, WOW! After Phase 1 of the challenge I began to feel like a new person. Not only could I feel the effects, but I could see them as well.  My jeans were getting a little loose, and my energy was through the roof.  After Phase 2, I could tell that there was a noticeable change.  When my husband came home that next month, he noticed the change in me as well.  He noticed not just the physical change, but also the mental change as well.  When he left for Afghanistan, I was not a happy person.  I was short tempered, I would yell at my kids when they would get out of control and I was just very unpleasant to be around.  But after using these products from AdvoCare, my life has changed for the better! 

There are so many amazing result stories out there.  The reason for this is because the products WORK!  They are amazing and healthy.  

I want to share these products with the world as well.  I want to help all the tired moms and overworked dads out there.  I want to help you all feel and see the future with the new and healthy you doing what it is you have dreamed of doing.  It is possible, anything is possible. 

Here are some touching and inspiring stories.  Please watch these videos and really think about if AdvoCare is right for you.  

There are so many more videos I could post here, but I do not want to overwhelm you.  Just know that these products and this opportunity could change your life and I want to help you.  I want to help you just like my sister-in-law helped me. 

So, what do you think?  Are you ready to take the next step and change your life forever? 

Busy days and sleepless nights

I am so sorry for my lack of posting. It has been a busy long while. I can't even count the amount of time it has been since I last blogged. I'm sure I could if I looked at the date of my last post, but I'm too lazy today. 

So, since my last post I have been busy with being a proud Momma to some AWESOME littles, running an amazing book fair with some equally amazing ladies that helped oh so much, and so much more.

First off, my little man won an academic achievement award! YAY! I am one proud Mommy! He has been working so hard. He really wanted to get that award and he did what he needed to do to get it.  I could not be more happy with his amazing achievement.  I saw him put forth the effort and he did a great job and stuck to it.  Now, if only he could put the same amount of effort into keeping his room clean. *sigh*

A friend of mine who is the chairperson for Book Fair on the PTO was offered a position to work as a Substitute while one of the Pre-K teachers was on maternity leave.  Of course she said, "Yes!"  She is a kind woman with a heart of gold and even with her husband soon to deploy, she still accepted the job. So, while she was out of commission when it came to handling the Book Fair, she had asked if I would take over for her.  Like any awesome friend would do... I said yes!  I love the book fair and I was happy to help her.  

So I took on the responsibility, and oh my goodness! It was crazy. From decorations to restocking, taking care of getting enough volunteers, to being they early every morning and late every day, I was exhausted by the time I got home.  Thankfully I had a fantastic group of ladies that helped make the Book Fair a spectacular event! The kids loved it and that is what counts. 

Now that that is over and done with (at least until April), now we are moving into a new place.  My parents are coming to stay with us for a while and we are in the process of finding a new place. By golly, it is difficult to get a rental management person to call you back. Lordy!  

After two long weeks of scouting, we may have found the perfect place.  3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath, eat in kitchen, CARPET!!! (I'll tell you how excited I am about that in a minute) There is a finished basement, a two car garage and a fenced back yard. Not to mention, it is very close to post! Woot!  I am so thankful that we found this place.  Tomorrow I will be going to check it out.  If we do end up getting it, I cannot wait to start decorating.  That is always the best part. 

I'm looking forward to the adventures to come. It's going to be quite an adventure at that, but fun none-the-less. Can't wait to fill you all in.