Five on Friday!!

It has been a FULL week and I'm exhausted. While next week will prove to be just as busy despite the fact that school is out for the summer, I'm choosing to focus on this week and remain grateful that I survived the chaos. Find out how I and others have spent the last week by checking out Five on Friday!

[one]
 

I have to begin this week's five with the best thing ever!!! My friend Sarah (you can check out her special blog at Taber Family Travels) gave birth to her long awaited rainbow baby this past Friday (23rd). It has been my honor to pray her through this pregnancy. She and I met through an infertility support group and have been connected through our journeys ever since. It is with great joy that I present to you Caleb Isaac. He is absolutely perfect! Praise God for this miracle. Congrats Sarah!

[two]
 

The next best thing (granted I don't think you can ever really top the birth of a baby) is that today marks the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! This means more time with my little girl...and for a brief time no grading papers. Lesson plans and other items for next year will be worked on throughout the summer, but I like the idea of not having deadlines.

::via::

 

[three]

 

I reached a major point in my weight loss journey. You can check out the details here :)



 

 

[four]

 

Happy (Belated) Memorial Day!

G and I spent the holiday at home. We enjoyed the sunshine, some rest and some wonderful quality time. I just can't get enough of her!

 

All American Girl

 

I also made some goodies to send to my hubby's fire department. These tasty treats are so simple!

 



 

You can view and print the recipe for these Patriotic Sugar Cookie Sandwiches here.

[five]

The weather has been much more summer like lately...and with it comes a lot of fun things to look forward to. I finally put together our Summer Chalkboard Printable and it is now on display.



Monthly Weight Loss with Pictures

I cannot believe the month of May is almost gone! I've entered into my last week of school and with that comes even longer days, less family time, mounds of paper work and overly rambunctious children. We'll have the student Field Day, First Grade Fun Day, the Spring Awards program, Fifth Grade Graduation parade...and I know I'm forgetting something(s). Now is also the time of year when people begin making comments about how teachers get the summer off, it must be nice not to work, etc. Trust me. It only looks that way on our contracts and, while I can only speak for myself and fellow co-workers, the summer is filled with prep work for the upcoming school year. Our work is never done and it always manages to come home with us to some degree. I'll stop there and save this soapbox for another time.

::via::

For now, I'd like to share with you this month's progress. We've been dealing with a few things personally and in the midst of trying to find ways to make our dreams reality and finish up half started projects around the house, I've been trying to make some weight loss progress. Stress levels have been a little higher this month (which good things can be stressful too) and our mornings, days and nights have been filled with things that keep us busy. I've not been able to work out like I'd hoped but I've tried to maintain at least some type of activity almost every day.

I had also gotten down on myself over not meeting my 20lb goal. I was really struggling with the plateau that I had hit. I had to do something. I wanted to reach that goal!

I had gotten out of the habit of "honestly" tracking my food. I might put in a few things each day but I had stopped entering in everything I was eating. I am still amazed at how quickly I lost sight of healthy eating. My snacking had also become an issue. Instead of keeping healthy options on hand I went for quick, high calorie grabs. I refocused my attention to healthy choices. Here are some examples:

It all boils down to poor eating choices this month. These past two weeks I've really tried to get back on track.

To build some momentum, I've decided to throw in some mini goals for June. This could be a little tricky with some traveling that we have in our plans, but I'm determined.

In June I will...

1. Make SMART snacking choices

Satisfying-it fulfills the craving and tames the hints of hunger
Managable-it can easily go with me and/or doesn't require a lot of preparation
Appetizing-it tastes good (duh!)
Right size-caloric intake is worth the serving size/portion control
Thrifty-on sale or inexpensive

2.At least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week

3. Create a motivation collage. I had one of these in college and it really helped my motivation to see some of my goals and words of encouragement each day. I had mine hanging on the refrigerator.

Now that I've got my goals before me, it's time to take a look at the numbers from this past month. I've lost another inch in my waist (that's a total of 2 inches since I began tracking March)...and since December 2013...drum roll please...

