We now eat primarily organic foods, and have changed from a meat and taters family, to meat being consumed just a few nights a week. We eat a lot more fresh fruits and veggies, but the fact that it’s almost summer doesn’t hurt either – I’d venture to say we always swing in a healthier direction at this time. When we eat carbs (which isn’t often anymore) we typically stick to grains such as quinoa or wild rice. This Italian family rarely eats pasta anymore, but as many tummy issues as it was giving me, I can’t say I crave it. Now when we do have it, we eat whole wheat organic, and I don’t have any issues, which is good thing. A very good thing.

When we do date night, or if I go out with the girls, I typically just get what I want. I have a glass of wine (sometimes two!), and try to avoid pasta. Everything else is fair game. I don’t do this often, and honestly when I do, I see no change on the scale or with my energy. I finally feel like my body isn’t in panic mode 24/7.

I try to blend one meal a day, with lunch being the best for me. Although sometimes I’ll do a smoothie as brunch, then eat a snack before dinner. I have to admit, I’m not blending every day any more. Organic fruits and veggies are expensive, and I’m back in the mindset that I should save them for the kids. It’s totally irrational, because truth be told they don’t eat through everything we buy, but you can just add that to my list of crazy.

I’ve lost a little bit more weight, and I’m down to 232.4. I don’t feel as light and energetic as I did when I weighed more (but was blending more), so I’m needing to get back on the blending cart to help get some of my energy back.

I am definitely having more good days than bad, however if I miss a day of my meds, it almost guarantees a bad day. My period also guarantees a bad day (or two, or three). Therefore, there’s no chance at this point I can come off the Plaquenil (for my Lupus) or my Synthroid (for my Hashimotos). My hormones are a huge player in this game.

I’ve also developed Plantar Fascitis, which is awesome. I’ve always have pretty flat feet, but they became more arched after I had kiddos. I’ve always been a flip-flop or barefoot kinda girl, so I guess I only have myself to blame. I’ve switched to grandma-style supportive shoes (even in the house!), but I suppose it goes with the grandma get-up I wear while in the sun, so it’s all good.

All in all, things are good. Summer is almost here, and we’ve been pushing Monkey hard to finish strong. She seems to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel a bit more, and has been getting back to the sweet girl who started the year. In the last week, I’ve gotten a couple of texts and emails from various moms in our classroom letting me know something sweet Monkey has done that helped their child in some way. Her empathy has returned, and I can see a change when she’s with her brother too. Which really is perfect timing since they are going to be spending the next two months with each other!

The Skinny:

Energy is good, but not great. I need to get my act together and start blending again if I want that to change.

I’m still down on weight, with a total weight loss of 16.6lbs since April 1.

I hear Daddy saying more and more that I’m having a ‘snarky day’ so I must be feeling good!

I love you all more than my luggage.

Thank you, S family, for sharing M’s special day with me!  I will let you know once your images are complete!

Now that just makes me giggle …

There were so many more I wanted to share, but I want to put the finishing touches on them first, and allow the M family an opportunity to have the first peek.

Thank you, M family, for once again including me in your memories.  I am truly honored.

Check out what fun we had:

Thank you, K family, for trusting me with your memories!  I’ll have your full set of edited images available for preview soon.

The good news is, I haven’t gained any weight back. I’ve dealt with mama-drama and did not have a flare-up. I’ve been able to be more active and have felt pretty good overall.

The bad news is, I have been eating like a rabbit, and haven’t lost any additional weight. I had my girlie time and gained a pound, but lost it as soon as Aunt Flo high-tailed it outta here!

After getting a small sun burn at the Mother’s Day Mini-Sessions, I slept all day Sunday. That is one of the ways my body reacts after sun, so no progress on the sun stuff. I’ve also had less energy overall since that sun exposure.

I have been having a smoothie every morning for breakfast, always including spinach and fruit. My lunches are either a smoothie, or veggies (or both!). We have reduced our intake of animal protein to just 2-3 times a week. It’s been hard to come up with meal ideas, and Monkey is starting to push back a bit on the veggies. She’s always been a great veggie eater, so we’ll see if it continues. I think she’s feeling a bit deprived – she is my chocolate dessert loving kiddo.

The Skinny:

I’m feeling ok, but I think I can feel better. I’m not gaining or losing weight at this point. I’m considering spending the first week of each month in a fast. We’ll see!

I love you all more than my luggage.

Monkey had a chance to talk about the journal that is taken home every night by a different kiddo, and her page of writing was shown up on the big screen as an example of their writing progression.

She wanted to dress up that day, but sprung it on me at the last minute, and most of her dresses are fancy, so she ended up wearing shorts.  I felt a bit bad during the meeting because most of the girls had dresses on.  I hope she didn’t notice, but being as she usually doesn’t give a rip what she’s wearing, I’m guessing she probably did notice this time.

