Snack Bags & Amazon Prime

We just celebrated Mother's Day. A few years ago, hubby got me a great Mother's Day gift ... an Amazon Prime subscription. We've loved having the two-day shipping, although two days is still WAY to long to wait when my boys (hubby included) are anxiously awaiting an item. Can you say impatient? *Ü*

There has been a little bit in the press last month about Amazon raising the rates for Prime. For me ... it's just something I'll have to deal with because I'm not giving up my prime. In addition to the shipping, I can borrow a book from the Kindle lending library each month (I'm currently reading "The Frost Chronicles" ... read book one in April, book two in May, and as soon as June hits I'll be reading book 3). I do like all the movies and tv shows available to stream through Amazon Prime too. In a previous post (Amazon and Exercise) I pointed out all the workouts available (Jillian, Denise Austin and more).

I love Amazon ... it's great for reviews, and the prices are often the best (not always, but often. It's still good to shop around!)  I've been impressed with Amazon's customer service and return policy.

I'm not even an Amazon affiliate, I just like them.

I thought out point out a deal I found on snack bags.

I don't know about you, but we go through a TON of these little bags. They are the perfect size for so many things. I have five boys in school and I'm packing lunches from home almost every morning. Their sandwich goes in one, pre-sliced apples in another, some pretzels and then a snack in a couple more. x5.   These little bags are great for portion control too, or pre-packing serving sizes you can just grab and go. 

I remember grabbing a pack of 50 snack bags at the dollar store and thinking that was a decent deal. It actually is, as they are often $2 in most stores. On Amazon, in this multi-pack, it comes out to just over $2 for more than double that (for 120 bags). The current price for this pack is $8.30, I know it can change at any time but I've been watching and buying these for a while now and it seems to stay pretty consistent.

***UPDATE*** the price has gone up to over $20! Yikes! It WAS a good deal! I have found a similar package at Sam'sClub for a comparable price - but things are always changing there too!

These don't automatically ship free with Prime, they are part of the "add-on" program, so the shipping will be free with a $25 prime purchase, or free with a $35 non-prime.

So if you need some snack bags, just for kid's lunches, or for your own pre-packaging ... I hope this deal might help you out!

Are you an Amazon shopper?

Motivational Monday After Mother's Day

It was Mother's Day yesterday. I had a lazy day ... didn't even hit 3000 steps on my Fitbit (didn't even bother putting my Omron on). My younger kids had told me I needed to stay in bed, and then the youngest dressed up in his Sunday suit to come take my order. Breakfast in bed is a Mother's Day tradition at our house. Even with the tray, eating in bed is a bit tricky! This is actually pretty standard fare for our Sunday mornings, but this time it wasn't ME making it, and that was a nice break.

I really could have got a workout in ... I considered it. Then I decided to take a rest day and lazed around and read my book.  After church we headed out to the inlaws for more food and family. 

There were rolls, mashed potatoes and a smoked pork loin. For dessert, my brother-in-law made homemade donuts for a base for strawberry shortcake. I don't like strawberries myself, but I did indulge in a donut. We didn't make it out to my mom's. I'll need to connect more with her this week.

So ... eating and exercise for the day were quite bad! Intake was high, burn was low. The scale this morning DID reflect the day. So I need to get motivated this Monday, get back to the routine. I know from reading many of your blogs, that your kids/family are one of the main reasons you want to be fit and healthy. I wasn't blogging last year at this time (well, I had  my family blog but not this one). I had just started MFP. I'm 25-30 pounds down from last year. Overall, I feel better about myself, but still a bit discouraged lately. And no matter how nice Mother's Day is ... I always get the Mother's Day Blues. Does that happen to anyone else out there? Seeing all the posts about mothers just makes me feel inadequate; like everyone else does it better... wife/mother/daughter. Blah! Mother's Day blues :(  Gotta shake it off ...

Let's celebrate Mother's Day by getting MOTIVATED! 

Join the link-up below, share your Mother's Day and your motivation! 

Link Up with Us.
Also linking up with MIMM at Healthy Diva Eats

WWI #43 & Five Fitness Truths

This is several weeks in a row with these types of numbers ... pretty much where I was at the end of 2013 (not including the drop from my  Flux2 Diet) and up just a bit from a bit of success at the first of the year (I actually had an entire week under 150 at the end of March).  I'm just SO CLOSE yet it feels so far. Frustrating. As I think "this week I'm going to do better with my eating" ... it just doesn't happen. I am recording everything, and trying to control my calories. Because I don't make good food choices, it adds up so quickly.  It's easy to see how I gained weight in the past looking at how high my calorie count can get even when I am tracking and being conscious of calories. I'm actually a bit surprised I topped out where I did (just over 200 I think ... I didn't weigh myself back then).  Linking up late with Weigh-In Wednesday. 

NUMBERS: Weight is down one ounce from last week's weigh-in, but the average is up .39. Low for the week was 151.3, High was yesterday, at 154.0. I didn't have a deficit this week. Over by 679. Oops. Average intake 2179, Average burn 2789. Movie treat indulgences on Saturday, Slow Sunday and dragging on Wednesday. I missed my mile jog several days this week, and didn't read and ride the past couple days... even though I've been quite into the book I'm reading (GoodReads). I did have a couple 3000 burn days, and a 30K step day yesterday. I think the bump up on the scale Thursday morning got me to kick my butt in gear for that day at least. You can get the details of every day in my Day to Day Doings.

Another "HallWalk" between basketball games.

Got me to 30K for the day.

I really like my Friday Weigh-In and weekly update. It forces me to make sure all my numbers are input and up to date in my excel file (actually, I've switched to a GoogleDrive spreadsheet after a computer glitch), and that my Day to Day Doings are current. I really try to keep up with everything ... inputting my workouts on DailyMile and Walker Tracker (ok, I put the link in there, but don't go check it out because I AM behind there!) and this weekly blog update is a good motivator to make sure I'm keeping things current. That I'm following through, if not on my actual exercise and eating, at least my recording of it all. I'm linking up with Follow Through Friday, Fitness Friday and Fantastic Friday (even though this week wasn't exactly fantastic!) 

And with the weekly weigh-in and recap wrapped up, it's time to move on to the Friday Five! There are several Friday Five Linkups... 

Five on Friday at Hello Happiness, Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes, Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour, High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In.

