#Mamavation Monday ~ Backyard Gardening & a Reflection for those lost do to Recent Events

Before I begin my post for this week I wanted to take a moment to reflect as most of my fellow sistas in Mamavation have done regarding the recent events from last week.  My heart is breaking for everyone affected both directly & indirectly with the shootings from Newton.  No child should EVER be put in harms way & no teacher should ever have to worry about providing safety in situations such as what just occurred. No parent should ever need to worry if their child is safe at school. Unfortunately, that is what happened.  We may never know what the motive was behind the shooting.  Only God & Adam know that.  Many people across the nation are trying to use this situation as a way to question Gods existence.  Others are arguing that guns are the problem, while still others are blaming the health care system.  Here is my response to those individuals.

God was there at the Elementary School. He was weeping because one of his lambs decided to use his free will to do harm unto others.  He helped guide the shooter to a classroom where the teacher was brave & smart enough to hide her students & he was there protecting them as the shooter took the teachers life.  God was with every police officer, firefighter, first responder, dispatcher as well as all the teachers & staff who put their lives on the line trying to protect all the other students.  Unfortunately, Adams free will was too strong & many young innocent precious lives were taken.  I grieve with the rest of the Nation.  And I too hugged my children a little tighter & let them have that extra sweet on Friday night willing myself, to do anything to keep them happy & safe.  I, like many parents, are questioning if it would be better to home school or have my children attend a private school over public schools.  But than something else in our nation occurs.  Such as the individual out in California who shot off rounds of bullets in a Mall parking Lot.  Another individual who posted on Face Book that he too was going to go to a school like Adam & harm innocent people.

Which makes me realize that you can never truly be safe.  All we can do is continue to teach our children right from wrong.  To give our children consequences when they exhibit inappropriate behavior.  To limit our children's use of the T.V. & internet so that they aren't over exposed to violence.  Perhaps the most important one of all is to be the parent, not their friend.

Yes, I agree that their should be more funding to help with mental health as well as more screenings in school to help the at risk students.  There should also be more funding to help train more officers as well as teachers.  Lastly guns don't kill.  People with guns kill.  That is why I think gun safety should be integrated with in the school system (like senior year)   Also, there is no reason that if you are not with in the military that you can own an assault riffle.  I will continue to pray that answers are found & that the families of all these victims are able to find comfort as time goes on. 

#Mamavation Monday ~ Raising Resilient Kids

Kids, we all knew that it would be the toughest, yet most rewarding job.  But as a parent why is it that we are consistently questioning how we raise our kids?  This week Mamavation has invited Doctor G. (Deborah Gilboa, MD) who helps empower parents to raise respectful, responsible and resilient kids.  I know that I am looking forward to hearing her words of advice because I always wonder, am I making a difference?  Did I punish the right or wrong way?  Are my children going to be strong independent women who love and respect me.  If you have the same questions as I do please be sure to join myself and my mamavation sisters tonight for our T.V. show.   MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.


This weeks Update:

Like most of you, my week flew by yet again.  With the holidays just around the corner as well as my 32nd birthday creeping up on me faster than I know it I am beginning to feel the stress!  Yet, I am proud to say that I did manage to make it to the gym.  Sadly though (and I deserve it) I gained 3.6 pounds :(  I really can not even be sad about it.  I totally deserved the weight gain.  Why?  well polishing off a few bottles of wine over the weekend on top of having ooey gooey pizza may have something to do with that gain. Oh and I am sure that the two Peppermint Mocha's that I chugged down this weekend didn't help either.   I was just in need of a let loose type of weekend with my husband.  It had been so long since we just stayed up late together & act like we were in our twenties again.  I also need to be honest so that I may actually achieve my goals this time.  I going to share some short term goals with you, but I also have a birthday wish as well....


1) Workout 3 times this week

2) Create or find HEALTHY alternatives to my favorite holiday treats

3) Get out of the 200s by my birthday & bring in the new year closer to my goal & not seeing a 2 as the first number in my weight.  (My birthday is 12/31) 

current weight = 206.6

 

“This post is sponsored by Doctor G and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

Silent Night: A perfect Ending

I had the pleasure of receiving this e-book thanks to BookSneeze.com in exchange for my fair & honest review.

FROM THE AUTHOR:
 

As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor. Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.
As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.
Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?

MY THOUGHTS:

This was my first time being able to review a book written by Collen  Coble.  The story takes place near Lake Superior & I felt that the author did a fabulous job describing not just the buildings and the area where the story takes place but also the feelings involved.  My only complaint is that I did not realize that this part of a series.  So because of that I was slightly confused as to who was who & why.  But, I do have to say that I now want to go & find the entire series to learn more about who Bree & Kade are.  Because this is a Novella it makes for a quick read, but its so worth it.  I don't want to give the ending away, but I had tears in my eyes.

FTC Compliance: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Hearts Awakening ~ Taking A Step back in Time

FROM THE AUTHOR:

  ife has left few choices for Elvira Kilmer. Her hopes for marriage and a family of her own have long since passed her by, and her arrival on Dillon's Island, nestled in the Susquehanna River, is not of her choosing, either. She needs work. And Jackson Smith needs a housekeeper.

Yet Ellie never imagined the widower would be so young... so handsome.

Jackson, on the other hand, has never met anyone quite so... plain. But he quickly comes to realize that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage.

When Jackson offers her something quite out of the ordinary, will Ellie look beyond mere necessity and risk opening her heart?

MY THOUGHTS:

I am so glad that I didn't judge this book by its cover.  As a reader we are invited to take a step back in time to the year 1840 to a little island located near Harrisburg PA.  Once there we meet Elivra Kilmer (Ellie) an unmarried woman in her early 30s & we are reminded that back in those days being unmarried one would carry the title of Spinster.  We also meet a cranky man named Jackson Smith who is a widower with two young sons.  Elvira is a temporary housekeeper/nanny for the family & she is met with great hurdles & obstetrical around every corner.  What I enjoyed most is that Elivra always held her ground & refused to change who she was or what she believed.  This is a story about faith, love, grace and forgiveness.  The author did a fantastic job at making you guess what the outcome of the book will be.  Together both Ellie & Jackson battled personal battles while raising the two boys and were able to find love from the inside out.

DISCLAIMER

I recived this book free in exchange for my honest review from Bethany House 

Heart Felt Love Stories~Perfect for those cold nights.

