yes, we are still alive! ;) I know I could never explain to you the insanity that is our lives right now, so I won't even try. it's one of those, 'you've got to see it to believe it'
here's what's coming up ... WE ARE GOING TO NY for vacation this summer! we are ALL very excited! we are even bringing our new addition with us:) ... our dog, Keona. we will be having a gettogether @ Willow Bay for all that may like to see us, so email me if you'd like more information. (that is, if anyone even reads this blog anymore -lol!)
I promise, (famous last words), to update you on the kids soon ... or, at the very least, get some new pics on here.
hugs!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Nic's Weight Loss
BEFORE - size 14
AFTER - size 6
my journey started just over a year ago. a friend and i wanted to 'get healthy' and drop some of our excess poundage. Carlos stepped up to the challenge and said he would train us. so we started. every weekday morning, Sandy and i would drag our [then] lazy butts out of bed at 6:30am for a 7am training session. after three months, Sandy's weight began to drop, while mine didn't. i was doing the same things she was but no results.
i decided to go to the doctor, since i hadn't had my diabetes checked in over 2 years, i figured that maybe that had something to do with it. so, in March of '09, i had my blood work done, and sure enough, my numbers were out of whack. my organs were damaged from not taking care of my body and were not working as they should. i was tired ALL the time, even after having a full nights sleep. i was always hungry and not able to satisfy that hunger. my doctor gave me three months to get my numbers down or else ... insulin. talk about a kick in the butt.
for the first two weeks, i changed my diet considerably. i followed the South Beach diet for those two weeks. (and keep in mind, i kept up the workouts) within two days, i already felt better. i had more energy than i had had in years. those first two weeks were very life-changing. it was then that i realized how much overeating we do, just because ... just because it's there. because we can. because how often do i get to go out. because it's so-and-so's bday. because _______, you fill in the blank. we all have them. EXCUSES!! these excuses are fine, but not as often as i was using them. what i realized during those first two weeks was that, 'i can do this. i don't have to eat this junk all the time.' and i realized how often i did, in fact, use these excuses to eat. i never once thought of the damage i was doing to my body. it was now time to fix the damage i had done. although there isn't a cure for diabetes, it can definitely be controlled.
and here is my new beginning. now the serious weight loss begins. after beginning to reverse the damage i had done, the results came. i have loss a total of 40lbs and have gained more muscle mass than i believe i have ever had. i am in the best shape of my life! and here is how i did it. JUST 30 MINUTES A DAY with Los! his workouts are a complete body workout. not just weight-training or cardio but a good combination of both and other techniques that i don't know the names of. and not only that, but accountability is KEY! without the knowledge of knowing someone else will be there to workout with me and will be counting on me to be there, without that, I AM SURE, the excuses to NOT workout would have flown just as easy as the ones to eat did. i am no longer on the South Beach diet but i do think twice before i put something meaningless in my mouth. and i am happy to say that i do not have to be on insulin to control my diabetes! honestly, if i can do it, YOU CAN DO IT!! come on, really, who doesn't have 30 minutes?!
AFTER - size 6
my journey started just over a year ago. a friend and i wanted to 'get healthy' and drop some of our excess poundage. Carlos stepped up to the challenge and said he would train us. so we started. every weekday morning, Sandy and i would drag our [then] lazy butts out of bed at 6:30am for a 7am training session. after three months, Sandy's weight began to drop, while mine didn't. i was doing the same things she was but no results.
i decided to go to the doctor, since i hadn't had my diabetes checked in over 2 years, i figured that maybe that had something to do with it. so, in March of '09, i had my blood work done, and sure enough, my numbers were out of whack. my organs were damaged from not taking care of my body and were not working as they should. i was tired ALL the time, even after having a full nights sleep. i was always hungry and not able to satisfy that hunger. my doctor gave me three months to get my numbers down or else ... insulin. talk about a kick in the butt.
for the first two weeks, i changed my diet considerably. i followed the South Beach diet for those two weeks. (and keep in mind, i kept up the workouts) within two days, i already felt better. i had more energy than i had had in years. those first two weeks were very life-changing. it was then that i realized how much overeating we do, just because ... just because it's there. because we can. because how often do i get to go out. because it's so-and-so's bday. because _______, you fill in the blank. we all have them. EXCUSES!! these excuses are fine, but not as often as i was using them. what i realized during those first two weeks was that, 'i can do this. i don't have to eat this junk all the time.' and i realized how often i did, in fact, use these excuses to eat. i never once thought of the damage i was doing to my body. it was now time to fix the damage i had done. although there isn't a cure for diabetes, it can definitely be controlled.