The DC Area Bloggers link up offered up a THEME for this Friday ... Five Fitness Truths. So after a moment of contemplation and checking out what some of the others have offered up, here are mine:

• You can't out cardio your calories ... believe me, I have put this one to the test and I continually keep pressing the issue. If I workout a lot, can't I just eat whatever I want as long as I keep my total calorie intake under my burn? It really doesn't seem to work. I need to eat better. Bother!
• Everything is an estimate ... I burned "this" many calories, that bowl of cereal is "this" many calories. No matter how hard you try to be accurate, it's all an estimation. So even when you crunch the numbers and have a weekly deficit of 3500 calories yet no one pound weight loss ... it's just hard to know if how close your estimations are to being correct.
• It all adds up ... at times I'll get in a solid hour of exercise, but sometimes I don't have a big block of time. I'll do 20 minutes here, 20 minutes there. Sneak in a walk while I'm waiting (see above). I'll try to park further in the parking lot, take the stairs ... it all adds up. Love my Fitbit for keeping track of it all, and I love it when I hit a 30k day.
• Just start ... usually getting going is the biggest hurdle. I don't feel like doing weights, so I tell myself I only have to do a short 20 minute workout. I usually end up at the full hour. Just commit to a mile, and maybe once you are going you'll feel like going further.
• It's not all about the cardio ... I'm a pedometer person, I like getting my "steps" in and cardio does that a lot better than weights, yoga, etc. But ... I do believe in the importance of strength training. I've slacked off a little these past couple weeks, but I always make sure I get in at least one full-body weight workout every week. 

What five fitness facts have you found to be true in your experience?

Hats and Hair

Yesterday I talked about outfitting the base of my body (my feet ... Shoe and Tell). Today, I thought I'd talk about what to wear at the tip top ...

I've seen the hats, caps and visors that many wear while exercising. I guess outdoors, they can keep the sun out of your eyes. They can soak up some of the sweat. Personally, I just think they look cute! On all of YOU that is! A hat/cap is something I love the look of, but was just never sure I could pull it off.

I'm a ponytail person ...that's how I wear my hair almost all day. If I go out, then I'll try wearing it down, but for working out, I like it up and out of the way. I also have bangs. I see all you with your cute headbands and such, but they just don't seem to work with bangs at all.

I wondered if maybe I could pull off wearing a cap. If it would work well with my ponytail and bangs. I saw an inexpensive one at the store and decided to pick it up. I wove my pony through the back, left my bangs squished down ... but I liked it. I thought I looked kind of cute in fact. Just a different look than my usual. 

Enter the 8-year old. He stopped short, looked at me with a confused look on his face and asked "Why do YOU have a hat on?"   Mind you, HE had a hat on while he asked this! From each of the additional four boys I received a second look and a quick comment. Nothing negative ... just surprise. I'd expressed a little exasperation as to why this was such an unusual thing, as one of my good friends who the kids know well always wore a hat (and always looks SO cute!).  Women can wear hats! Then we heard Daddy pull up. My oldest son and I looked at each other expectantly and even made bets on what his reaction would be.  Hubs walked in, looked at me, pulled out his phone to take a picture saying "this needs to go on the Facebooks." He then started calling me "hat lady" and did tease me a bit (it happened to be a breast cancer awareness hat, with the pink symbol on the front. He calls it my "save the ta-tas" hat). The brim does get in the way a little while trying to sneak a smooch.

Well ... I still think I like it! I'm counting it as an NSV too, as it really was quite the challenge for me. Can you believe something so simple as putting on a hat pushes me out of my comfort zone? I'm not sure if I'll wear it that often. I picked up a Nike dri-fit hat to try too. While my original hat doesn't leave horrid hat hair, the Nike one does! If I start the day wearing it, I'll be wearing it all day. I've worn it to Zumba a time or two (which poses a bit of a problem, as our classes are church related and start with prayer. Does a woman need to remove her hat for prayer?)

Are YOU a hat person?

Shoe and Tell

Shoes ... I hate them. I really do. Looking at the picture above, and seeing several pairs of sneakers one might think I like shoes, as I have so many. But it's not true. They are a necessary evil for running, or other workouts. Having a home gym, I can actually get away with wearing slippers for my elliptical and stationary bike. I ONLY wear sneakers during a workout. If I'm jogging at the gym, I'll often bring my sneakers with me and put them on right before I run, taking them off the moment I'm done. My boys do this with their basketball shoes ... they do it because they want to protect the shoes, not wearing them outside on the street. I do it so my poor little feet can breathe! There are many reasons why I will never run a marathon ... but one reason is because I can't keep shoes on my feet for over an hour. Any race I run will have to be completed in 60 minutes or less!

I admit ... I'm cheap. I've only purchased shoes from the discount big box stores (and still went with the cheap ones there). I keep reading recommendations to go to a running store to be fitted. To have my gait examined. I am thinking about it. I say to myself "but I'm not a runner" so I don't know if I should invest in expensive shoes. Bad shoe experiences COULD be one of the reasons I dislike running though. I'm just so afraid I'll go through the time and expense of trying a "good" pair of running shoes and still hate them, still dislike running. I guess I won't know until I try.

In the picture above, the blueish pair of shoes are the ones I hate the least. They are Reebok running. Quite lightweight. I actually don't know the exact style or where I picked them up. I couldn't buy them again if I wanted to. The white Sacouny shoes are also "running" shoes. I had other Sacouny shoes I liked fine in the past, but these ones never felt great. I'll wear them for my one mile run and I'm ready to take them off. Next to them ... are some Skecher Shape Ups. Remember those? Supposed to tighten and tone just by walking. I had actually picked them up after hearing people rave about them simply being comfortable. I did not find that to be the case, but I have found I like wearing them for my weight workouts. Still ... it's an hour, and then they are off.

When I'm not working out, but going out (and must wear something on my feet) ... these are my standby shoes. My plastic sandals for summer, slip on boots for winter. I do have some other shoes (different colored sandals, boots, a dress shoe or two. No heels really, just not that type of gal).  I do have some slippers I wear here and there (and on the elliptical and bike).  But at home, it's bare feet all the way! I only wear socks if I'm wearing sneakers.

It's time to head out to Zumba ...

 I guess I need to put on some shoes.

Linking up with Wednesday Wonderfulz, which is focusing on running. My shoe topic does fit in with that theme. I'd be interested to hear if any runner ever hated shoes too! I'll have to check out all those who link up and see what shoes are mentioned as favorites.  Also linking up with Workout Wednesday ... and there was a fun little shout out to ME on the blog today! Thanks!

