Being faithful

Where do you draw the line between being open, but not too open, sharing your testimony, but not revealing your entire life (like anyone has time to read your life story). I believe that if someone is going to learn from my mistakes, I need to share even the most embarrassing details, but my WHOLE life isn't everyones business, my life isn't an open book. So I have no idea where to draw the line.

This week has been challenging, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It's so easy to throw in the towel when things get tough. It's easier to say "I'm done" than to fix the problem. The truth is, by avoiding the problem, you're creating a new one by covering up the other. I was reminded that when you have faith in GOD, anything is possible. You never leave your partner when you're in a fire together, you work together as a team to overcome the demons in your past and in the present that you're facing. Even when things look completely hopeless, GOD can still perform miracles. This has been my temptation this week. I've been fighting my biggest demon, myself. God has done some amazing things in me but I know I'm far from where HE wants me to be. Changing isn't easy, but when you let the LORD change you, the most challenging part is having patience while you wait. There is a point where you have to die to yourself and only live for the LORD.

If Barbie was a real woman

If Barbie was an actual woman, she would be 5'9’’ tall, have a 39’’ bust, an 18’’ waist, 33’’ hips and a size 3 shoe. 

 Barbie calls this a “full figure” and likes her weight to be 110 lbs.

·         At 5'9’’ tall and weighing 110 lbs, Barbie would have a BMI of 16.24 and fit the weight criteria for anorexia. She likely would not menstruate.

·         If Barbie was a real woman, she'd have to walk on all fours due to her proportions.

·         Slumber party Barbie was introduced in 1965 and came with a bathroom scale permanently set at 110 lbs with a book entitled “How to Lose Weight” with directions inside stating simply “Don’t eat.”

I found this on another blog and I had to share. It made me think how many girls compare themselves not just to Barbie, but to their peers. They don't yet understand that everyone is created differently and it's our job as parents to teach our daughter & our sons that their bodies are beautiful no matter the shape or size. It is also our job to teach them to be healthy, to teach them good eating habits and to encourage them to do physical activities to stay fit. That also includes being a role model for them, to practice what you preach. If they see you doing it (especially at a young age) they'll want to do what mommy and daddy are doing too. Same goes if you just sit around and watch t.v. or you're on the computer all day. At the end of the day we all want our kids to be happy and healthy. I challenge everyone to look in the mirror and reevaluate what you're showing your kids (or other kids), are you being a good example? Are you showing them things in a positive or a negative way? I do this daily and it helps alot with my growth as a Christian, a wife and a mom. And I'm always looking for ways to better myself and my kids.

Week 25: A spiritual make-over

I know I've mentioned this a few times already in previous posts, but when I started this lifestyle change it wasn't just an external fitness change. I made the decision and go by the motto "mind, body and soul". I pray before my workouts and when I'm having trouble getting through a routine, I crank up the Christian contemporary music as motivation. I made a promise to myself that I would change everything. I am not the person I was 10 years ago, 5 years ago, or even last year. While I've been growing up (as a Christian) I've noticed a huge change in me. While I still do get mad sometimes, my temper isn't as bad as it once was and I feel like I'm more understanding and will look at all sides of an argument and try to figure out a solution as opposed to pouting because I didn't get my way. I just realized that until now, I've only been keeping up with my physical external weight loss and not the positive things happening to me spiritually. While writing this the song "While I'm waiting" comes to my mind. It talks about being patient and faithful to GOD while you're waiting on HIM to change you/your life. And how it's never easy but with HIS strength we can overcome any obstacle or tragedy that life may throw at us. Today I am thankful for a loving GOD who I know I can put my trust in, for HIS love which never changes (for anyone), but most importantly I am thankful for HIS sacrifice. HIS willingness to be faithful to HIS FATHER and to fulfill HIS will so I can live eternally with HIM. I am so ashamed that I let my selfish pride get in the way of my relationship with JESUS. So many things in my life could have been different had I just been faithful to HIM. I am forgiven and I am thankful.

I am so glad that I'm seeing results in the mirror, but more importantly, I'm so thankful GOD is showing me the changes HE has made within me.

