Trim Healthy Mama-Loving it!

So a couple months ago, a friend of mine told me about this book and meal plan (because its NOT a diet, its a life style change).
And I looked into it, kept going back and forth. Is $35 worth it? Does it work? All questions kept going on in my head. 
Finally I decided I am going to do it! I love organic food, making food and doing things from scratch.
I got the first 3 Chapters in and I couldn't agree more with this book! It was speaking to me for sure! I love everything they said, from life as a mom, to even pregnancy advice! This book is made for EVERY stage of life. But the best part is that it is COMMON SENSE eating, its about eating balanced, and about taking out the junk.
I am about a month in and feel a difference, I am a wake a little more, sleep is easier, and I am actually a wake at 6am. I would like to encourage anyone who is looking for something the WHOLE family can join in, and is so easy to follow. THIS IS THE BOOK for you! The $35 is worth it because it comes with the information and cook book in one! I love it, and I hope you will Love it too!!!

Even our Dog deserves Organic

 Our poor Gizzmo, recently suffered allergic reaction to fleas. He was going crazy! I finally gave up when we went 4 nights without sleep because of his constant chewing. I decided a flea shampoo with oatmeal, cone, and coconut oil will work! So I set out to go and get a cone for his head to prevent him from licking the coconut oil off.
So we went to 2 different Pet stores that day to find something to help him. Our first stop took us to PetCo, I got there and looked around. Talked to a couple people. One lady said "You know you gotta treat your house right?" Oh ya! Didn't think about that.. so I started looking, everything I found was CHEMICAL CHEMICAL...MUST VACATE FOR 8-10HRS, CHILDREN MUST NOT COME IN CONTACT FOR 24HRS....
Really how will that work? It wont! So I talked the lady at the counter, I need help! I have children and I can't vacate for 8hrs or kick my kids out for 24hrs. Then she took me to the "Organic section". {A little info about myself, I have become a Giant Organic Nerd! I love organic and all natural stuff, my husband picks on me because I use Coconut Oil for every thing.} And she showed me house sprays, one called "Vets Best". It was highly recommended, and it DOES work by the way! I was so excited because it was organic and safe! I simply stripped the whole bedroom areas, washed every sheet, every pillow and every blanket! While things washed I sprayed the carpets, mattresses and couches. I also bathed him in Flea Oatmeal Shampoo. And I scrubbed him and watched the fleas and dirt just come off. I felt so guilty. But after I was done with him, I sprayed the "Vets Best" on his coat too. I placed the cone on his head and rubbed the coconut oil on all his sores and thighs. Allowed about an hr for the oils to soak in. Then I allowed him to run free inside the house. It helped but he was still very itchy.... but I didn't know what to do til we got to the vet.
On our adventure of pet stores, I stopped in at Pet-Care-A Lot, to weigh Gizzmo for some other flea meds. While there I discovered, while talking with the lady about their vet services, he also needed his shots. Apparently the previous owners NEVER followed up on his puppy shots so he was late getting them. So I set an appointment for him, and when we got there they started examining him. Turns out that the flea meds we used also was basically water and only annoyed the fleas but never killed them. I didn't think he was that bad til they examined him and his whole genital and thighs where red and almost bald!
I felt really guilty then, but the vet explained he will be very sore and uncomfortable for 24hrs but the vaccines, and Benadryl will help with the itching, swelling and allergic reaction from the fleas. They also recommended a Flea/Heart worm pill, so we can continue to bath every other week because he is a dirt loving dog! That flea pill is amazing! He still itches from dry skin, caused by winter air, but no flea insight for a week now. I am treating the itchy skin with Coconut oil in his foods. It has helped a little, but we are getting there.

 Now about this Vets Best, it works! Now my house was not infested because we caught it early! But this stuff amazes me, and here is why. You can use it on your house, pet and yard! Its a very friendly and Organic style treatment. Kids can't use it, or play with it, but they can be around it. They can walk on it, if they need too. I personally told them to wait til everything was dry before allowing them on the couches, mattresses and carpets. But when they needed to go the the bathroom I didn't have to "Freak out" over them coming in contact with this stuff.

I am a FIRM believer in Organic & Friendly items, and I think our pets deserve FRESH, FRIENDLY, & CHEMICAL FREE items too! Their health and well being is just as important as ours. Love your pets like you love yourself!