Keeping Up In The Blogosphere

Social media sure has come a long way! I remember when we had dial-up Internet and our original email address. I was NOT one of the first ones on Facebook. I'm just getting into Instagram now and while I signed up for Twitter, I must admit I have yet to "tweet" anything or even check back in on that account.

I started my family blog a few years ago, and started this fitness blog last year. It wasn't until I was blogging myself, that I actually started to read other blogs. Now I really enjoy all the blogs out there ... but I struggle with keeping up with them. I'm not sure of the best way to follow everyone.

Over in my sidebar, I keep a list of many of the blogs I follow. I have it set up so that those updated most recently are at the top. I do check in regularly and that works pretty well for me, but it is easy to miss posts.

I have signed up to follow several blogs with Bloglovin, and I do like the daily digest sent via email. It makes it easy to check in on these blogs on my iphone ... easy to read the blogs, but not easy to comment. I always have to wait until I'm back on my computer to comment, and although I have good intentions, that doesn't always happen. Bloglovin also makes it difficult to grab the actual URL (if I want to link to a specific post or something).

I've looked into a couple other apps to help me keep up ... the RSS reader is pretty good, but a little hard to set up. I have to input the URLS manually on my iphone. I discovered digg recently, and I quite like it, both the app and web version. It's nice to be able to organize the blogs into categories ... which I then realized I could do on Bloglovin as well.

I set up a "Fitness Facebook" profile, so that I wouldn't overwhelm any family or friends with my fitness posts unless they actually signed up for that. I suppose I should have set up a "page" ... but this works for me I guess. I use this profile to follow all the health/fitness pages on Facebook too. I have an Instagram account and set up my GooglePlus profile ... although I must admit I'm still not sure exactly how that works.  I've tried to make me and my blog easy to follow if one wants ... but I'm still not sure I'm implementing all I could or should. 

So just a question for all of you ... what ways have you found to follow everyone out there?

FitStudio

Update Alert - This program was discontinuted ;(

 (Farewell Fitstudio)

Remember Kmart's Blue Light Specials? I do. Kmart has made a bit of a comeback lately with their clever commercials (if you have not seen them, here's a link to the Ship Your Pants one, the first and funniest one).  We have both a Kmart and a Sears store quite close, but they aren't stores I'd shop frequently... until recently. 

One of the blogs I follow (Healthy Diva Eats) posted a bit about the FitStudio program a couple of months ago. I had not heard about it previously, but I LOVE rewards programs and participate in almost all of them (Reaping the Rewards). I went ahead and signed up for FitStudio and have been receiving about $8 in store credit every week.  I thought I'd share with you a review of the program and my experiences so far.

• Getting Started: It's very easy to sign up for FitStudio. Quick heads up from me, IF you already have a "ShopYourWayRewards" account, DO take the time to look it up. There is a place during sign up that asks if you are already a member and will ask for the email/phone associated with it. This will make sure your FitStudio points will credit to your ShopYourWay Rewards. I neglected to notice that, and so I had two separate accounts, which I then had to contact customer service to combine. Not a huge deal, but easier to start off on the right foot.
• Connections: I believe you can enter workouts manually, but Fitstudio will auto-sync to a number of devices and apps..  Fitbit, BodyMedia, MapMyApps, Runkeeper, MFP ... You can just workout and receive credit.
• Earning Points: 1000 points = $1 off your purchase. The main "reward" is Fitin14 ... each week you can earn 5000 points ($5 credit) if you reach 14 miles. With my Fitbit linked, it just logs automatically. I don't have to do anything other than the exercise I'd be doing anyway.  You can earn additional points for minutes, workouts, distance ... in truth, I'm still figuring out some of this myself! There are "goals" and "challenges" you can sign up for. You can also earn some social points ... by logging in, sending/accepting friend requests, posting to Facebook/Twitter. As you sign-up originally, there are extra points for simply filling out your profile. Here's a link to the FitStudio points page.
• What to Watch:  One thing to be aware of going in, these reward points expire FAST. Almost all the exercise points are only good for one week. Use them or lose them.  In addition to logging into your FitStudio, it's worth it to sign up for some emails and check your "Shop Your Way Rewards" as well, as you will often receive additional offers there. Surprise points that you can use with your regular reward points. The offers often do have restrictions ($5 off a $15 purchase in a specific department for example). While you can use these two offers together, I believe the fine print says only ONE surprise point offer may be redeemed per transaction (and often you will have a few on the table). 

***Update:  Fall2015 Fitstudio updated their points policy and doesn't give out quite as many any more, but I still participate in the program. Watch emails for "surprise points" and play their sweepstakes games to augment for Fitstudio earnings :)

As I mentioned, Kmart and Sears weren't stores I frequented too much. But now, as I have $8-$20 credit in rewards waiting for me, I have been making a weekly trip. It's gone pretty smoothly. Just give them your telephone# or email, and you'll need to input your pin if redeeming rewards over $10.  

Now, I've probably spent some money that I might not have otherwise (I'm sure that's the point of the program, to just get you in the store) but I've also got some great deals! Instead of buying Easter candy elsewhere, I picked it up a Kmart with my points. When the boy needed some new shoes, I went to Kmart and actually got what he wanted for a lot less, even before using my points!  Just last week, I picked up this load of flowers practically for free (after my $5 off $15 from lawn and garden surprise points, and my $8.50 in exercise earned Fitstudio points, the original $16 total went down to $2.50).  I've stopped and shopped Sears too.

I've had a couple of frustrations ... "friends" disappearing (not a big deal really, I think most "friend" requests on FitStudio are to gain points) and sometimes not being exactly sure how/when/why the points are being credited (although I've always got my 5000 Fitin14 every week). Before I read the fine print, I tried to redeem two different surprise points in one transaction (and only one came off) but customer service was nice enough to credit my account. ONE time, the computer would not seem to link up to credit my points, but again, the customer service made sure I got my credit.

So I am giving the FitStudio a big thumbs up! I'd love to hear anyone's experience who does NOT have one of the devices, but logs activity manually ... I wonder if that is worth it. Unlike some of the other reward programs I've joined, this does take a little more effort, just being aware of your points, when you have them and watching when they expire.  There is an app you can put on your phone to help keep track (for the ShopYourWay, not specifically for the FitStudio). If you don't have a store near you, you can shop with your points online.

I've been excited to post about this, as it really is a great little program. It's nice when you can reap a little reward for your activity! Maybe it will motivate you to move more ... gotta get those 14 miles in! It HAS motivated me to shop more ... but I get in some steps shopping too!