Weekly diet blog:week 25

Nothing has really changed this week. My weight is fluctuating back and forth which is normal but I'm down 2 pounds.  I started looking up zumba routines on youtube and I have to say that it is some great cardio. If you're looking for something fun, that doesn't seem like exercise or something you really have to work at zumba is for you! Of course like any other dance, the hard part is learning the routine and doing it by yourself isn't as fun as if it were with a group but it doesn't really bother me. After stretching for 10 minutes and 2 zumba routines,  my warm up is complete and I start on my abs. My daughter noticed a change this week which made me happy. We went to the lake to swim (and yes I wore a bikini, I hate 1 pieces) she said WOW momma, you really are losing weight! I'm so glad that I can look in the mirror and see a difference. It gives me temporary satisfaction and the motivation I need to continue on my journey. I was too lazy to workout downstairs the other night, so I just rolled out the yoga mat on the living room floor. When I was done, my 2 year old toddler was doing a plank. lol Next week it's back to tuna and peanut butter and more advanced abs.

weekly diet blog: week 24

So it's been 6 months since I started my lifestyle change. 

The pic on the top is from January and the one on the bottom was taken last week. I know it's kind of hard to see but that's the best pic I have from January.

I've changed my routine up since my last post. I'm still eating clean, but I've changed my portion size again and I'm doing a more aggressive workout to help get me out of the plateau that I'm in. I've lost 2 more lbs and 1 1/2'' off my waist. So that's a total of 27 lbs lost. I'm so glad I'm doing this on my own. No gym, no supplements, no diet pills, just guidance from the LORD, clean eating, exercise, motivation from my husband and self-discipline. I don't remember if I've posted about this yet or not, But when I decided to start this lifestyle change I prayed, I prayed hard. And every time I exercise, I pray while I stretch for GOD to guide me through the workout so I can accomplish and do HIS will. I need to take care of this body HE has given me and I give HIM all the praise with everything I have accomplished. When I'm working out and I feel like I can't give anymore, I just remind myself of the cross. If HE could do that for me, then I will do this for HIM!! 

weight loss blog: week 17

So I'm still stuck in my plateau. I decided to take a week off from exercising but not my eating habits and I've been able to maintain my weight. Not exercising did cause my endo to act up though. :/ I'm going to start strong again on Monday with some intense ab workouts and a more intense meal plan. I'm gonna attempt the military diet again, 3 days on and 4 days off to jump start more weight loss (hopefully). Time to stock up on tuna and peanut butter. 

weight loss blog: week 16

2 weeks ago I found a new obsession..... smoothies. It's become a nightly thing lately. I had one when I was a kid and didn't like it, so I was a little reluctant to try it again, but I decided to buy one of those frozen smoothie packs (which turned out to only be frozen fruit) So I just started buying frozen fruit. I fell in love with this.... It tastes just like a pina colada.  1 cup frozen fruit, 1/2 cup of the v8 smoothie and 2 tablespoons of the oikos yogurt = AMAZING!! :) So much better than all of those calories in ice cream.

Diet Blog: Week 14

I know I suck at weekly blogging, but thankfully, I don't suck at my new lifestyle. I've made it to the 1/2 way point in my goal, now the hard part begins. In the last month I've bought some really great running shoes and an exercise band and I've added the treadmill to my workouts. My only problem is that I lack creativity in the kitchen. Normally it wasn't a big deal, but now that I've completely cut out certain things from my diet it's so hard to make something from the same types of foods. I'm so sick of eating the same things every day, but I know in the end I'll be so glad I did this. Hopefully in the next few days I can find the time to look up some recipes.

Weight loss blog: Weeks 4 &5

The last 2 weeks have been really stressful and I was to busy to blog. Good news, I haven't had a weight loss set back. I wasn't able to workout for two days due to a crick in my neck, but other than that I've maintained my eating habits. I have to say though, I'm getting really sick of eating chicken. I have so much on my mind right now and I'm really scatter-brained and distracted by the blaring music from Justin Bieber thanks to my 8 year old daughter... so I don't know if I've mentioned this before.
For the most part I have eliminated processed foods to the best of my ability, mostly canned veggies and mac n cheese (which I'm not eating at all :(  ) My meals lately, especially dinner, have included chicken, asparagus, spinach, red bell peppers and onion. All of which are high in protein except for maybe the onion. I'm focusing on a high protein/ low carb diet. Tonight I really surprised myself though. Instead of sauteed spinach, I made a spinach, tomato and red onion salad and made a homemade blueberry dressing with some left-over fresh blueberries that I froze. The dressing turned out really good. I broke down last week and bought a blender and now I can't wait to make some homemade frozen yogurt later.

