Manila Mama!

I owe the blog weight loss before/after photos...but my trip supersedes that for the moment.

I don't know how often I will update this, but wanted to at least start with a few notes regarding the beginning of our little adventure.

Missions Trip Tip #1:  Pack light.  Or at least as light as you can.  I managed to get 2 months worth of clothes (we are gonna be recycling outfits a lot) and medicines in 3 large (29") suitcases.  Trent and I had a medium sized carry on.  Easy breezy trying to maneuver through the airport.  We put Jon on stroller duty and we just zipped along like we were on fire.  YAY!!

We had the most awesome greeting!  The Dibbles met us at the airport and she had her camera and took several photos of our arrival!  I felt like a famous person!!  We then had our first meal in the Philippines at Bacolod Chicken.  We ordered the petso (pay-cho) and rice.  Petso is a skewered chicken breast and wing that has been marinated and grilled. Seriously, so amazing!!!  Sis. Dibble taught us how to make the "sauce" for dipping.  You scrape out chili pepper seeds into a dish, then squeeze this little lime (it's just slightly larger than a marble)--and I can't ever remember the name, but they are fantastic, and then add soy sauce.  Delicious HEAVEN!!  Then, it was off to our apartment to get checked in, then CRASHING!!  Whew, jet lag is NO JOKE.

The next full day was HUGE.  Like colossal huge. Really big.

The Dibbles, AKA our chauffeurs, tour guides, and walking filipino encyclopedias, picked us up to get some groceries.  Sis D is THE BEST at giving you lots of helpful info (what to buy, what not to buy, what brands taste most like home, etc).  I hope with my jet lag, I was able to retain the most important stuff.  HA!  Jon told me later that he likes the grocery store here in Philippines.  :)  Their grocery stores (the one we went to was Uni-Mart) are kinda like a Safeway and Walgreens that got together and merged under one roof.  Everything from cookware, shampoo, fruit, meat, and flip flops all under one roof.  AWESOME.  :)  After the quick grocery trip, we were dropped off at the apartment where Jon finished up some school and I had a nap.  A really wonderful nap.

At 2 pm, we were picked up again (did I mention we had chauffeurs?) and Sis Dibble took Trent and I to the National Children's Hospital.  We were met by Annie (pronounced "Ah-knee").  She is a doll!!  She helps Sis D with translation while she visits the hospitals. We met several children that will forever haunt my mind...but in a good way.  Bless their little hearts!  Some were so skeletal because of the disease and illness that had taken over their body.  I felt like I had my heart broken over and over and over again.  I tried my best to find something beautiful about each child that I could share with the parent or guardian.  One little gal had an usual name "Hannery".  She and I had matching braids in our hair!  I met at least 3 "Princesses".  Yes, their first name was Princess.  I told Ella I got to meet 3 Princesses and she thought that was really cool.  

One little fella, Steven, really captured my heart.  His mother had posted a photo of him with the words:  "The Fighter Steven" above his crib.  I thought this was very cool and that Jon would think it was neat too.  Here is a photo of the photo of Steven, followed by a photo of me and Steven's mother and tita (tee-tah)--aunt.  

After this, we went to Mega Mall to do a little browsing until we were able to meet the Brotts for a farewell dinner at Dad's Buffet (Trent and I had eaten at Dad's over 11 years ago on a previous trip).  The Brotts were leaving that evening to head back to the states.  Wish we had more time with them, they seemed like super sweet people and I'd love the opportunity to get to know them better.

After dinner, Trent and I had our first Filipino Starbucks experience.  They call their frappucinos "coffee jelly".  Annie's favorite is the coffee jelly.  :)

All in all, a very full and perfect first day!

The Pain Now, Means STRENGTH Later!

Well, well, well...I do believe I have just surprised and totally fooled myself.  I, Amber Marie Dunn Gilliam have COMPLETED a 30 Day Challenge.  I am still a little in shock.

At first, it was a kind of novelty.  I actually expected to get burned out and give up.  Wow, is it bad that I admitted I just didn't think I had it in me?  I don't trust myself.  But, after Week 3, I was a little surprised I had made it that far.  Then, we went to Campmeeting where there is no real schedule or normal routine, lots of late nights and eating foods that I don't have a lot of control over and so, I was sure I would flop that week.  Nope.  Held in there pretty strong.  YAY ME!!