 Here's an example of one of my weeks ... $8.78 in store credit

Just for working out!

  Check out my UPDATE on this and other reward programs

Now for a quick weekend recap ...

Weekends mean sports! Friday night, #2 had two basketball games, at 7:00 and 9:00 (I made highlight videos of his games ... that was my weekend as well). There was an hour to wait in-between games. I LOVE waiting (not).  At the high school, I found a deserted hallway and I walked up and down it while I waited. I got in 5000 steps and a little reading too. Saturday morning, I took #5 to his soccer game. I video taped it, so the battery was dead when I needed to take #3 to his basketball game right after. All the spectators were on one set of bleachers, leaving a second set empty. I went to the empty area and walked back and forth, or stepped up and down ... another 5000 steps instead of just sitting, while still watching and cheering.

Saturday I spent some time in the flowerbeds, planting the flowers I'd purchased (well, almost free with FitStudio points) this week. I'll need to add some more petunias and a nice big hanging basket. I have a thing for birdhouses ... how many can you see hiding in my garden?  LOVE the smell of my lilac bush, I just wish it lasted longer! The weather was so nice this weekend.

Hubby and I went out to a movie Saturday night. The latest Captain America. I ate too many movie treats. Sunday was a general Sunday ... our big family breakfast (Belgian waffles, bacon, hash browns) then church. Dinner, homemade oreos. Weekend eats and exercise (walking at basketball games not withstanding) are not good. I enjoy the sleeping in, but it's Monday ... time to get back at it!

WWI#42 & Five 5mph Favs

I wasn't excited to weigh-in this morning. Sometimes I am! This was very similar to last week.  I remember just a few weeks ago (weigh-in #37) when I managed to get an entire week under 150. This week, I didn't see anything under 150. Boo. It's my eating, I take responsibility for that.

Numbers: Up an ounce from last week. Average is down an ounce. High was 153.9. Low was 150.8. I DID have a deficit for the week of 2720. I'm not great with weighing and measuring my food, but I do try to honestly track and log it all. I try to be generous with my food estimates, and conservative with my exercise estimates. Average intake was 2171. Average burn was 2757.  You can check out details in my Day to Day Doings ...

I need to try and work on my eating. Improving the quality of the calories I consume, and consuming less overall. I'm SO bad with what I eat, that it probably wouldn't take a huge change to make a difference. I need to get the willpower to avoid the temptations. The yummy, yummy temptations that taste oh so good. *Ü* Linking up with Fitness Friday, Follow Through Friday and a belated Weigh-In Wednesday. 

Onto the fun stuff ... Friday Five!

I've really been enjoying music again lately. Not that I ever stopped, but I definitely go through phases. An Itunes update resulted in the loss of all our playlists a few months ago, and I'd avoided syncing my ipod, because I hadn't gotten around to recreating my playlist yet. I finally did, and I've actually looked forward to getting on the treadmill and trying out some songs, seeing if they are a good fit for my 5mph playlist. I'm quite specific ... my footfalls MUST match the beat.

I've been adding some new songs to my list, but today I thought I would share with you my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FIVE ... those with a perfect beat for my 5mph pace. Those with lyrics that inspire and motivate me. Songs that always make me smile (sometimes cry, depending on my mood).

These are some lesser known songs I think...
Press play and let me tell you a little bit about them.

• Move A Little Faster:  The song lyrics state "You're too slow boy, if you want to keep up you gotta move a little faster!"  It just makes me feel sassy, I'm wagging my finger in my mind ... and it makes ME go a little faster!
• Calling All Friends: This has been a favorite for years and years now. A perfect beat for my jog. With blogging, this song has evolved a bit of a new meaning for me. All the new friends I've "met" and "people I don't even know" ... on the way down (down to a lower weight). It address feeling alone, yet offers hope. I love it!
• Maybe: Don't let the band name (Sick Puppies) turn you off. This is a wonderful song. "Maybe it's time to change...to reach for something more, to want to live a better life" ...I don't know where I first heard this song, but I'm glad I discovered it.
• Breathe: I'd heard this song on the radio and felt under the deceptive slowness, it had a good beat. I was right! The first time it came across my playlist while I was jogging ... wow! "Breathe, just breathe" I kept breathing, and I kept running.
• Chasing the Sun: I like a lot of Sara Bareilles songs ... I LOVE this one. "Remember, that life is not meant to be wasted, we can always be chasing the sun." It also says "fill up your lungs and just RUN."  That line just kills me! Makes me want to run... and live. Love, love, love this song!  "All we can do is try. And live like we're still alive." Maybe an all-time favorite ... and it just happens to be perfect for jogging too!

Check out more music at the I Wore Yoga Pants To Work Friday link-up.

Friday Five Link-Ups ...

Friday Five at Eat Pray Run, Five on Friday at Hello Happiness, Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes,  Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour,  High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In 

Had you heard of any of these songs before?

April Ends

Well ... April is over. I remembered to snag the Intake vs Burn graph from the Fitbit site, I forgot last month (well, I was a day late and that throws the look off). Hmmm ... what to say about April? I feel like it was pretty good, although the scale doesn't seem to really agree. No weight lost. Started at 150.7 and ended at 152.0.  High during the month was 154.9 and the low was 149.0. Didn't see numbers under 150 nearly enough  ...

I was pretty active in April.

I mentioned hearing about the 1800minute challenge. I added up my minutes for April alone. 4460 minutes spent in dedicated activity. And I did even take two complete rest days this month. I'm a little exercise insane ... don't mind me. I wish it would correlate better with a little weight loss. I'm beginning to think what I eat might matter ... (I don't want it to! I want to eat whatever I want as long as I keep an overall deficit). Sigh. Lots of Easter candy in April.

I've been ellipticalling almost everyday. Getting in my reading and riding (got through several books this month) and set a new distance jogging on the treadmill! Still going to Zumba Tues/Wed/Thurs (and got in one Friday session). While I did get in my strength training, it was a little haphazard this month. I missed a few Fridays, shifted some days around a bit.

April ALWAYS seems to be a bit hard for me (reflecting on the past eight years. I always seem to gain a couple pounds in April).  Easter, and all the candy around. Spring break and the kidlets out of school. Nicer weather ... I'd feel the urge to just go sit in the sun sometimes. The boy's basketball has started up again, practices/games and travel all impact exercise and eating.