I have always been a fan of the Amish & their religious beliefs, values, and strength.  I had the privilege of reviewing this ebook free of charge thanks to Bookseeze in exchange for my honest review of the story. 
Kelly Long did a great job combining three of her short stories into one book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

 Three Stories That Share the Adventures of First Love and Second Chances

A Perfect Secret—Rose Bender’s betrothed, Luke Lantz, is safe and dependable, maybe a little too much so. Or so she thinks until she sees him in the woods one night and discovers a secret he’s been keeping. Now his secret haunts her. She wasn’t sure about marrying a man she knew too well. But should she marry a man she doesn’t understand at all?
Christmas Cradles—When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers’ quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.
A Marriage of the Heart—Since her mother’s death, Abigail Kauffman has lived alone with her father. She longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after suddenly marrying do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

MY THOUGHTS
Well, as I mentioned I do enjoy reading about the Amish as their community fascinates me.   I did enjoy the books & the stories behind them, but again, I felt as if she was rushing to end the story.  Also, some of the situations seemed a little far fetched.  What I enjoyed most about how the author composed her book was that unlike other novellas that are combined into one book this one had different characters & situations in each.  Even the weather was different in each story.  I defiantly would recommend this book to anyone that just wants a quick read with a glass of wine & a roaring fire in the fireplace. 

FTC Compliance: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#Mamavation Monday ~ Healthy Snacks

Its been two weeks since I have been able to take the time to make my Monday post, but as you all know, we moms, always put the needs of our children, spouse & house in front of our own needs & I failed to take "me" time to let you all know how well I have been doing.  But first, I want to talk about snacks.  Snacks are a must in my house.  My youngest is my biggest snacker.  Thankfully, now that I cleared a bunch of the UN-healthy food out of the house she is limited to granola, fruits & veggies.  But as expected with list of supplies to creativity to keep them exciting is getting harder & harder.  I am constantly hearing "mom, I'm hungry"  It doesn't help that during the kids T.V. time there are so many commercials for those quick snacks, which are full of trans fats & unhealthiness.  The first example of that is pizza rolls.  My kids always ask if they can get those when were at the store, but I say no because they are not healthy.  I really hope that I can make it to tonight's Mamavation T.V. show tonight to learn what hints the guest Jasmine (@Healthy Jasmine) has to give us.

HOW I'VE BEEN...

The weeks are flying by since picking up additional hours at work. Which is a good thing because I don't have time for snacking between meals!  I've also been better about planing out all the meals for the week.  However exercise has been extremely lacking & by that I mean not at all.  The only exercise I am able to get lately is attending my Martial Arts class that I am taking.  I need to be able to figure out another time of day in which I can workout while keeping with this new schedule.  So no excuses, I need to exercise more, even if its only a quick 10 min burner workout that I learned thanks to the most recent 2 week challenge.

THE WEIGH IN...

Drum-roll please.....

I AM DOWN 5 POUNDS!!!!  despite the lack of workouts I have managed to drop 5 pounds since November 19th!

current  weight: 203 #s

THIS WEEKS GOAL;
 Keep losing weight!  Get in more workouts, continue with my water intake, also eat more veggies.

“This post is sponsored by Eco-Foil and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

An Amish Christmas,expanded edition

I have always been a fan of the Amish & their religious beliefs, values, and strength.  I had the privilege of reviewing this ebook free of charge thanks to Bookseeze in exchange for my honest review of the story.  

The book is actually 4 stories by different authors combined into one. Each story easily flows into the next one and is somewhat predictable.  I love how Innocent the love stories are, where the simple feeling of holding a mans hand can cause the butterflies in the belly.

From the Publisher:

Enjoy this Amish Christmas bestseller with an additional new novella from romance author Kelly Long.

"Christmas Cradles" by Kelly Long -- When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local Amish midwife in Paradise, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and the help from resourceful and strong Asa Lapp, whose job it is to get Anna through a dangerous blizzard to complete her midwifery rounds.

“A Miracle for Miriam” by Kathleen Fuller: This Christmas, Miriam must decide whether to guard herself or accept the love of a man who once broke her heart.

“A Choice to Forgive” by Beth Wiseman: Lydia, a widow who has given up on love, is shocked when Daniel-- a past love-- returns to the Order, and her life.

“One Child” by Barbara Cameron: This snowy Lancaster Christmas Eve will see two couples’ lives changed by the birth of one child. Contributer Barbara Cameron is the author of fifteen novels and three nationally televised movies (HBO), as well as a recipient of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart.

My Take:

 As I mentioned above the strories tended to be a little predictable, but I am not disapointed in the least.  I also loved that the Authors seemed to have worked together to write the stories beacuse of how easily they flowed from one into the other as to the fact that all the characters always seemed to have overlapped in the book.  

Its so heart warming to be able to read about  the love and the struggles that the Amish faith experiences.  I don't know about you, but their are days where I wish I had the simple life of now electronics Y the strong faith in our lord as they do. Personally, I wouldn't mind living among the Amish even if its for only one day.  

FTC Compliance: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunrise on the Battery

 

Sunrise on the Battery is an emotional story about a family trying to find their way towards there faith in God. I was pleasantly surprised when I received this book free, in exchange of my honest review thanks BookSneeze & the Thomas Nelson publishing company.

The beginning of this book was quite dry & it took a little while to pick up speed & interest for me. The author Beth Webb Hart allowed me to follow the Scoville family as they journeyed together to find a comfortable place with God. The Scovilles were a well to do family from Charleston who had no wants in the world, yet the mother Mary Lynn felt an emptiness in her life that no number of social obligations or worldly possessions could full-fill. However once she joined the social ministry at her local church she began to feel uplifted & complete, until she asked God to help her husband Jackson find the faith as well.

Only, to her surprise when Jackson began his journey towards the faith he “went all in” by committing social suicide to which Mary Lynn began to resent her husband. She never dreamed of him helping the homeless & the prostitutes in the manner that he did.

Disclosure: I received this book free from BookSneeze. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

#Mamavation Crazy Monday

OMG, can not believe how freaking busy I have been the past few weeks.  Time has NOT been on my side, since the two week challenge with Bob Harper ended.  I have been working crazy hours, doing multiple house projects, and dealing with my youngest who has been ill with a nasty cough that keeps her up all night long:(
But there is light at the end of the tunnel as well as some good news!  If your on Facebook you may have seen my post that told you that I had joined a martial arts program.  So far I LOVE it!  Let me tell you that 45 min class just zooms by, but that's not all.  My kids & husband have now joined me!  Were doing this as a family!  Granted were not in the same class but we should  be earning our belts at the same time.  Also, this week is the Turkey Trot that we have been training for.  I haven't seen my kids so enthused about something in a long time.

