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Monday, December 31, 2012

New Years Resolutions: Fitness

Whew! The holidays are such a busy time for everyone! My family was here the for the week of Christmas and we had such a nice visit. It's always hard living away from family, so it's really nice that they take the time to come and visit us!!

My kids got *guinea pigs* for Christmas! Dad is pretty thrilled about them, while Mom is still getting used to them! ;) The kiddos sure do love them though!!!

It's that time of year again! The time of year  that we make all sorts of goals, and try to keep them through out the year!  After reading about some other great bloggers and their fitness journeys, I really wanted to try it out.  Erica Bohrer has a great post on working out and her fitness journey. That is what inspired me to get started. So back in October, when my hubby was deployed, I started working out again. I typically do this every deployment. Gives me something to focus  on. In the past, I would just do cardio, and I would see results. This time, that wasn't cutting the mustard! When I signed up, the gym offered  a few free personal training sessions. Going into it, I knew, if the trainer was not able to handle my personality...I would never stick to it! I've heard all of these horror stories about having personal trainers who do not know their stuff, so I was verrrrrry nervous!!!  I got so lucky to find a great trainer who keeps me in check. The best part about this, is that my trainer is a Christian, so in  between lifts and squats, we are usually talking about random scriptures or bible stories.  So I am now about 10 weeks into this, and am seeing results! I have to admit, I was expecting the weight to just "melt" off....and when that didn't happen, I would get extremely frustrated! The crazy thing is that I would see a difference in my clothes before I would ever see the number on the scale go down. I typically lose about a pound a week, and at first,  this was driving me crazy! But, once I saw how fast I was losing pant sizes, I decided to *finally* listen to what my trainer was telling me. Because of the type of exercise we are doing, I am gaining muscle. Even though I've heard this a million times from so many people, when you are working so hard to acheive something, and don't feel like you are getting results, it's only natural to get frustrated. So here's where I'm at 10 weeks in:

*Down 7.5% of body fat
*Down 3 jeans sizes
*Down  just about 10 lbs.

AND I didn't gain any weight over Christmas! So I am super excited! So for my New Year's Resolution, I want to continue my fitness journey!

Here is my progess in pictures:

Here are a few  eating tips that I try to remember EACH day!!!


One of my high school teacher's used to tell us "A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips"!! This is something I try and remember EVERY day!!!!

I drink a TON of water a day! I drink at least a gallon a day, sometimes close to a gallon and a half.


My *biggest* struggle is FOR SURE  avoiding the SODA! I am a HUGE Dr. Pepper fan! So far, I've been 5.5 weeks free and clear :)

I limit my eating out as much as posisble. Even though most resturants offer low calorie options, the sodium is usually pretty high. So I try very hard to avoid eating out.  I always have healthy snacks with my while I'm on the go.

A few of my favorite healthy snacks:
*100 calorie packs of Almonds
*Apples
*Greek Yogurt

I don't know about y'all, but the texture of Greek Yogurt drives me insane! I can't eat it right with a spoon. So I make a easy smoothie that's about 275 calories!



Another big difference, is switching all breads and flours to WHOLE GRAINS. Everything in our house is now whole grains!
My husband still eats whatever he wants, so often I find myself cooking two meals. I know for most of us, this is difficult. But for us, it works. Most of my meals, I make ahead of time so that I'm prepared and don't binge eat.


When my family starts to eat junk, I go on Pinterest and pin healthy things :) It keeps my mind off of the JUNK!! You can follow my Pinterest boards HERE!
Workouts:
I work out 6 days a week. I do three pure cardio days. The other 3 days are a mixture of cardio and strength training. You know what my favorite day is? My heavy strength day! I NEVER thought I would enjoy lifting so much...but it's so much fun. For me, it's about looking at something and thinking "I could never do that" and then seeing myself accomplish it!!! I have a few videos, but I'm too shy to post them, maybe I'll work up the courage later ;)
So what is your current fitness routine? Or what do you is your new fitness plan? Having a plan makes it so much easier to stick to it!!!
Be sure to head on over to
Mrs Wills Kindergarten! She has a few ways to add fitness  into your classroom! I love her ideas!

