I need advice...

I agree that you need a balance of both cardio and strength training.  The great thing about cardio is you don't need a gym.  Simply set your alarm clock 45 minutes early and walk outside.  All you need is a quality pair of shoes and a flashlight if the sun hasn't come up yet.  At first I groaned at the getting up early but now treasure the start of my day outside.  And then to my walks I started doing the Couch to 5k and now can run 2 miles without walking and each week am increasing that time.

You don't need to get to the gym everyday.  To start, you just need to do some training for the major muscle groups.  I am in the gym to build strength (muscles) so I lift heavy for 8-12 reps.  There will come a time to mix up with light weight/high reps and heavy weight/low reps but right now the heavy weights are getting me the strength I want.  I know it is easy to make excuses like long days and to put your children's needs ahead of yours but please remember you are just as important and you need to plan your workout times, write them in pen in your planner, and make the commitment to yourself. You deserve it.

When I do cardio first thing, I don't eat before but be sure to eat a quality breakfast shortly after my workout.  When I lift, I usually will eat a little carbs with protein as I am getting ready for the gym to help me power through and then follow up with quality protein immediately following.  I have found that I had to up my calories and protein when I started lifting regularly to maintain energy levels through the day.  And as mentioned, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  You will need more once you start adding regular exercise.

KUDOS to you for putting a plan in motion for your health.

Everyone has given great suggestions! Just a few things to note... High weight low reps BUILD muscle mass. Low weight high reps DEFINE the muscle mass. Cardio is crucial for overall fitness and for losing weight.  How much you do of these activities depends on your desires and availability. Just be sure to find a healthy balance between all things and all directions you are being pulled in as an active mommy.

Les Mills Body Pump classes or anything like that is be best when I first started loosing my weight it helped me to not have tons of loose skin.. and it was a fun workout ... just wish they had some classes around here.. miss it a lot.