Here's the nitty gritty...

Current weight:208#s (IF your keeping track thats a gain of 1.3#s, but I'm not worried. I have had less sleep with dealing with my kiddo & that stess always causes a gain)

This week plan....
Monday : Martial Art
Tuesday: 2 mile run, upper body weights
Wednesday: spin, Lower body weights
Thursday:TURKEY TROT with the family
Friday: "rest" I'll be hitting the stores with the rest of the cazies
Saturday: I was invited to try a kettle bell class with a friend.  I may give it a go
Sunday: REST

Goal:  Not gain weight this week, increase my water, get proper amount of sleep at night

“This post is sponsored by Dole and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

What to Do With Extra Halloween Candy

If your family is like mine your children come home with more candy than what they can eat in a lifetime.  So every year I am tossing 3/4 of the stuff in the garbage.  Ever since the kids were babies my husband & I both agreed that we would only let the kids eat 3 pieces of candy MAX a day, and we take all the candy away on November 3 (for us that's about a week after trick or treating)  Even than that's too much, but its a number we could agree on.  This year I wanted to do something different.  I don't want to toss the candy, because I know people spend  ton of cash on the stuff, so I did many searches online for ideas of what to do.  Here are some of my favorites & I wanted to share....

1) Send it to our troops.  They work everyday to fight for our freedom & they like sweets too.  Check out Operation Gratitude for a shipping address.

2) Check with your local dentist about Halloween Candy Buy Back.  Local dentists have partnered with Operation Gratitude where dentist "buy back" your children's candy.  Some dentist buy the candy with different hygiene kits (toothbrushes, tooth paste ext.) while other dentist will actually pay the kids cash (who wouldn't like to make money at a dental office)

3) Freeze it, accoding to most sites I found candy can be frozen for up to 1 year.  Its your choice than if you want to hand it out next Halloween 

4) Who says that you can't use Halloween candy during Christmas? Use leftovers to decorate your Gingerbread house!

5)Try dissolving some candies in vodka and creating an infused booze, suggests Wise Bread.

6) Use them for Science!  Find the details of these and other candy science experiments at  Scientific Blooding

7) Bake with it!  Real Simple has 10 recipes that include all those treats your kids brought into your home

8) Stuff an Piñata !  That's right, does your little one have a birthday coming soon?  Why buy more candy when some did it for you already

9) Bring it to the office.  Perhaps someone in your office doesn't have a little one to bring the goodies home.  I'm sure your co-workers would dig right into that bucket of candy

10)  If all else fails eat what you want & toss the rest.

I hope you found this information useful!

#Mamavation Avoid the Weight Gain This Holiday Season & 2Week Challange UpDate

I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to the holidays.  I love spending time with my family & friends, but I hate that all the food that I want to eat comes with all of those unnecessary calories and fat :)  I wish there was a way to eat all the food I want & not gain a pound.  But as we all know that is impossible!  This week all my fellow Mamavation moms & I are getting a HUGE treat during tonight's T.V. Show (to find out more about Mamavation T.V. click here).  The guest this week is a lady whom I had started following right from the start when I joined this group.  Alysa Bajenaru, RD (@InspiredRD).   

I am looking forward to hearing what Alysa has to say regarding how to avoid those extra pounds while still enjoying all that good food.  So be sure to join us tonight as we look for those answers...Maybe she even has a low calorie fudge recipe we can try.

 Two Week Challenge Update

Like many of the mamavation sisters, I am done with week one of this two week challenge.  I was one of the lucky 100 to be chosen to work & follow not just the workouts but also the recipies shared to us with Bob Harper @MyTrainerBob.  So far I have been having a love/hate relationship with those workouts.  Why?  Because I Know that next week I will be hopefully able to see a huge difference (didn't weigh or measure today...too bloated, thank you PMS) but no matter how hard I try I loth the idea of a burpe.   Bob Harper has a way to sneaking them into those "4 min" workouts he shares with us and his other participants on his web site.  I can not wait to share with you my accomplishments with this challenge next week!

Check this out!

Check this out!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween Graphics


I wish you & your family a Happy & Safe Halloween.
 

Bird Eye Steamfresh Review

Who doesn't like free stuff?  I know that I do & I had the fantastic opportunity to sample one of the many fantastic creations offered by birdseye, thanks to the fantastic group I belong to, Mamavation!  Every Monday the Mamavation moms host a giveaway and a few weeks ago I actually won a coupon for a free product!  **happy dance** Well I rushed to my local grocery store & was shocked by vast amount of product I could choose from.  So I decided to go off the cuff & try something completely different....

I am so glad that I tried something new! It was absolutely delicious.  Even my husband enjoyed it & he usually doesn't care for Risotto.  For more information on this product please visit birdseye!
Thank you  Mamavation for hosting such a wonderful giveaway.

#Mamavaion~Let the 2 week Challenge Begin!

I don't know about all of you, but I am super excited that its Monday!  Why?  Well because today I get to be one of the 100 mamavation moms to have the amazing opportunity to workout with Bob Harper!  Yes, you read that right!  Thanks to  Mamavation 2 week challenge, they were able to partner up with Bob Harper himself to create the workouts the I need to do for the next two weeks.  I am beyond excited about this.  I have 1 goal for this challenge, its to be able to complete every single work out with out missing a day.  If I can do that than the weight will follow!


“This post is sponsored by Omron Fitness and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway” at the bottom of your post.”

What About Heaven

Aurthor: Kathleen Long Bostrom
Illistrator: Elena Kacharik


Have your children ever asked you about Heaven?  I know mine have multiple times.  As a parent we often feel stumped  and don't know how to appropriately answer this common question, simply because we don't know how to answer it without scaring our kids.  This children's book is part of the Tyndal Kids Little Blessings series, which focuses on answering the fundamental questions about faith for kids. 

This book follows a simple rhythmic pattern to help answer the tough questions we, as parents face.  Such questions include will there be animals?  What kind of food will there be?  How will we look? Where is Heaven?  The answers are simple & not over theological for children to grasp.

