Minor medical issues...

I have been feeling a bit bummed due to some minor medical issues that I have been having. I went in for an ultrasound to check for possible ovarian cysts (had one, but it has since burst) or other "issues". I found out that the lining of my uterus is abnormally thickened, endometrial hyperplasia. Not good. No wonder I haven't gotten preggers yet! I have to schedule a biopsy before the doc decides what action to take. I will likely either be put on birth control pills temporarily or have a D&C. But if left untreated, it could progress into endometrial cancer which would mean a hysterectomy. Awesome.

More awesome news: it is caused by too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. People with these problems are usually overweight, genetically prone to diabetes, have irregular periods, and often have polycystic ovary syndrome. I qualify for all.

I know its not really a big deal. I am just bummed because I will likely have to wait longer to get preggers and its gonna cost some $ to get the treatment done. Ugh!

I am worried about something else, also. Dallin went in for a camp physical (he's at Scout camp this week) last week. All was fine, but the nurse said she saw signs of Acanthosis nigricans, which is dark, velvety skin on his neck, armpits, and groin. She explained that it is usually a sign of insulin resistance and often is associated with obesity. It is typically a red-flag for the onset of pre-diabetes.

I have had this faintly for the past decade and had absolutely no idea! I thought it was a hormonal imbalance. I am frustrated that not only am I obviously at risk for diabetes at my current weight, but my child has the same problem. I know it is hereditary (my dad's side), but it is also due to excessive weight. Basically Dallin and I both need to lose some serious weight!

Good news: I have lost 17lbs and am still losing. I really cannot see any signs of acanthosis nigricans on myself right now. Dallin has been losing a little weight and has committed himself to working harder by exercising and watching his food intake. We both need to keep it up and watch our carbs. We don't handle insulin well.

Not the end of the world, I know. Just frustrating that I have allowed myself AND my son to have gained so much weight. I know that I have given the poor kid my genetic issues and a very bad example to follow. Just got my big "kick in the pants"!

Summertime Fun

The kids and I have been enjoying our summer so far. We started our summer vacation off with a definite treat. Grammie and Grandad came to visit! Woohoo! They came to do a little visiting and to see 2 of their grandbabies be baptized.

Zoe and Carlee, cousins, were baptized on Saturday, June 4th.

It was so much fun to have them celebrate their big day together and to have both sets of grandparents (for each child) able to attend. Afterwards we went to lunch for some gourmet pizza with our group of 20+. FUN!

The following Monday we went to the beach with the Arnolds (cousins) and Grammie and Grandad. We had a BLAST! The bigger kids played in the water with, which was surprisingly calm, with the dads and Grandad. The little ones hung out with the mamas and Grammie and Carlee's grandma Jackie near the shore.


I think the most memorable part of our trip was when a fisherman caught and reeled in a 4 1/2 foot long SHARK!
Needless to say, we left the beach shortly after the man released the shark back into the water! EEK! I was completely freaked out!


Since Grammie and Grandad left, we have been keeping busy. We have been doing alot of swimming at our local YMCA and neighborhood pool. We've also been visiting the library and recording in our reading logs.


Cole turned 6 yesterday! We had a fun eating contest for dinner. The kids ate their spaghetti and meatballs while wearing trashbags, eating like dogs (no hands). Dallin won, with Zoe in second place.


Dallin made Cole a yummy Oreo cookie cake (Sorry, Grandad! We must repent! Remember, I was raised in a heathen household! But seriously... since there is no longer a suitable substitute, like Hydrox, what are we to do?) that Cole absolutely loved. We also flew kites last night for fun. Cole will be having a fabulous birthday party next week!!!


Despite all the fun, naughty food, and the yummy cake, I am still losing weight, albeit slowly. I am currently down 15 lbs. I am gonna have to get myself back on track with my diet and exercising. Hopefully I can accelerate my weight loss!

Slow Progression

I have still been doing well with the diet and exercising. I have lost 8 lbs, but gained muscle. I must admit that I feel a little bummed that all this work has only affected the scale this much, but I have lost fat off my waist, thighs, bum, and arms. I am much more toned, but still rather fluffy. I knew it'd be slow going.

At least I feel more motivated to exercise daily and eat right. I still do not like to be around treats (like cake, cookies, brownies, etc.), but the desire is definitely not the same. And my stomach capacity has shrunk. I do not eat as much as I did and simply do not need to.

I just wish it didn't take so much time and effort to get it off. But it took time to gain all this weight, right? So it'll take time to take it off. And I shouldn't be so worried about appearances. I need to stay focused on improving my overall health... Sigh!

Dieting and Exercising... again.

I had posted a year ago about trying to lose weight. I did. But I didn't keep it up. So here I go again!
I have a long way to go, but I am going to plan for "slow and steady" and not give up. I feel better when I eat right and stay active and I am setting my goals at fitness, not hotness. I plan to lose 20 lbs by July. And in July I will set another goal for more. I have taken an extra step at the weight loss by rejoining the YMCA. Paying for that monthly charge is another motivation to workout regularly. Because I am cheap. LOL.
I have done an excellent job so far with my eating habits and for the first time ever I do not feel deprived. That's amazing. I don't want that junk anymore because it got me where I am now... in trouble! I still have been allowing myself a treat, but it just doesn't consume my thoughts like it did. I have been kinda counting calories and fat and carbs. And watching my portions. But mostly just using the 1/4 protein, 1/4carbs, 1/2 veggies and fruit thing. I feel so much better and I get to eat stuff that actually tastes good!
My mind is set and I am working hard. I feel like I can stay focused and make this a permanent habit this time. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

Losing Weight...

I have been dieting and exercising for a few days now. I have been watching calories and carbs, as well as doing an exercise video that is from h***! I have lost 4 pounds, which isn't much, but its a start!

I have finally begun to feel more at ease with the diet. I started off craving something to chew on at all hours of the day. I have begun accustomed to eating out of boredom and I must stop that. The kids have started to learn my bad habits. Not good. Dallin has been exercising with me and everyone is eating better and consuming more appropriate portion sizes.

Its sad to think how bad I have become over the past decade or so with my eating habits. I am trying to reshape my thinking for the long term on how I am treating my body when I abuse it. I hate the way I look with all the weight and I hate the way I feel. I am trying to show a bit more self respect by taking better care of myself. Maybe I'll even get cute?! We'll see! wish me lots of luck. This is gonna take alot of work and whole lifetime of watching my weight.

Maddi Mae

Here's a picture of the cutie bug I will be watching starting next Monday. The kids are SO excited! And so am I. I cannot wait to love on a baby and get paid to do it! She's so precious!

My kids keep asking when I will have another one. I am not so sure about that. I have to honestly admit that my current obesity is a major factor. I will end up diabetic for sure if I don't do something about my weight. So I am determined to lose 50+ lbs. Maybe once that is accomplished, I can consider whether I want another baby or not.