Week 3 pics

Today was the mark of week 3. Bootcamp is still going on, and I'm still going strong. I find that the weekends are harder to stay on track with my eating. Although, I still did okay it's just harder when I throw Joe into the mix. He doesn't discourage me, we are just generally so much busier and I have to be very concious of what we are doing and what I need to bring etc.

 a little side view

check out those squirt guns!! =)

Today at camp, we did a work out called, Boom Boom POW! I'm definitly feeling it this morning. We had to visit like 5 different stations and do various things at each. I will try to give you an example...station one: we had to keep our legs as straight as possible, bend down at the waist, walk our hands down into a push-up/plank positon, do two push-ups, and walk it back up. We had to do this to certain cones and when we got to the cones we had to do 2 sit-ups and start again! We had to do tons of things like this today! Let's just say my boom boom is POWED! =)

Jesus

The other day Owen picked up the Bible and started flipping through it. He sat and "read" it for like 5 minutes. When he was "reading" he would take his finger and go over each word, like Joe and I do when we read to him. I loved watching him do this, it was really cool. After a bit, he closed the Bible and said "All done!" I then asked him "Were you reading the Bible?" and he said "Yes, Mommy!" I asked him, "What were reading about?" and he looked at me like that was the silliest question he ever heard, and simply said "Jesus".

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT=OUCHIE!

Today's work out was called, Rules of Engagement. It was a lot of butt and legs this morning, and I am so feeling it already at 8:09.  We warmed up by running around all kinds of cones, running to a different station and doing jumping jacks or high knees, then to another station doing some kind of slow and controlled legs stretch, balancing thing. We did that like 3 or 4 times, and that was JUST the warm up!!

We then ran to the field and grabbed some bands and did so many different things with bands it's hard for me to recall them all. Some were putting the band around your ankle and doing squats, then lifting your leg out to the side. We would move the band around our knees and up to our thighs and do essentially the same thing over and over. We then had to run to the hill! We ran up and down the hill 3 or 4 times and the back to the field, and picked up our bands again. We put the bands around our wrists and got into push up plank position and had to slowly go across the field for like a 15 count! This killed me!!! Oh, and we did both sides!!! We did some biceps stuff with the bands, and then ran that dang hill again!! =) There were lots of squats, and crazy stuff! Like they say at camp "It's their duty to work our booties!"

All and all I am so enjoying this program. I am sore EVERYDAY, but I have  a more energy and I am feeling so good emotionally. I think it's amazing how God created our bodies. How in the moment of crazy hard exercise you think you will die, but by the time you get into your car and for the rest of your day, you feel AWESOME!

Fathers Day

We had a super easy going day on Fathers Day. We went to church, went to lunch at Panera Bread, came home and napped, then went to the pool! We LOVE our pool. I let Joe head over to pool for about 40 minutes before Owen and I got there, so he could read and just have some quiet moments. We have so much fun at the pool and are so thankful we have one!  Owen is such a fish in the water and loves it when both mommy and daddy are in the pool with him.  I love how Joe loves to play with Owen. Whether, it be cars and trains, or smashing bugs, or throwing him across the pool. Joe is is so good about being fun and adventurous. He is instilling so many fun boyish ways in Owen, and as a mom that is so fun to watch. Owen has a very special relationship with his daddy. He is is daddy's boy, and even though I have been known to be slightly jealous of that sweet love they have for one another...I would NOT have it any other way. One of my friends said that him being so close to Joe, and the way he responds and respects his dad was doing Owen's future wife a favor. =)

I love Joe. I love that he is the father to my son and future children. I love that we get to ride this journey of parenthood together. I wouldn't want to do it with any other person!!

Week 1 Pictures

So, here I am doing a brave thing. I'm posting pictures of what my upper body looks like after one week of bootcamp, I have quite the pooch in the stomach area, especially the lower stomach. BUT, after one week I feel like my stomach looks flatter than when I started. I can tell in most of my clothes, that they fit me better, and I have more room in some too. Sorry, boys (if there are boys who read this-other than my brother!) but one of the main areas that is disappering is my chest. Oh, how I waited so long to have some boobies, and now they are shrinking slowly before my eyes!! =) But, I will take a nice flat tummy and a leaner body all the way around for a smaller chest! One thing Joe has said is that my face is more slim, especially around my jaw and eyes. I hope to keep up with the pics so I can look back and see the changes, and progress I have made!!!

Good ol' fashion Summertime FUN!

Olivia came over and brought her sprinkler...

Eat eat eat!

While doing this crazy boot camp thing I am to eat better through out my days as well. I have a booklet that they gave me that gives me many helpful tips and I have to record what I eat everyday. They want us to eat as clean as possible. Basically taking out any refined sugars and junk we normally consume. They want me to eat lots of fruits and veggies, lean meats, and complex carbs. I have been eating six small meals a day. The instructors check our meals everyday before camp and answer any questions we have. If we happen to eat really poor ie: drink alcohol (as it's so dehydrating) sweets, or just whatever we want...we are "encouraged" to eat better next time with some extra push ups, running, or sit ups after camp!