So, after 30 Days of Beachbody's Brazlian Butt Lift (sorry if the title offends), I came through VICTORIOUS!  And STRONG!  

So, here are my results:

Weight Lost:  5.6 lbs

Bust: Down 3 in

Waist: Down 3 in

Hips: Down 1.75 in

Left/Right Arms: Down 2.5 in (total for both)

Left/Right Legs: Down 2 in (total for both)

Total inches lost:  12.25 inches!!!

All I can say is I am MUCH stronger than I thought I was and I am well on my way to making working out a LIFESTYLE for myself.  In fact, I started another challenge yesterday with my Facebook Weight Loss Group and I've already completed Day 2 of 30.  

Don't say "I can't" until you've tried.  And then, try again.  I thought surely a 35 year old mother of two was too old and too out of shape to get any kind of results, but I am so impressed with what I've done so far and looking forward to adding to those numbers!  Bye Bye Old, Out of Shape Me!!

And on a more spiritual note:  Have you noticed that the things that try you the most (mentally, physically, spiritually) are usually just a catalyst to make you stronger?  Going through tests and trials is NO FUN, but when you come through victorious on the other side--there is a deafening shout of praise and triumph!  

She enters BEAST MODE!

Okay, not REALLY "Beast Mode", but I feel SO awesome and PROUD of myself.  (Lots of caps, I know...really excited!!)

Week 4, Day 3:  I'm just about halfway finished with the last week, and despite the obstacles (Campmeeting, fatigue, sick kid), I have been faithful to this challenge.  Admittedly, I am going a little nuts on the diet part right now...but still maintaining my calorie intake (so far!!!)  

I ain't gonna lie to you all...the compliments I'm getting sure make me feel even more "BEAST"!!!  HA!!  (Is that term even still popular with the teenagers?  I am so old--another blog post for sure...)

Things I'm enjoying with this new body I am working to create...

1.  I have GUNS!  For real.  I have some very nice biceps developing.  Don't be shocked if I ask to feel my muscles.  I am super proud of them!  

2.  My face is thinner!  Woot!  I didn't even realize that until a friend pointed it out.  I haven't lost all that much weight, but I guess I'm toning down my face too!  YAY!  

3.  Speaking of face:  My skin.  It's getting clearer!  Sweating may actually be GOOD for you.  Who knew?!

4.  My waist.  I love my new waist.  It feels so teeny tiny.  And in way less than 30 days.  Totally awesome.

Campmeeting!!!  

This year has been fun because we were able to bring our trailer (our house!) to Campmeeting.  There is NO COMPARISON to staying on the grounds.  Simply a blast!  My son, has been riding bikes and running around until he comes in every night with sore legs and sunburned nose & lips.  I imagine by the end of the week, his legs will be worn down to nubs!!  HAHAHA!!  

Ella was having a great time herself until she got the dreaded allergies.  UGH.  Since Saturday night, it has been a whine-fest and snot party for us.  Boo that.  Thank you, Lord for inventing Advil.  

Last night, Jon gave me some of the greatest news!!  He helped pray a little boy through to the Holy Ghost!  There is an 8 year old little boy named Greg who got a new birthday to celebrate last night!  WOO HOO!!  I am so proud of him!  

I was going to try to post some photos, but I can't seem to get them to download, so you will just have to take my word for it that I'm having a good time!

Oh!  And by next week I will have final stats from my challenge!!!  As well as Before/After photos!

She begins...Week THREE!

The last couple weeks has had me CONSUMED with working out and tracking food and counting calories.

I started week 3 of my 30 Day Challenge today AND also started Day ONE of another Biggest Loser Challenge.  WOOT! 

I have scheduled a different challenge within my Facebook Weight Loss Group to begin August 6th.

Obsessed much?  Uh, yeah.  Kinda.

This is the reason I was a wee bit hesitant to start a REAL workout routine, because I tend to lose track of EVERYTHING else in order to be consistent and continue with the program.  *sigh*  It's my firstborn nature...

So, update on the results:  Not much change.  Boo that.  In fact, I seem to be GAINING weight.  Go figure.  LOL!  I am only slightly convinced it is muscle because the inches are slowly coming off and my clothes are fitting much better.  