One of the other features that not just myself, but also my children liked were the illustrations. Elena Kacharick, who also is the artist for Care Bears did a fantastic job drawing out the story. The pages are full wonderful drawings which help encourage the children to visualize what they are being read. 

This children's book can also serve as a reference guide to us parents.  Every page has a reference to a bible verse to help tell us  where in the Bible God tells us this information.

My children have greatly enjoyed this book & I feel that it may have tamed some of their fears about what is in Heaven.  I would recommend this book for children of all ages as well as adults.  

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#Mamavation Monday

I can not get over how fast the days are passing by.  It seems like I just put all my summer out door items out & now I am already putting those items back into the shed for winter. Which is getting me nervous.  Not because I don't like snow, but because that generally means more time in front of the TV, and more time in the kitchen baking all those wintery treats that we all know & love.  Yet our butts & waist lines don't like the outcome of eating too many of those treats.  With this in mind I have been experiencing more with healthier options & trying new products to get a better healthier treat.  Such items I've been trying include using different types of flour, and pure sugars.

I have this week off of work, so my husband & I are extremely happy that I will be able to get all of my workouts in this week.  I am also hoping to try a new class or two to help keep me challenged.  But I am so proud of myself for what I accomplished last week.  I managed to get in my workouts & I was able to cook my family HEALTHY meals which included home made turkey nuggets,  banana pecan pancakes and more.   I also got both of my kids motivated & managed to get them outside almost every day to go on nature walks.

My weigh in this week went well too.  I am down 1.5#s from two weeks ago!

This week weight = 206.5#s
Goal weight = 150#s

Only 56.5 pounds to go!

#Mamavation Monday ~ The ever changing body

I don't know about the rest of you, but this week has literately flown by!  This past week my workouts have mainly consisted of being outdoors as much as possible.  Living in Wisconsin one never knows when snow will come, so I decided to make the most of it.  I even managed to get my kids outdoors to play most everyday. Thanks to  Mother Nature who has given us all some great tools to keep the kids active with her color palate of leaves.  I only managed to make it to the gym once this past week due to my schedule, so my goal for this week is to at least try to get to the gym twice.

This week the Mamavation Moms are talking about Menopause and were learning what we need to know before it starts.  No one likes to talk about the "change" or the "curse".  In fact in my family when I was younger my mom actually used to say that "Aunt Flow is in town"  I never knew who "Aunt Flow" was until I was 12 when "Aunt Flow" visited me.  In fact she never really ever gave me the "talk".  But lets face facts.  If your a woman, your body like mine is going to experience some of the best and worst changes.  As some of you know I have ovarian cyst, that like to burst & than grow back,  which as far as I know scientifically doesn't cause early menopause.  But the thought is always on my mind.  Especially since I have been told the best thing for my body to help with the heavy bleeding (I know TMI) was & is to have another child.  But since the hubby isn't on board with that idea I have to deal with the cramps, bloating, the feeling like my ovaries are going to burst open at any given minute not to mention the periods that like to try to stick around for two weeks at a time.  Than again, maybe menopause wouldn't be the worst thing.  Any way I am extremely interested in this show tonight. 

Even though I wasn't going to weigh in tonight I decided to say heck with it & did it anyway.  Well drum roll please....even with weighing in at 7:00 CST I am still DOWN 2 #s!  Yea!!!!


This week Weight: 208
Goal Weight: 150

Plus I just re-met my first 5# mark!  I have officially lost 5#s in two weeks!!!


(ok granted I had gained that all back three weeks ago, but its still a new loss!)

Only 58#s to GO!
  

“This post is sponsored by Schick Intuition and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway” at the bottom of your post.”

#Mamavation Monday ~ Lemons to Lemonaide....

I am sooo exited to share with you that when I weighed into today I am actually down 3 #s.  This is exactly what I needed to help keep my moral up this week.  Last week I had gained some extra weight, which I was not expecting & I put all this pressure on myself to loose it all.  My husband is a fantastic cheerleader for me & when he saw how stressed I was about making sure I didn't over eat, and getting all the workouts in he had four simple words for me. "You can do it"  Even though I only lost half of the weight I set out for, I am still very proud of this achievement & no one did it for me.  To top it all off this past week flew bye & I as a family we got many things crossed off our to do list.  Which is good considering so far today has been dealing with a sinus infection for me, and both kids having minor colds.  I'm hoping all of this passes soon because the weather is supposed to be gorgeous the next few days and I really want to get the kids out to enjoy the fall colors.


Starting Weight: 207
Last Week Weight: 213
This week Weight: 210
Goal Weight: 150


Only 60#s to GO!

#Mamavation Monday~ This by far is not what I expected

I am so blue, no make that pissed.  I am up 6#s in one week.  Seriously how the heck does that even happen!  I am so unbelievably mad at myself I could just puke! Last week I didn't post because I was having so many issues with my blogger that I couldn't even log onto my account.  But I had remained stable.  Than as most of my weeks go there was stress, but I had eaten good.  No extra sweets & lots of fruits & veggies. My hubby & I even had a chance to get away over the weekend & I was feeling the best I have in a LONG time.  We went to a wedding that was held way out in the middle of no where & I was proud of myself because I chose only the healthy foods (they served Chinese food with sticky rice) which left me with steamed broccoli & a little of the chicken.  I even skipped the cake! Plus my hubby & I got in a lot of hiking in the woods where the wedding was held, while I was wearing heals mind you. I did however indulge on some wine, but honestly I would have never thought that I would have saw these gruesome numbers.  So needless to say I am shocked & could literately cry when I saw the scale this morning.  I literately just want to give up & make some fudge to drown my sorrows.  This can not be from water weight either because my period isn't due for two weeks.  All I can do is hope for a better week & that I can drop these pounds just as quick as I gained them.

Current Weight: 213#s
Goal Weight: 150#s



workout plan: Monday: I'm gonna give myself today to feel sorry for myself
Tuesday: cardio & swimming
Wednesday: 45 min spin class & wieghts
Thursday: Body Pump ( toning and conditioning class with weights for men and women wanting to add strength training to their aerobic workout.)
Friday: 45 min spin class
Saturday:  Wii & maybe a hike in the woods
Sunday: rest 

“This post is sponsored by Beanitos and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention &weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

Yummy Low Calorie Chicken Nuggets

Yesterday, I told you in my Mamavation Post  that I was going to share some of my favorite tasty comfort food, made healthy.  Today is day one of sharing with all of you some of the healthier recipes that I have created for my family.  Like most kids, my children LOVE chicken nuggets, and as we all know not all nuggets are the same.  Consumers are lead to believe that just because the name Chicken is in the title that its the healthiest choice for our children to eat.  Here are some shocking nutritional facts about the nuggets that we put on our children's plates...