I have had a perfect book this whole week. It hasn't been hard eliminating some of these things for me. I don't miss anything as of yet, the only thing that is killing me is the planning part. I'm lazy! So, I have been trying to do better that way. I also feel like every time I turn around I'm eating, and well I like to eat so that's fun! I am already seeing a difference in my stomach, it looks flatter-Joe commented this morning too!! I think it's my diet and the elimination of all the crap!

Here's what one of my days looked like:

Breakfast: Cup of Cheerios, with Skim Milk (7:45AM)

AM snack: Protein Shake w/ banana (10:30)

Lunch: ***my fave!** whole wheat tortilla, with hummus, two slices of turkey. I cut them into little pin wheels because it's more fun! DELICIOUS! Spinach Salad. (12:30)

Afternoon snack: Apple, String Cheese (3:00ish)

Dinner: Chicken, Broccoli, Cous Cous, and Cantaloupe (6:30

PM Snack: Slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter (8:30)

There you have it!

Dirty Dozen

OUCH!!!! Yesterday at camp we did the "Dirty Dozen" exsercise. We jogged to the field, got into our groups and just like that we got going, and did not stop for what felt like forever!! I can't remember all the different things we did, all I know is we did them fast and there was a lot of running in between. I remember: push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, planks, row boats, mountain climbers...I can't remember them all, but hopefully you get the idea. It was rough, it was the hardest I have pushed myself physically, and probably mentally, in a very long time. There was one time when I was holding a plank, trying to hold it for 12 counts, and trying to perfect my form; when I had a flash back to giving birth. Now you may think I am crazy for saying that, but that's where my mind and body was. I was SO determined and with the counting in the background, it allowed me to go back to that place just like that! Needless to say I'm sore this morning. When I rolled over in bed today and tried to get out I instantly felt it all over-in my legs, arms, stomach and especailly my back! Joe challenged me to try and sit up with out using my arms to help...OUCHIE!!

Today we have a day off. I slept until 7:15, my goal was to get up at 6:00. I heard the alarm, but ignored it. I wanted to savor my sleep! I will probably regret it tomorrow when 4:45 comes, but it was glorious to sleep in! I slept so good! We have homework assignments on days off. I think I'm going to do my 30 Day Shred Video, or do a bunch of sit-ups and push ups when Joe gets home. I did a great stretch session this morning, and it felt fabulous!! I will continue to stretch through out the day, my muscles thanked me earlier. =)

Operation Bootcamp

My friend Nicole is an instructor for a fitness boot camp called Operation Boot Camp. It's a 30 day intense work out program. You start at 5:30 in the morning and work out for 45 minutes with a ton of other people. I signed up! I have a handful of friends who have done the program and have seen great results and have had a ton of fun doing it. I decided to join to help get myself into better shape and to help jump start myself into a healthier lifestyle. It's not just working out, they want you to eat super clean too. More on that another day. During this time Joe is doing his own kind of work out thing every day as I go to camp. So, as a whole we are trying to make healthier decisions for our family! I was scared to sign up. I do not exercise and I have heard it's intense and that the instructors push you (in a loving way =)) They did! They were all awesome! One of my friends said something that was so true. She said this is just for me, just Jen time! I love that mentality of that!!

I will be blogging through the next 30 days of camp. I want to read about it and have record that I did this!! I will share my thoughts before camp, and after. I will post my stats and measurements, and maybe just maybe before and after pictures!! Sooooo stay tuned!!

On day one the newbies have an orientation talk. The instructors give you a chance to state your goals and they tell you their expectations of you. They give you tips on how to succeed and talk a lot about the food aspect. We then went to an area and did some cardio and some good stretches. They were super helpful and encouraging. We then ran a mile. Then we paired up and were timed on how many push ups, sit ups, and dips we could do in a minute. It was exhausting!!

Before Bootcamp I felt:
ANXIOUS! Tired-I did not sleep well the night before and 4:40 came very quick!

After Camp I felt:
Like I was going to barf! Sweaty...it was so humid out, even that early. Cooled down on the way home, took a shower and felt/feel great!!

Measurements:

Waist 32
Hips 39.5
Arms 11
Thighs 19

Stats:
Mile Run: 11:30 minutes
Push ups: (girl style) 12
Sit ups: 25
Dips: 12

My goals are to be able to run the mile without stopping to walk. I have not thought about a time yet, but no walking! To give up Dr. Pepper for the whole month. I have already been DP free for 8 days! To have perfect attendance and finish well!!!

Potty talk

We are in the thick of potty training. Owen has been showing signs for awhile, and tried a few months back, but ended up stopping as I felt he wasn't ready. Or, maybe I wasn't ready...On Sunday it hit me that I needed to try at it again. After our first attempt in underwear, and then me quitting, I received some good advice. A friend of mine told me she took both her kids potty after they woke up, before nap, after nap, before bathing and before bed, and anytime in between the kid asked. I followed this advice for pretty much two months, maybe not as rigid, but pretty close. I feel like it gave Owen the comfort he was needing, without any real pressure. If he went pee-he got big praises, and if not no big deal. Back to this past Sunday...I was changing O's diaper and as soon as I got it off he said "Potty, mommmy" and ran to the bathroom, and peed. When I started putting his diaper back on him, he got up again and said "more potty, mommy" and went some more. He knew what he was feeling, knew what to do, and I then knew what I needed to do.