 

I feel like I'm finally starting to see a difference, not just feel it.

 

While the numbers are always exciting, it is also important to identify some of the non-scale victories that I've also accomplished.

-I completed a 5k with my daughter (you can catch all of the fun here!)

-My bra size is smaller (don't tell my hubby)
-I need a belt for almost every pair of pants I wear
-A couple pairs of my pants literally fall off as I walk or climb the stairs. I've put those to rest, hoping to never go back to them.
-I'm fitting into clothes that I couldn't even wear pre-baby...some of which are now almost too big!

With this month's weight loss, I've reached my 20lbs goal...and this means I get to splurge on a goody! When I began this journey, I created a Weight Loss Goals board on Pinterest to keep me encouraged. I'm so excited about purchasing this water bottle. I would not typically spend this type of money on a water bottle, but that's what makes it special right? I really want to dive into a dozen donut holes, but a water bottle will be much more beneficial. Here is the water bottle I'll be enjoying in the very near future!

Tervis Whimsical Owl Water Bottle

If you struggle with your weight, you are not alone. I had to change a lot of my weight loss perceptions and set realistic goals. I've had to rely on my own inner strength, the encouragement of others and the power of my God to push through. I am almost to my 30lb weight loss goal. It can be done. I've had to look at it this way...I'm losing weight to get healthy, not skinny. As I become healthier I add quality to my life and that is more important than the size of pants I wear. Every pound counts. Every exercise minute matters. I am worth it!

 

::via::

 

Five on Friday:Food and Fun

How quickly time does fly! It's once again time for Five on Friday and I hope you'll join me and others for this week's link up.

[one]
This just has to be said...1 week of school left!!! Bring on summer break!

::via::

 

 

[two]
Today our first grade team will be hosting Career Day for the students. We're really excited about our special guests and we're certain both they and the kids will have a great time!

Possibly one of the best jobs ever!!!
 

[three]
Warning: This is not a watch your waistline recipe...sometimes you need to just be able to enjoy something that will more than likely stick to your hips...ladies and gents, l present to you the Marlboro Man sandwich!

You can find the Pioneer Woman's full recipe here. Side note: I used a little less butter and added minced garlic to the meat.

 

[four]
G and I completed a 5k this past week. It was challenging but the message of hope given by the cause for which we participated was worth it. Please enjoy the recap here.

 

[five ]
Thursday night began my first ever Life Group Bible study class. While the turn out was much smaller than planned, the fun, laughter, conversation and fellowship were wonderful!  God brought to light several things through our discussion and I feel challenged as a mother, wife and woman of God to dive deeper. We're going through the Prayer Warrior Mom study. It can be done in a group or as a personal devotion.  Either way, there are God moments to be discovered.

Synopsis and Review

Run Baby Run!

I thought I'd go ahead and share the results of this weekend's 5k. This coming week is slammed and it is unlikely that I'll have time to fit it in otherwise.

My day began at 5:30 4:00a.m. when G decided she was ready to greet the morning. We eventually made our way downstairs and began collecting everything we'd need for the day. Today was a big day. It was an important day. G was participating in her first 5k ever and I was participating for a very special cause.

I made this onesie for G

It was not just the important purpose behind The Baby Run 5k (that you can revisit here) but I was participating in honor of a very special family, the Dennis Family. Please read their story. Their lives are living testaments of God's goodness even in the most bitter and pain drenched moments of life.

G and I headed out about 7:00a.m. We drove about an hour to the registration site. Upon arriving, we made our way to the registration table where we were greeted by some very enthusiastic volunteers.

Side note: This race was dreamed up and facilitated by a local high school group as their end of year service project. This service project also included a couple of car washes and some other events to raise money for the BRPC. I was so impressed by their organization and attention to detail. The course was mapped out perfectly and their enthusiasm was contagious.

