Project 365-Week 13

Here is a peek at our week.

Sunday



People hanging around talking after group. I am so thankful for all of these people!

Monday

Do you know what this is?



This would be gum in a certain 3 year old's hair soaking in vinegar. And yes, vinegar works. Something about it loosens the gum. We've used it more than once on hair and even on clothes.

Tuesday

CRAZY DAY...



It was crazy dress up day at Ella's school today. Could she have on any more patterns or colors?!

Wednesday



What is so special about this picture? It is the gentleman in the picture that really makes it special. This is Mr. Rick. Mr. Rick was Bryce's table leader at church Kdg-3rd grade and now he is Ethan's. Mr. Rick baptized Bryce and has such a special place in our family. He and his wife Connie, are always supporting, praying for and encouraging our kids.



Mr. Rick saw Bryce and Ethan out shooting hoops on his way home from work, so he stopped to play a game of "horse" with them. Thank you Mr. Rick!! You made their day and mine!!

Thursday

Tonight was our school corporations spell bowl. Each elementary school sends a team of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to compete. Bryce has been on the team all 3 years and they were the champions last year. Could they repeat?



Yes they did!! It took a spell off, but they won!! Congratulations Bryce!!

Friday

Kyla received this umbrella from a Bible study friend and she won't put it down. She has even been sleeping with it!!



Saturday

Usually when the girls have their baths, I dry their hair, but Daddy was in demand tonight! I would say she looks like she is enjoying it!!



That's a glimpse at the week here. How has your week been?

Frumpy Friday

Have you ever been in a situation where the more you succeed the more insecure you become? That's this week's Frumpy Friday post. Now before you read on, I want to urge you to have an open mind to what I'm saying. Some of you may read this and think, "Well, wish I had that problem." Others may read it and relate. I want to share it because it has been part of my weight loss journey.

As I have the shared the last couple of weeks, I have lost quite a bit of weight since last May. The weight started coming off slow and steady, about 10 pounds a month. Then in late October, early November, it really started coming off. Keep in mind I was doing nothing different as far as exercise or eating, it is just how my body was responding.

Many people had noticed and complimented my changes. It was encouraging at first. As more weight began to come off I started to get some really interesting comments. I had people asking if I had surgery, or if I was still eating. I had one friend ask me if I was really ok, because a lot of people were worried that I was getting too skinny.

The amount of attention was bizarre and started to make me V.E.R.Y self-conscious. If I took an extra bite of something, I found myself wondering if I had just gained all of the weight back. I was asking a couple of very trusted friends if I looked ill or emaciated. All of the attention was having a very negative effect. As a society, women in particular, we think if we just lose that extra weight we'll be so much more confident, etc. This was making me totally insecure.

And here was the eye opening moment for me. I confessed to some of those trusted friends that I could understand how people could develop eating disorders. All of the focus went on my appearance or size and the perceived pressure to stay that way. Before my weight loss I felt confident in myself. Most people would describe me as outgoing, a leader, etc. I am still those things but I started letting things creep in like, "Now they notice me because I am thinner." "If I gain the weight back, they won't like me as much." What a LIE!!

Why do we do this to ourselves? Why must we always be comparing? Why do we let the enemy get this foothold in our lives?

Please don't misunderstand...compliments are nice. It is encouraging to have your hard work noticed. But the bottom line is that my ultimate approval and encouragement needs to come from God alone. This could have so easily become a pit of obsession for me, and I'll be honest, there are still days that it tries to win. Praise God that I have Him, His Word and trusted friends and family to keep me accountable.

Here is a picture with some of those trusted friends back in November. We were leaving to go see Beth Moore. Thank you Lord for the blessing of people who shoot straight and bring your insight to my life. Do you have that in yours? Because no matter what size you are...you are loved! You are His and you are chosen. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise!!!

Project 365-Week 12

Week 12 has been a warm and sunny week for the most past, and we enjoyed it! Here's a glimpse around the Yoder house this week.

Sunday

I finally wore these shoes today. Only, I didn't think about the fact that I had to sing at all 3 morning services and at the PS service that evening. 8 hours in these...



..made these feel really good!



(And yes, I need to polish my toes!!)

Monday

Today we had a luncheon at Ella's school honoring one of the teachers, Mrs. Marsh. (we do this each month for a different teacher) Each luncheon has a different theme, food, etc according to that teacher's liking. The woman who organized this one focussed on chocolate and set up this chocolate cafe that each teacher filled a goodie bag from.