The "M" word

MISCARRIAGE...The "M" word, is a silent but emotional word that seems to never be talked about openly. Its one of many things that can make or break a woman. Almost all women will go through it at least once in their life. And, sadly we all are not prepared for it, because we don't talk about it. No one ever knows about it, until you say I had one. Then everyone shares stories about their experience, and all you do is sit there like "WHY? Why didn't anyone ever say anything?". We don't express the pain openly, and we don't really talk about it in sex ed. Every woman should be prepared for this kind of thing. Every woman should talk about it, and know about it!

 "Miscarriages SUCK, they are heart breaking and they can take you down faster than anything you can prepare for. But its WHO you believe in, and WHO you have as a support is the ONLY way you can survive!" - My words to a friend who had one

I went through one 7yrs ago, and it destroyed me for months. I lost faith in God for awhile, I lost faith in having children, but I also lost MYSELF. I shut down completely, I pulled away from everyone and I hid the fact that I was completely destroyed by what happened. Because I felt like my dream was crushed in 1 split second. I was crushed at the cruel way my manager handled me losing the one thing I wanted more, I was crushed that I could be pregnant for one day and then BAM! gone, like it never even was there. But what hurt me most was some people that was a part of my life, dismissed it like it was nothing. "Ok, you where only 3wks pregnant, it really wasn't a baby". People don't know HOW to handle these situations because its something people never talk about it. 3 or 40 wks it is still an emotional attachment, it is still a baby to someone. Honestly without my family (mom,sister, grandmother & Aunt) and my husband, who let me grieve and held my hand. I don't think I would have ever gotten past the depression of a miscarriage. And without returning to my faith in God I don't think I would have ever seen the WHY behind it all. A couple months ago I never understood why this happened, why I had go to the darkest most unbelievable pain of losing a baby, til the day I had to comfort SEVERAL friends of mine. Something I would have never seen coming. But God did, he saw why he had to break my heart to help those I was so close to. These women I started a relationship with, through church but ultimately grew attached to through out mommy-play date group. I had to talk them through, I had pray them through it and I had to walk them through understanding God's plan, why it happened. Then to turn around 7yrs later and go through a chemical pregnancy, knowing that it is not labeled a miscarriage but to be told "You are not pregnant". But what helped me this time, was the LOVE and SUPPORT from those friends who I walked through with. To show the guidance, the prayers and the shoulders to cry on.  To have that, changed the whole thing, knowing the moment I said "Something is wrong" they scramble and form a support system to help was amazing. I had ladies offering child care, late night texting when they saw I was still awake and most important I had a prayer group, praying every moment of the day it felt like. I had the MOST amazing friends and family come to my aid.
So if you are reading this and you feel like "I'm the ONLY one" you are not, there are thousand of women who have been through it, and survived, AND have children. I count my 2 blessings (my son and daughter) God has blessed me with already, and look forward to when he will bless us with our third. And hopefully this will get people talking about miscarriages, and be better prepared. I love you all and I am here to talk if you need someone to talk to!
Blessings
Tina

A dog, A boy, couple changed lives

A warm sunny day, a little puppy named Gizzmo barked, wagged a tail, and sat patiently. Waited for me to notice him. I said "Hi big boy!", and he wagged his tail. I continued to do yard work. Not too long that the kids noticed this cute little boy.
"Can we pet him!?!" Excitement filled their eyes
"Hang on" I commented
Walking over reaching across the fence to test the waters
"Hey there!" The previous owner walked closer
We struck up a conversation about his puppy!
After about 10mins Gizzmo ended up over the fence and playing with my kids. The owner started to explain that they needed a home for him. They where set to move out, and can't take Gizzmo with them, plus they work so much they don't have time to be with him. The next step was the pound (oh my nurturing side was like NO this can't be the only option for him). Now we had talked about getting a dog, just not that week!
After about 5mins, Kris and Gizzmo bonded like they where long lost brothers. This kid has a BIG heart for all animals, much like his dad.