Goals for the week:
 1: become more culinary creative with chicken.
 2: add the treadmill to my workout.

Now I'm gonna go try out my new yoga capris!

While I'm waiting

For me, this song goes beyond what it was used for in the movie Fireproof. It's about relying on GOD through out your daily struggles and needs as a Christian. This song means so much to me (the movie does too) but it reminds me of how far I've come in the last 2 1/2-3 years. GOD has truly blessed me and I will forever be grateful. With this song, I have learned to have more faith in GOD, to lift my hands, open my heart, let the tears fall and praise HIM with my whole heart! I never knew a song could me so much to me. This song by far, is the most meaningful one I have ever heard and there is so much truth in it!! 

LORD, I will serve you while I'm waiting and I will worship while I'm waiting. Even through the toughest storm I will wait!! I will hold my head high in confidence and be obedient to you, because I know you will always see me through every day! Thank you for loving me and dying for me! In Jesus name, Amen!!!!!

While I'm Waiting :

I'm waiting 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

And I am hopeful 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

Though it is painful 

But patiently, I will wait 

I will move ahead, bold and confident 

Takeing every step in obedience 

While I'm waiting I will serve You 

While I'm waiting I will worship 

While I'm waiting I will not faint 

I'll be running the race Even while I wait 

I'm waiting 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

And I am peaceful 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

Though it's not easy 

But faithfully, I will wait 

Yes, I will wait 

I will serve You while I'm waiting 

I will worship while I'm waiting 

I will serve You while I'm waiting 

I will worship while I'm waiting 

I will serve you while I'm waiting 

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

weight loss blog #3

progress pic 2-10-13

I know I blogged on Wednesday and this is supposed to be a weekly blog, but I was 3 days late last week and I would like to continue my blogging on Saturday nights/Sunday mornings.

I can't begin to explain how good this makes me feel. I haven't felt this way since my R.O.T.C days in high school. I haven't pushed myself and been as determined since then until now. I know I can do this!! I know I've said this before, but I did it with 1/2 a heart and no motivation. I got on the scale tonight and I've lost 3lbs. I was so excited!! :) My goal for week #4 is to go to the track one day and try to run 1 lap. That may not seem like a lot, but with my tendinitis and I haven't really ran any long length of time in so long, I think that's a reasonable goal.  

And for anyone out there that is trying to diet, if you have a sweet tooth but want to eat less sweets, I have found the most amazing alternative!!! I've found my new favorite candy, it taste just like an almond joy. Another goal, search pinterest for a recipe to make these at home!!!!!

weekly diet blog: week 2

So I'm a few days behind on my diet blog.... I relapsed into my old habits, had a pity party, reevaluated what I was doing and now I'm ready to kick some butt!!! This is my post workout meal. Tuna, sauteed (in margarine) spinach and asparagus, a hard boiled egg and 1 granny smith apple. Seasoned with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.

 

I told myself that I would only change my eating habits the first week to see if there was a change in my weight, then this week I would combine the healthy eating with working out. I did about 10 minutes of stretching and 20 minutes of cardio tonight. 

Just to give myself a perspective of my weight loss, here are some post pregnancy progression pics. 

This was the last photo I took while pregnant with Eli. I was at the end of the 8th month. (April 2011)

 

This is March 2012 

(almost 1 year post delivery) 

May 2012

(1 year post delivery) 

July 2012 

This one was taken today. (2/6/13)

I am very happy to say that since I had Eli, I've lost 25lbs. I am currently in a plateau in my weight loss, but I've dropped 4 pants sizes in almost 2 years. I don't have an ideal weight that I want to be, I just want to be healthy. I would be happy just to maintain my current weight, and just tone my abs up but I guess time will tell. Hopefully by this time next year, I'll have something to show for all this hard work. I am determined, dedicated and fully focused on what GOD is doing for me! Like I said in my last blog, it's all about mind, body and soul!!!

