Staying Motivated

My goal for this week was to lose 5 more pounds and keep my body moving as well as keeping my family moving.  I have lost 4 pounds this week so I am a little shy of my goal but it just makes me want to work harder this next week.  I am determined to lose 20 more pounds within the next 30 days.  I have been staying on plan pretty well and exercising every day.  It seems that the closer I get to my final goal the harder it is to actually lose the pounds. 

 We are now on a roll with our regular summer family bike rides.  Yesterday we decided to pack a picnic basket and take it the park.  We went for a two hour bike ride which ended up back at the park for our little picnic.  It is wonderful family time with the kiddos and I am chalking up those mommy memory moments that I love so much.  It also gives all of us the opportunity to get out in the sunshine and get some exercise.

 It has definitely been a busy week.  This was the first week of summer vacation for my kiddos. Coming up with activities for them to do every day while they are home has taken some creative thinking.  I have planned an activity for them to do each day of the week to keep them entertained without sitting in front of the television or the video games all day long.  I am still looking for other suggestions as we need to fill their days for the rest of the summer and it needs to be something that they can do mostly on their own (unsupervised).  Adrianna has been very responsible and proving that she can be home during the day like other 12 year olds and not confined to Day Care.  I am intensely proud of her. 

 JD and I had to drive down to my mom’s place to deliver a table.  I have found that taking every opportunity to spend some quality time together strengthens our relationship and we truly enjoy each other.  We decided to take the scenic route since my parents live about an hour away out in the country.  It was a beautiful day, it was beautiful drive!  We took a detour and drove up in the mountains on the way home so that we could talk and laugh and just enjoy having some of those kid free moments together.  It turned out to be one of the most romantic days we have had in a very long time. Every relationship needs to be nurtured every day, even if it is just stealing a few hours with your partner away from stress and the every day routine of life.  It reminded me of the way it used to be when we first met and couldn’t keep our hands off each other. 

 I found a couple of really great finds at an estate sale for the basement.  It is coming along slowly but I am getting very excited by the transformation.  The paint will be going on the walls next week once the wall that we had to rebuild is complete.  Then it will be just a matter of putting everything back together.  I am working on my frame project this week as well as figuring out some different lighting options down there.  I have also broken out the sewing machine and Adrianna and I will be making pillows for the couch down there.  Everyone has a part in this little mini-renovation and a chance to put their own stamp on this part of our home.

 This week my schedule is not quite as full.  My goal is lose 5 pounds and stay active.  I am adding an abs class to my regular workout schedule.  I notice that my body gets used to routine and it becomes a little less effective over time.  In order to continue losing pounds and inches each week I need to change things up a bit.  It also helps to keep me from getting bored with my workouts which effectively keeps me motivated every day.  Stay motivated, Stay active, Stay strong…