and here is my new beginning. now the serious weight loss begins. after beginning to reverse the damage i had done, the results came. i have loss a total of 40lbs and have gained more muscle mass than i believe i have ever had. i am in the best shape of my life! and here is how i did it. JUST 30 MINUTES A DAY with Los! his workouts are a complete body workout. not just weight-training or cardio but a good combination of both and other techniques that i don't know the names of. and not only that, but accountability is KEY! without the knowledge of knowing someone else will be there to workout with me and will be counting on me to be there, without that, I AM SURE, the excuses to NOT workout would have flown just as easy as the ones to eat did. i am no longer on the South Beach diet but i do think twice before i put something meaningless in my mouth. and i am happy to say that i do not have to be on insulin to control my diabetes! honestly, if i can do it, YOU CAN DO IT!! come on, really, who doesn't have 30 minutes?!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
DANG!!
is anyone ever going to update this blog - lol!! i hear my uncle Harry isn't too happy with me right now because i haven't updated since ... well, ... you know how long it's been ;) SO, this is for you UNCLE HARRY!! i love you and miss you! i hope to get some pics on here soon ... but once again, our computer crashed (piece of junk) I WANT A MAC!!!
for those of you reading this and are wanting updates more often ... GET ON FACEBOOK :)
hugs to all reading this!
nic
for those of you reading this and are wanting updates more often ... GET ON FACEBOOK :)
hugs to all reading this!
nic
Thursday, September 24, 2009
from Tony about Joshua
i wanted to share something that Tony wrote about his best friend that lived in NY but has since moved to PA. to give you a little back history ... Tony and Joshua were friends from the womb. one of my best friends, Veronica, and i were prego at the same time. these boys were together a lot! we had weekly playdates (most weeks more than once). Tony still talks, and even sometimes cries, of Joshua. when we first moved to CA, i think Tony had the toughest time. it still breaks my heart when he gets so upset and says that he just wants to play with Joshy.
Joshua
Joshua is my friend from New York. We loved to play together. We played cars. We played Legos together. The coolest thing is that we were friends from the start of our lives. I think we were suppose to be friends.
he did this all on his own! i really wish we lived closer to our friends ... but distance isn't tearing this apart!!
nic
... here's a quick slideshow ... i will have to scan pics of when they were smaller ;)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Nicole is ready to celebrate!!! La Creperie anyone?
I'm celebrating reaching my first goal in reference to losing weight and getting healthy!! (in actuality, I guess it's my second goal.) when I went to the doctor in June I accomplished my first goal : getting my blood sugar levels down! but seeing the numbers on the scale go down feels equally as great!! so ... what better way to celebrate then with a yummy crepe! I've been depriving myself for 5 months... time to cheat!! ;)
Team Cueva is on a new adventure!
from Carlos ...
I wanted to send an update to those of you who have been faithful in prayer and support of Team Cueva. Also to those who have only heard of us. As you may or may not know, a little over two years ago we came out to California from Liverpool NY, in faith, responding to God’s call. Two years ago we started a bilingual church called Norte in Long beach CA. We had a great time of growth both in our church and in our personal lives. That time has now come to a close, for us. Norte continues to meet.
Today we are beginning a new journey by joining Living Spring Christian Fellowship as they love and serve the community of Garden Grove, California. Every decision that we make and have made in regards to life and ministry have been a matter of serious prayer. Please know that any money or prayers that you sent our way have been a blessing and not in vain. You may have some questions and I trust that the following may answer some of those. If not, please feel free to send me an email or call me so we can have further dialogue.
What is Norte?
With God’s leading and your support and the support of Light and Life Christian Fellowship, we began a church service to help reach the Spanish speakers in the community of long Beach. During the last two years we have seen God move. We saw conversions, baptisms and met weekly in bible study and a Sunday service. As part of our ministry we also began a relationship with Ramona Park, a local park.
Was Norte a success?
Yes! Initially we came out to help reach Hispanics period, but we ended up having a service in their language complete with music and preaching. What I am most excited about is that Norte continues even as Team Cueva moves on. I believe that God used us initially for that purpose and now He is leading us into a new adventure.
What happens to Norte?
Norte will continue. Right now Norte is under the leadership of Sam Romero and Paul Vargas. Some of you may remember them as they were serving along side me when the mission team was here. I am still a resource if needed and very much a part of the outreach that we will continue at Ramona Park.
What is Ramona Park?
A year ago God impressed upon me the idea of adopting this park. The park was in our neighborhood and was in rough shape both physically and spiritually. This area is a low income area where gangs and prostitutes frequent. I felt like God wanted it to be used for His purposes. So…in partnership with Light and Life and especially their Children’s Pastor Sandy Bond, we decided to do several events to love this community. We have done at least three events and they have been a delight to the children, staff, and community. One of the events was a community festival that was put on by the missions team from Liverpool Community Church.
What will you guys do at Living Spring?
As I sensed that our work at Norte was coming to an end God was already putting the pieces to our new plan together. One of the Pastors in our conference was looking for an associate for His church. I met with Pastor John and quickly realized that God was in this. Pastor John is passionate about the people of this church and community and I know with the experience I gained in Liverpool and over the last two years at Norte, I will be able to help this church reach the community.
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