A new year = a new me. diet blog week:1

 So I found a 3 day diet or "the military diet" on pinterest and decided to try it this past week and I'm sad to say that I didn't make it past day one without cheating. I completely suck at diets. I didn't cheat that bad though, I ate something that was allowed on the diet, just a little more of it. So after the first 2 days I decided that I wasn't going to stick to that diet, but I was going to take things from it and also other diets that I've heard of. I found a detox drink on pinterest (lemon-lime water) and I've been drinking it all week. I cut out processed foods as much as I can, eat fresh veggies vs canned and I'm eating more protein and less high-carbs. I stopped drinking cokes, limit my salt and sugar and when I drink sweet tea, I drink it 3/4 water 1/4 tea. So far I haven't lost any weight just by eating healthier, I didn't really expect to but I was hoping that maybe just a pound or two. I don't have the finances to go to the gym right now and with a toddler at home it's hard to find time in between cleaning and watching him. It's to cold to go walking right now, so eating right is my only option right now. My goal is to just maintain my current weight until it gets warm so I can put Eli in the stroller and walk around the neighborhood.

  I've been doing this long enough to realize that losing weight isn't going to happen over night. It takes your mind, body and your soul to accomplish it. If you're not in the right mind set, you're not going to lose the weight. If your heart isn't in it and you're not fully dedicated to make a lifestyle change, it's just not going to happen. I've decided that I'm going to make some very small realistic reachable goals for myself for this year. #1 Being that I'm making that lifestyle change. No more processed foods, no more fried, greasy food and my biggest challenge of all, NO MORE COKES! I've drank them all my life and I'm dependent on caffeine. And #2 Just like you should do with any other journey you start in your life, this one will begin with the LORD as my Sheppard. I'm trusting HIM to guide me, to push me, to have patience with me, to protect me and to keep me on track. My goal is to glorify HIM in everything that I do and one of those is to take care of this body HE has so graciously given me. Goal #3 No matter how many pounds I lose, I have to remember that it doesn't matter what others think, as long as I'm happy in my body and love myself then that's all that should matter.

Pleasing people

Everyone has a certain person in their life that they just can't seem to please. Nothing you do is right, your opinion is wrong, you're career choice is wrong, you're dating the wrong person ect the list could go on forever. I've had the misfortune of dealing with lots of people like this through out my life and unfortunately I still have to deal with a few. I got to thinking about this topic "pleasing people" and wanted to know what GOD had to say about it and I found this verse.

Galations 1:10
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

This verse tells me everything I wanted to know, that the only person we should worry about pleasing is GOD because HIS judgement is the only one that matters.

It's so easy to get mad at people for looking at your life and then picking you apart. It's not right, it's hurtful and I personally feel violated when it happens to me. It's one thing for someone to suggest something to you, but to just pick you apart like you don't have feelings is just mean and cruel. I guess I'll never understand why they do it or what kind of thrill they get out of it. I do know one thing, their day of judgement will come and will be sorry. I guess it's just time for me to pray for patience and as the saying goes hate the sin and love the sinner.

Growing

On Wednesday night our Pastor talked about maturing as a Christian. He compared "baby" Christians to an infant saying that you wouldn't feed a two week old solid food, so if you're trying to help a "baby" Christian grow you wouldn't give them a ton of information that would be hard to absorb or even try to begin to comprehend and overwhelm them.

I am no longer a "baby" Christian, but I'm far from grown. I believe there is always room to grow and always new things to learn. It hasn't been that long since I felt like a "baby" Christian. I didn't understand anything that any pastor said, I couldn't follow along with anything. I believe that the devil had a hold of me and wouldn't allow me to understand. I'm so glad that GOD helped me overcome that and helps me daily to understand HIS will. I feel so blessed to be so close to GOD. I'm so happy to share what HE shares with me. Sometimes I get frustrated when I know HE wants me to share something, but doesn't reveal it to me right away.

