Hi everybody.
I literally have not had one spare second to get online and respond to messages, but I do receive them from my Webmaster. And I thank you so much for your continued love, support and encouragement.
I did, however, want to take a moment to share some very exciting and life-changing news with those of you who stop by my Web site and have encouraged me to update my Blog more frequently.
I am a new mommy again.
Mike and I are overjoyed over the new addition to our family through adoption.
We brought our new son home when he was only two days old. But we met him the day he was born and spent as much time together as possible in the hospital until he came home. We got to know his birth mother and she and I actually spent a lot of time together. She agreed that this was a "God thing" and was at perfect peace. I assured her that if she had any misgivings that it couldn't be God's perfect will for her life – and if it wasn't God's will for her life; then it wasn't for ours' either.
Adoption, in my opinion, is the most sacrificial example of love in today's society. We will be forever grateful for the gift the birth mother gave us. He already feels like he's always been a part of our family. Our seven year old son (many of you all saw Noah on TV) feels as though this was HIS idea. We brought him into the loop early on to make sure that he also was at peace with the idea of going from only child to big brother.
As soon as we told him about the baby (before he was born) Noah responded "That baby needs us…and we need him." Out of the mouth of babes, right?
Never before has anything transpired so smoothly or beautifully. It was the hand of God at work because every obstacle was removed from our path. Every door that was meant to open MORE than opened. It FLUNG open. God sent specific people into our lives during the process with confirmation after confirmation that this was His perfect will for our family.
I have always loved being a stay-at-home mom. But now I have a chance to "do it better." I am healthier and happier than before thanks to my experience on The Biggest Loser. And I am able to be a better wife and mother in every way. Of course some of my "plans" have changed somewhat. It's funny how a baby can do that. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
I really do appreciate all the messages and comments and the sweet e-mails people send through the Web site. I am overwhelmed sometimes by the stories people share with me and the encouragement everyone continues to give. I wanted to post this blog just to give everyone a little news of what's going on with us.
The baby has such a sweet disposition, but we call him our little owl. He loves to sleep during the day and stay up all night. I had forgotten how tired you can get caring for a newborn but also how wonderful it is!
So thanks again for stopping by. And for taking the time to read my Blog. I will try to do better at keeping it updated.
Take care.
Love,
Julie
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Guideposts.com - Advice from a Loser: "Meet Julie Hadden"
Hello!
Hi. I am Julie Hadden. You may know me from the reality show The Biggest Loser. A little over a year ago, I was given the “chance of a lifetime” and I experienced a total makeover: my body, mind and spirit. And I believe that when something extraordinary happens in a person’s life they should be compelled to share that experience with others. Now, I am not talking about being on television…I am talking about what happens when “reality TV” becomes just…”reality.” I am so happy to be able to share some of what I’ve learned with you.
One of the things I hear most as I meet people who are fans of the show, whether it’s at a speaking engagement or just at the mall, is that they think I am relatable. And I think that’s true. There’s nothing extraordinary about me, I am just like everybody else. And hopefully as I share some of the things I’ve learned you will be able to translate that knowledge into something that may also help you on your journey!
The holidays are such a wonderful time of year. And there is so much to be thankful for. It should be about enjoying the company of those we love the most…not about what’s on the holiday menu. Why is it that every gathering or holiday party seems to revolve around food? If you are like me it’s a very delicate balance between enjoying all of the socializing and making healthy choices in regards to eating at this time of year. I have found that there are ways to “set yourself up for success” around the holidays so that you can enjoy everything about this festive season, without regret.
First of all, don’t go to a party famished. Have a light snack before you walk out the door. That way when you arrive at a party your stomach won’t be rumbling and you can be more focused on making a beeline for your friends than the dessert table. Also, if you are going to a party set yourself a calorie limit or determine in your mind exactly what you will allow yourself to eat ahead of time. That way if you must have your grandma’s famous Christmas fudge, you can enjoy it in moderation and still walk away feeling in control.
If you are hosting a party have carry out containers on hand and give your guests a “doggie bag” on their way out the door. You’ll look like a gracious host when you’re really just trying to get the leftover temptations out of your house.
You can also create new family traditions that don’t revolve around unhealthy habits. You can help out at a homeless shelter or give gifts to a family in need that might not otherwise see an expression of love at the holidays. Taking the focus off of yourself and showing love to others is a wonderful way to embrace the true meaning of the season. If you live in a warm climate like I do, take a family walk to enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations in your neighborhood.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to make exercise a priority. If you get a little off track because of all the many commitments of this time of year then step up your workout as soon as you can. I’ve found that it’s not so important what you do, as long as you are consistent with your exercise regime. If you burn more calories than you consume, you won’t gain weight—in fact you will lose it.
