A Happy, Healthy Fourth with the Family

Week 5 of the challenge is underway and is going to be a little bit harder just with the holiday in the mix. I'm so amazed by the progress of this program in such a short time. I've got a few photos of my change through the last 17 months on Facebook in the "Jenn's Weight Loss Journey" album; however, I'm looking forward to seeing what God has for me through the rest of the challenge and following. Hope to post some new shots again soon before I leave for PHX. I'm so thankful for the blessings that God has given me through this journey. It's truly amazing. I know it's almost like a broken record that I "sing" every post; however, I really can't thank Him enough!

Last week, after blogging I finished up my weekly workouts with the full body and cardio workouts. I'm just in awe at the new energy God has given me. I definitely feel healthier and almost younger if that's possible. I know I certainly feel better than when I was younger and I haven't felt this good in about seven years. God is good and He has a time and place for everything. He hasn't let me down nor is He ever going to let me down. He's led my family through so many trials and He's going to lead us through more mountains and valleys, and now I have even more strength to endure the climb.

I enjoyed spending time with my family so much yesterday. I think we spent about five hours around my Great  Aunt's kitchen table telling stories and "catching up." I was pretty good at eating yesterday but I know also that I have to live and there's always going to be holidays; I just have to know when to stop. However, as sweet as those times are, there's always a bittersweet sadness in the air as we share the stories and think of all our loved ones who have gone before us. I definitely had a few moments yesterday thinking of the many holidays that I spent similarly around the table at my Nanny's (Dad's mom) in Granby. We could sit for hours there too. We would tell stories and play games of Liverpool Rummy and Backup on the board that my Pop made with his own drill. Yesterday also the fourth month since my Uncle Greg passed. Since March, my Grandma has had both of her boys with her in Heaven. 

The memories I have of my family, the great times I share with my family today and the hopes of having my own family someday are definitely a great motivation for me to keep going in this journey. It's hard to believe that we've already completed a month of the challenge but it's been wonderful and I'm looking forward to finishing strong. Today I completed my first two workouts of the week. I did upper body exercises including the bar push-ups, bench press weights, overhead weights, and even those crazy jumping jacks. I don't know how long it's been since I've done jumping jacks but I did today, and of course I was thrilled to be able to box today. Then, I also completed the 30-minute cardio. Didn't want to add too much today thanks to the heat and the need to get stuff to done. Because of the holiday and the fact that we're seeing family this weekend also, it's definitely going to be more of a challenge this week to get in all six of the workouts. 

It's going to be worth the extra work though to have more energy to run around with my not-so-little cousins and walk around the ballpark with my Mom, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. I'm hoping to get in another cardio session tomorrow evening. Then do my lower body workout on Thursday and complete the full body and cardio workouts on Friday night. My expectations are high and my inspirations are even higher.

Hope you all enjoyed your time with family and friends.

Many Blessings,

Jenn