Fast Food Restaurant	Type	Serving Size (g)	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Saturated Fat (g)	Trans Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Sodium (mg)
McDonald's	Chicken McNuggets (6pc)	96	250	15	3	1.5	15	670
McDonald's	Chicken Selects Premium Strips (5pc)	221	630	33	6	4.5	46	1550
Burger King	Chicken Tenders (6pc)	92	250	15	3.5	2.5	16	720
Burger King	Chicken Fries (6pc)	85	260	15	3.5	3	18	650
Wendy's	Chicken Nuggets (5pc)	Unknown	230	15	3	0	12	520
Arby's	Chicken Tenders (5pc)	218	630	31	5	0	47	1977
Arby's	Popcorn Chicken (large)	184	531	26	6	1	39	1666
Hardee's	Chicken Strips (5pc)	241	630	34	6	Unknown	45	2260
Dairy Queen	Chicken Strip Basket (6pc)	531	1270	67	11	12	121	2910
KFC	Popcorn Chicken (large)	160	550	35	6	0	30	1600
Carl's Jr.	Chicken Breast Strips (5pc)	215	710	41	6	Unknown	46	2020
White Castle	Chicken Rings (6pc)	110	340	23	4.5	4	15	670

Source: http://www.acaloriecounter.com/fast-food.php

I feel confident that when you read & try my recipe that you & your children will be hooked!

 Crunchy Coconut Chicken Nuggets  

(Sorry there is no photo.  Just take my word that these are delicious)

Ingredients (serves 4)

3 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2 inch pices

1/2 cup unsweetened Coconut Flakes

1/2 cup Panko bread Crumbs

3 Tablespoons Coconut Flour (Whole Wheat Flour will work too)

2 Egg Whites

3 Tablespoons Low Fat Milk

1 dash Salt

Instructions

 - Preheat oven to 425 & spray baking sheet with non stick spray

-  On a small plate combine salt, & flour

- Combine & whisk egg whites & milk in a small bowl 

- Combine Panko & Coconut on a second plate

- Working one piece of chicken at a time, coat the chicken in flour (shake off any excess), then dip it in the egg white mixture, then coat it in the coconut/Panko mixture. 

-  When  all the chicken pieces are coated and placed on your baking sheet, give the chicken a light mist with your non-stick cooking spray. 

- Bake chicken for 8 minutes, than flip the chicken pieces over (remember chicken will be HOT) bake an additional 6-8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink on the inside.   

- Let cool & serve with your favorite dipping sauce.  My kids & I personally like mustard and or Ranch dressing

Nutritional Info

• Servings Per Recipe: 4 
• Calories: 275.2
• Total Fat: 5.1 g 
• Cholesterol: 103.2 mg
• Sodium: 248.0 mg
• Total Carbs: 9.2 g
• Protein: 45.1 g 

To read the full nutritional content visit Nutrional Value Compare these results to those above & I am sure that you will be pleased to serve this tasty dish to your family & your kids wont even miss the nuggets from McDonalds 

Where Were You 11 Years Ago?

Like most of you I will never forget where I was 11 years ago.  I had just moved out of my parents home to go to college and I was taking an anatomy course.  We were gearing up to take our first test of the semester when all of a sudden there was a rush of students literately running to the commons area.  My professor wanted to find out what was happening so she allowed us to join our fellow students in the commons.  That's when I saw the first Twin Tower burning.  I couldn't believe it!  Then right in front of our eyes we witnessed a second plane flying into the second tower.  That is when I knew for sure that our Country would never be the same. 




Many men & women had been brave enough to join with our military troops & fight for our freedom since that day.  Let us not only remember the lives lost on 9/11 the day of the attach, but also all the lives that followed.  If you know a service member, a firefighter, first responder, police officer, doctor or nurse be sure to thank them for all they do.  I know they have more guts than I will ever have because everyday of their lives are spent protecting all of us.  Even when can can't see them. 

#Mamavation Monday #2Week Challenge Checking In

This weeks mamavation topic is remaking some of our favorite comfort food that we all know to be unhealthy & to try to make them healthier.  I have been trying to do this for  quite some time.  As some of you know I LOVE to bake.  Absolutely LOVE it.  This is my therapy, some people choose the gym or a good book,  I choose to bake.  I actually have a few of my healthier recpies that I created over the years that I will share throughout the week. I'm hoping it will help get my blog a few more followers.  Here are the recipies that I will share.....
Tuesday: Chicken Nuggets
Wednesday: Chocolate Cake
Thursday: Meatloaf
Friday: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Saturday: Brownies
Sunday:Tuna Casserole

I hope you'll tune in in the following days & tell me how you like the recipies!

#2 Week Challenge Update

Thank the Lord that we are at the half way point of this challenge!  My legs especially my knees were absolutely KILLING me over the weekend. It literately took all my strength to walk up & down steps.  Going down was much harder than up, but I am all better today.   Thanks to all the burpees & squats that myself and all the contestants in this challenge were challenged to do.  I have yet to do my workout today, its called the Scorcher & the name speaks for itself.  But I will do it as soon as I'm done with work this afternoon:)   I am so glad that I have signed up for this challenge.  It helps that I have all you wonderful moms encouraging each other to never give up.  I personally am trying the advanced workout this time around.  I think that my body can handle it, which is the best part of all.  I didn't weigh in today because I don't want to get discouraged if I don't see a difference. That and I'm bloated today which is never a good time to do a weigh in.

 “This post is sponsored by Salba Smart and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

#Mamavation Monday ~ Healthy Cooking

Healthy cooking is constantly a challenge in my house.  I go in spurts.  I will cook healthy for a few days & than I slip right back into my comfort area, why? Because its comfortable!!!  I grew up cooking that way, its what I know with out needing a cookbook & it taste good, even if its not that healthy for me.  I am looking forward to the Mamavtion TV show  tonight.  Johanna Cook of Momma Cuisine (@mommacuisine) will be the guest tonight & she is going to show us some tricks to the trade.