Ella also learned how to make a volcano out of vinegar and baking soda.



Daddy helping her.



Success!!

Tuesday

It was a gorgeous day today!! We ran errands and then were outside as much as we could be.



Modeling new shoes.



Spinning in Miss Michelle's backyard while Bryce was in piano lessons.



Swinging and reading while Bryce was in his lesson.



And this is Blue-Do. Very special friends, Shaun and Kylie got this for Ella for Valentine's Day when she was around 18 months. She took a special liking to him, named him, loved him and still carries him around at 5 1/2. He is special!

Wednesday

Happy St. Patrick's Day! In honor of the day, I got the kids these....



Shamrock Shakes! My mom used to get these for me all of the time when I was little. I would always be so excited for March to come so we could get them. I didn't have one this year, since Jillian would not approve, but the kids sure enjoyed them and I enjoyed sharing the memory!

Thursday

Another beautiful day could only mean one thing...



Swinging!!



And one crazy puppy running.



...and running!



Friday

What in the world could these pants mean?



You can go here to find out.

We also went to eat & play with great friends tonight! After we ate the kids were all playing so the adults played too. This is what we did.



Beatles Rock Band! So much fun!!

Saturday

I went shopping at the outlet mall in Michigan city with Carrie today. Of course I forgot to take a picture there. It was freezing, windy and kept shifting from rain to snow. Yucky day for walking outside! Anyway, came home and saw this in a parking lot...



You should have heard these gulls squawking! I am sure they were saying, "What happened to the nice, sunny weather?!"

Hope you have had a super week!!!

Frumpy Friday

In my last Frumpy Friday post I showed you what I looked like a year ago and gave some of the basic changes I made.

One of the biggest changes was really pressing in to God. My previous habit was when I was stressed or emotional about something, food was my comfort. It usually wasn't a huge binge, but something going in my mouth. I really needed to become deliberate when those emotional feelings would come on.

I tried something new, instead of sticking something in my mouth, I would let something out of my mouth. Sometimes a prayer for strength, a word or song of praise and to keep it real, pleading to change my taste buds from liking M&M's so much! But the things coming out were to God, about God and for Him. It sounds almost too simple but it was hard!

The more I did it, the easier it became. It started to become my Holy Habit. (I've been studying Daniel and boy does he have a Holy Habit!) The amazing thing was, my taste buds really did change. I could go to Dairy Queen and not begrudge anyone, because I really didn't want it. I could eat one M&M and savor that taste and it was enough. God did some amazing things!

The thing about weight loss or anything else that we need help with is that we can not just stop doing "the thing" without replacing it with something else. My pastor has really been emphasizing this in messages and it's true. If I just focus on the "no" then I feel restricted, penalized and can become resentful. If I focus on the "yes" or the replacement, I am liberated, free and can see benefits. I don't feel boxed in by what I can't do anymore.

My family can attest to the change in me and Glory to God, so can I!
So here is a picture of the one item of clothing I have kept from the larger size. These are the jeans that I had on in that picture last March.



Now look what fits it these jeans.



I want to emphasize that this has NEVER been about numbers or a size for me. We don't even have a scale in our house. It was, and is, about being healthy and energetic for myself and my family. The best thing has been the discipline that God has so lovingly given me. I still have rough days, but God is still there to help, guide and shape.

Tune in next week for some more pictures!!

Project 365- Week 11

Week 11 was enjoyed as we had sun so many days this week!! Somehow, the sun always makes everything better, doesn't it? Enjoy a peek at my week...

Sunday

Reese has gotten used to many things, but there is one thing that he still does not like....



He thinks the vacuum is his enemy. I have given him treats with it on and off, moving and still, but he still barks his head off and attacks it.

Monday



Grammie and Grandpa came up tonight so they could watch the Notre Dame women's basketball game. The girls convinced Grammie to play a game of Life. On a related note, the Life game they sell now is so much different then the one I used to play. I think I like the old way better.

Tuesday

Do you know what this is?



As Ella so eloquently put it, "It's the cone of shame!" (she learned that from UP) Reese was neutered today and they sent him home with this on. He couldn't eat because it wouldn't allow his head to the bowl and he kept hitting it on the ground and startling himself. At discharge they said he needed to wear it for 2 weeks and not run or jump during that time. All I can say is, we are not following the discharge orders but he is happy and fine.

Wednesday

Over the weekend we found that our van had a leaky radiator and by leaky I mean there was nothing left in it and we had to keep putting water in. (Auto maintenance is not a strong suit in our house) Took it in to be repaired and after being without it all day I was thankful to have it back again!