Each week I will share things with you ranging from simple life experiences to life on reality TV to tips I’ve learned along the way. May your family experience all the joy that comes with this time of year.
Merry Christmas.
Hi. I am Julie Hadden. You may know me from the reality show The Biggest Loser. A little over a year ago, I was given the “chance of a lifetime” and I experienced a total makeover: my body, mind and spirit. And I believe that when something extraordinary happens in a person’s life they should be compelled to share that experience with others. Now, I am not talking about being on television…I am talking about what happens when “reality TV” becomes just…”reality.” I am so happy to be able to share some of what I’ve learned with you.
One of the things I hear most as I meet people who are fans of the show, whether it’s at a speaking engagement or just at the mall, is that they think I am relatable. And I think that’s true. There’s nothing extraordinary about me, I am just like everybody else. And hopefully as I share some of the things I’ve learned you will be able to translate that knowledge into something that may also help you on your journey!
The holidays are such a wonderful time of year. And there is so much to be thankful for. It should be about enjoying the company of those we love the most…not about what’s on the holiday menu. Why is it that every gathering or holiday party seems to revolve around food? If you are like me it’s a very delicate balance between enjoying all of the socializing and making healthy choices in regards to eating at this time of year. I have found that there are ways to “set yourself up for success” around the holidays so that you can enjoy everything about this festive season, without regret.
First of all, don’t go to a party famished. Have a light snack before you walk out the door. That way when you arrive at a party your stomach won’t be rumbling and you can be more focused on making a beeline for your friends than the dessert table. Also, if you are going to a party set yourself a calorie limit or determine in your mind exactly what you will allow yourself to eat ahead of time. That way if you must have your grandma’s famous Christmas fudge, you can enjoy it in moderation and still walk away feeling in control.
If you are hosting a party have carry out containers on hand and give your guests a “doggie bag” on their way out the door. You’ll look like a gracious host when you’re really just trying to get the leftover temptations out of your house.
You can also create new family traditions that don’t revolve around unhealthy habits. You can help out at a homeless shelter or give gifts to a family in need that might not otherwise see an expression of love at the holidays. Taking the focus off of yourself and showing love to others is a wonderful way to embrace the true meaning of the season. If you live in a warm climate like I do, take a family walk to enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations in your neighborhood.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to make exercise a priority. If you get a little off track because of all the many commitments of this time of year then step up your workout as soon as you can. I’ve found that it’s not so important what you do, as long as you are consistent with your exercise regime. If you burn more calories than you consume, you won’t gain weight—in fact you will lose it.
Each week I will share things with you ranging from simple life experiences to life on reality TV to tips I’ve learned along the way. May your family experience all the joy that comes with this time of year.
Merry Christmas.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Campus Diary--Julie Hadden, Week 11
When else do you get to be in Salem with the one you love.
-- Thursday, November 29, 2007
7/18
Today was the best day we have had yet. Alison took us to “Days of our Lives”; I was a little ridiculous. I was over the top about Sammy Brady’s apartment. Then we all got head to toe makeovers. It was awesome. The best part was they told us to look into the mirror and then the mirror rolled back and my husband was standing there. Seeing him made an already great day the best ever. When else do you get to be in Salem with the one you love. Heh heh.7/19Back to the grind. Jillian was really excited for us (Being able to see our families). She wasn’t however happy about Isabeau voting off Amy. She said it was strategic suicide. I tried to tell Issy that we needed to keep all 5 members of the black team, but she said she couldn’t justify voting off B and leaving Amy. I will be honest, I think Jillian was right, we will all live to regret that move.
7/20
So… Guess what… I can’t climb. Today we had a challenge. We had to climb a never-ending rope. Yea… not so much my strong suit. I didn’t however come in last. (Something to be proud of.) Each week gets harder and harder, let’s just hope I stay above the real yellow line. That in and of itself is challenge enough.
7/21
Last chance workout!!!! I hate last chance workouts. Jillian is always in rare form. I guess I would say she was successful today, she got me to scream out loud and cry. That for her is progress.
7/22
Another dark day, yea!!!! The workouts are still brutal, but the atmosphere is more relaxed. In this house few things are ever relaxed, so these days are priceless to me. I also got to make a phone call home today. Hearing Noah tell me he loved me and missed me was hard to hear. Each week that part gets harder. It is not natural for a mother to leave her child. I just have to remember that at the end of this he will have a happier healthier mom. That is the only thing that keeps me going.