Without further ado, he’s a few from the day:

This next one cracks me up because Rafe, the little boy in the picture, is  known around these parts for being a little comedian.  I wonder what he said just before I snapped this … clearly they are up to no good.

Have I mentioned we are down to less than 30 days of school left?!

Monkey and I can’t wait to blow that popsicle stand.

Daddy started his 10 day reboot, seems to be feeling well, and has already lost 5lbs. How awesome is that?!

I have gained 1.5 lbs since I’ve started eating raw foods again, but it’s also almost my girlie time, so that was expected. I’ve stuck with all raw foods, with the exception of baked sweet potatoes, and my salad had feta on it last night and I didn’t pick it off.

Other than that, lots of veggies and fruits. I’m still blending in the morning for breakfast, and I plan to stick with that long-term. I’m not really making meals yet – just having raw things here and there when I’m hungry.

I’m hoping to get more settled into meal planning over the next couple of days.

The Skinny:

I’m blending in the morning, and sometimes for dinner. Other than blending, I’m eating raw, whole, organic foods.

I feel pretty good, and have energy to get through my day. I’m tired at night, but not sleeping great – I wake up at night with sore hips.

Weight: 235.3 (total weight loss 13.7lbs)

I love you all more than my luggage.

I broke my fast with a peppered tomato, and it was delish. After two roma tomatoes and a few of Daddy’s sweet potato fries I felt very full.

I got up this morning and I’m having a green smoothie to make sure take in my daily nutrients.

Daddy started his cleanse today, so I’m hoping to make lunch my raw food, then I’ll blend again at dinner time.

So far, feeling good, and the transition seems to be fine as far as my tummy is concerned.

The Skinny:

I ended the fast feeling well. I’m not 100% sure I’m ready to take on food challenges yet, but that’s why I have God in my corner. I’m relying heavily on His guidance at this point, because I know I am weak, and I know this is the point at which many people fail. I cannot be one of those people. My babies mean too much to me.

Weight: Ended the fast at 233.6. (15.4 lbs total weight loss)

I love you all more than my luggage.

I knew it would be a hard day. The kids woke us up super early to hunt for eggs and find out what the Easter Bunny left them. My sweet Monkey knows how we have all been working to get healthy, but her sweet tooth is still her favorite tooth, so this year she asked for a ‘healthier sometimes treat’. The Easter Bunny brought her yogurt covered raisins, books and a miniature Build-A-Bear. She was thrilled. It was nice not to feel obligated to include a bunch of sweets. How brain-washed am I that believe holidays revolve around sweet treats?

Daddy made breakfast and I took a quick nap before church. I blended my green smoothie on the way out of the door and enjoyed it during worship. The music was fantastic! Very uplifting, and just when I went to bed last night feeling totally burned out on the cleanse, God renewed me. Isn’t that what Easter is all about? Renewal. I love it.

We then headed to my sisters, Vitamix and fruits in tow. She made a delicious smelling dinner, and as tempted as I was, I knew it would not be a good way to break a fast. Spinach dip, cheesy potatoes, buttery beans, glazed ham and bread – such a yummy way to go … But I knew if I had even a taste at this stage, I’d be right back where I started or worse. I sat in the living room because I’m just too weak – I knew I’d cave with just a nibble. I am so thankful that everyone was so understanding. I could see a lot of people not getting it – especially since we come from an Italian-food-is-love kind of background.

We played a quick game while dessert was served and then we had to say our goodbyes. Caterpillar is back at school tomorrow, Daddy’s back at work and it’s Monkey’s last day of break – and my last fast day! It shall be a busy day, and I’m already wiped.

I hope you enjoyed the day with your loved ones!

The Skinny

I felt a little tired today, but not fatigued. I think the EB just stayed up too late, and got up too early. I felt bloated on my way home – bloat by association?!

Weight: 234.4 (14.6 lbs total weight loss)

I love you all more than my luggage.

It’s not that it has reached a point where I’m not succeeding on it, because I do continue to feel good. I’m just bored with veggie and fruit smoothies, which leads to me not making them because I’m completely uninspired … Which leads to me not eating at all. No bueno

While I appreciate that I won’t be eating actual food with the fam tomorrow, I am bummed that I won’t be breaking my fast tomorrow. The resurrection connection isn’t lost on me.

Other then that, it was a good day. I had lots of energy and I even tolerated the wind to watch Monkey ride her bike like a pro.

The Skinny:

I felt good today! Lots of energy, but a bit frustrated emotionally.

Weight: 235 (14lbs total weight loss)

I love you all more than my luggage.