Thursday

Another nice day and the girls wanted to go for a drive....



I guess they are never too young to start! :)

Friday

Ethan went to a friend's birthday party tonight and the theme was gross things. What could make a group of 7 & 8 year old boys happier? This is the goody bag they sent home and a few of the goodies from it.



Funny side note. They were playing a game where you had to dig through intestines (cold spaghetti) looking for "body parts". The birthday boy got so grossed out while doing it that he actually threw up. How is that for irony!!

Saturday (2 today)

This first picture is an update. Remember in this post when I talked about going bald and the special stuff I am using? Well today I went to get my haircut and my stylist said I actually have new growth and that my hair felt much thicker. I can't tell yet, but it made me happy!



A very special friend brought me this bracelet today. It was so very sweet of her and a great reminder to believe and remember that God is always there. Thanks Jamie!



Hope you've had a great week!

Frumpy Friday

I have had some comments and questions about my weight loss, so I decided to do a couple of posts on it.
I have always had body issues. I developed early and was very curvy. I remember thinking I was "fat" in high school and even having a loved one tell me I was. When I went to college I gained more than the "freshman 15". I dieted off and on, trying to slim down for my wedding. Then there were four babies and truth be told, I didn't want to work hard to get in shape, just to get pregnant again.
Last May I decided that I needed to do something. My very good friend Carrie had made a life change due to finding she was insulin resistant. I had not been "diagnosed" that way, but my dad was a brittle diabetic so I knew it could benefit me to try the change too.
I had to eliminate many things. This way of eating focused on protein, no more than 50 total carbs per meal and no more than 12 grams of sugar in a food item. If it had more than 12 grams, then it was considered a "poison" and I could only eat one "poison" a week. One a day would've been tough enough, but one a week?!
Those first few weeks were brutal! I am an emotional eater and nothing made me feel better than rich, yummy foods. I knew I couldn't do this on my own, so I prayed. You know what? God cared enough to help!!
I also started exercising at the same time, using Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. I loved that I could do it in the privacy of my own home and that it was only 20 minutes. I thought, "I'm worth 20 minutes!"
So here is a picture of me that was taken in March of last year.....



Here is a picture of Carrie and me together in March.....



Tune in next Friday to see some more of the transformation and hear more about how God has disciplined me through this. Finding my comfort and peace in Him, instead of a bag of peanut M&M's!

Project 365-Week 10

Week 10!! Double digits, wow! I have had a fun week and hope you enjoy seeing a glimpse of it!

Sunday



Ethan was Star Attraction this week in his class. (he's in 1st grade) He chose a few pictures for a poster and had to fill out a sheet about himself. When I was looking over what he wrote I was struck by what he put was the best thing about him.



"The best thing about me is I have faith." Yes my little guy you do and it is a great reminder to me about how faithful God is!

Monday

I heard a loud noise today and yelled out to everyone, "What was that?!" When I went investigating this is what I found.



We have a small refrigerator downstairs that is stocked with water and soda. I noticed the door was opened a bit and this was the result. Diet Vanilla Pepsi was the culprit. It blew the top clean off.



Apparently some little fingers had been in the fridge and turned the cold setting all the way up. The can could only handle so much frozen soda!

Tuesday

The sun was out today and Ella went outside. After a while this is what we found.



She built this all by herself and was so proud! She built him facing the house so she could wave at him from inside!

Wednesday

Special day today. You can check this post for the full detail.



Our special drinks. Vanilla phosphate for Kevin and a Green River for me.



Standing in the South Side Soda Shop 20 years after our first date. (As a fun side note, South Side Soda Shop was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network a few years ago. Great place!)

Thursday



I'm in the second half of our Daniel study. Can I just say that my head is close to exploding?! I am so thankful to be able to study the Word and learn!!

Friday



These gorgeous shoes can mean only one thing! It was bowling night!! Our worship team gets together every year to go bowling and to Brunos's for pizza. Bruno's is a local place that makes the B.E.S.T. pizza!! There salad is super yummy too. Here's a look...





Saturday

I want to introduce you to a sorely missed friend...



Oh sun, I am so happy to see you! You are welcome to stream through my front door anytime. I wanted to curl up on the steps and just feel the warmth!! Please remind me of this when I am complaining of how hot I am this summer!

That's my week! On a future posting note, I have received a few comments about my weight loss, some asking for pictures and how I did it. I will be sharing some of the journey starting this week, so check back if you're curious.

Have a super week!!