However, I recently downloaded the MyFitnessPal app for my iPhone and I'm giving it a try.  I am really impressed with the app and I like it much better than the Weight Watchers app I was using.

Now, along with all of this health stuff, I've been preparing for our Campmeeting (clothes for the kids!!!) and trying to make all the necessary lists.  

AND....I am also trying to pre-prepare (haha) for our Philippines trip.  We are leaving August 18th!!  AAHHHH!!!!  I am excited and ready to be there already!!  

Actually, the diet and exercise has been a nice distraction to keep me from going nuts about packing, making lists and etc.  HA!  Not to mention, I am getting stronger.  :D

My most favorite non-scale related success?  Dead-lifting Ella (40 lbs) from a sitting position.  I was sitting in a booth and picked her up and over my lap in order to put her in the booth.  I couldn't believe I was able to lift her without grunting and hurting my back.  WOOO!!!!  Being able to lift my 2 yr old is definitely a HUGE victory!  HAHA!!

Challenge Me: Week One, DONE!

My last post was about a challenge I was going to be participating in.

I do several challenges in my weight loss group on Facebook.  It's called Weight Loss Winners Who LOVE being LOSERS!  We are the Loser group, and it's FILLED with losers.  :)

However, one of those members recently started doing Beachbody.  Actually, she's been doing it several months and has done 2 rounds of P90X.  I've done Slim in 6 years ago, but when she asked if I'd join her challenge, I just felt something in me say: "DO IT!"

So, I signed up.  I had NO plans of getting up early and sweating.  I was thinking I'd work out in the evenings when it was cooler.  Wrong.  I've been getting up every day since Monday and working out at 7:00 am.  Seriously, this could not be any more shocking to me.  HA!

But, I LOVE IT!  I work out while it's cool and everyone is still asleep.  I eat breakfast alone (which is amazing!!!) and I feel like I have a whole day to myself--every day of the week!

So, I have to tell you what my results have been in one week.

Weight:  Down 2 lbs.

Bust:  Down 1 inch

Waist:  Down 2.5 inches (2.5 INCHES!!!!)

Hips: Down .5 inch

L/R Arm: Down .5 inch ea

Legs: No change--yet.  :)

I've lost 2 lbs and 5 inches in a week.  

I think next week will be more weight loss and fewer inches, but I'm okay with that.

I am super proud of myself already.  I have finished one week and I'm actually looking forward to Monday's workout...already!!  :)

I am hoping to be lean and mean before we leave for the Philippines and while there, start another challenge in my Weight Loss Group on Facebook.  If you'd like to join my group on Facebook, you have to request to be added.  It's a private group, as we discuss sensitive weight loss topics.  :)

Something else I am prayerfully considering...becoming a Beachbody coach.  :)  Yes, these workouts are THAT addicting.  Feels GOOD!

Challenge Me!

Great News!!!

We are DONE with 3rd grade!  WOOOOOOO!  Jon finished up school on July 4.  Not a bad way to celebrate our freedom, if I do say so myself!  HAHA!!  Now to start worrying and pondering what I'm gonna do for 4th grade.  AAAHHH!!!  

On a more personal note, I, Amber Marie Dunn Gilliam, will be doing a fitness challenge starting THIS MONDAY, July 9.  Some of you know I have a Weight Loss group on Facebook.  This has been HIGHLY motivational for me (as well as others), but I really do need/want to take it up a notch.  So, I committed to doing a workout with one of my members.  She is a Beachbody Coach and on Monday, I and a few other ladies will be doing the Brazilian Butt Lift program from Beach Body.  I am so excited, ready and quite frankly--scared to death.  Well, okay not "scared to death" more like "scared to worry".    I have done another Beachbody program in the past: Slim in 6, and I had great results and once I really committed to it, I loved it.  I am hopeful that in 30 days I can say the same thing about Brazilian Butt Lift.  

This challenge will keep me busy, and no doubt SORE right up until the time we leave for the Philippines, so this is perfect timing for me to do something for ME!  

Trent has mentioned (rather casually) that he'd do it too...but whether he does or not, I am determined to MAKE THIS HAPPEN. 

This is my "before" photo I submitted to Beachbody.  It was taken June 3, 2012.  