After about 2 afternoons of on and off testing him with kids, house training etc. I called the neighbor, and found out that where leaving the house in 3 days, if we didn't take him then that means he would be placed in the pound because they had no other options. I called my husband immediately, we prayed and JUMPED on the offer. A free dog, an already house trained puppy who could pass this up!
The next couple weeks have been so hard, between puppy energy, introducing him to our friends dogs, training him with manners (jumping, play biting, not dominating Lena, our youngest and smallest), sleep training him not to sleep on peoples (my husbands) face. Last night was the true highlight of owning such a sweet dog. Kris woke up around 2:45am, with nightmares. I talked him through it, got him back in bed. Came back to lay down, and Kris comes back in around 3am, with the "mom I can't sleep" talk. He just knew he would have bad dreams again. I calmly explained "prayers and trusting God would take care of those" so we started praying, as I did, Gizzmo cracks open the door, jumps in the bed, lays across Kris. As to say "I got this mom". Gizzmo laid with him all night, him and Kris at that moment created a bond of trust, and protection. Gizzmo would normally lay, sniff, and look around then leave. But this morning, he sat with him all early morning because he knew he needed him.

Kris woke up amazed that Gizzmo slept in his bed all night, and that because Gizzmo his dreams where chased away! All morning long these two have been right next to each other, these two have developed a relationship that I prayed would happen. We saved Gizzmo from a caged home, and he saved Kris from nightmares.

Two lives changed FOREVER!

Rainy...hyper...happy!

Woke up to 2 kids saying "We wanna do something" at 6:15am, 3rd day in a row. Its also the 3rd day in a row it has RAINED!!!! The dog is a puppy so he's bouncing off the walls... I was about to become the "Melt down Mama" at this point. So finally I broke tradition, I put the morning schedule aside (minus school work), and opened up pinetrest and started looking for indoor rainy day activities!
The kids ate, did independent play, and then I called Kris to start his lessons. He did his lesson, work sheets, and then we broke out the first activity.

SPIDER WEB TOSS:
This activity called for Painters Tape: I had none, so I used clear tape.

The next adventure is SLIME! Normally in the past I would have skipped this and found something "CLEANER" to do, but after you've cleaned the kitchen for 5 days in a row, none stop because you are cooking 3 meals a day, 5 days a week art room, and pretty much everything in between you stop worrying about "cleaning". So I let them have at it. They thought it was the MOST amazing thing ever!
SLIME:
Corn Starch, Water and food coloring, THATS it!
The actual amounts is unknown because you just have to guess :)

This has been now 30mins and they love it, they haven't stopped playing! I truly wish I would have thought about this earlier, but we are all still new to the entertainment for children stage :)

Now everyone is HAPPY and not minding the rain so much!
Blessings
Tina

My greatest reward

Every morning when I wake up, I hear two strong feet hit the floor. I think "Time to rise and shine". Then I hear a giggle and conversation, I think "Yep both are a wake now". I hear them say "The sun is bright, time to get mom", then I lay asleep waiting. Both kids come in "Rise and Shine give God the glory, good morning mama".

They are the reason I wake every morning, they are the reason I stay home to home-school and raise them God's way. They are the reason I don't work for money, but I work for hugs, kisses, sticky hand prints, and Lego's lodged everywhere.
They are the reason I am who I am today. I can't thank them enough for the joy they brought to my life, the friends I have come across, the relationship I have developed with Christ, and for the life style changes that I have embraced.
Occasionally I get asked by people why do I do what I do, I just simply say "Its hard to understand, because what I do is the most stressful, exhausting, hazard filled, craziest, schedule jammed packed, thing ever in the world. But at the same time it is the most amazing, joyful, greatest job I could ever do.". No days are perfect, but they are perfect enough for me to be so in love with my children.

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents in court.
Psalms 127:3-5

Blessings
Tina

They became one

Almost 10yrs ago I married my best friend, life was simple. It was just us two, we had nothing pushing, nothing urgent, no one else to be concerned for. Then we got a house, 2 kids, bills, now a dog. Life got crazy, and US became the last thing on our mind. We put everything else ahead of us, we forgot that God put us together as a family FIRST. All because we fell in love we made a family.

“This is now bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;

she shall be called ‘woman,’

for she was taken out of man.”

That is why a man leaves his father and mother 

and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."