It's the eating. I know. I need to do more than just try and control calories (which I'm not always successful at either). There are just so many yummy temptations, and all the "good for you" food I see you all eating just doesn't appeal to me at all :(  And when I say doesn't appeal ... I mean I won't/can't eat most of it (Eating Issues). But I need to do better.

It's May ... It's another day.

Thinking Out Loud ... Reflecting on the past month. How was your April?

April 2014 Daily Doings

After the month ends, I go into my Day to Day Doings page, where I write down my daily numbers and a short journal entry. I take all the entries from the month, place them in chronological order and then file them as a blog post. Sometimes I'm not uber prompt at getting this done ... but I'll backdate this to May1 *Ü*  Here's a look back at April!

• 0401 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 150.7. Fitbit Steps 26202. Total Burn 3034. Calories in 1900. Calories out 1340. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 50minZumba, 30minBike. Very small Zumba showing today ... I hope people continue to come so they don't cancel it! Air duct cleaning guys were at the house after, then I had volunteering at the school and a stop at the store. Picked up middle school after the elementary, as #2 needed to stay after to make up a school assignment he missed Friday. Some thunder and hail in the afternoon. Hubby had a derby, took #1 to help. #2 had a dinner with his basketball coach to discuss future options. 
• 0402 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 150.5. Fitbit Steps 27901. Total Burn 3225. Calories in 1400. Calories out 1532. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 12min/1mile Treadmill, 40minWeights. I must have missed the memo for Zumba today, it seemed to be dress-up day! Bright colors, headbands, leg warmers, even a couple of tutus! It actually did add energy though. There were a couple people grabbing some video, not sure what for. I hope I am not in any of the video! Got in cardio, should have done a weights DVD. I have one requested from the library, but it wasn't in yet. I should have checked out something on YouTube or stuck in Jillian's NMTZ, but I just did my weight workout, but just 40 minutes. #3 had basketball practice tonight, I miss the Monday ones at the gym when I could get some jogging in. I dropped him off, drove home and did 20minutes on the elliptical and went back to pick him up. 
• 0403 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 149.0. Fitbit Steps 27028. Total Burn 3047. Calories in 2200. Calories out 1362. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30min/8.1miles Bike, 24mine/2miles Treadmill. My low calorie day did help yesterday .. but I was hungrier today I guess. Today was a bit off. Hubby had some guys coming to clean out the air ducts. I'm always uber uncomfortable with people in my house. I just can't keep to my routine. I still went to Zumba, then stopped at a store after, just to kill some time before heading home. After they finished up, I did get some workouts in. Hubby had a derby in the evening and #2 went to help (well, he needs the money). 
•  0404 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 150.5. Fitbit Steps 26202. Total Burn 3034. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1350. Exercise: 100minElliptical. 30minBike, 30min/2miles Treadmill, 10minHula. I usually don't get "good" days on Friday. It actually should have been a weights day, but I was still feeling just a tad sore from Wednesday's workout, and I was having trouble finding a solid hour to fit it in today. So I just did cardio. The day after Thursday night programming, I have "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal" to watch, and that motivated me. I'm also enjoying my book. I'd probably get in two bike sessions if I could find the time. Hubs and the boys did a little prep and packing, they are leaving tomorrow for New York City.
  
• 0405 (Saturday) Ok Day. Weight 150.0. Fitbit Steps 16446. Total Burn 2500. Calories in 2400. Calories out 810. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minWeights. I forgot to turn my alarm off ... it went off at 6:00. Not that I got up, but I didn't really "sleep" in. Hubby and the boys did their final packing and left for their New York trip. No games today (#3's basketball skips almost an entire month!) so it was pretty low key. Did get in my weights I didn't do yesterday. 
  