I am so proud of myself!  We hosted my daughters birthday party on Saturday & I am pleased to say that I only ate the fruit, meat (chicken) and a HUGE salad.  I skipped the cake!!!  That's a BIG milestone for me.  I didn't even snitch any of the cake while I was making it.  Yea me:)  

I didn't get much exercise this weekend. But believe me I will be making up for it during the week.  I just signed up for the new #2week challenge with Mr. Bookieboo.  But I am done doing the beginner workouts!  I will be attempting the Advance workouts for two weeks!  My goal is to try to drop 3 or more pounds during this challenge...but of course I will be more than pleased if I lose more.

#Mamavation Monday

I am beyond mad at myself this week.  I gained 1.5 pounds.  Grrr.   I slipped....majorly.  I told myself that I was doing good, so it was ok to treat myself to a soda.  Than I treated myself to an ice cream cone with the kids, followed by treating myself to a big greasy burger from A&W.  I was shocked when I reviewed my food journal this week that I ate that many extra UN-needed calories.  I don't know why I did it.  I wish that there was a secrete pill that I could take to make all those foods taste gross to help ease the cravings.  But there is not, so I need to suck it up & deal with this.  I have a goal this week to get a fruit or veggie in with every meal. Which I succeeded at this morning by adding fruit to my oatmeal. 

I do have a few worries though about the upcoming week.  I'm preparing for my eldest daughters golden birthday!   She'll be 6 on the 6th!!  Still can not believe it.  Anyway the menu that I have planned had more "unhealthy" food than "healthy".  Here is what I was planning on making.  If ANY of you have suggestions as to how I can make this menu healthier I am all ears!!  But, I can't break the bank.  There are approx 100 guest coming to the party.  Yes, I have a LARGE family & we have an equal amount of very close friends. 

Snacks

potato chips, veggie tray, meat tray, cheese tray, crackers, fruit kabobs, trail mix

MEAL

hamburgers, chicken, Hot dogs, mac & cheese

potato wedges, buns,ketchup, mustard

Deserts

cake, ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, cake pops

Again, I'm open to any and ALL suggestions.  I really need to make this a healthy, yet fun day for everyone who is coming.  Thank you in advance for your insights.  Now its time to get to the gym & kick this weight I gained back to the curb.

#Mamavation:Diet

I despise the word "diet", why?  Because I always fail.  As soon as someone tells me I can't eat something because its not part of the diet, I fail.  Each & every time.  Its frustrating that I am that weak & cave into those cravings.  That's why when  Mamavation posted about the Paleo Lifestyle.  It intrigues me.  I have some very good friends who are into Cross Fit and they follow this nutritional lifestyle.  They eat a lot of the same foods that I do ( meat & vegetables) only no starch.  They do not use bread or pastas very often.  Basically they live by the concept that if it grows natural, we'll eat it.  I think this lifestyle is very do able.  But like any lifestyle change you have to want it, in order for it to work for you & your family.  I've thought about changing my family to a more Paleo life, but I want to learn more about it first, that and I'm not sure I could completely give up my starches.  I'm really looking forward to the Mamavation TV tonight. I hope to find out more about what truly makes up the Paleo diet, as well as to find out some tricks to the trade. 


“This post is sponsored by GoVida Foods and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.”

Let's cheer on the Mom's going to Fitcation 2012!!  I am really kicking myself for not signing up for this amazing opportunity. I hope that each of you sweat your butts off & learn a lot while you are enjoying the amazing scenery.  I will definitely be signing up for 2013 if it works within my schedule. 

 

The weigh in.....  well I did not lose, but I didn't gain either so as of today I'm at a stand still.  I'm going to have to kick it up a bit this week. 

 

#Mamavation Monday:Let the fun begin

Last week I was excited to share that I lost 4 pounds.  I didn't think life could get more exciting after that.  But as I promised I worked EXTREMELY hard, kept my attitude positive and I am again happy to share that I have now lost another 2.5 pounds!!!!! ***Happy Dance, Happy Dance :-) I am SO thankful to the entire Mamavation community for their guidance & support.  It's because of the advice, recipes, and great workouts that I have been able to loose this weight.  There are two things I have changed in my life that I think has helped to lose the weight.  I have been trying to keep track of what I am eating.  I am also getting 3 hard workouts in per-week.  And every workout I push myself past my comfort limit. 

#MAMAVATION~THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

***Happy Dance***  I just weighed in & I lost 4 pounds!!!  I haven't lost any weight in WEEKS and now I lose 4 pounds without even trying.  Of course I didn't food journal at all this week, but I do know that when I worked out I did a great job.  Time has been my enemy these past couple weeks.  Hence why I'm first working on my blog tonight vs. yesterday morning like I should have.  With time being my enemy I kicked my weights up & the intensity.  I've also been pushing myself to complete a set number of reps per minute.  I'm hoping to drop another pound or two this week.  Keeping my fingers crossed:)

#Mamavation~ABUSE HOW DOES IT AFFECT WEIGHT GAIN

This weeks topic is one that hits home not just for me, but many other people that I know. I have experienced many types of abuse over the years.  Not just physical, but verbal.  Without going into too much detail here are just a few things that I myself experienced. This is very personal, and no one other than my husband, physician & siblings know about some of these things.  I'm not yet comfortable sharing all the details with my fellow "sisters".  But I will tell you I have experienced mental abuse from a teacher in grade school, physical abuse from my mom, and sexual abuse. 

The sexual abuse is the hardest for me to share.  Its so personal.  I've even try to twist the story around so that it wont sound like a rape.  But deep down it still bothers me so much.  I still now 15 years after the fact still want to eat an entire cake or bag of chips to try to forget about it. 

However my weight gain didn't really start to happen until after the first BIG lie that happened while my husband & I were dating.  Than I got it back under control, or so I thought, until my youngest daughter was born.  That's really when I packed on the pounds, fast. 

I know for myself, I work out hard and try to eat healthy.  But whenever I flash back to the abuse that I have had  I want to eat and 7 out of 10 times I give into the food.  Which than only makes me feel worse. 

This weeks program is going to be really hard for me.  I think I will relive some of these past issues & I think that some of the fears I have been having in my marriage, that I have been trying to ignore, may come to life. 