Last week was a test for me. My aunt went to the hospital and found out that she had several mini strokes and my best friends grandpa had a car accident and then passed away. Going to the viewing wasn't as hard as the funeral and spending time with her afterwards. It brought back so many bad memories for me from losing 3 of my grandparents. Even though they've been gone 9+ years, it still hurts. I feel so bad for her. I know exactly what she's going through and there's nothing I can do for her. After coming home Sunday night, I got the kids ready for bed and spent some time alone downstairs. Out of nowhere I lost it. I cried uncontrollably for over 2 hours.

People deal with grief in many ways, but I've always went to GOD. HE speaks to me through music most of the time, but there are some rare occasions when HE just comes to me out of nowhere to help me understand something. HE reminded me that there really isn't anything I can say to Laura to make her feel better, she's going to have to deal with this tragedy in her own time and way. Then HE reminded me that when you're looking for satisfaction out of anything worldly, you're looking in the wrong place. HE is the only one that can satisfy every need we have. Now that I'm not a "baby" Christian, I can understand that. There is nothing in this world that can make your pain go away (from any situation) other than the comfort of JESUS!

Following the Shepherd

I know this may sound cliche' but with the rise in crime and the economy it's hard to think it can't get much worse. Everyone is trying to be politically correct, trying not to offend anyone by what they say and now even their opinions. Christianity is being attacked. It has been for years, but I think it is more so currently than in previous years. Now more than ever we need to be the best example we can be as Christians. I've always tried to take advantage of every opportunity to share Christ with non-believers. It's hard to remember sometimes, but it's not our job to fight these battles alone. I think we get into a certain mindset and think we can conquer the whole world but when things get tough and out of balance, that's when we call on GOD. The thing is, GOD is our Shepherd, we are his flock and HE guides and directs our paths. If we would just simply allow HIM to do HIS will by being in control from the beginning, things could be so much simpler. 

More recipes

I made my baby breakfast for our anniversary. 2 bacon, fried egg and cheese sandwiches with his favorite iced coffee with redi whip and a love note.

                                      On Wednesday I made something similar to what I saw on Pinterest.
This is the a mix of veggie I baked in the oven. Broccoli, asparagus, red bell peppers, onions and snow peas.

I marinated this chicken for 48 hours in mederatarian seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and the juice of 1 lime.

I used baby bow tie pasta and made a home made alfredo sauce.

1 small container of light cream, 1 container of philadelphia cooking cream, garlic powder and parmigian cheese. 

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan and heat through on low/medium heat for about 5 minutes or until it's at your desired thickness.

Served with a salad.

Tonight I made stuffed shells.

I browned the hamburger meat.

I decided to make mine vegetarian. I sauteed zucchini, asparagus,tomatoes and onion. 

I mixed 1/2 a can of canned chunky veggie spaghetti sauce, 1/2 a container of ricotta cheese, parmigian cheese and a hand full of swiss cheese.

                                                Served with salad and snow peas

The weakest link

Patience is something I've never really had. I consider myself to be shy, boring and very short tempered. I'm insecure and have pretty much lost everything I thought I had gained while I was modeling. I'm vulnerable and easy to get talked into doing things I know I shouldn't do. After talking to my dad this weekend, I realized that I'm very susceptible to the devil. In my dads metaphor, I'm the weakest link so naturally the devil is going to attack me. I've got a lot of growing up to do (spiritually speaking). I'm not to good to accept what he had to say, because I know it's true, there's no need to deny it like I've done in the past. I've been in a spiritual battle for about 15 years, even though I became a born again Christian at 8 years old. I'm at a point in my life where I don't know where to go from here. I give everything to GOD, but still my patience is lacking. (Another aspect of my life that GOD is currently working on) I don't know what to do anymore. I try to make it seem like I have everything together, but the truth is, the devil is pulling me in 100 different directions. GOD has my heart, so I'm not sure why I'm the "weakest link". The past 3 days, all I've wanted to do is sleep. I've slept 25 hours in the last 3 days and I'm still tired. I try to keep my amour on but something always comes in between us. I have submitted myself to GOD but yet I'm still going through this. I'm sure there is a lesson to be learned here and I'm just not seeing it. I don't want to continue on the rest of my life being the weakest link, it's time for a change.

