Loved My Kids Enough to Get Skinny!

Because yesterday was Mother's Day, I've been thinking heavily on what a joy it is to celebrate being a Mom. I have two of the greatest reasons for such a celebration, and today I get to share both of them with you. 

When I stop and think about when I was obese and terribly overweight or about the woman that I've become today, even though they are polar opposites, one thing is certain, the joy that has come into my life because I have been blessed to be a mother is something I hold close to my heart. Sure, when I look back on the choices I made as a mother when I was heavy, tired, and limited, I'm sure I did things differently than I tend to chose to do them now. (Lazy couch potato verses heading out on a hike with the kids.) Regardless, I know my children have not been robbed of my love or affection but have learned just how much I love and cherish them. Here is what they have to say about the matter:

Ever since my Mom has lost weight and become more active in her life, she's become even more of a joy to be around. (She's always been a joy but now it's SUPER JOY!) I love how active she has become and that she loves to go hiking, running, and work out. She even is hilarious to watch as she tries to master some of my clogging moves. She not only is my Mom but she's one of my friends. She's super cool and so fun to hang out with. I love spending time with her just bonding and doing girl things together. She truly is my role model and I love that she has taken her life back in a way that has not only changed her but changed me to be a better person too. I love you Mom! - McKenna

                                       Then.....

                                       Now......

I love my mom. She has always been so wonderful to me but it seems as though now days she's even more wonderful. Some of the things I love is that she does so many things outside now. Like hiking, and running. I've run with her and she's pretty good. She even makes it look easy! My mom is so fun to hang out with and doesn't seem to get as tired as she used too. She's always happy and I think she looks more elegant and pretty then ever before. One of the upsides of all this is that she makes awesome protein shakes for me before school. She also buys wheaties now and other yummy healthy stuff. She makes me want to eat healthy and exercise forever and teach my kids to do the same too. I try to help her and take care of her too by being supportive. She's always helping and taking care of me.  I guess the only downside to all of this is that we don't seem to have much snack food in the pantry these days. AKA-Not enough goodies! It doesn't matter though because I'll take a healthy mom over any other thing in the world. I'm so glad she's my mom. I wouldn't want any other mom in the world. I sure am lucky. I love my mom so much. - Blake

                                 Then.....

                            Now....

For my kids to see and witness that I'd want to take care of myself in a way that will allow me to live a long, healthy, active life has "sealed the deal" for them on the power of a mothers love and how much her children mean to her - that nothing will stand in her way of becoming the best mother she can...not even her weight!

Don't Let Being a Mom Hold You Back

Meet one of my beauties! This is my beautiful 14 year old daughter, McKenna. She truly is one of the loves of my life. 

    One of the things I've noticed over the past year and a half while losing my weight was how much being heavy and carrying around the many un-needed and un-wanted extra pounds effected me in more aspects of my life than just my own. It effected me as a mother. It's sad to me to sometimes think I've lost some precious "active" years with my kids but the reality is, when your heavy, it naturally happens. You don't have the motivation, energy, or discipline to do what you need to in order to be apart of your kids life completely. And because every mother wants to be the best they know how for their kids, this may also lead to depression or other ailments that get you down and discouraged.  I know this may sound harsh in some ways but looking back on things, it's the truth. I can't tell you how many times I sent my husband off on a hike, or a bike ride, or an outing with the kids that I thought I was "too fat" for or felt "too tired" for so I didn't join in and let those precious moments slip away. Those are moments I can't bring back. The good news is, it's never too late to change and make things right. I not only changed things, but I changed it in a good way so that I CAN enjoy the fun, active moments of being a parent. It's crazy to think of all the things we take for granted in our lives. The funny thing is, we don't realize it until we start to change how valuable our example is to others, especially our own children. How "active" are you in your kids lives? Are there things that you don't participate in because or lack of energy or because your weight gets in the way?

I know my sweet McKenna has always loved me for who I am and because I am her Mom, but what I do know is that because she's had a chance to watch first hand me go through what I have to get to where I am today as far as hard work, motivation and dedication, I know she is a better person today than she was yesterday. She's been nothing but a cheerleader, motivator, and a friend to her Mom during all of this. In turn, this has not only helped me in my life and on this journey but it's helped mold her into the beautiful young lady she is turning out to be. Maybe this was all part of God's plan? If so, regardless of what I had to go through, I am truly grateful she is becoming who she is. It's a beautiful thing.

This weekend it was my turn to cheer on Miss McKenna as she danced her little heart out at a clogging competition. This is something she has done for many, many years and is truly one of her passions. (Not to mention, she's amazing to watch and defiantly was born to be on stage!) 

                        Clogging competition 2 years ago.

Clogging competition this weekend! (Have I mentioned I love this girl?!)


So, if there is anything holding you back from being 100% in your kids lives, change it! You can do it. Not only will they be happier, but you'll be much happier too. I like to think that if God put His trust in me to raise these little people, I'd better make sure I was doing my part -living a healthy lifestyle being one of them!