7/23
Tonight was the weigh in. Lets just say that I skated by with the hair of my chinny chin chin. Yikes. Either Kae or Nicole are going home. It is so sad, at this point everyone is really close and it wont be easy to say goodbye to either one of them. This game is only getting harder. Who wants to send someone home when they are so close to their dreams.
7/24
If you want me come and get me… Really Neil….Really????? And when I get you then what? I tell you what, when I do get you, I am gonna steal your money and take it all the way to the bank. I would however think about giving you a job.. As my driver, of my Suv that is, Mr. I never won a challenge!!!!.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Campus Diary--Julie Hadden, Week 10
I have to admit, it was fun getting a sugar rush, but not worth what Jillian is going to do to us tomorrow.
7/11
Today, on Biggest Loser, we ate doughnuts. They were fantastic. Guess who won the $5,000? Bill! Imagine that. I have to admit, it was fun getting a sugar rush, but not worth what Jillian is going to do to us tomorrow.
7/12
Dark day!!! Loved it. The Blue and Red team left for the day so it was really quiet around here. Hollie and I joked that it will be much nicer when they are gone permanently. He he he All joking aside, things are getting really serious around here. Everyone is cracking down. Stinks for me because I have to work twice as hard to loose half the weight. It will be worth it in the end though.
7/13
Today was challenge day. It was a triathalon. I only made it through the spinning part.I was trying to get Hollie through the competition so that she could win in the swimming portion. I knew that if she won the immunity that it would knock a big threat below the yellow line. The surprise was she could pick a friend to go home and receive immunity also. Guess who she picked? Yep …. ME!!!!!!!! I can’t believe it. I am gonna get to see my family. Thank you Thank you Thank you. I LOVE HOLLIE!!!!
7/14
Words cannot describe what it felt like to see Mike and Noah. I feel like I live in two separate worlds. My head lives on Campus and my heart lives in Jacksonville. It was a double edged sword to say the least. It was awesome to go home and horrible to leave. It did however make me realize why I came here in the first place. To change my life and the life of my family. Unfortunately I can’t do that at home.
7/15
Leaving Mike and Noah was the toughest thing I have ever done. Watching them cry as I left just about ripped my heart out. I am more determined than ever to get to the end. I will not leave them in vain. Everyday at this campus is a gift and I need to be here as long as possible. The thing that drives me now is knowing that I have a family at home that loves me and is waiting for me. That is what I will focus on when I’m working out for 5 hours a day.
7/16
Well… I lost nothing at the weigh-in. YIKES!!!! How embarrassing. I have never been so thankful for immunity. I guess going home is gonna be harder than I thought. I am scared that leaving this campus is going to change everything. These next few weeks I plan on gleaning whatever information I can from Jillian so that next time I return home I will be more successful than this time. I really hope that I can stay. I have to stay above that yellow line. Whatever it takes.
7/17/07
Well… Drama!!! Isabeau turned her back on Amy and voted her out. OOUCH. I want to see what Jillian will have to say about that. Should be interesting. I really hope it doesn’t come back to bite Issy in the butt (or me for that matter). Personally I think that B was the bigger threat, but he is a really great guy and I can’t say I would want him gone. At this point, saying goodbye to anyone will be hard. (well… maybe not anyone….)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Campus Diary--Julie Hadden, Week 6
I can make progress or I can make excuses.
-- Tuesday, October 30, 2007
06/06/07
Today was especially brutal. Jillian does not like losing players so she is determined we will WIN this next weigh-in. I thought I was pretty determined too, well until I hit my fourth hour of butt kicking. OUCH! I literally can’t raise my arms and don’t even get me started on my broke down legs. You know what though? She’s right. Not one thing I did in that gym today hurt worse than sending Jim home. Dang – I hate it when she’s right.
06/07/07
My arms hurt, my knees hurt, my ankles hurt, my back hurts, my joints hurt, my stomach hurts…get the point? Days like today are pretty typical, I just have to keep reminding myself that this is a blessing. Opportunities like this do not come around very often. Pain is part of the process. I have two choices – I can make progress or I can make excuses. Pain or no pain, this time I’m making progress.