One of my favorite new items that I JUST got is my heart monitor!!! I love the Polar FT4! Of course, I *HAD* to have it in pink ;) I love it because it tracks your heart rate, calories burned, and the time of your training. Once you are finished training, it gives specific details of your training session. For example, if you worked out for 1 hour, it will tell you how long of that 1 hour, your heart rate was "in zone". Here is the one that I have--



In honor of New Year's, I'm throwing a Sale at my TpT Store!
Now is a great time to stock up onWinter-Literacy-Center-Packet-8-Centers




Till Next Time

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Wrap Up The End Of The Year Sale!

Hey Everyone! I'm linking up with DeAnne from First Grade and Fabulous with a end of the year sale!
 
This is a great time to stock up on some holiday units!!  Head on over and check out my Santas-Helper-Literacy-and-Math-Center-Fun-10-Centers Packet! This packet is great for differeniated instruction!! It includes 10 Centers and Word Wall Cards!!
 
 
*Stocking Up For Compound Words
*He's Making A List {Sentence Editing Center}
*Here Comes Santa Claus {Sight Word Game}
*Guess The Present {Long/Short O Word Sort}
*Holly Jolly Sentence Scramble
*ABC Order Center
*Let It Snow Yes or No {Synonyms and Antonyms}
*Tis The Season For Contractions
*December Themed Word Wall Cards
Math:
*Tis The Season for Addition
*Holly Jolly Number Words
 
*Winter Vowel Word Sort
Sort the words by long and short vowels. I included two versions of this for differentiated instruction. One version includes pictures, the other does not.
*Parts Of Speech are "Snow" Much Fun!
Sort the words by nouns,verbs and adjectives
*Winter ABC Order
*I Can Make Words:Winter Edition
*Frosty For Synonyms
*Antonym Word Sort
*Winter Real/Nonsense Compound Words
 
 
 
Here are a few of my BEST Sellers that are also on sale!!!!
R Controlled Vowels Literacy Packet!
Includes:
* four word sorts
*seven ABC Order centers, two sets for each center
(with recording sheets)
*BINGO Center with 8 different boards!
*R Controlled Vowel word list posters
 

 
This packet contains printables for practicing number order and skip counting.
 
 

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Preparing for Winter

This *Texas* Family is starting to feel very outta place up here in VA!!! We are NOT used to this cold weather! It's so funny, because our kids are only used to "light" jackets. We had to go and buy real, heavy, jackets recently, and they were so confused! Now that's starting to cool down, they are starting to understand :) To say we miss Texas, would be an understatement!!!! But we are making it work here!  We are just glad to all be together for a while. You just never know what the Navy has in store!!

God has been working so much in our lives. Since we've moved, I have yet to find a teaching position. It's been nice staying home with my kids, and helping my son with his school work. A lot of my creations lately, are projects he needed.

So few positions posted lately, and then all the sudden, I get a few phone calls! Say a prayer for me as this week I have job interviews!! I am SO excited and nervous!


My little firstie LOVES Frosty The Snowman! So I created THIS packet to work with him over winter break. The neat thing is, this packet can be used from now until February!

This packet contains 8 Literacy Centers PLUS Word Wall Cards!

*Winter Vowel Word Sort
Sort the words by long and short vowels. I included two versions of this for differentiated instruction. One version includes pictures, the other does not.
*Parts Of Speech are "Snow" Much Fun!
Sort the words by nouns,verbs and adjectives
*Winter ABC Order
*I Can Make Words:Winter Edition
*Frosty For Synonyms
*Antonym Word Sort
*Winter Real/Nonsense Compound Words

I am using the word wall cards for a variety of things. I am going to place them around and have him do sort of a "Read/Write The Room" type of activity. 

This packet is on sale for the next 24 hours, so head on  over and check it out HERE!

