Five on Friday!

This is not a week I would personally want to relive...so I am glad to say that it's time for Five on Friday!

I've been doing a bit of reinventing, reorganizing, readjusting, etc. around here lately. With the intention of living a more purposeful life, I've been simplifying, de-cluttering, and embracing things within my control. I thought I'd share some of the things I've been utilizing to make these ambitions become reality.

[one]

I've been diligently working on ways to get into better health. This has not been easy since I've been struck down with sickness over the last couple of weeks. (I'm currently working through a sinus infection-blah.) It's as if my body is retaliating against my healthy choices. I will not be defeated! This week I ran across a blog that gave me great inspiration. I'd like to introduce you to Amy at Simply Amy! She and I have battled the life long haul of weight loss and good health. A lot of her story resonated with me and I felt instantly connected to her blog. I love the recipes she posts, her advice, and the positive outlook that she shares.

[two]

A few months after my daughter's birth, I attempted to get back on the weight loss wagon. I had only a couple baby-weight pounds left to go and really wanted to rid myself of them. The new routine and demands in my life threw me for a loop and I put myself pretty low on the priority list. At the start, I began using MyFitnessPal. It is an app that allows me to account for all of my nutrition, track exercise, set goals, etc. I love the Nutrition monitoring, especially since I have to be very aware of my sodium intake at this point.

[three]

Another resource that I've been using for a few years now is Spark People. I used to use it for the same purpose as MyFitnessPal but I now primarily use it to stay connected to the people I've met along my journey and it also has a wonderful recipe library.

[four]

My need for organization does not stop in the home. I've also been trying to keep a handle on my classroom. I've developed a pretty good system that allows me to stay ahead on lesson plans and copies. I've known for a while that I've needed to get together sufficient emergency sub plans. Honestly, after making my maternity plans last Spring, I was over sub plans. However, the reality is, an emergency could happen at any time and I need to have things in place for my students as well. I created a Sub Tub that now houses emergency lesson plans, procedures, and anything else necessary should I have an unexpected absence. I thought I had a picture...oops! I'll try to post one soon :)

[five]

Finally I wanted to share an update on my Plan.

1. Set goal-lose 10% body weight

2. Make a plan-eat more cleanly, focus on portion control, lean on my accountability partner, exercise 15-30 minutes 5 days a week.

3. Get to Work-as of today I am gaining a firm grasp on portion control and cleaner eating. I'm making more low sodium choices and putting more thought into my food choices. I'm working developing a plan for incorporating exercise into my week. I'm hoping to jump into this very soon (the knee is still on the mend and this sinus infection impacts my overall functionality.)

I hope to take Amy's idea of posting monthly on my weight loss accomplishments, no matter how big or small.

Happy Friday!

*I provided favorable recommendations for several products in this post...all of which were done without compensation.* 

New Recipe!!!! BBQ Chicken and Kale Pizza

For the last few days I have not been able to taste anything. So, this evening, as my taste buds began to come back to life, I was trying to decide what to make for dinner. I had a comforting soup on the menu but I did not have the energy to make it (even though it would have totally been worth it). I then thought I'd go for a quiche or pasta dish...but nothing seemed to jive. I hate the thought of wasting anything and the kale will only hold out for so long. So...I decided to opt for pizza...and kale? Oh yes. I've been breaking into using kale and I am so excited that I now have another "go to" recipe!

Here's the "how to".

Preheat your oven to 350.

Crust
1c white flour
1c wheat flour
1 pkg quick rise yeast
1c hot water

Begin by mixing the hot water and yeast into a medium sized bowl. Let it set for a couple minutes. Then add the flour. Mix until a ball forms. Flour your hands and need the dough until all the flour is combined. Roll out onto a cookie sheet or pizza pan. Set aside.

Toppings
1c kale, washed and chopped
1 1/2c shredded chicken
6 tbsp. favorite barbecue sauce (I prefer Garland Jack's Sweet Brown Sugar)
1c shredded Monterey Jack cheese

In a bowl, mix the chicken and 2 tbsp. of sauce. Take the remaining sauce and evenly spread it over the pizza crust. Evenly distribute the kale over the sauce. Next, toss on the chicken. Finally, evenly sprinkle the cheese over the other toppings. Bake at 350 for approximately 20 minutes.