06/08/07
Today was our challenge. The prize was a video from home. Ask me if I saw my video…uh, that would be NO! Guess who won the challenge? Red team, oooh surprise surprise. They have won 5 out of 6 challenges. Oops, did I say “they”? Sorry…I meant Phil has won 5 out of 6 challenges. Seriously…why are they here? He doesn’t need them. I know I know – bitter much? I just really wanted that video. OK, get off my back. Sorry Phil, I hope you enjoy your video! THERE now are ya’ll happy?
06/09/07
Today was a really bad day for our team. Jillian had to break the news to Hollie that her mother only had a few days to live. It was so incredibly sad. I know she really needs to be with her mom but I also know what this opportunity means to her. I have no idea how this horrible tragedy will end, but I hope that Hollie will be at peace with whatever choice she makes. If mother dies, she will die knowing what a beautiful daughter she has inside and out.
06/10/07
Today was the first day we got to make phone calls. It was absolutely fantastic. I hadn’t heard my husband’s voice in 7 weeks. Just hearing him say “I love you” was better than any prize they could give me. Knowing that the people you love most in life are rooting for you, praying for you and supporting you gives you renewed strength. Strength to “finish what I’ve started” for once.
6/11
Today was a weigh-in. I hate weigh-in days. They are so nerve wracking. I lost 4 pounds. Not bad, not great but hey, I’ll take it. This week was a really rough week for our team, but fortunately we won’t have to be in the elimination room. Nothing is worse than that room. Just the thought of that creepy place gives me the heeby jeebys.
6/12/07
Tonight, Phil was eliminated, not by his own team, but by the Blue Team. It was a tie. It will be weird to not see him everyday. Who will I pick on in my blogs? Who will win all the challenges for the Red Team? Just kidding Red Team. Seriously though, he will be missed. The ironic thing about this game is that he was eliminated for doing a great job. How bad does that stink? He went home because he was the best.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Campus Diary--Julie Hadden, Week 5
Can’t wait to see what vacation with Jillian will be like.
-- Thursday, October 11, 2007
5/28/07
Today was a long day. Early this morning we worked out, packed and then headed to the airport. I’m so glad we got there nice and early, otherwise we might have missed our 5 hour late flight. Yeah that’s right 5 hours late. Did you know it takes 6 ½ hours to get from California to Jamaica? Six hours of sitting next to a woman who obviously had a bladder problem, loved to talk and had questionable depth perception. Fun, fun, fun. By the time I got there I felt as tired as a one-armed paper hanger. Can’t wait to see what vacation with Jillian will be like.
5/29/07
Okay Jamaica is gorgeous. It was worth the drama of getting here. We had dinner with Alison. It was the first time we got to hang out with her. She’s great. This place is truly paradise. I only wish my husband could be here with me. We could lay out on the beach and listen to the wind blow, sip some fruity drink, hold hands. Instead I’ll be running football drills in the sand and I can see it now, at some point I will be facedown in the sand with Jillian yelling something like: “Do another one or you’ll die where you lay!”
5/31/07
Today we had our massages. It was fantastic. I really needed that. In this game you get beat up everyday and it was nice to just be pampered. It was even nicer being pampered while the other teams were being tortured by their trainers. Oops…was that mean? Oh well, they should have won the challenge. He he he.
6/1/07
Goodbye Jamaica…I hate to leave this place. It is so beautiful. Back to life on campus. It feels like being out for summer break and having to go back to school. YUCK!
-- Thursday, October 11, 2007
5/28/07
Today was a long day. Early this morning we worked out, packed and then headed to the airport. I’m so glad we got there nice and early, otherwise we might have missed our 5 hour late flight. Yeah that’s right 5 hours late. Did you know it takes 6 ½ hours to get from California to Jamaica? Six hours of sitting next to a woman who obviously had a bladder problem, loved to talk and had questionable depth perception. Fun, fun, fun. By the time I got there I felt as tired as a one-armed paper hanger. Can’t wait to see what vacation with Jillian will be like.
5/29/07
Okay Jamaica is gorgeous. It was worth the drama of getting here. We had dinner with Alison. It was the first time we got to hang out with her. She’s great. This place is truly paradise. I only wish my husband could be here with me. We could lay out on the beach and listen to the wind blow, sip some fruity drink, hold hands. Instead I’ll be running football drills in the sand and I can see it now, at some point I will be facedown in the sand with Jillian yelling something like: “Do another one or you’ll die where you lay!”
5/31/07
Today we had our massages. It was fantastic. I really needed that. In this game you get beat up everyday and it was nice to just be pampered. It was even nicer being pampered while the other teams were being tortured by their trainers. Oops…was that mean? Oh well, they should have won the challenge. He he he.