Pinterest, my new obsession

It always seems like I'm the last to know about new sites. I found out about pinterest about a year ago, but didn't really understand what it was. People started saying, oh look what I made, I found the idea on pinterest. So guess what, I joined too. lol I get so tired of cooking the same old boring things all the time, so I'm really glad I browsed the site earlier this week. So far, I've made 2 things I found on the site. Last night was lasagna rolls. I took the idea from pinterest, not the ingredients. I'm going to share photo's along with ingredients and directions.

This is about 1/2 of a container of grape tomatoes, 1 whole small yellow onion roughly chopped, 2 cloves of fresh garlic, 2 table spoons of butter and  5 table spoons of red wine vinegar. I cooked this while I boiled 8 lasagna noodles and browned ground beef.

We mixed about 1/2 of a large container of ricotta cheese with some parmigian and mozzarella cheeses in a bowl.  

Then we made a hole in the center to add in the ground beef.

We realized we needed a bigger bowl.

And added some sauce and milk because it was dry.

Time to roll them up. (I forgot to take a picture of the tomato and onion mixture after I smashed it with a potato masher.) That's what is on top of the beef and cheeses.

Added some spiced up canned tomato sauce with salt and pepper and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. 

I realized we needed to spread out the filling a little more.

All ready to bake. 350 degrees for 15 minutes.Or until cheese is melted and filling is warm.I added a little pepper on top of the ones with the tomato/onion mixture because the kids didn't want that in theirs.        

Served with green beans! The kids and hubby LOVED it!!

Tonight I had bone-in and skin-on chicken breasts. The kids don't care for that to much, so I decided to take the smallest breast and de-bone it and take off the skin. 

I cut it into bite size pieces.

This is an egg wash, flour, unseasoned bread crumbs ( I added garlic powder, lemon pepper and thyme)

Next time I'll leave out the lemon pepper. The kids didn't care for it.

 All breaded and ready to go in the oven. 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Flip over after 15 minutes.

The remaining pieces of chicken for us adults! Seasoned with lemon pepper and garlic powder.

The kids chicken is done.

Our daughter wasn't crazy about the breading because like everyone else knows, McDonald's makes the best chicken nuggets and she refuses to try anyone elses'. I on the other hand, thought they were good.

Post hysterectomy appointment

I had my 2 week check-up yesterday. After almost a 2 HOUR wait, I finally got to be examined. I guess he was running behind. I felt really bad for my mom because I couldn't drive and she was watching all 3 kids in the waiting room because it was just to hot to just sit in the car and who wants to do that when it's 100 degrees outside, NOT ME!! So the doctor comes in and we start discussing some problems I'm having. He gave me a prescription for a bladder infection and recommended some over the counter fiber pills. He also told me I have 2 blood clots in my wrist from the iv. This surgery was a doozie, let me tell ya!! I don't think I'll ever be ok with getting another iv again. The first one went in while I was in pre-op about 6am and about 3 hours after surgery around 3pm I noticed that I was losing feeling in my hand. I told the nurse and the iv tech came in to put it in my other hand and said "oh, it was probably sitting on a nerve." I've yet to get all the feeling back in that hand, I probably won't ever get it all back. :/ So because of having to get it put in my left hand, I now have the 2 blood clots. Isn't live just lovely??? So yeah, bladder infection meds, fiber meds and now I have to just be patient with these blood clots because they'll just go away on their own and aren't serious. He showed me a copy of the photo's from my surgery and said he took a really bad and nasty looking spot of endometriosis from my right side under my ovary. Which was the place I was hurting the most. Thank GOD all of that's over and all these little inconveniences that I'm going through now are nothing compared to what I could have gone through had I not gone through with the surgery. So again, I thank GOD and count my many blessings. I go back in 4 weeks for another check up, then I'll be cleared to get back to my normal exercising routines. He did say that I can walk the track now and do some light swimming. I can't wait to get back to kickboxing and my really intense ab workouts again. I lost about 5lbs from surgey and I'm really excited about that, so that means I have 20lbs to go. YAY!!!