• 0406 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 150.5. Fitbit Steps 18169. Total Burn 2563. Calories in 2400. Calories in 2700. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 30minBike. Didn't sleep well last night. I generally do fine when hubby is gone, I don't think it was that. But then awakened early as I forgot to adjust the alarm AGAIN! Grrrrr! I don't want to wake up at 6:00 on the weekends! Again, I didn't get up immediately, but I was up earlier than my usual Sunday sleep-in. It was General Conference today, so no church meetings.  Still made Sunday Circles in the morning, even though we were missing half the family. We still ate all the bacon! Very quiet day at home.We had been invited out to my BILs, but what can I say, I'm a homebody. Got in some exercise but not as much as I could have/should have on a church day off. I made some homemade ice cream for the kids (I'd bought some chocolate milk that wasn't TruMoo, and the boys won't drink it. Picky kids! I used it for the ice cream, like a Wendy's frosty). Oh dear ... forgot to log that (logging now). I really need to log foods BEFORE I eat them. I mean well, I want to be honest, but it is so easy to forget! The boys checked in quite a bit (texts, pictures, Facebook updates). They were busy! My SIL sent me a copy of her Fitbit log for the day. 20K, they walked a lot and beat me! I wondered how the boys compared ... but both boys forgot to wear their Fitbits! In fact #1 can't find his and thinks he may have lost it at airport security!
• 0407 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 152.8. Fitbit Steps 24635. Total Burn 3114. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1413. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 12min/1mileTreadmill, 60minWeights, 60min/16.4miles Bike. Weight up a little from the weekend. Not surprising, but it wasn't nearly as bad a weekend as last weekend ... yet still about the same for the weight bump. I was able to get in cardio and weights. Without #1 around, we skipped "PapaMurphyMonday" ... I don't think the little boys even realized or missed it. Got in a 2nd bike session ... there is a little extra time/flexibility with the hubs gone. I'm liking my book too, that provided some motivation as well. The little boys (and the bigger boys in NYC) watched the college basketball finals. 
•  0408 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 150.4. Fitbit Steps 25839. Total Burn 3062. Calories in 2500. Calories out 1370. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30min/8.1miles Bike. Our usual instructor for Tuesday Zumba had surgery on Friday, but she had arranged for a substitute teacher to come. It was a good class, although I missed the familiarity of the routines I know. One song was one our instructor did, but this was completely different choreography. You could tell that threw all of us! I skipped volunteering at the school. The teacher hasn't seemed to need me the last couple weeks. The sun was out and shining and calling to me ... I sat outside, reading, letting my legs get some color. It was the end of season basketball award banquet for #2 ... but is in NYC. I of course was still invited, and even told to bring #3 and accept the awards for #2, but it was rather far, out of my driving comfort zone. Out of my social comfort zone, even though I'm friendly with all the other parents and boys. Simpler to just stay home. 
• 0409 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 150.4. Fitbit Steps 27407. Total Burn 3103. Calories in 2500. Calories out 1411. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30min/8.0miles Bike, 20minDVD (BalletBeautiful/AmazonPrime). As I was on the elliptical in the morning, the munchkin came down and said he wasn't feeling well. I really didn't want to miss Zumba! No temp ... and the last few times I've let him stay home, he really hasn't been sick. Miraculous recovery right about the time school lets out. So I told him I wanted him to be tough, and try. I really hoped I wouldn't get a call from the school ... I didn't, he was fine. And I got in my Zumba. It was a good class today too. The guys in NYC went to Les Mis today ... #2 fell asleep during it. Shaking head! Weights day ... didn't really feel like it. Still haven't made it by the library to grab the DVD I have on hold, so I streamed one from Amazon Prime. A ballet one ... just doing those simple swan arms did have my shoulders burning! Had the basketball awards banquet for #3 tonight. Two hours long .... just sitting ...  
• 0410 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 150.7 Fitbit Steps 26088. Total Burn 3032. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1339.  Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike, 12min/1mileTreadmill, 10minWiiFit. At Zumba today, I wasn't feeling that great. I had taken a pill, hadn't eaten anything ... but that's pretty par for the course for me. I was lightheaded, but I made it through. Did distract from the enjoyment of the class. After, I hit Kmart. Their ShopYourWayRewards program added a "fit" element which was been awarding me enough points to make a trip in worthwhile. Picked up some stuff for Easter ... grabbed the "Frozen" DVD. #2 has requested we get it. $15 in "points" off my purchase. Spent a little time in the sun again today. Love this nice weather! 
• 0411 (Friday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 149.8. Fitbit Steps 23861. Total Burn 2893. Calories in 2200. Calories out 1204. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 30minBike. I didn't get weights in today. Part of the problem perhaps, was that I couldn't get my Grey's Anatomy or Scandal to record until very late. Having those shows on hand might have motivated me (I do generally have a show going while I do my weight workout). I did sleep in a bit today. Middle school late start, so that gives me an extra hour in the morning. After dropping off kids, I had to stop at the high school to get #2 signed up for Spring basketball. Then I stopped at the library (finally picked up that weight DVD I had on hold) and the grocery store. Early out at the elementary. I didn't sneak out for any reading in the sun today, but did put on a tank and shorty shorts and mowed the front lawn and did some weeding.  In the evening, I took the three boys over to a friend's house and had her show me how to cut their hair. It's just something I need to know and I can't believe I've waited this long with five boys! Hubby actually buzzed them for the first many years, until they got a little picky. Then we've been going to their aunt (who does hair) or a salon, but it's such a pain! Now I'm actually a bit excited for it to grow again, so I can try it. If I goof ... I'll just buzz them. It grows back quick!  
• 0412 (Saturday)  Ok Day. Weight 151.1. Fitbit Steps 18286. Total Burn 2661. Calories in 2300. Calories out 965. Exercise: 80minElliptical. No sports on the docket today. Soccer will soon be starting for the youngest, and more basketball in the near future ... but not today. Got in some sessions on the elliptical, watched my Grey's Anatomy and Scandal. I usually watch them on Friday, but I was having trouble getting them to record. Cleaned up the house ... I sometimes let things go a bit when hubby isn't around but wanted it nice for their return. Went to the store to restock on 2% milk and other groceries. As hubs and the big boys had their week out on the city, I told the little ones we could go out to lunch at Red Robin. We met my folks there. My boys are always done pretty quick and anxious to move on while my mom still wants to chat. The guys pulled in right around midnight. Good to have them home. 
• 0413 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 151.9. Fitbit Steps 9401. Total Burn 2138. Calories in 2700. Calories out 437. Exercise: 40minElliptical. Practically a rest day! Sunday circles for breakfast, tacos for dinner. Homemade oreos for dessert. Got in a little nap, still had to hit church for  a bit. 