Next week, We are going to watch the Polar Express for our family Movie Night! I've already printed and started laminating for our after school centers. I am using Katie from Queen of The First Grade Jungle newest creation All-Aboard-A-Polar-Express-Mini-Unit! I am in LOVE with this unit! It has so many things that I can use, just at home!


Anyways, even though I'm not in the classroom right now, I am still teaching! Every single day! My own children are perhaps THE most important students I'll ever have. I do still wish that I can somehow get back into the classroom soon. I sure do miss so many things about teaching in a school setting. God has a plan, and I will just have to wait and see what that is!

Till Next Time:)


Monday, November 26, 2012

Christmas Sight Word FREEBIE and a MEGA SALE!

post signature If you have not checked out the MEGA Sale happening at TpT,  you still have time to hurry over and check it out!!! 


Right now, I'm working hard with my own little one with sight words. He picked out the graphics, and I added the words :)



Click HERE for your FREEBIE!

Till Next Time :)



Saturday, November 24, 2012

Cyber Monday & Tuesday Sale!

It's the BEST shopping time of the year! I don't know you've heard, but TpT is having a huge Sale this weekend!!! Be sure to stop by My TpT Store!!


Button Courtesy of Ashley-Hughes-

Some of my *Best* Blogging buddies have linked up so be sure to check out all the great products out there! I am clearing out my wish list and loading up my shopping cart! Can't wait to share all of my finds with you!

Hope everyone has an AMAZING Thanksgiving!!!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Stuffed With Thankful Thoughts Linky

I thought I would take a break for a minute this morning and talk about a few of the things I am thankful for!


1.First and Foremost I am thankful for my Lord and Savior! He has blessed me beyond measures and I am so thankful that I found him! He is my rock, and guides me every single day :)


2.I don't talk about my hubby *that* much, do I??!?! I know I am often talking about his career, and our life as a military family. But there is SO much more to this man than that! He is a loving husband, father and my best friend. He makes me laugh when I feel like crying.  He's a strong, christian man.  Our idea of date night..is going to sporting goods store, or to the shooting range! We've been married for 7.5 years and I am so blessed to have him in my life. We met in such a crazy, unlikely way, and still fell in love! We have a beautiful family together and I'm so grateful. 


3. I am SO very thankful for my children! I have two *precious* children who literally light up my world! They keep me on my toes and constantly keep our world turning :)  I love them more than life itself and could not IMAGINE my life without them. I was made to me a mother!
4. My FAMILY! Parents, Siblings, Aunts & Cousins! My In Laws- Kevin and Emily-Simply wonderful people! Y'all are AMAZING!  They love me for *ME* and have ALWAYS been there for me :) Love Each and EVERY One of you *MORE* than you know!



5.. My *BEST* Friends! I have some of the BEST friends a girl could have! I miss y'all OH SO MUCH!!! All of my girls & Josh are simply the best friends I could ever ask for! I love you all!  


6. BLOGGING BUDDIES! I can't imagine blogging with out your help and support :) Seriously..amazing people and teachers! So LUCKY to have come in contact with~!
7. I am thankful that I am about to head to a place I like to call pure *heaven*...aka The MOUNTAINS! Can't wait to get up there and disconnect from the world a little bit!

8. AND FINALLY.. I am SO VERY Thankful to live in a country that is FREE! I am thankful for the men and women who defend our FREEDOM every single Day! We owe so much to our military! Thank them EVERY Chance you get!!!


whew! I'm done now :) Thanks for stopping by!

Till Next Time :)








Friday, November 16, 2012

FLASH Freebie!

Hey Everyone!


I wanted to offer my Contraction-Action mini packet for FREE until tonight at 9 PM EST! Hurry on over and grab it while you can!

If you are working on contractions..here are some other GREAT resources!

 Contractions-As-Easy-As-Pumpkin-Pie

Christmas-Literacy-Center-Packet


Contractions-Cards-Set-2-32-Multiple-Choice-Cards-for-Spelling-Contractions

Crazy-For-Contractions


Till Next Time :)


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