Monthly Weight Loss with Pictures

I can't believe another month has gone...and so quickly! My little girl turned 10 months old and celebrated her first Valentine's Day. It was not the best month for weight loss, but at least I still saw some progress (no matter how small).

Truth Time!

From December 29-February 27 I have lost a total of

 

While it's only a 1.6lb loss, I'm okay with that. I ran into a couple of slumps over the last month and I know highs and lows will come. This may not be a strong month in the way of loss, but it's still 1.6lbs I no longer carry on my body...and did I mention I've lost an inch off my waist?! Small victories!



 

I have learned several things over the last month...

 

1. Regular exercise takes away the guilt of a splurge. In January I was very consistent with my exercise. For various reasons (and excuses) I was not as consistent this month. I felt so guilty if I splurged on a brownie or wanted to enjoy a special Valentine's treat. Just the month before I allowed myself to enjoy those things because I knew I was working out regularly. Let's just say I felt a lot of guilt this month...so much so that I took a week off from sweets.

 

2. Accept the numbers. I was really down on myself for the days I did not do well, which were clearly more often than not. Thanks to the encouragement of my best friend, I stepped on the scale each week, regardless of what I thought knew would be the end result. I learned to accept that not everyday would be good and that was okay. I also decided to not solely focus on the weight loss itself. I added my waist measurements.

 

3. I am worth it. This is something that, while it seems like a "duh" kind of mindset, is far from a statement I have been comfortable with, let alone believe. I know I am loved and I know that I mean a lot to others, but I've not accepted myself in a way that provides motivation. I strive each day to give my all to others in all that I do and I am learning that this needs to seep into my weight loss journey. There have been days when I ask myself "why am I doing this?!" and then I look into the face of my daughter or in the eyes of my amazing husband and I am reminded that I need to do this for them. I need to do this for my future children. I need to do this in order to live the life God intended me to live. So while I strive to lose the weight, I will also strive to own my self-worth.

 

 



I'm also really excited to announce an upcoming goal! My friend Shannon and I are going to be participating in the HoosHeal 5k coming up in April. I will be racing in memory of Sarah Ann and in honor of my daughter. In case you missed my Raising Royalty post where I introduced many of you to precious Sarah Ann, you can find it here. I am so blessed to have a beautiful, healthy daughter of my own and I never want to take that for granted. I truly feel it an honor to race for those who have gone before, for those who are currently fighting, and for those who may face childhood cancer in the future. This will be my first race since before I became pregnant in 2012. It will be a slow go but I will finish. That finish line is mine...

 



Raising Royalty

From an early age I was taught that I was a "princess". Not in the "wear a crown and have your own way" sense, but in the Princess of the King sense.

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ..."

Romans 8:16-17a

 

It didn't sink in until I was older what that meant. It means that I am cherished and beautiful and priceless in the eyes of my Savior. He made me with purpose. He desires that I glorify Him in all that I do and that I love others into the Kingdom. Just as any princess, I have a great task before me, none of which I go about alone. Just as the King reigns His Kingdom, so does He reign my heart.

 

"Hanki Doll"

These truths have been at the forefront of my mind since last week. I received a pretty package in the mail (I do love brown paper packages tied up with strings...or in this case, a pink bow.) I opened the box to reveal its contents. Inside I found an adorable little hat, a beautiful gift for G and a card that still brings tears to my eyes.

 

G wearing her new hat

These precious gifts were sent to us by our dear friend, Kelly. Our friendship began the summer of 2004. I answered God's call to work at a Christian camp tucked in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. At the time, Kelly and her husband were part of the management staff of the camp. I adored Kelly's up beat personality and her love for the Lord was contagious. She shared many God given gifts and talents with me over that summer, but the most important one that she shared was that of her daughter, Sarah Ann. Talk about a beautiful little girl. She had "God's Masterpiece" written all over her. To look at her sparsely toothed grin and her glittery eyes, you'd think she was just like any other little one. Unfortunately, Sarah Ann was battling cancer. At just 10 months old she was diagnosed and spent the next year battling the earthly fight. I watched through pictures as she grew bigger and more beautiful, but weaker as the months went by.