#Mamavation #2WeekChallenge~Results

For the past two weeks myself as well as other mommy bloggers participated in a 2 week challenge. During these 2 weeks we were all encouraged to eat healthier as well as follow a workout plan.  My workout plan was the beginner workout.  I started strong & worked hard for six days and rested one.  But than during week two I started to slack again.  I would preform my workouts just fine, but my food was just horrible.  I was just craving fries & a big juicy cheese burger.  You know how it is, the more you think about a food item that you shouldn't eat the more you want it.  Anyway I caved in last night.  I pigged out on fries & had a mushroom burger with swiss cheese.  But after I ate the food, I began to feel guilty, which than lead to frustration and anger because of my weakness. 

But with that being said I was still pleased with my result of losing 2#s in 2 Weeks.  I didn't meet my 5# goal this time, but next time I know that I will not only shed the 5#s but I will see a slightly smaller waist line.

#Mamavation ~ Is there such thing as working out too much?

While I myself, don't feel like I work out too much, I know many others who do.    I feel like I don't work out enough some days.  But than I again, I'm afraid to work out too hard.  Why?  Well because I have a herniated disk in my lower spine that has a little bulge...too little to need surgery.  But enough to cause my feet to go numb & my siatic nerve to tremor throughout the day, not to mention my back locking up.   Because of this injury I was unable to workout for over 4 months.  Than I was put on light & easy exercises for nearly 6 months after.  Having to endure this & the pain that was associated with it I am terrified of re-injuring myself worse.  That is why I started 2 weeks ago (this will be week 5) of working with a personal trainer who is running a boot camp.  However the boot camp only runs for 1 more weeks & than I will be left on my own.  Also, after last week's workout I had serious issues with my latissimus dorsi muscles on both side of my back.  The were pulled to the point where I couldn't even bend over to pick up my kids toys.  I asked one of the trainers what to do & they showed me some stretches for my back which helped so that I could at least get in my workouts.  I would love to win this weeks giveaway that is being sponsored by Mamavation.  I feel that it would be beneficial to learn from another trainer some techniques that would help me to my goal of losing 50#s & dropping a few sizes.  I will definitely be logging on tonight to watch what Coach Erika,  FFIT at Home  has to teach all of us tonight. 

 “This post is sponsored by FFIT and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

Are you Unjunked?

Tonight is going to be my very first attempt at joining a twitter party to support this fantastic new to me company.  Get UnReal candy is a fantastic product that has no corn syrup,  hydrogenated oil, or artificial ingredients and without preservatives.  UnReal can be found at your local CVS & Walgreen's candy isle.  

#Mamavation Monday ~ Workout with Weights

Do you work out with weights?  Honestly, no.  I try to, but the pure thought of free weights intimidates me each and every time.  I have tried.  Even participated in a few Body Pump classes at the local YMCA.  But I feel like a fool.  I feel sloppy, unsteady & definitely unsure of myself.  I have asked questions.  Even been shown how to properly lift, yet I don't feel sure enough to do it on my own.  The most that I have felt able to do is 10# bicep curls & 10# lat raises.  Other than that, I rely  on weight assisted machines.  I do the reps, but have yet to see any results.  That is why I am going to be tuning in tonight for MAMAVATION TV: 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.  I really am hoping that by watching special guest Melissa Parks that I will learn some proper lifting techniques so that I build muscle, tone out the fat & not hurt myself.  

I would also like to thank the entire Mamavation community for their support the past few weeks.  I truly feel the support from each of you & look forward to the months & years ahead  as we all work towards our goals.  I would also like to thank you for the blogging carnival win last week!  It was & is a huge surprise:)


 “This post is sponsored by Omron and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

From my family to yours may you have a safe & happy 4th of July.

#mamavation monday~Where do you workout?

People often ask me where I workout and why.  Well I do a combination of working out at home and at the gym.  I used to hate going to the gym feeling that I spent more time talking than exercising.  I also felt that people were staring at me making harsh judgements.  It didn't take long for me to realize that my fears & worries were unfounded.  That every person who walked through the doors of the gym had the same goal in mind.  To get & be healthy no matter where our starting point is.  
However, I also workout at home using my kids as weights & my wii fit for entertainment.  I LOVE the at home workouts well.  My children enjoy it too because they can workout with me.  I feel that this is a better option for my family because I'm not just teaching my kids to be healthy, but I'm leading by example without them knowing it.  I try to get a at home workout in at least once or twice a week.  
No matter where I workout, time is the biggest enemy! There are days where I only have 30 minutes to spare and other days where I have 2 hours available to workout.  I feel a better & more intense of a workout completed when I do a 20 minute workout.  The less time I have scheduled the better the workout?  It doesn't make sense yet its true.  



“This post is sponsored by Birds Eye and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway” at the bottom of your post.

Mamavation Monday: Are You Working Too Hard?

“This post is sponsored by FFIT and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

While I myself, don't feel like I work out too much, I know many others who do.    I feel like I don't work out enough some days.  But than I again, I'm afraid to work out too hard.  Why?  Well because I have a herniated disk in my lower spine that has a little bulge...too little to need surgery.  But enough to cause my feet to go numb & my siatic nerve to tremor throughout the day, not to mention my back locking up.   Because of this injury I was unable to workout for over 4 months.  Than I was put on light & easy exercises for nearly 6 months after.  Having to endure this & the pain that was associated with it I am terrified of re-injuring myself worse.  That is why I started 2 weeks ago (this will be week 3) of working with a personal trainer who is running a boot camp.  However the boot camp only runs for 2 more weeks & than I will be left on my own .  I would love to win this weeks giveaway that is being sponsored by Mamavation.  I feel that it would be benifical to learn from another trainer some techniques that would help me to my goal of losing 50#s & dropping a few sizes.  I will definitely be logging on tonight to watch what Coach Erika,  FFIT at Home  has to teach all of us tonight.

#Mamavation Monday

Hello? Are you there? Its me, your brain & even though you don't feel hungry, I will make your mouth salivate at the mention of any unhealthily foods.  I don't know about you, but I feel this struggle each and every day of my life.  Since I have been on this constant roller-coaster of trying to get healthier I have succeeded in ways of "tricking" these cravings.  I go for water first, but that rarely helps.  I have also tried to do the wait 5 min & see if your still hungry.  But the ONE thing that has truly helped was fruit.  I LOVE having any and all kinds of fruit at hand throughout the day.  The sweetness of the fruits help calm the sweet tooth that I have.  I also have a new found love of almonds.  These help with the salty & crunchy cravings that I get.  I am looking forward to attend the MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV. I hope that I will learn how I can maintain a healthier lifestyle with ease & to stop feeling that I am on this roller coaster to health. 