It's SO YUMMY!!!

Put on the fuzzy socks...

Frigid. The only word I can use to describe today's current temperatures. According to our thermostat, the outside temperature is currently 9 degrees. That does not include the wind chill which is making it feel like -10 in full sunlight.

So...I thought since they cancelled school today, I'd put on my warm fuzzy socks and curl up under a blanket where I'd stay nice and toasty...this has been short lived.

G has come down with what I have been battling for the last few days. The poor baby is fighting a runny nose and a small cough. She's pretty miserable. To make things worse, the swing that she so dearly loves to nap in appears to have swung its last. I've tried many things but nothing. It made a few odd clicks this morning and then died. We can't complain. It was given to us and it has had a good run. I believe it went through at least two children prior to our daughter. We've decided that we'll just have to break down and invest in a new one at some point. We've been working on transitioning her to her crib for naps anyway...I guess the swing decided to give us the final push (no pun intended) towards this transition.

Even sick she is absolutely adorable!!!

 

We have no idea what she does in her sleep that causes such a fuzz head mess, but let me just say, my kid can rock a faux-hawk!

I took one of our quiet moments to read through one of the books G received for Christmas from our dear friends. I'm so glad I didn't read it while at their house. I got pretty teary. It is such a sweet story and drives home God's goodness and His blessing of a child into the lives of her parents...

::find it here::

 

 

I also love how there is a sequel to this story. It helps to prepare the first child for the arrival of another. I look forward to adding this to our collection for future use.

 

::find it here::

 

 

While it seems we've been battling one illness after another lately (maybe I should not clean the house and stop stirring up the germs haha) I do have some good news to report. Over the last two weeks I've lost 2 pounds! While the number is small, I'm encouraged (just imagine holding 2lbs of butter in your hands...that used to be on my body...eeek!) I've been focusing on my eating, primarily portion size and low sodium foods. In doing so, I've had some eye opening experiences.

 

It's easy to say "I'll wait until tomorrow, I've already messed up for today..." and it was that kind of thinking that kept me from moving forward. With the realization that I need to take control of my health, I had to stop at that moment of recognition. While I'm not in horrible shape, I'm far from being a healthier version of myself. Upon getting serious about my health, I began this devotional...

 

 

I ran across this during my reading: "One way that you can learn to defeat procrastination is by paying less attention to the sacrifices you're making today and more attention to the rewards you'll receive tomorrow." I keep reminding myself of this.

 

Another battle I've been facing is "clean-your-plate-syndrome". I was raised in a home where if it was on your plate, you ate it. If you took it, you ate it. No one around our table would ever be accused of wasting food. While I understand the good intentions behind this way of thinking, it has plagued my eating habits as an adult. To combat this embedded way of thinking, God provided this scripture: "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God." Titus 2:11-12

 

If I am to live totally devoted to God, that means ALL of me. I can't let my soul be all that longs to please God. My body is a temple and it should be treated as such. By caring for my body and using self-control I can make positive changes in myself that will glorify God.

 

I'm already seeing benefits to implementing this scripture...I'm slowing losing weight (which will increase as I begin a consistent exercise routine) and my blood pressure has been good. I know that the medication is a key player in improving my BP at this time, but my hope is that I'll be able to get off of it sooner rather than later.

 

You never know the road God is going to take you down, but you can bet that you will never go down it alone. I have been asking Him to guide me in my food choices, portion control, and positive thinking. Not only am I reaping positive health benefits, but I am finally tapping into a spiritual arena that I have never really let God be a part of.



 

As I close this post for today, I ask that if you would, just lift our family's health to the Lord. Satan is shameless in attacking when we're not at our best. We pray for restoration of health and for encouragement along the journey to both physical and spiritual improvement.

Slippery when wet...

After a very restless, sleepless night, I've been attempting to recuperate as much as possible before the work week begins. The medication I was given did not do it's job...I'll opt for something else this evening. Fortunately I've been blessed with a wonderful husband. He has taken excellent care of G so that I can rest.