 

In January 2005, I received the call saying that Sarah Ann had gone Home. A beautiful princess went to be with her King. I remember answering the phone, but could not tell you who called. I remember sitting in the living room chair and crying, grateful that her fight had ended but devastated over her family's loss. The tears were, and still are bittersweet. I remain in awe at how such a little life could touch the world in so many ways. Her legacy lives on through her family as they continue to use their testimonies that were furthered by her life.

 

She also left her mark on us. C and I knew she was the one we wanted to be our flower girl, and when the time to nail down details for the wedding came to pass, we knew that there was not a one that we would rather have in her place. We decided not to have a flower girl, but instead honor her memory on our wedding day. That picture still remains framed and sits prominently on our bookshelf next to one of our favorite pictures of G.

 

 

I write all of this because, as I've reflected on the  amount of love and commitment that her family poured into her in just a short time here, I, too, long to provide the same for my daughter. On February 19th, G turned 10 months old. What would I do if I received that kind of news at her tender age?  I've learned, among many things, that one of the most powerful things about the love we have for our children is the part of that love that allows us to let them go. I'm reminded that our children are entrusted to us, not for keeps, but to grow them up as fruitful, loving, passionate victors for Christ.

G loves playing with her "hanki doll"

 

As G grows, it is my #1 goal to raise her to love the Lord. I want her to want to know Him. I want her to rest in His presence and live undoubtedly loved. As Kelly and her husband continue to raise their two boys, I remain in awe of their courage, faith and dedication to His service.

 

It's hard to believe that Sarah Ann has been dancing on the streets of gold for 9 years now. How amazing that must be. I imagine her painting pictures and hanging them up for all to see. I imagine her singing the songs of praise taught to her by her parents. I know that she is in good hands and those same hands are the ones that continue to guide us here. Those are the same hands that cradle and protect our daughter as she grows in this sin laden world. For that I rejoice. For Sarah Ann's life and her home with Jesus, I rejoice.

 

The other day, Kelly posted this verse:

 

 

May we never forget to live in this way. I pray that you will hold your little ones a little longer and seek to raise them in a way that will honor the Lord. Teach them to love the Lord, love others, and love themselves...we are in fact raising royalty.
 

 

To learn more about the life of Sarah Ann and her family's testimony, please visit their Family Web Page. God is good and His love is a priceless gift that we can pass down to our children. It is the greatest gift we can give.

 

Five on Friday: TGIF

These past two weeks have been a bit crazy! Between the snow, teething and grown-up odds and ends, I'm grateful to thank God for it being Friday. Join me and others like Darci for this week's Five on Friday!

 

 

[one]

Besides not having our computer functioning last week, we also said goodbye to our water heater. Of course it would have gone out the coldest, snowiest week this winter. I briefly discussed this week previously and I was not sorry to see that week go. Over the weekend we got our new water heater! Yay! The things that we get excited about as adults...

 

 

[two]

Taco Tuesdays are always a big hit at our house and I do my best to come up with new takes on some of our favorites. This week I made a super simple Enchilada Chicken with Cheesy Enchilada Rice. Think of it as healthier Chicken Enchiladas deconstructed.

 

 

 

[three]

A couple weeks ago we began the Winter Reading program at our local library. G met her first goal and received her free book and her free vanilla cone. That will be a great treat for her first birthday in April.

 

 

[four]

Speaking of G, she turned 10 months old this week! I cannot believe how big she has gotten. Time is flying!

 

 

[five]

I've been teaching about President's Day, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington this week. To celebrate the holiday (a few days late) and all that we've been learning, we'll enjoy Patriotic Parfaits (similar to these)! I'll be using strawberries, blueberries and vanilla yogurt in layers to form the Red, White and Blue.

Coffee and Concealer

As I looked in the mirror this morning I thought, "There is not enough coffee or concealer in the world to help me out today." G was up almost all night and only she knows why. No matter what we did, she was not pacified. This is totally out of character for her. As any mom knows, during those brief, quiet moments between wails over the baby monitor, you try to sleep but can't because you are already anticipating the next round. This is very different from sleep deprivation that we experienced during her infancy. I knew that I could at least try and nap a she napped during the day...it doesn't work like that once you return to work. While my students would probably get a kick out of seeing their teacher drool on her desk while lost in comatose slumber, I doubt the parents or administrative staff would find it as humorous.