Genesis 2:23-24

Being a young married couple, with one income we started out with just doing home dates for awhile because finding a babysitter was hard. Either affording one or having one that we both could feel comfortable. Then we started to budget for a babysitter. We tried to work it out that we go out on a date at least twice a month, if we can't get a babysitter, then we save and do a at home date night. Made the commitment to work at taking time for each other. I recommend to take the time to spend time together, with either at home dates or date night out.

I use to feel guilty putting "US" before our children from time to time, but then I realized, that showing our children that we LOVE each other and that we show our children that we still are in love as day one! And Dr. Emerson Eggerichs says it the best in his book "Love and Respect"

 "The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. The best thing a mother can do for her children is to respect their father." ~Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

So get out the budget, get a babysitter, set the "day to day" aside and recapture you as a couple. I dare you to Fall in love all over again!

Blessings
Tina

Simplicity

Picture from www.glennrandall.com

How I long to just simply live somewhere peaceful and quiet, to just open my back door and let the kids run til they can't run anymore, and to have a large garden and chickens. After living a life of "more stuff the better", fast pace, and money, I have come to realize its not worth it. And now I am striving for living a life of simplicity. 
I have goals in place to make this happen one day, I know it won't be tomorrow, but I just have a desire for peace and the simple life. It could be because I am getting older, as my husband reminds I am approaching 30, but I feel like I have reached the point in my life where I wanna go back to the basics. To not be so busy, not "running out of room", and allowing our children to use their minds for imagination and our words to talk to each other face to face.
Everyday I think of my goals, and everyday I pray. I pray for God's timing and God's plans for our lives as we prepare for a life of simplicity :)

Blessings
Tina

Natural Living, 1yr and going strong!

So it has been almost 1yr since we took the jump into "Natural Living". And I just wanna say, its awesome! I can totally see the difference in my kids, me and my hubby. I will say also that it hasn't been the most easiest at times, and almost seemed impossible. But over all I love it! We have been taking baby steps towards our goal. And at times there has been up and down to our goal, but we've kept reminding each other of the reason we are doing this. This is just a small look into what we have been doing:

A) Changed out our detergent, from store bought to homemade. I have fallen in love with the detergent! Not only has it gotten out almost every stain my children have done to their clothing, but it also washes my front loader!! THAT'S right it does DOUBLE DUTY! Also it has saved my pantry from not having a it full of chemicals!
Here's the recipe we use in our home from my blog:
http://thismommarocks.blogspot.com/2012/05/natural-living-isnt-that-scary.html

B) Switched from having store bought to making as much of my own stuff. Things like bread, desserts, and pancakes! My sweet hubby bought me a beautiful kitchen aid last Christmas, and I have been working that thing to death! I started out just making simple things like pancakes and cookies. Then I start adventuring into pizza dough, brownies, breads, cakes etc. LOVING IT! Not only do they taste AMAZING but they also save me calories. Because if I am too tired to cook it I don't eat it!

C) COCONUT OIL! I have been using it for lotion, shaving cream, sun exposure recovery, diaper rash cream, bug bites, hair frizz, ring remover when my bands are too tight, you name I have probably tried it

D) Cooking from natural ingredients: Stinks out loud when you first start, because you have to read everything! But just like anthing else over time you start learning what to look for then it becomes second nature to do it. I actually have made 3 grocery trips and stayed out of the "boxed" food area...  My rule of thumb I learned in the "Treasures of Healthy Living" if I can't say it, I try not to buy it!

Now these are JUST some things that our family is doing, we are not 100% Naturalist, I am working slowly towards that goal. But I encourage you to start out small, and work your way. You feel happier, healthier, and more important, you can be proud and say "I made that!"

As the shopper of the family, my next goal is to switch ALL cleaning products to natural cleaning products. I have slowly started collecting everything that I need to make these items.

But here is to happy and healthy living!

Tina

Yoga, a blessing from God?

**This blog is not meant to insult anyone who worships in a Hindu way or any other religion. This is from my point of view**

So me and my mother started Yoga about a yr ago together. I had taken Yoga on and off for about 2 yrs. And it was nice, but I felt like I was cheating on God. Because the place I was taking it, focused more on the Hindu practice, then the mind & body.

Then my husband encouraged me to try the Norfolk Blocker YMCA, and let me tell you. This place is amazing, it focuses on the reason the YMCA started first off. Its Christian values. I decided to take a Yoga class, this class was way different. The teacher focused on the Mind and Body of the class. But then she did something different, she ended the class with our hands on our knees for grounding in our blessings. I truly enjoyed it.