“This post is sponsored by Dole and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway” at the bottom of your post. Link up your post here.
WELCOME

Simple Nature Fun

My kids & I LOVE butterflies, so every year we "grow" our own.  Around our home we have a lot of milkweed & monarch caterpillars eat the milkweed leaves.  So each year we capture a caterpillar & the kids care for it until its time to release the butterfly into nature. Nothing is as amazing as watching a butterfly hatch out of its cocoon.  So turn off the T.V. get outside & enjoy nature.

#Mamavation Time to Step up My Game

I have been bad lately, really bad.  I always do this self sabotage thing, where I think I'm doing well enough & stop doing the work.  Not just sabotaging my weight loss efforts, but everything in my daily life.  This includes everything from my physical activities, to my food journal, even down to my house work.  Why?  I really have no idea!  That's the frustrating part. My hubby says its because I take on too much, and than I don't finish projects that I set out to do.  He also said that I need to start saying "NO". 
Not to sound boastful but I am usually the first in line to help someone, anyone if and when needed.  I usually put my own needs and desires on the back burner to ensure that everyone else around me is happy & healthy.  Which when others around me are happy, I am too.  (Which is part of what makes me the "Nosy Neighbor")

So, with this I am setting out for a new goal.  Not just a weight loss goal, but a goal to get all my half done projects done before the end of summer.  As well as giving my self a schedule.  I always seem to get more done if I have a time line as to when & what something needs to be done by.  Hence probably the reason why I was able to keep weight off while I was working a full time job.  I had a schedule that I stuck to.   I always laugh at my mother-in-law who has her schedule that if it gets changed in the slightest way her entire week is messed up.  I'm not kidding when I tell you she is the "I need to wash my hair on Wednesdays"  type of lady.  I love her to pieces, and I am going to take her idea and try to run with it as best as I can. 

Here is my game plan.  1) Exercise 1st thing in the morning.  Even when I am tired or not feeling well.
2) pick one of the multiple projects & focus only on that project for the day (i.e. laundry, or gardening)
3) I will do a better job of planing out the meals for the week & actually stick to them.
4) Attend a group exercise class at the YMCA 2 times a week


I know its only a few items, but I did have to start somewhere.  I got a start on this new "game plan" over the weekend.  With my little one being sick I was stuck at home, so I made a goal to re-organize the kids room and toy room by Monday morning.  I have succeeded in that goal.  

I wish all of you out there who are struggling with the ups & downs the best of luck as well.  I hope that together we can all achieve or goals.

#Mamavation Monday

Its hard to believe that Easter has come & gone so quickly.  After eating more candy than anyone ever prepares for, I was very excited to be introduced to the  Once A Month Mom. A freezer cooking website dedicated to helping families lift the burden of meal planning and preparation by providing monthly menus using seasonal recipes to create ready-to-heat and serve meals.  Since last week most of the grocery shopping that I did focused on the menus leading up to the big Easter holiday, I did NOT prepare or plan for any meals today.  Thankfully, I had some frozen soups in the freezer that I was able to quickly thaw out for supper. This is why I think the Once A Month Mom ideas & menus will work very well in my lifestyle.  I LOVE to cook, but now that the kids are older & involved in more activities I am finding it harder to have healthy meal options readily available.  I look forward to finding more recipes that will work for my family.

“This post is sponsored by Handi-Foil and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway” at the bottom of your post

21 Day Weight Loss Challange ~ Journal Day 19 #21mbc

I really can not believe that it is already day 19 in this challenge.  It really is going a lot faster than I had anticipated. I feel like I am doing well with the challenge.  I'm more aware of what I am eating, trying my best to drink water in place of other drinks & making time for myself every day.  DUSTIN MAHER has provided myself and other mommy bloggers this mommy blogger challenge. as well as his book   Fit Mom's for Life.   What I like best about Dustin's book is that its not all about changing your entire life in one day, but helping to ease you into a healthier lifestyle. 


I am however feeling guilty that I haven't been keeping up with the blog.  But with this GORGEOUS weather that we have been having I must admit that sitting in front of the computer was not a priority.  I have been keeping active as well, playing with the kids outdoors & getting in my workouts.  

 Disclosure:  I am participating in a challenge sponsored by Dustin Maher www.dustinmaherfitness.com.  I also received a complementary copy of Dustin's book  Fit Mom's for Life.

Again, please be sure to become a follower of this blog as well as the other blogs who are participating in this challenge.  You can follow them by clicking on the links below. 

Mamavation Monday: How to keep Active

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Mamavation.

One blogging carnival participant will receive $25 VISA gift card.

 How do you keep yourself active, when you really don’t feel like working out ?

Well it seems as if we just jumped straight from winter right into summer around here & let me tell you that I LOVE this weather.  But with the warm weather comes the lack of wanting to workout.  I just want to stay outdoors all day with the kids, and yes I am active during that time.  It may be hanging wash out on the line, playing tag or soccer with my girls, or taking them on a nature walk down one of the trails that we have around our area.  I try my best to keep active the entire time, but as we all know kids seem to have an abundance of energy & us mommies can get worn out rather fast.  

However, I am not as easily motivated if the weather isn't as nice, such as rainy days.  I try my best to not become a couch potato on those days & let me tell you that is not always easy.  One of the things the kids like that we do if it is a rainy day we build forts & go "camping" in the living room.  Other wise I try to stay active on rainy days by doing the housework & helping the kids make crafts, which generally causes me to have to re-clean the house again.

“This post is sponsored by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

21 Day Weight Loss Challange ~ Journal Day 13 #21mbc

The weather is getting so beautiful out that I have really had to force myself to focus on eating healthy & getting in workouts.  All I want to do is hangout outdoors with the kids!  I was even able to get the spring cleaning started. However, on a health standpoint I don't feel very strong or healthy yet this week.  I feel that I eat a lot better since I started with this journey, but I almost feel weaker.  I don't know why that is.  I'm also finding that I am getting bored with my workouts.  I need to find a way to stay interested, and not get distracted with the items & task that I have to deal with the rest of the day.

I've been following the advice from  DUSTIN MAHER to help me with the .mommy blogger challenge.

Again, I did not write down all the times for the food that I ate today, but I ate oatmeal, strawberries, salad, &  PB&J on whole Grain bread.  I also got in 9 cups of water, as well as 20 Minutes of exercise.

Point Total:92

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