My BEFORE before photo is still used as my profile photo for this blog.  So, I have come a long way...but still want to look even better.  

Wish me luck!!

The End is Near!!

Day 160...out of 170.

It's not that I HATE homeschooling, it's just that we have NOT got the hang of it--even this far into the year.

I am fairly certain it has to do with the curriculum choice we went with.  I am not saying this curriculum is horrible and has no value or worth, but I do feel like it's my duty to record my thoughts regarding it so that future homeschoolers can make a more educated decision about what curriculum will work best for their child(ren).

In 10 more school days (5, if I can ever convince him to do two classes a day and actually have a summer vacation this year...), we will have completed Abeka Academy Grade 3.  We are using the DVD program.

What I LOVE:
* It's HOMESCHOOL!  No getting up early (we travel a lot and have LOTS of late nights with church)
* The memory verse work.  Honestly, I did NOT think my son would be able to memorize 4 & 5 verses at a time and be able to recall them for a test.  However, he can quote nearly all of Hebrews chapter 11, which is TOTALLY AWESOME!  He really surprised me and I am SUPER proud of him.
* It's pretty straight forward learning.  Repetition (which works for Jon) and building on each concept as you go along.  This is especially true with Arithmetic.  (Jon no longer uses the word "Math", he prefers "Arithmetic", which I think is kinda cute/cool.)
*Jon really enjoys the Bible class stories.

What I LIKE:
* I really like the Science, History & Health, Safety & Manners classes.  These are the classes Jon has been MOST excited about.  He is quick to let us know something he has learned nearly EVERY day in one of these classes.
*They keep my grades and I don't have to do much work, other than grading and sending in the info.  This is only a minor hassle, but gives me a chance to review again what he is learning and see if he is "getting it".

What I HATE:
* It is a LOT of work.  I mean a lot of busy work.  The "Seatwork" is a long list of additional work that you can assign (or eliminate) as needed per student.  It did not take long until I started creating my own Seatwork list, which MOSTLY consisted of him copying Spelling words only.
* The Bible class pushes a trinitarian doctrine throughout the year, pretty strongly.  I use it as an opportunity to reinforce the Oneness doctrine and so far, I do not think he has any confusion because he already had a strong understanding of the Oneness of God, however it is not something I'd want him exposed to continually.

Overall, I'd say this curriculum is BEST suited for students that REALLY enjoy school to begin with.  I was one of those weird kids.  I think I would have LOVED doing Abeka and would have finished the entire year in half the time.  But, admittedly, I am kinda weird.  I have a friend whose daughter has been doing Abeka since Kindergarten and her daughter is doing REALLY well.  She enjoys all the memorizing, the work, the setting, etc.  She even enjoys the Art class.  We eliminated the Art class VERY early in the year, as it had zero appeal to Jon whatsoever.

Jon tolerates school.  He is a decent student, but some of it doesn't come easily to him (as it did me).  Abeka, pushes the student to a maximum learning potential and I feel like it's just too much pressure for him.  He does not test well with Abeka and with no grades counted for daily work, his test scores are KILLING his grades.  He does well on quizzes and daily work, which obviously do not count for as much in grading.  This is frustrating for me, as a parent.

I am "shopping around" for an alternative for next year.  The good news is, that after completing (almost!!) one year of homeschool, I have a better idea of what I want and what Jon needs.  This is where I was hoping to start my search from last year.  So, we've struggled quite a bit this year, but at the same time, it's been a great learning process and I can't be upset about that.  Jon is learning responsibility and accountability this year and that is definitely a bonus.

Homeschool is not really an option for us.  We HAVE to homeschool with our weird travel schedule, but just because we have NO CHOICE about whether to homeschool or not, does NOT mean I have no choice about how it's done.

Ultimately, I hope to become more confident and do a mix n match of various curriculum and get involved in a charter school type scenario where he can attend a classroom setting at least once a week. However, I have not quite landed on the perfect solution at this point in the game.

My son's education (and eventually Ella's) is the 2nd most important thing I have influence over in his life.  First, his salvation & personal walk with God, then education.  These are the best tools I can offer him for life.  I don't want to mess it up.  And with God's help--we will get all the kinks worked out and my kid will grow up and be thankful and proud of what he has learned.