Sitting here, with strong coffee in hand, I look upon the coming day. There will be meetings, conflict resolution, etc.. Of course I know I must give it my all today, but what do you do when your all seems less than satisfactory?

It's a good question that not just mothers, but most people, have been mucking through for centuries. While I can't speak for everyone, I know that from a Christian standpoint, both as a woman and mother, my help comes from the Lord.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

It's mornings like this that I cling to His promises (that I too often take for granted). How wonderfully blessed am I that He watches over me and carries me through, without even asking! And yet, how much greater are my blessings when I do seek Him in the good and bad, the rejoicing and the trials. His love knows no bounds.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9a

Raising children is an awesome opportunity for us as parents to invest in the future and impact the Kingdom. While the "hazards" of parenting can sometimes seem inconvenient, the truth is, next to accepting Christ in our own lives, teaching our children to love the Lord is, what I believe to be my highest calling. Everything else the Lord places in my life just sweetens it.

Getting Serious About Sweets

I don't know if it's all the Valentine hype or what, but the need want for sweets has been much greater as of late. Once upon a time I did a "No Sweets" week and I think I'm at that point...a sweets detox if you will. It's always eye opening and of course, the health benefits are a plus. So, beginning this Monday through the next, there will be no sweets for me...wish me luck!

I tend to become really down on myself when I make poor food choices, and this last week has been no exception. With the meetings, snow and change in routine this past week, my eating habits have been far from satisfactory. My exercise routine also greatly suffered. ::sigh:: It's times like this that I become feeling defeated and of course, it's at that time that I could easily convince myself to just give up. In need of a refreshing perspective, I've decided to surf through my Be Healthy Board for inspiration.

::via::

How often have I battled those thoughts of self worth and defeat? Countless. However, just as this quote indicates, God has empowered me to push on and overcome. The battlefield of the mind is vast and only by keeping my eye on my Savior will I make it through all that I encounter, whether it be weight loss or any other obstacle I may face.

This quote sums up last week...


So, here's to a new week. I won't look back unless it is to see how far I've come.

Sweet Valentine

Valentine festivities are finally over and I've gathered some of my favorites to share with you.

 

 

With all of the snow (15 inches or so) I was home bound for a few days. That did not stop me from spreading some love. I dropped G's Valentines off with her sitter on Monday, just in case we got the snow they were calling for. For my sitter I put together a yummy chocolate peanut butter pie and some Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls (you have to try them!). And for the kiddies...

"I love you "beary" much!" attached to a bag of teddy grahams.

I loved the CC Cookie Dough Balls so much that I put them into sweet little baggies for my co-workers. They were a hit! (Thought I had a picture but alas, I do not). For my students I took some creative liberty from various posts found on Pinterest and put together these adorable little goldfish baggies. The kids adored them!

 

 

I gave a little sneak peek of one of my Valentine projects a while back...and I must say I just loved it! I made G a little red and white heart jumper. She flaunted it proudly.

 

My hubby had to work on Valentine's Day so it was just G and I. We gave her Llama Llama Red Pajama as a little gift. 

 

My hubby and I opted to celebrate the Day of Love on the 15th when he could be home. I planned a very special (and quite ambitious) meal. While everything turned out very tasty, it was a little stressful attempting to cook and manage a 9 1/2 month old (making a mental note for next year).

 

Table Centerpiece

 

The Menu

 

The Table

 

The Dessert

These brownies were AMAZING!!! Try these Knock You Naked Brownies for yourself :)

Overall I probably gained 10lbs but considering this was a week filled with splurges, I don't feel too bad. (Is it crazy that I'm already looking forward to next year? But until then I have a 1st birthday to begin planning...)

Expect the Unexpected

Good news...our computer should be back to its old self within the next couple of days. I'm eagerly looking forward to posting some of our Valentine memories. I am a bit bummed that I cannot share these things on my regular Five on Friday, but I will recap ASAP.

After the snow of two days ceased yesterday evening, we ended up with a total of around 15" of glittery snow. I love snow and always have. It never fails to take me back to my childhood...which is sometimes welcomed in this whirlwind of adulthood.