Some may find it odd when I say "Yoga is a blessing from God", because usually Yoga and God don't normally go hand in hand. But to us, it has helped in so many way. It has helped reduce stress, it gave us a routine, and it challenged us to better our practice each time. Can we balance better next time, can we tuck our knees closer next time, etc.
Last night was one way God blessed me through Yoga. The teacher said "We are focusing on Surrender. Not only to surrendering to the pose, but also what in your life can you surrender to?". Hitting the nail on the head! I have been praying to surrender. And this helped me in the quiet to talk to God, ask him to show me tonight what am I not surrendering to. We talked while doing yoga last night, so who thought Yoga would be such a big blessing in life!

I encourage you to try a Yoga class, even if you can't touch your toes, there is always a starting place!

Getting down and dirty!

 You know its a good day when you wake up, eat breakfast and getting dirty!

After my first week homeschooling, I knew I needed a refreshing God moment!

I need to feel the dirt between my toes, and I needed to dig in there! I had a blast just being me and gardening in God's creation!

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2



 I dug, I pulled, I mixed and I planted in God's Earth, and it was awesome!
I felt calm and relaxed, and renewed!!!
I saw my flowers that I brought back to life, and rearranged in the garden. I saw my morning glory in full bloom.
Then I worked in the veggie garden. I pulled and harvested the last cucumber, then planted Romain lettuce.
I pulled 4 tomatoes, 16 banana peppers, and 3 bell peppers! I couldn't thank God enough for all these FRESH veggies!

I can't thank God enough for that renewing Spirit he gave me, while in the Garden!

I encourage you to dig in, get dirty & get renewed,
Tina

All things home-school

No one ever told me Homeschooling was easy! And I thank God for the honesty!
The first week of home school was a challenge, I learned so much from this little guy that I never saw coming!

The first Day was FUN and exciting, easy and breezy! Kris sighted off the days of the week, the date, the weather. We listened to the bible story, kept our hands still. Oh I was loving Home school! I thought this is going to easy... and life is good.

Then 2nd and 3rd day came and I couldn't keep him interested to save my life. They ONLY thing he cared about was who he was going to play with, and scribbling (using his left hand when he is right handed)!
I was so angry one day that we didn't even do school, I sent him to his room to "think". Then later on, I prayed "God why? Why is this so hard?"

Then someone very wise told me "You are homeschooling, you are the teacher! You can do this any way you want. You have the curriculum but no where does it say you HAVE TO DO IT THIS WAY!"

That is when I watched my son, one evening, how does he learn? How does he sponge up all that info. He remembers everything you say to him or explain to him. I sat back and said lets try something different, lets do it his way but with guidance!

We did a lot of "discovering learning", everything we did was hands on, in person and interactive. And he did good... he really grasped things. Once we discovered his learning style, it got better!

The first week was hard, but I learned so much from it! And I thank God for it!



Blessings,
Tina

Overcoming a stubborn child: The Great Outdoors!

The amazing challenge I face with my youngest child is simply "STUBBORN".  We have been facing this stubbornness for sometime. The one I choose to battle with her is regarding the great outdoors. She does not like being HOT and outside for long. I know, what kid doesn't like the great outdoors?? I thought there was something wrong with her, or maybe I was doing something wrong. But I finally decided to express this frustration with someone who has 3 beautiful, outdoor loving, children.
And she said the words that made me feel completely normal (lol) "My daughter was the same way when she was young, and I simple told her to get over it and love it!"
Whhhaaaat! Its that easy? And her daughter loves outdoors... I couldn't imagine her not liking outdoors.
And officially yesterday I tried this method for the first time. 

Suck it up buttercup because

 we are NOT going inside.

I sat and explained yesterday that "One day we will live in a house that I can toss you guys outside and not worry about peoples music, language and peeping eyes (not that we have it just worries me). So you better learn to love it!"

Today was day 2! And it was much better, she gave me 30mins total... and did whine and fuss, but she did stay quiet once I calmly explained I will NOT be going home...

Tomorrow is another fun day to adapt her to the GREAT OUTDOORS

I will praise you in the morning

It has been awhile since I have blogged. Mix of overload in the schedule, overload in motherly duties, and craziness of this month!