• 0414 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 153.1. Fitbit Steps 24829. Total Burn 3035. Calories in 2500. Calories out 1327. Exercise: 90minElliptical, 18min/1.5milesTreadmill, 60minWeights, 30minBike, 10minHula. Hubby was actually up and off early. Back to work. Back to school for the boys, hope it's not too hard to catch up. I had found a Monday Zumba class advertised on the Zumba site, so I went to check it out ... it wasn't there. I sent out some emails, and it seems like a majority of the class information there is outdated. Not very helpful after all. Ohwell, I'm actually good with my Zumba Tues/Wed/Thurs ... I don't want to burn out on it. #4 ended up staying home sick, although he didn't seem bad to me. I still got in my workouts, just checking in on him every little bit. Another benefit of a home gym! I really planned on keeping calories low today. I did good for the first half of the day. Then #2 wanted mac&cheese, and I was hungry and it looked good. #1 brought home the usual Papa Murphy Pizza (Murphy Monday at our house) and I had a bit of the chicken garlic pizza (sans toppings). I baked some brownies but did NOT eat any. Still calories were high. The middle school boys had stayed after school for a basketball clinic, then #2 had open gym in the evening. I was going to skip it, but his coach thought it was important he attend to get exposure to the high school coaches. So ... it is from 9:00-10:00 Mon/Tues/Thurs for several weeks here. That is often past my bedtime! I was feeling really off as the evening came on. I've had a bit of a toothache, which has me grinding my teeth, which then gave me a killer headache. I drove #2 to the high school, and he was able to get a ride home. I always feel guilty putting someone out of their way, but I was willing to take them up on it last night. 
• 0415 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 153.5. Fitbit Steps 31637. Total Burn 3410. Calories in 1900. Calories out 1700. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 20minZumba, 60min/4milesTreadmill, 30minBike. #4 seemed fine, so he went to school. I was just about to walk out the door for Zumba when the school called and said he had thrown up. So, off to the school. I brought him home and got him settled. I don't think it's a stomach flu, I think he overexerted in the morning, playing basketball. That caused coughing, which triggered his gag reflex. #3 had this problem (for months!) a few years ago. Once he was settled and really not feeling sick, I asked if he minded if I went to the church for Zumba. He was fine with that, so I got the last 20minutes in. I hit the treadmill later in the day to get my solid hour in. One mile jog followed by intervals and incline. After school, it was open registration at the high school for #2. He had everything planned out. He was actually at a friend's house, but had me on the phone, me at our computer to enter the class choices as soon as it opened at 4:00. It was a harrowing five minutes! But we got him in every class he wanted. Had scout pack meeting in the evening for #4 and #5. Hubby and #1 did a derby.   
• 0416 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 151.3. Fitbit Steps 28387. Total Burn 3229. Calories in 2800. Calories out 1530. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 12min/1mileTreadmill, 30minDVD, 30minBike. I'd been thinking I'd have to miss Zumba today, as #5 was performing in an assembly at school at 9:30. Then he told me there was another performance at 1:00, and I could attend it instead. This was much better for me (as I had to be at the school at 1:40 for early out pickup anyway). So I went to Zumba. Actually, after dropping the kidlets off at school, I did a quick run to Sam's Club. They always offer some edible inducements there during the early hours, usually just coffee/juice and some fruit. Today ... they had muffins. Those muffins looked really good. I had me one of those muffins. Then Zumba. A good day, over 400 burn according to both devices. I did a weight workout DVD I'd picked up from the library and got in my other exercise (bike, mile jog).  #3 had been scheduled to have basketball practice, but when we went, the school was locked up and empty. It would be nice if they let us know this before we made the trip in! 
• 0417 (Thursday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 151.1. Fitbit Steps 22333. Total Burn 2813.  Calories in 2300. Calories out 1117. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 12min/1mileTreadmill. The kids were out of school so ... sleep in and slow start. I was a little late to Zumba. I need to do better at getting there on time. After, I stopped at Kmart (using my my rewards earned on FitStudio) and Big5, and Maceys for a few groceries. It was a pretty chaotic day at home with the kids ... several friends over, airsoft war in the backyard, water wars in the front. I pulled up the plastic eggs and had the kids start getting them filled for the family part on Saturday. I made nests, and made Chicken Pillows for dinner. Got in some exercise, but didn't get to the bike. I really missed getting my reading in. I'd bought a cap at the store earlier and worn it ... I've never really worn a cap before, and EVERYONE commented on it like "why are YOU wearing a hat?" 
• 0418 (Friday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 150.5. Fitbit Steps 25699. Total Burn 2932. Calories in 2900. Calories out 1239. Exercise: 70minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike. Slept in a bit again, but with the kids out of school I could hit Friday Zumba (the middle school starts late and the 9:30 carpool is right in the middle of Zumba). So I went and it was really good. Got a bigger burn than the other days (414 per HRM, 420 per Fitbit ... so close! 7000 steps). Afterward, I stopped at a couple of stores for some last minute Easter prep. Got in elliptical and bike, should have done weights but alas ... didn't get around to that. Food was quite high today, barely maintenance even with my exercise calories.   
• 0419 (Saturday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 149.8. Fitbit Steps 12971. Total Burn 2466. Calories in 2000. Calories out 777. Exercise: 40minElliptical. OK Day. Weight 149.8. Fitbit Steps 12971, Total Burn 2466, Calories in 2000. Calories out 777. Exercise: 40minElliptical. Only got 40min in today ... had to finish up Scandal. Hit Sam'sClub and saw all the cars at the soccer park. Our soccer starts next week, and I was glad we didn't have it on the schedule today. Bad news on #1's truck, it didn't pass emissions inspection and I'm not sure what we're going to do. The repair shop said something about an "engine rebuild" and that doesn't sound good! It's got me stressed out. I made rice krispie treats and a lemon jello cake to take to the party. The kids had been big helpers in getting all the eggs filled. We spent a few hours at my folks, eating, visiting, having the egg hunt. We broke out the jump rope and all five of my boys are quite good! My little niece thought it was quite fun. At home, waiting for the kidlets to go to sleep so we could lay out the Easter goodies ... the house moved! It was just a moment, but enough that a dish fell out of one of the low kitchen cupboards. It was an earthquake! The big boys had felt it, but the two little ones had been busy playing and didn't notice (perhaps a good thing, as #4 has extreme anxiety). We did get the stuff set out and headed to bed.
• 0420 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 152.8. Fitbit Steps 4996. Total Burn 1921. Calories in 3200. Calories out 215. No Exercise. I figured I hadn't taken a complete rest day (no workouts) in a WHILE ... so I planned on no exercise today. I didn't even put on my Omron, but still wore my Fitbit. I switched cases with #2 as his little tip fell off, leaving a little metal nub exposed, and it's scratched him or others a few times. I shouldn't have as much of an issue. The kids seemed happy with their Easter baskets. We had our usual Sunday Circle breakfast and went to church. We then went over to my BILs house. I had made brownies and another lemon jello cake. Hubby made mashed taters. BIL smoked chicken and brisket. We had a hunt, a pinata, and the jump rope was a huge hit again!  
• 0421 (Monday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 154.9. Fitbit Steps 21272. Total Burn 2827. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1100. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 30minBike. Last day of Spring Break, hopefully I can get back on schedule tomorrow. I did get in elliptical and bike, but should have done weights. I had to run Mr. Social (#2) to a friend's house, and then did some shopping, as I had ShopYourWay rewards points expiring. Kmart had some Easter candy on clearance ... I bought some. Hangs head.  Due to construction, the Papa Murphy's was closed when #1 son went to pick up our usual Monday pizza, so I made spaghetti for dinner instead.  
• 0422 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 154.3. Fitbit Steps 30075. Total Burn 3343. Calories in 2200. Calories out 1362. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 12minTreadmill, 50minWeights, 30minBike. Back to the routine. Got the kidlets off to school, then went to Zumba. Our regular instructor was back, although she says she's not quite "back" (tired easily). I then went to the school for my volunteer shift. Hanging up pictures/artwork in the hallway for an upcoming "Night at the Museum" activity. Home again for more elliptical, a jog and weights. The boys had basketball practice after school, so I didn't pick them up until later, #2 actually didn't come home but then went over to the high school for more basketball (he got a ride home at10:00 that night). Hubby and #1 went to a derby, and I took #3 to a basketball game. It was pretty close the entire game, but our team got the win. My boy is a 7th grader, all the others are 8th, but I think he held his own. Late night though, these 9:00 games across town do that! Yucky weather day, lots of wind and rain.  
