In the summer of 2007, my doctor told me I seriously needed to consider weight loss for my health. I took a look at the stress and demands of my job, and decided to try my hand as a SAHM. I joined the PTA and threw out the ice cream to try uncharted waters in hopes of building a stronger family.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2007

About a month ago, I was told at my annual check-up that I was seriously risking my health. Oddly, much of my discomfort and pain could be elevated by weight loss. I was a working mom at the time with four children at home, and a husband I rarely saw. I knew I had one, but our schedules prevented us from knowing we were even married. I made a decision to really lose the weight and be a SAHM (stay at home mom). I had tried dieting before and failed miserably, but my health was on the line. Everyone in my paternal side of the family had Diabetes, and my mother died an early death due to an unhealthy lifestyle. I was well on my way to travel the road my parents laid out for me. So here goes nothing.

School started for my two eldest children, Kendal, age 12, and Robert, age 8. I signed up to be a PTA mom, even though previous experience taught me I didn't quite fit in with this crowd, most of the mothers being professional SAHMs. Man, they had it all figured out, it seemed. Yet, here I was signing up, trying to make some kind of difference in my children's life. I also got cornered by the PTA president and got wrangled into becoming the PTA historian. This should be a breeze since I just love scrap booking. At least, I am hoping so. I am trying hard to settle into this new role of staying home and not working. I must say I do miss the extra income, and housework everyday is a little daunting, but I am actually enjoying it more than I thought I would. I have two children at home with me during the day, Piper, age 3, and Jimi, age 9 months.

As far as my weight loss is concerned, well that is a different issue all together. I weighed in at 211 lbs this morning. I am excited to say that I am down from 220 lbs last month at my check-up. I hear losing the biggest part of the weight happens in the first weeks of weight loss and have now plateaued. I guess it’s time to actually look at what I am doing to lose weight, the right way, yet which way is the right way? To lose the 9 pounds I have lost, I simply cut out all sugar sodas and started drinking water or diet sodas when I really feel the urge for pop soda. I also cut my portions in half with every meal, and started taking that new pill the FDA approved, My Alli. I think I need to rethink my strategy, however. I am going to try and choose healthier foods to incorporate into my family meals. We will see how well this goes over with the kiddos. I also signed up for a membership at my local city Rec center for the much needed (and dreaded) exercise program.

An added bonus to staying at home is that we have grown as a family in a matter of just one month. We sit at the table to eat our meals instead of being scattered all over the house. I cook our meals fairly early now, and the kids get to bed on time. I am better able to help with the kids' homework and have a great communication with my older daughter, Kendal. I feel more rested even though I'm doing dishes and laundry everyday. Before I'd let it pile up, and on weekends I'd almost be in tears because it all felt overwhelming. Now on the weekends I can assign my children some simple chores that will not overwhelm them because I've done the major stuff during the week. I get a little break and we have more time to spend with each other. I must say that getting to know my husband again has got its perks, too. I just knew he was a handsome guy! 

Well, hopefully I can keep this going. The PTA seems challenging, and my plans to exercise are honestly said with good intentions, but we all know how that goes. Maybe I can go Tivo 'Biggest Loser' to get some inspiration, or maybe I can just keep in mind I'm doing this for my kids, so they don't have to live without a mother like I did. I just need to find that inner motivation to give me another kick.