So I took my schedule and blocked out this moment in my life to sit down and blog what I have been praying about!

Praise God in ALL THINGS!

I had a couple of play dates where I just sat and talked with my best friend. This friend had me over while my husband was on an unexpected extended trip to Illinois when his grandfather passed away. See, this trip was last min planned for a couple of days and he would come home. But his grandfather went home to be with God, and made this trip a lot longer than expected. And it became very stressful because it was 24/7 for 11 days with no let up from things falling apart. My van started having complications, small things around the house fell apart, and serious storms continued to hit the area. It seemed like everything was crashing down and I could not do anything to stop it, and I couldn't get free.

She called me to invite me over one day, and we just sat and talked. My friend went to play with their friends in the other room. Which gave me a break, a well deserved break! And we got to talking about Praising God with all things He has given us. About how God has given us our beautiful children, and how we couldn't imagine life without them.

Then I sat in my bed and prayed God please help me see the good in rough days, and I woke up to blue skies, fluffy white clouds and the sun rising in the East. I couldn't imagine a greater sign of peace from God. I was thankful for the sign of peace and gratefulness.

It was an amazing experience, and I know that in ALL things I will praise God in all things that He has given me.







<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq-QT2eHtlK0lo4g_vyG_XvZ8BX7plT_v6pOxGEzBke9_m1HGb8EppoO9PD0qCFWciqNe07LHcnoDTBAe7Cjilq6hHlrOgHcZ8fpJSlYAosLDUowl1YLoJcZRaNyeOFEwHZ3PZSlszGI/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>

God's plan.. not mine

Well yesterday we start what seemed like a GREAT IDEA (at first) a sugar-free diet. We did great, Green Tea with egg, spinach omelet, chicken tenders with veggies, and dinner was Rolled Oats Meat loaf (which was good and had zero sugar) with corn. Dessert was apples with honey. I was a little tired, but was feeling good!
Today, not so much...
Started off with Green Tea with Acai Berry tea, and spinach and onion omelet. While making breakfast I noticed I started to get tired. So tired I dozed off while cooking, I tried moving around and getting blood flowing. Then while sitting and getting ready for story time/art time I just couldn't bring myself to stay awake or even aware of what was going on. I am blessed to have Children that know how to behave (LOL). I quickly realized that not only did I need to do something about this, but also this is not good for my children. To not have me alert like I should be.
Sat up, and started praying

"God I want to do your will with our health. But I feel like I am not meant to do this like this. Please help me know what I am to do. Amen"

And at that moment I got an email from a friend who saw my post about the day and plans to better our eating. And it simply stated

"Tina, I am following a new diet plan...actually lifestyle plan and seeing some of the stuff you post made me think of you.  It's written by two homeschool moms that are a little older than I am. They've studied nutrition for years. I weighed myself yesterday and had lost 6lbs (after just 8 days of this plan) and I haven't even started exercising yet. It's all about balancing what you eat together because foods react together a certain way when mixed in your body. They use a lot of flax seed mill, coconut oil, and stevia as the sweetener. The book is pricey ($35) but also has a recipe book included. (the book is 600 pages and even covers female hormones, etc)
I've been reading their mom's free magazine for years. She's an older, sweet homeschool mom. So..here's the link to the free magazine. You'll be encouraged and blessed in your role as wife and homeschool mom.http://www.aboverubies.org/
And here's the book link on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Trim-Healthy-Mama-Cravings-Energize/dp/193894500X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363618807&sr=8-1&keywords=trim+healthy+mama"

I knew this was God answering me, and guiding me with what we were praying for, BALANCE! Yes, we will get there and YES, we will make it our life goal to eat clean and be healthy. Just not all at once.
So yes it was one step back but many steps forward. To me my children come first, life goals that cause disruptions comes second. One step at a time, God's plan will come.
Blessings
Tina

Another month and another success!

Wow, can't believe another month has passed! Where is this year going?

But I have successfully defeated another couple pounds! 

I feel like March has been very hard to keep my workout schedule, between sickness, allergies and crazy life!

But I have not changed my eating habit, and the weight is still coming off and still staying below my "Highest weight"!

I encourage you all not be defeated, and not give up! 

Just because you can't make it to the gym doesn't mean you can't be active at home and eat healthy!