The snow days of my youth were filled with countless hours of playtime both in and out. If the power went out, we had gas appliances, no worries. When the pipes froze (that once) we found it so exciting that we got to bathe in melted "snow water". I wish those types of things had the same whimsy as an adult.

Yesterday our hot water heater gave us its last. We had a moment of (unhappy) silence and faced the realization that it would be a couple days before we could acquire a new one due to the road conditions. Hopefully tomorrow will be the day...until then I'll be heating water on the stove. During the night our power went out, but praise God it was restored around 6am this morning.

Shoveling snow also used to be so much fun...some how I must have blocked out the bitter wind and frozen fingers...

Laying in bed at 3am...praying the power would come back on...I suddenly felt guilty over my "woes". Where has my eucharisteo gone? I have been so focused on the obligations and inconveniences that I've neglected to live with thanks. In those moments I became acutely aware of my ungratefulness...so I began to list once again...

275. Thermal socks
276. Snow shovel
277. Blinking alarm clock
278. Lantern
279. Cold water
280. Funds to replace water heater
281. Her 1st Valentine's Day

I reread all of the things that I had previously listed. I love this journey, even through the tears, that God has me on. My outlook has changed in so many ways since I first began.I am thankful to be refocused on what matters. With that in mind, amongst the cards, chocolates, and romantic movies, I hope you'll remember and more importantly look to, the greatest love of all...

"For God so loved the world (this includes you and all the baggage you bear) that He gave His only begotten son, and whosoever believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

*emphasis mine*

Snow Place Like Home

I have so many things I can't wait to share with you from this Valentine's week and it's not even over! However my laptop is currently out of commission and with the technician (typing this on a cell phone has proved interesting). Considering we currently have at least 12 inches of snow and it's still coming down, it doesn't appear that I'll be heading out to pick it up anytime soon. So until then, I'll send warm thoughts your way...and my favorite hot chocolate recipe...snow pictures and Valentine's Day fun to come!

Five on Friday: Food, Football and Fun

This week has consisted of many memory making moments. Join me and others as we link up for Five on Friday!

[one]
It has been said that good friends are hard to come by...that may be so which makes me all the more grateful to have such amazing women (and men) as a part of my life. It becomes doubly sweet when the joy of friendship and memory making can be enjoyed by our little ones.

G and I headed out for a play date on Saturday with my friend Shannon and her adorable daughter. Shannon and I met several years ago when we both went to work for the same agency. Even though I left to follow God's call elsewhere, she and I have remained close. We have the delight in reminiscing over days gone by and the joy of making new memories with our little ones.

[two]

I pulled together a festive Nacho Bar with "wings on the side" as my husband requested (during the course of cooking and entertaining our guests, I neglected to take pictures of our Super Bowl spread). G did a little catching up with our friends until bedtime and then it was time for the game.

 

[three]

Earlier in the week I signed G up for the Winter Reading Program at our local library. I'm super excited because not only do we love to read together, but she'll be entered into a raffle for every 15 books she reads. On top of that, once we read her first 15 and submit her log, she'll earn a free book and a coupon for a free Sonic ice cream. We've already been diving into the books. So much fun!

[four]

It came!!! It finally came!!! The Pioneer Woman Cooks has arrived! My husband presented me with a brown paper package (and had it been tied up with strings I would have broken out into song) when I came home from work. Inside I was thrilled to discover my new cookbook! Not only have I been dying to add this cookbook to my collection, but it represents the first 10lbs I've lost. I chose this as one of my weight loss rewards and I am thrilled to be sifting through the recipes...even my hubby is enjoying the cookbook. He is currently picking out recipes for our Valentine's Day (after) dinner.

[five]

The 2nd graders at my school had an assignment that required them to pick someone to write a letter to. The teacher recommended that they select someone from the school so that it could be easily delivered. I was tickled to find a letter in my box from one of my former students. It was so touching and I felt so blessed to know that I had made an impact on her. It just goes to show that you never know how far your influence will go.

