The Week 2 Curse

In case you are unfamiliar with The Biggest Loser, let me introduce to you the dread of Week 2. It's notorious for low weight loss on the show in week 2 because the contestants bodies just lost an astronomical amount of weight in week one. So their bodies are trying to catch up with them. Well my emotional life had the same affect in week two. I got a head of myself, possibly stuck my foot in my mouth (too soon!) and was unrealistic about how hard this challenge was going to be. It started out okay. But turned to mush by Tuesday. Kenna had a really bad meltdown in Walmart. Really bad. Let's just say that was the first and last time I will let that happen. Since that day the tears haven't really stopped. I feel like an emotional pregnant woman, except that I am not preggers. I know this is going to be a process and that I have to take one day at a time.

Some highlights of the week:
* Bible Study started! I cannot explain how happy this makes me! I have been waiting patiently for this to start! And to add to it, my church is currently studying the Book of Acts which has played a vital role in my homework this week in James-it is SO COOL how God timed the study of both books in my life!
* Sleepover at my In-Laws! Besides Kenna waking at 5 am and only wanting Grandma to rock her, it was really helpful to be around some family since my lonely meter was empty!
*I began working out with a friend this week to try to tone up! I am motivated to eat better and slim down for summer time!

Challenges in Week Two:
*Too much ALONE time! Although I was given opportunities to hang out with some friends/family this week-I was either too tired or too emotional. I spent the week feeling drained and empty. So I secluded myself more than regular but decided to focus on my kids and bible study to keep my going.
*Getting sick..... I came down with some nasty bug going around. Head ache, chills, sore-throat, fatigue, stomach ache's. This prevented me from having emotional energy as well.
*Oh the voice-mails! I feel so bad about how many voice-mails I still have not responded to this last week! I am learning that I cannot take every call that comes my way and that I have to let some stuff go to voice-mail. My goal is to tackle one thing at a time, so if I have not returned your call--please don't be offended as I am busy being a full time mommy! :)

It is safe to say that I became emotionally drained and exhausted this week. I am truly thankful for my In-Laws coming to my rescue a few times! I really hope to be as awesome as they are when the kids are grown! I know I was more negative expressing my feelings about week 2 but I have to be real and I have to be myself. I know that I will gain strength as time goes on. I also can't complain too much since I get to see my hubby in 10 days! Andy gets to come home for 4-5 days and see his family! I am so excited I can hardly stand it!

I have some bible verses written down that I will post in a few days that have kept my on my feet as things have gotten rough. I know that SO many women out there are away from their husbands for much longer than I will be away from mine and I must say that I admire them beyond what words can express! Hug your loved ones and keep them close! We must not take even one day for granted! Here is to Week 3....when things begin looking up again!

Week One...Check!

I am excited to say that I have made it out of week one and that I am officially in week two of  being without my hubby. This is not an easy job but I am currently participating in a chapter of my life that has left me full of joy and peace when others might think I have it rough. While Andy has been away for one full week now, I do admit I have shed many tears and had several "pity parties" for myself. I am sure I will partake in a few more of those moments but I will gladly take them as they come. God has given me strength to be separated from my husband when I didn't think it was possible. I know that He has been preparing me for some time now to face this. When we first got married I remember thinking to myself that I would never be able to be separated from Andy. Five years later I can admit that this time apart has given me a new appreciation for my relationship with my husband. I have witnessed wives getting frustrated with their husbands over silly things this week and it makes me wish that I could hold mine a little tighter and tell him how much I do appreciate him and the time I get to be with him. This chapter has brought me closer to God and closer to my husband. It has not been easy but it has been rewarding.

Other things I am excited about is bible study starting back up again this week and starting a new lesson at church! First, I am starting a Beth Moore bible study on James on Wednesday night and at church on Sunday we are beginning the study on the Book of Acts. I am very eager to begin studying both of these and see what God has in store for me. I am craving his word and growing spiritually with Him. 


Highlights of Week One:
*Growing closer to God
*Focusing more on my kids-forming better bedtime habits and routines
*Hanging out with my sister Jen and her family--playing Just Dance 3 on the Wii
*Experiencing the love and support from friends and family...it's been very humbling
*Reconnecting with a friend from high school, Miss Angie! It is exciting to see God working in her life!
*Putting Andy on speaker phone to pray with us at night--it felt like he was in the room with us for just a moment!

Struggles I faced in Week One:
*The biggest one: Loneliness-I am learning to lean on God in times when I feel alone. Throughout the day I feel lonely and depressed just knowing that Andy won't be coming home for a while. It is one thing that I struggle with the most while he is gone. On the bright side I am learning to enjoy the simple things with my children and am allowing their laughter to be sunshine in my life.
*Easily disappointed--Mostly from unrealistic expectations of others. I simply get ideas in my head about things that might happen and when they don't, I allow it to get me down. I am learning to live a life of contentment (with God's help) and have less unrealistic expectations of others.

I will try to keep track of the time while Andy is away so that I can look back and see all that I have experienced. I am honored that God has chosen me to face this challenge. I know he will give me all the necessary tools to cope while Andy is gone. I trust that He will get me through each day.