Earlier today, in between attempted sleep and sickness, I needed to grab something out of my vehicle. I went outside into a drizzly rain. As I stepped off the bottom step and onto the side walk, my foot hit a solid sheet of ice and down I went. What looked wet was actually a set up for injury. I landed very hard on my knee, which is now bruised and painfully sore. My left side is also a little jarred from the fall but I count myself lucky. It could have been worse.

Due to many factors, it has been necessary for me to just take it easy today. I took some time to enter in some items into our family budget binder and prepare some bills to be sent out tomorrow. I developed this binder from a post on Dittle Dattle and having previously read the Dave Ramsey book from which this binder was developed, I had to give it a go. It was very easy to put together in my own way and I developed our spreadsheet to accommodate both my husband and myself. True, we could set up something similar on our computer, but my husband does better on paper. We have a good handle on our finances, but by doing this, it will allow us to really focus on a plan that will help us pay down our debts (i.e. student loans, house, etc.) sooner.

This is my set up...

I began by acquiring a calculator and a binder. I printed off Dave Ramsey's 7 steps to "financial freedom". I also added in the 52 Week Money Challenge chart so that we could easily see what we would need put in our jar each week.

I next added in a birthday chart. I helps me remember who we need to purchase gifts/cards for each month so that it can be added into that month's budget.

I then created a spreadsheet for our finances. It has the list of our expenditures and then a space for us to write in how much we will budget out for that item each month. There is also space for us to write in the actual amounts spent for an accountable comparison. It's really good to know exactly where your money is going.

I also included Ramsey's Debt Snowball worksheet. 

Each section has a pocket for appropriate documents/receipts. We also keep stamps and address labels in the binder for quick access when paying our "by mail" bills (I know, who does that anymore?)

 

We are really liking the system thus far and we have high hopes for what it will help us achieve.

 

I've also taken some time today to begin working on G's first birthday. I know it is not until April but with everything we have going on, I think it best to start early with the planning. I'm super excited! So, as the freezing rain pelts down outside and I continue to nurse myself back to health, I will remain grateful for all that is good. Have a great Sunday afternoon!

 

::via::



4 days in...

As much as I am looking forward to this new year, these past few days have brought some unfavorable things my way...

I met with my ob-gyn regarding my PCOS. I changed doctor's right before my pregnancy and had not been able to address my issues and concerns with my new doctor. At that point we focused on my pregnancy. Due to my PCOS symptoms and the limited information/testing completed by my previous doctor, she ran a full blood workup and had multiple plans for various scenarios based on the pending results. While this was promising, my blood pressure level was not. I've had issues with my blood pressure since pregnancy...nothing prior. It was high the day of my visit and she suggested I follow up with my family doctor before proceeding.

I met with my family doctor today. By the end of the visit I was given a medicine for a virus that has caused a progressive cough and was prescribed the same blood pressure medication that I was put on during pregnancy. I HATE taking medication of any kind...unfortunately, I have to do what is best. It is my hope that between watching my sodium intake, increasing my exercise and eating more "cleanly" I'll be able to get off it. She told me that it is not uncommon to have blood pressure issue once someone has them during pregnancy. The level may even out eventually or it could be a condition that I deal with on and off for the majority of my life. Boo. It's no fun being labeled "hypertensive" but it is not a label that has to define me. Just as with my PCOS, I will learn to own the condition and tap into the things that will help me. I've found many wonderful resources to add to my Be Healthy Board on Pinterest and I'm actually excited about some of the transforming that will likely occur. I'll be more healthy, have more self confidence, and will hopefully serve as a good example for my daughter and husband.

::via::

 

One thing that does concern me is the high blood pressure and future pregnancies. I had to be pretty careful during my first pregnancy. In fact, the last reading they took spurred them to want to induce me (which fortunately, it was as if G knew I did not want this and was already on her way...I love that part of her birth story) within the next couple of days. I was put on medication and had to be conscious of many things throughout. With this blood pressure issue still at hand, I do get a little nervous when I think about how it could impact my next pregnancy. Praise God that I have a very competent set of doctors and many good reasons, my daughter in particular, to make good choices and create change as we prepare to hopefully add to our family. While this time is a ways off, there is a lot to be done before then.