• 0423 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 152.2. Fitbit Steps 30039. Total Burn 3194. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1490. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike, 24min/2mile Jog. Dropped the boys at school and did a quick stop at Sam'sClub. Love the "early hours". Then off to Zumba ... I missed the memo again, it was luau day! Very colorful with flowers, leis and grass skirts. More Polynesian type dances too, which I'm even worse at than Latino ones, but it is a pleasure to watch those who can do it it! Got in more cardio at home, elliptical, bike and actually doubled my time on the treadmill. I'd finally spent some time redoing my playlist. Hubby and #1 had a derby in the evening. #2 had a game, but it was in Davis county, I don't dare drive there and I needed to get #3 to/from practice anyway. I was sad to miss seeing #2 in action, there will be more games, but I'll miss his double header on Saturday too (again, in Davis County and at the same time as #3's double header anyway). I did ok on food today, but then the boys brought home a yummy cookie from the derby ... and I ate it. #2 wasn't home until late (almost 11:00). Seems like all the practices and games start at 9:00 lately, and when they are far away, it makes it even later getting home!  
• 0424 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 152.2. Fitbit Steps 27924.  Total Burn 3238. Calories in 2500. Calories out 1535. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike, 12min/1mileTreadmill, 30minWeights. I've been making more of an effort to get to Zumba on time this week. Not that I need the warm up (as I've already jumped on the elliptical first thing every morning) but I do like to get in the solid hour. It was a good class today. Stopped at Kmart after to spend my FitStudio credit. They still had some Easter candy left on clearance. Got in additional workouts at home. Did 30 minutes of weights, just my stuff. I probably should have done the DVD before it's due back at the library. Hubby and #3 had a derby (lego one this time). #2 never came home from school (he's Mr. Social) and just went to friend's houses and the high school for basketball (he had clinic in the evening from 9:00-10:00). Should have taken #5 to soccer practice, we signed up with with cousin, so it isn't that close. I just didn't know if I wanted to drive 15 minutes then hang for 45 then back, and the kidlets had an activity over at the school ... which we actually didn't end up going to either. Homebodies!  
• 0425 (Friday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 152.4. Fitbit Steps 24066. Total Burn 2814. Calories in 1650. Calories out 1110. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 40min/3.25milesTreadmill, 30minBike. Slept in a little. Late start at the middle school. Early out at the elementary. Not a super productive morning, spent too much time on the blog. Did get in some elliptical, caught up on last night's Grey's Anatomy. Updated playlists on Itunes and decided to jog a 5k on the treadmill. Never done it before, but was certain I could and I did.  Got in some bike/reading a bit later too. #3 had a 9:00 game. We got their early and the game before was running over. I walked the halls for a while and got some additional steps in. Our boys were on FIRE ... raining three pointers like I've never seen. Stopped and grabbed #2 (Mr.Social) on the way home ... he had again just hung out with friends all day. They must not have played any basketball though, he didn't have very many steps on his Fitbit.  
• 0426 (Saturday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 150.8. Fitbit Steps 20714. Total Burn 2618. Calories in 2000. Calories out 923. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minWalking. I actually did quite well on my eating yesterday, kept calories low. It seemed apparent this morning, laying in bed my stomach was rumbling quite loudly! Enough that hubby just looked over and laughed and asked "WHAT is going on over there?" I did give it a little breakfast and got an elliptical session in. #2 was off for his basketball games, hubby took #5 to soccer (cold and rainy, brrrrrr) and I took #3 to his game. He actually had two different games scheduled at 12:00, so we close the closer one. He did well, but got a warning after questioning a call which ended up with him in tears. We're doing better at controlling the emotions, but it's still a challenge. He had another game at 3:00, at the court with the track above. I walked during the game on got in three miles or so. Some emotion there too, but not from my kid. From one of the other players, our coach (got a technical) and a parent (who got ejected, rightfully so). Even the big boys need to work on controlling their emotions! It IS TOM time, and I'm not sure if it was that or what, but I was completely drained by end of day. And by end of day I mean 8:30 ... I seriously just went to bed at that time. 
• 0427 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 152.1. Fitbit Steps 2471. Total burn 1801. Calories in 2400. Calories out 99. Rest Day/No Exercise. Had a headache last night, but didn't even feel up to getting up to take anything for it. Still hanging on in the morning. We weren't going to our usual meeting, but to my brother's ward, as his step-daughter was speaking before leaving on an LDS mission. It threw the morning off a bit, as we had to leave earlier than we usually do. I made pancakes instead of the usual Sunday Circles. We missed the padded seats at the church by one row, and my backside was feeling it. I guess I don't have as much natural padding there as I used to. We went to the house after, there was pulled pork sandwiches and treats, but I didn't have any. Still had my headache and I was freezing. The church had been cold and the house was too. Back at home hubby made his mashed taters and steak, and marinated chicken. Yummy dinner!   
• 0428 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 153.9. Fitbit Steps 23097. Total burn 2857. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1145. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 12min/1mile Treadmill, 60minWeights, 30minBike. Back to the routine, usually I'm totally rip-roaring ready to go on Mondays, but I was so sluggish today. I even had to lay down for just a bit. Did manage to get everything in. The middle boys had basketball after school and then again in the evening. We tried to go in and get their suits fitted for alterations but it was to busy, so that is still on the to do list.  
• 0429 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 152.6. Fitbit Steps 29330. Total Burn 3165. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1460. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 60minZumba, 12min/1mileTreadmill, 30minBike. Got the kids off to school and went to Zumba. There were only four people there when we started but then more people came (one is  a family, a mom and her three daughters/DIL, so whether they are there or not really impacts the size of the group). I went ahead a lead one of the numbers (a nice easy repetitive one that does get the heart rate up but that we hadn't done in a while).  Got other exercise in during the day as well as some cleaning and laundry. Double checked the finances, but pretty much had paid the bills over the weekend. Had another "hit with the sleepies" and did a quick lay down. Had regular carpools for school. Hubby and #1 went to a derby and I took #3 to a basketball game (they got creamed). Late pickup of #2 from open gym.  
• 0430 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 152.0. Fitbit Steps 27799. Total Burn 3194. Calories in 2500. Calories out 1492. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 15min/1.25miles, 30minDVD, &LawnMow. Dropped the kids off at school then ran to Sam's Club for some groceries. Home to put them away quickly then off to Zumba. Stopped at Reams on the way home as they had roast on sale. Came home and stuck one in the crock pot for dinner. Got in some exercise, and then spent some time in the yard clearing out the flower beds and mowing the lawn. The boys had Court of Honor in the evening, and #3 had basketball practice. Not a great eating day ... I was ravenous and just kept sticking my hand in the leftover Easter candy. 

You can check out my mothly recap (April 2014) and all of April's blog posts ...