As I sifted through my packet, I found some great information, a handmade prayer bracelet, and...a voucher for a free t-shirt!!! I had planned on purchasing a t-shirt at the event, but I ended up being one of a lucky few who won a free one.

After hanging out with some of the participants, the race began. This was the first time I have ever pushed G in a race...and it may quite possibly be my last. The course was SO HILLY! It was quite a struggle to make it up some of those hills pushing my one year old...fortunately, around the 1.5 mile marker, one of the teens caught up with me and we chatted for the remainder of the race. She definitely helped me keep my momentum.

We finally made it across the finish line, grabbed a banana and rested in the grass as they presented the awards. This was definitely my worst time (about 51 minutes) on any given course, but considering the constant elevation increases and pushing a toddler, I haven't been too down on myself. I at least finished. I had hoped to stay within the 30ish minute range but pushing the stroller definitely added a good 5-6 minutes per mile to my time.

After leaving the race, G and I headed to town to grab some breakfast. She entertained guests nearby as she insisted on using her fork to eat. After breakfast, we dropped by the Strawberry Festival at a local elementary school. We were both so tired that we didn't stay long.

We came home...and napped.

We then headed out to the elementary school closest to our home for their Backyard BBQ event. We grabbed dinner, talked it up with some friends, and then returned home to call it a night. We were both exhausted...in a good way. I cherished every moment of the Mom and Me kind of day.

Watching the big kids play

Soaking up what was left of the evening...

Promise and Possibility

Today I, along with my rambunctious red-head and a borrowed jogging stroller, will venture forth on my second 5k of the Spring season. This will be the first one I've done with a stroller, and thanks to a good friend of mine, I have appropriate baby jogging equipment. Who knows, it may even inspire me to invest...

While all of this is super exciting, I don't want to overshadow the importance of this race. There are thousands of amazing causes that races help support. This particular race helps others give a voice to those who do not have one. I'll be participating with many others today for the sake of saving lives...the lives of God's most precious gifts. The proceeds will go to a local agency that provides support in a variety of ways for women (teens included) who find themselves facing unplanned pregnancy. While these little lives are no surprise to God and His purpose for their precious existence has been set into motion, the mother, finding herself with child may not always rejoice in all that comes with new life. The Pregnancy Center "offers hope and answers to women with unplanned pregnancies."

I'll not use this post to rant, bombard you with facts, or weigh your heart down with nauseating statistics. Instead, I hope you will see the good in all that is. I hope you will take events like this, as I do, as opportunities to shine for Christ.

::via::

I am so excited to share this time with my daughter. She was a promise. Through many trials, tears and prayers, God fulfilled the desire of my heart. He granted me the opportunity to add to this world in a way that I had only dreamed of being able to do.

::via::

Sure kids make life messy...but it is the most wonderful, beautiful mess I've ever known!

I also want to draw attention to an urgent matter laid upon my heart. Several months ago a friend of mine brought the Dennis family's situation to my attention. I have prayed and cried for this couple since first reading their story. Last September they delivered their first daughter who joined Jesus 10 short hours after birth due to a terminal condition called anencephaly. She was diagnosed early on, and without all the medical lingo, it basically means that her brain was not/would not develop. When they were faced with this news, they were given the option to end their pregnancy. Their faith carried them and they chose to follow through with the pregnancy. She writes a beautiful explanation of why they chose to do so. My life has been changed through their testimony and the life of their daughter Sophie.

Today she posted some wonderful news. They are once again expecting! However, as I read on, the joy quickly becomes weaved with sadness. At 13 weeks they have discovered that this child has a rare illness known as acrania. This illness will have the same terminal result, but is different in that the baby's skull is not developing as opposed to the brain. The fact that this second child has a similar rare terminal illness is almost unheard of. They have decided to continue with this pregnancy as well, all the while praying for a miraculous healing. God is good. All. The. Time. While I can't begin to guess what God's plan is for this family or how things will turn out, I do know that God has grown an amazing testimony through this couple. I also know that He has used Sophie's life and all that is her story to change the world for so many. There is no doubt that she has made an amazing contribution to the Kingdom...in fact I'd venture to say that she has served the Lord in greater ways in her short 10 hours of life than many Christians do in 100 years.