My own little Daniel

 Well last night I was talking with our bible study teacher, about my son. And his LOVE of Veggies, Fruits and homemade bread. She said "You have your own little Daniel" (Daniel in the bible). And boy have a taken note of how true it is! 

My son has a love for God, passion for healthy food, desire for cooking homemade! 

AND HE'S ONLY 4.5yrs old! 

Today we took a small field trip to The Whole Food Market, and you'd think we went to the Zoo! Him and his best friend was all over, amazed by colors, fruits, veggies, nuts, coffee grounds, and shockingly FISH!

Kris and I talked about everything on the way to Food Lion, and he asked about the fish. He asked why we don't eat a lot of fish. We are honestly trying to, but Kevin and I don't like sea food, but we've talked about trying it out. And then Kris said something AMAZING to me, "Mommy we should try it! Its good for you, and I could catch the fish with Papa and we can cook it! Like you have a garden for fresh food, I can fish so we can have FRESH FISH!". Oh my heart jumps for joy, that this small child is full of wisdom with healthy eating! I pray everyday that he lives by Genesis 1:29

"Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food."

8lbs down 30lbs to go!

Well it has been officially a month since I've started on my journey to clean living and weight loss. Since January 7th I am down 8lbs, and having more energy! But most important, I have been able to take on and off my wedding band set! It has been about 5yrs since I've been able to do that. They have either been stuck or never went on.

I have also discovered that I have known what to do to lose weight I just never listened to myself or others. I knew what I needed to stop eating/doing what I was doing, and what I needed to start doing to get there. But I wasn't ready, I just wanted the quick fix. I wanted the magic pill that took the weigh off while i continued to over eat, and eat unhealthy foods. 

But I have had such an amazing start its keeping me going. Now as a full time mom, wife, and now teacher (home school) I can't spend every waking moment at the gym. Nor can I can just hop in the car and go when I feel like it. We as a family have to work it into our schedule. And with this I am teaching my children that the gym or just active living is part of our lives, and it fits into our schedule because we allow it. You can fill your day of mindless activities or you can live the best way God designed. 
 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically ~ Romans 12:11

I very excited for me and my family, that we are making the right moves towards Clean Living and Healthy Living! Its never easy but it all starts with one small step to make BIG changes! I encourage you to continue in the right steps. 
Blessings
 Tina

I like to play in the dirt!

 I can see it!

 I can feel it! 

My hands are dying to get in the dirt!!! 

The first real true sign of Spring arrived in my front garden today! A bird nest! I've been seeing my bulbs pop up, and I knew where close, but now its official. A bird beak-crafted (haha play on words) a warm comfy nest. Which means babies, which means spring!

Kids are excited, warm weather means hours of fun outside, soaking up vitaminD and running all their little energy out. I am excited because that mean BARE FEET IN THE GRASS! And fresh veggies, flowers blooming AND landscaping! 

"Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food." Genesis 1:29

Oh yes I can NOT wait any longer!

I use to be a snow-winter lover, but ever since I discovered the joys of gardening. The TRUE beauty in what God created for us to enjoy I love Spring...

"The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:12

 I am still a fall girl, but I love some spring. Summer I can take it or leave it. But make Spring and Fall year round with 1-3days of snow and I would be in heaven. But til March, I will have to continue to plan, dream and save up!
Blessings
Tina

Discovering Health and a better life

So I am on the second week of becoming a healthier me. And it has NOT been the easiest road to a better me! I have "slipped" on my no-fast-food idea one day, with sick children and husband over the weekend just made it seem easier. But I am not being hard on myself because sometimes it just happens. But I have discovered some yummy foods on this journey.

Baked Potatoes Soup, is one of the favorites of the family. It has already been added to the "Family Favorites Cookbook".

BAKED POTATO SOUP

6 medium red potatoes, cubed

1 cup diced onion

4 large garlic cloves, minced

1 bay leaf

1/4 tsp salt

5 cups water

4 tsp chicken bouillon granules

4 Tbsp butter

1/2 cup flour

1 cup milk

Salt and Pepper

Toppings: green onion, cheese, sour cream, bacon bits

1. Either microwave the onions until softened or saute them in a pan on the stove. Add to the slow cooker.

2. Add potatoes, garlic, bay leaf, salt, water and bouillon to slow cooker.

3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4, or until potatoes are cooked through.

4. Prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet. Slowly add in the flour and whisk. After butter and flour are combined, slowly add in milk and tablespoon at a time. Continue whisking. When roux is thickened up slowly add in 1 cup hot soup (add in just the liquid part of the soup). Whisk until thickened. Stir in another cup of soup (again just the liquid) and keep whisking until thickened. Do this another 2 times. When you have a nice thick creamy sauce, add it all back into the slow cooker. Stir. Salt and pepper to taste.

5. Ladle into bowls and then add toppings, as desired.

As I go along to discover and create I am finding amazing ways to encourage my family to eat better, and healthier. I have actually found that making from scratch has brought me and my kids closer because they have enjoyed making foods with me.



Like this morning I said I am making pancakes, and my son asked "the fun way?" I asked "the fun way?"  He said "yes! With LOTS of ingredients!" AKA from scratch. And he jumped up to help and my daughter found her way to the counter too. We made a big batch of yummy pancakes, and ate a responsible amount. 

Our next journey will take us to gardening and eat what God created... To eat what God created from the ground and to enjoy the natural health from the ground!

"Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food." Genesis 1:29

Taste and see that the LORD is good

So, I have made it to the gym 4 times now and worked out 3 times so far. I am very proud of the support people in my lives that have encouraged and pushed me to be where I needed to be. And I thank you all and I am very blessed to have you all.
But the most exciting thing about this whole goal setting is: the class I am involved with at church!

"Teasures of Healthy Living". It is discovering Healthy Living, and eating all natural, whole foods. Yes I am very excited about this! Its amazing how much food plays a part in ALL of this!
The part that stuck out the most yesterday in our introduction was

"What are we passing

down to our kids"

 Are we passing down processed, made out of a machine, out of box meals with no vitamins or nutrition? Or are we passing down healthy, whole foods? Now don't get me wrong, I was a "add water" meal maker. And I didn't see why I need to make things from whole foods. And I definitely figured drive thru was ok because I was working 6 days a week, and didn't have time to "make" food. But now that I am a stay at home mom and I can focus on giving my children the best! I want to start a new trend with my kids, that they desire to eat MORE WHOLE foods, and make WHOLE foods.

"Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food." Genesis 1:29

I want them to have an amazing and longer life, and to be healthy inside and out.. and to keep the energy they have. And that I can out last them with energy and distance! That one day when I have grandkids I can run after them when they come to visit!

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Ps 34:8

I look forward to sharing and passing what I learn from Y-Change to Healthy Living study on!
Blessings

 Tina

Marilyn Monroe In Me!!

Dec 2010 - Heaviest I've been

Oh 2013 brings so many "Goals" to mind... But the one that has been on my list for about 4yrs now is lose weight! But each time I set this goal my excuse have been working full time, pregnancy and just lazy! But this year I AM TIRED OF EXCUSES! I have cleared my schedule for 3 months so i can focus on the GYM, ME and MY FAMILY! I have struggled with weight for 4 yrs since my son was born. I worked full time and had NO time to eat healthy because I over loaded myself. I planned too much in my days, and I didn't sleep well.  I am going to be honest right here... I tipped the scales at 250lb after my daughters birth Nov 2010, and I have lost 14-18lbs since then. And since Dec 2012 I put 4lbs on because of the holidays and sickness.

Me today 1-7-13

I was always compared to Marilyn Monroe, because I wasn't perfect skinny, but I was curvy and healthy! I have always had the attitude you are as sexy as you feel! I can rock SEXY no matter how you look! But I wasn't feeling sexy after my daughter was born. I was heavy and I knew it, and I found it hard to feel wanted. But my husband always reassured me I was sexy to him. Once I joined the YMCA in January 2011, I started working out. And things where moving and grooving! Then ear infections, coughing, flu and stomach bugs happened from March-June... We took most of the summer off (BIG NO NO). And I restarted in September with a friend. ! I felt confident, sexy and saw the change happening! And I found the Marilyn in me

May 2006 - My goal 

So starting TODAY JANUARY 7TH 2013 I am starting a new schedule and plan! And I am praying that I can go from what I am today, to what I was on our cruise 2006.
With God and my husband in my corner I know I can!

 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13