6/1/07
Goodbye Jamaica…I hate to leave this place. It is so beautiful. Back to life on campus. It feels like being out for summer break and having to go back to school. YUCK!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Campus Diary--Julie Hadden, Week 4
"I was really tired. Not just normal tired, but trouble-walking tired."
-- Wednesday, October 03, 2007
5/18
For some strange reason today I was really tired. Not just normal tired, but trouble walking tired. I guess it’s all-just catching up with us because everyone else seems to feel the same. I’m going to try to go to bed early tonight. Maybe that will help. We had a temptation tonight. They tried to tempt the trainers with cupcakes. Yeah right, Jillian wouldn’t budge. I think they could have offered her a million dollars and she still wouldn’t eat them. It was the principal of the whole thing. She is trying to teach us about making wise choices and taking a bribe at the sake of your health wasn’t worth it. Good for her. Its great to know she practices what she preaches.
5/19
Guess what? I’m still alive, barely. I can’t believe a body can physically go through so much and survive. For most of us, it is the first time we have felt proud of ourselves in a long time. No amount of money can measure up to having self-esteem. Not even $250,000.
5/20
Today was a dark day. Dark days are fantastic. There are no cameras to follow your every step. I would tell you what I did, but I would have to kill you. There were no cameras to document it. He He He!
5/21/07
Today was a challenge day. They made me sit out because I don’t run as fast as everyone else. At first I was disappointed, but when I saw Hollie wipe out on that mountain I was kinda glad I didn’t have to do it. She was covered in blood and gravel. I guess having short legs isn’t so bad after all.
5/22/07
Today was our “last chance workout”. Sounds morbid, huh? It is!!! The sad thing is, even if we were to keel over and die, Jillian would probably still drag our dead bodies onto that scale tomorrow. She would giggle and say: “Poor Julie, God rest her soul, at least she lost another three pounds.”
5/23
Still here! Tonight we won the weigh-in. It was great. I actually lost 7 pounds. That’s right…7 pounds. It was sad that the Blue Team has to send someone home, but at least we can be together for another week. It makes all our hard work worthwhile. Hey, did I mention I lost 7 pounds?
5/24
Tonight the Blue Team eliminated Patty. That stinks. She was so sweet with every person who leaves, it gets tougher around here. You grow to love these people and it hurts to see them leave. I hope next time I see Patty; she is wearing a size 8 and showing off her gorgeous smile. She will definitely be missed.
-- Wednesday, October 03, 2007
5/18
For some strange reason today I was really tired. Not just normal tired, but trouble walking tired. I guess it’s all-just catching up with us because everyone else seems to feel the same. I’m going to try to go to bed early tonight. Maybe that will help. We had a temptation tonight. They tried to tempt the trainers with cupcakes. Yeah right, Jillian wouldn’t budge. I think they could have offered her a million dollars and she still wouldn’t eat them. It was the principal of the whole thing. She is trying to teach us about making wise choices and taking a bribe at the sake of your health wasn’t worth it. Good for her. Its great to know she practices what she preaches.
5/19
Guess what? I’m still alive, barely. I can’t believe a body can physically go through so much and survive. For most of us, it is the first time we have felt proud of ourselves in a long time. No amount of money can measure up to having self-esteem. Not even $250,000.
5/20
Today was a dark day. Dark days are fantastic. There are no cameras to follow your every step. I would tell you what I did, but I would have to kill you. There were no cameras to document it. He He He!
5/21/07
Today was a challenge day. They made me sit out because I don’t run as fast as everyone else. At first I was disappointed, but when I saw Hollie wipe out on that mountain I was kinda glad I didn’t have to do it. She was covered in blood and gravel. I guess having short legs isn’t so bad after all.
5/22/07
Today was our “last chance workout”. Sounds morbid, huh? It is!!! The sad thing is, even if we were to keel over and die, Jillian would probably still drag our dead bodies onto that scale tomorrow. She would giggle and say: “Poor Julie, God rest her soul, at least she lost another three pounds.”
5/23
Still here! Tonight we won the weigh-in. It was great. I actually lost 7 pounds. That’s right…7 pounds. It was sad that the Blue Team has to send someone home, but at least we can be together for another week. It makes all our hard work worthwhile. Hey, did I mention I lost 7 pounds?
5/24
Tonight the Blue Team eliminated Patty. That stinks. She was so sweet with every person who leaves, it gets tougher around here. You grow to love these people and it hurts to see them leave. I hope next time I see Patty; she is wearing a size 8 and showing off her gorgeous smile. She will definitely be missed.
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