I made a decision that Monday after breakfast we were going to do a WHOLE day in underwear.
Day 1: Owen had many accidents from the hours of 8-12. Who knew a kid could pee so much! After nap time he only had one accident until bedtime. It helped having Joe home with us, Owen loved the encouragement from both of us.
Day 2: Owen did great the first few hours of the morning. He was staying dry and holding his pee until the timer went off every 20 minutes. The later part of the morning we had 2 pee accidents and a poop. He WAS NOT HAPPY about the poop. Talk about traumatic. He ran and hid from me, and getting those yucky underwear off was no fun. It broke my heart seeing him so upset. I kept my cool, and lovingly told him that we don't poop in our underwear, that he had an accident and he "helped" me put the poop in the toilet.
Day 3: looked very similar, very few pee accidents and one poop accident. He was still very upset about the poop, and we are working through it. One thing I am noticing is his ability go longer and hold his pee. It helps I am controlling so much of his liquids too. I know if I give him about 6 ounces of milk or juice he is probably going to need to pee in about 20 minutes.
Today (Day 4) was a big day!! We ventured out of the house...FINALLY! I had him go pee before we left and I put a Pull Up on him. We talked about telling mommy when he needed to go pee when we are not at home, and headed out. I went to Target, made an exchange and bought him some more roo's, and headed to Costco for some chicken. When we got home Owen's Pull Up was dry and peed a ton on the potty!! SUCCESS! Even bigger his friend Olivia came to play and was with us for about 3 hours and Owen did not have one accident!! I think he's getting it!

I am kinda worried about the poop issue. Apparently a lot of kids have poop fear. So, I am just going to take that day by day, in face that's how I'm approaching this whole potty thing anyway...day by day. He's going to get it, he won't go to the bathroom in his pants until he's 45! I do kinda worry that he's not telling me that he needs to potty, he is just going when I tell him it's time to go, but at least he's somewhat understanding. It's a process. I process he's NEVER had to do.

I'm proud of him. He and I are both exhausted by the end of the day. This is one of the hardest things I have had to do as a parent. But, I will do it and try to do it joyfully. My husband has been everything I have needed through this process he's been both me and Owen's biggest cheerleader. It's a funny stage to be in...

He's a boy, and beats to his own drum!

WOW! Today...it was a hard one...

Owen and I signed up for a free class at a local kids gymnastics place. I was not impressed. First it is a ton of money to sign your kids up for a 2 month session. The computer didn't accept my online sign up, and there was confusion when I showed up. When I got it all figured out and went into the class it was very unfriendly. I signed up with a friend and her daughter so I was glad I had that going for me Owen, but it was still a little awkward. I guess I was hoping for some kind of hello or something??? Anyway, I felt like the worst parent there. Owen could not sit for more than 30 seconds and listen and do what was being asked of him. The class time was to look something like this: Play some instuments, sing a song, play with a parachute, sing some more songs, do some tumbling things with your kid, all while there was all kinds of fun balancing beams, jumping things around the kids to tempt them. There was time to play on these things but, it was structured. Owen was MUCH more interested in the fun things to play on, than ANYTHING the teacher wanted him to do, other than when it was time to run around the room! I was a little embarressed at first, but got over that. I know he's a boy. I know it's in a boy's nature to run and play, and to have them sit can be a challenge sometimes. I also know that this is something I need to help Owen accomplish a little better. He struggles in this area. When we do story time, he is the kid running around and not sitting in the circle. When we did music class he was that same kid. It makes me wonder what we are doing wrong. It makes me compare him to other kids in the room who are doing these things and loving it. It makes me not want to do anything that is organzied for him.

I called my friend Jen and told her to tell me I was a good mom! I explained to her what my morning had looked like, I shared my concerns with her, and got a little teary too. She helped me realize that Owen can/will sit and read books in my lap (sometimes 20 books if I let him) and he can handle a 2-3 minute time out. He has the listening skill, and he is fine. He's two years old and he's a boy. Is that an excuse? I don't think so. I'm aware of what needs to be worked on, and I know he will get there. I think I should keep trying. I dont think I need to compare him to other kids. THAT IS SO NOT FAIR!!!! I am so sorry my sweet love bug, that I went there this morning! Why do I do this? Am I the only mom who feels like this? I think I put some high expectations on him sometimes, and I just need to chill out a little. Again, he does need to learn certain skills, but he will get there...he is only two.

I love how he loves to have fun. I do not want to rob him of that! I do have to say he had a blast playing on all the different gym stuff. He has the best smile and sweetest laugh. And if that is all he got out of today, then great!

This picture makes me smile...

I love how his little under roos are up his one cheek! And no we are not potty training at the moment...