Practical Prayer Points for Our Little Ones

Lately I’ve been having a lot of “new mom” moments. I watch in awe as my daughter scoots around the floor, ‘talking’ to herself and finding contentment in her new favorite toy, the wooden spoon. I feel an ache in my heart as I watch her grow. Oh how I wish I could keep her little…and then I spend an afternoon with a close friend and her two year old and I find my heart excited about all that is to come. I never knew that motherhood would be so bittersweet, that love would be the tie that binds but also the necessary component to being able to let go.

With all that lays ahead, both known and unknown, I’ve been thinking about what I really want to instill in my daughter. She will face challenges, heartbreak and undoubtedly, some tragic circumstances. She will face the good, bad and ugly of this world and all the while, our God will remain unchanged. How can I show her, teach her, and convince her that God has called her to be an amazing force in this world of compromise and indifference?

I’ve accepted this challenge as a woman of God and as a mother with an undying, unconditional love and determination for my child. I never knew I could love so fiercely. What I teach her, even now at 9 months old, sets the precedent for so much in her life.

There is an endless list of hopes and dreams that I have for her. There are things that I know I can only hope to shield her from and then there are things that I want her to embrace wholeheartedly. I’m coming to accept that there will be very little in her life that I will be able to actually control…and this freaks me out! ::breathe::

I’m sure God just shakes His head and sighs. He knows that I know that He has her in His hands. Her story has been written. Her days have been counted…and the unwavering, undeniable truth that I would give my life for this miracle that I birthed into this world is nothing in comparison to the magnitude of love and loyalty that God has for His children. So what can I do as her mother? I can teach her to love the Lord. I can teach her to expect God to do what He says He will do. I can show her His goodness and how, regardless what the world attempts to contradict, His will, His way, is ALWAYS better. I have nothing but good intentions for the decisions I make that impact her life, however, as a human, I will fail. I want her to know that our God will never fail. He will never falter. He loves her with an unrelenting love.

::via::

 

This education of the heart has to begin with me. I have to serve as an unwavering example of what Christ can do with a life. What are some ways that we as parents can do just this? While there are countless ways in which God has called us to lead and guide our children, the one thing that comes to the forefront, and the one thing that I continue to learn about and through, is that of prayer. What are some things you can specifically pray for? I’ve detailed a few specifics that I personally incorporate almost daily into my prayers for G.

1. Protection. Pray unceasingly and boldly for your children. Fight the deeds of darkness that prey on their innocent hearts, minds and souls with the most powerful tool given us by the Father. Nightly I pray for a fortress of protection around my daughter. This encompasses her health, her heart, her future spouse and her future friends.

2. Salvation. I continually pray for my daughter’s salvation. I cannot wait (getting chill bumps even now!) for the day my daughter accepts Christ as her Savior. Tears come to my eyes as I think about the day that I hear those words.

3. Boldness. Even at 9 months I pray that the Lord will help me instill boldness for Christ into her character. I can do this by talking to her about her Savior. I can introduce and help keep her stay in the Word. I can educate her on God’s will for our lives. I use the word “can” but in reality, these are a must.

4. Genuine Faith. Pray for a genuine faith to be developed in the heart of your child. Seek God’s ability to permeate every aspect of your child’s life so that her faith will draw her closer to the Lord in a way that it will be more than a Sunday morning, fill the pew kind of relationship.

5. A Full Life. I pray that G’s life, while it inevitably will be touched by sadness and tragedy, will remain full of hope, joy and selflessness. I pray that she finds her niche and embraces her talents that will allow her to serve the Lord passionately.

6. Wisdom. I pray not only for her ability to make sound choices against the world’s second best, but I pray for her father and me. I pray we are able set beyond reproach examples and that we will make wise choices in raising her. I pray that she sees us as a united front that loves her unconditionally. I pray for wisdom when responding to her poor choices and the ability to show her the love of Christ through the most difficult of circumstances.

I’m learning that as parents we can only offer our best. I’ve also realized that the best I have to offer is the Lord. All things are of Him and through Him and with Him she will be made complete. The journey He has set before her will not be one that she walks alone as long as she accepts the salvation that He so eagerly and freely offers. Above all else, and even while the lessons of good manners and right from wrong commence, every ounce of me is investing in her spiritual future. It is my hope that you too will love your children enough to share the goodness and necessity of Christ in their lives.