::via::

 

As I was driving home from the doctor's office, I was really bummed about the medication, my blood pressure and some of the other issues I'm facing medically. I then reminded myself that if I dwell, Satan will quickly use those emotions as a gateway to ruin. So instead of throwing a pity party or crying because of how overwhelming all of this feels, I am choosing to lean on my Savior, seek encouragement and resources and focus on some wonderful things coming in 2014 (not to mention those things that the Lord will surprise me with along the way).

2-the number of teeth G will add to in the coming year
0-the number of excuses I have for not making change this year
1-the number of the age G will turn in April
4-the number of years of teaching I'll have under my belt

As I nurse myself (once again) back to health, I'm taking time to enjoy the precious things in my life. I am grateful for my hubby who continues to love and support me through the highs and lows. I am completely in love with our precious little girl and I am so excited about how God plans to use our family in the coming months. I hope you too will enjoy all that the Lord has to offer. His blessings are plentiful and His grace is contagious.

So long 2013

I've been doing a lot of reflecting today as this year draws to a close. I'm really looking forward to what this next year could hold. No doubt God will continue to guide and bless our family.

As I mentioned the other day, I'm not into resolutions this year, but instead, life changes. I found this step chart and I have found it very helpful in trying to organize my upcoming health adventure.

 

 

So far I've got the first two steps down.
1. Set goal-lose 10% body weight
2. Make a plan-eat more cleanly, focus on portion control, lean on my accountability partner, exercise 15-30 minutes 5 days a week

Steps 3-5 will come as I begin this new journey of health.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

As I prepare myself for this challenging and exciting time in my life, I'll spend today savoring these precious moments before I return to work on Thursday. This is the first New Year's Eve that I've ever spent by myself. With my hubby at work and a baby that hits the crib by 7:30, tonight will be pretty mellow. I will however follow through with our traditional Harry Potter marathon.

 

I'm trying a new Sesame Seed Chicken recipe today. I've been wanting Chinese food, which did not happen yesterday, and since I've vowed not to get out of my pajamas today, I'll be trying an at home recipe. Wish me luck!

 

Tomorrow we'll celebrate the New Year by having brunch with our close friends and their little one. It will be a wonderful way to start making memories in 2014.

 

God bless and Happy New Year!!!

Five on Friday: My Most Memoriable Moments from 2013

I'm linking up with Darci, Ashley and many others for this week's Five on Friday.

This year has consisted of many challenges and double the blessings. I'd like to take this time to share my top five most memorable moments of 2013.

[one]

Our number one blessing and most memorable event of 2013 would most certainly have to be the birth of our beautiful daughter. In April, weighing in at 8lbs 2oz and 19.5 inches long, our miracle baby was born healthy and strong. We could not have asked for anything more perfect.

Minutes after birth

A couple hours after delivery

[two]

Another wonderful moment for our family was the March wedding of my brother-in-law. I gained a wonderful sister-in-law who not only became family, but a wonderful friend.

[three]

I most certainly have to mention the God-ordained adoption of little Zac. Our friends adopted this precious little guy from China in October. So many prayers went into the anticipation of him coming to his forever home. He is a blessing to his parents and his family remains a blessing to us. (I post this with a saddened heart...this wonderful family is moving across country. We'll miss them terribly but know they will do great things.)

[four]

December has held a lot of wonderful things. Two spectacular things come to mind. The first would have to be the birth of another long awaited miracle. Cadence was born to our close friends on Christmas day. This child has been prayed for and long anticipated. God has filled their home with such joy in a way that many thought would never be possible. God's ways are perfect.

[five]

The second thing, and final thing I'll mention from 2013, is that of our daughter's first Christmas. At 8 months old she was in awe of the lights, bounced to the Christmas music, heard the Christmas story of Christ's birth for the first time, and gave her best try at opening gifts. It was such a wonderful time!

I look back at this year and I think of all the firsts we'll never get back. There are many things I'd like to do over, things I'd say and not say, and things I'd do or not do. While I can't go back, I look forward to moving on. 2014 holds so much promise! May God bless you and your families in this upcoming year.