::via::

While I do very little justice in sharing just how loudly their faith, hope and joy resound, I do ask that you keep this beautiful family in your prayers. This September will mark 1 year since Sophie went to dance at the feet of Jesus and the emotions are still very raw...and now to add this to it...It's times like this that we as adults MUST revert to our child-like faith in order to not grow weary or bitter. His plan is greater than anything we could imagine or accomplish on our own.

As I draw this to a close, I put all of this out there to say that this race will be completed with all of my heart. G and I will be completing this race in memory of Sophie, in honor of her sibling and in honor of their parents who, along with God, have chosen to make their lives possible. Despite the length of life, these angels, my daughter and every other life included, are a promise. They are a possibility.

Promises and Possibilities

I look forward to sharing the day's events with you soon!!!

Five on Friday: More Odds and Ends

Fridays not only mean the blessing of another weekend, but they also mean escaping into the world of wonderful things captured and shared by myself and others for Five on Friday.

[one]
Temperatures have been well above normal for this time of year...I'm not a fan of heat and these summer like temps have me wanting to run through a sprinkler with reckless abandon...but instead, I'll spare my neighbors (in a small town rumors spread) and indulge in one of my favorite things...ice cream! I happened upon this delicious combination of two of my favorite flavors, chocolate and peanut butter. I strongly encourage you to treat your sweet tooth to Breyer's Blasts Reese's Peanut Butter Cups*. Yum!

[two]
On Tuesday I was gifted a wonderful surprise. My mom had sent me flowers! I was later informed that they were supposed to be delivered on Friday for Mother's Day and then again on Monday since the flower shopped was swamped on Saturday. Needless to say, these gorgeous flowers arrived a couple days late but no less appreciated. Star Gazer Lilies have always been my favorite flowers. They are currently filling my living room with their intoxicating fragrance.

[three]
We are in the midst of transitioning our office into a playroom. This has been quite an undertaking. Between moving multiple items, along with furniture, ridding our home of items we've not used or seen in a while and painting both the walls and ceiling, I have been worn out. I've had no trouble falling asleep this week. We're almost done and I'm looking forward to doing some decorating. I have the curtains to sew and I'm working on finding items to hang upon the walls. I'm also on the hunt for some kid friendly toy organizing ideas. This is one idea I'm considering thanks to DIY&Crafts. More to come on that soon...

[four]
Strawberries! Whipped cream and cheesecake, oh my! Fried cheesecake! I was supposed to make this dessert for Cinco de Mayo but schedule conflicts arose. This delicious dessert takes a little time to prepare...but it's so worth it!! (I did make my cheesecake from scratch...The whipped creamy boxed version won't work for this.)

Time saving tips: make and bread the cheesecake ahead of time and store in the freezer. Pull it out and fry when you're ready. To cut down on even more time, purchase pre-made cheesecake bites from your local grocer's freezer section.

Here are some of the palette pleasing nuggets of bliss. Now imagine them layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream (since I forgot to snap a picture)...yum!

[five]
Tomorrow I'll be heading out early with G and my friend Terri for The Baby Run 5k! I'm really excited to be hitting the pavement for such a wonderful agency. This will be G's first 5k...run baby run!

*I was not compensated in any way to give my recommendation for this product.

You'll Need a Spoon

Some of my fondest memories growing up centered around the gatherings in which one of my favorite soups was made. It has always been known as "Uncle Curtis' Soup", however upon receiving the recipe in my Grandma's familiar penmanship, it was simply labeled "Soup".

The weather has once again cooled down and with a steady rain, I was drawn to making some comfort food. I had everything I'd need for this recipe and knew it just had to be made. Now, do be aware that this recipe makes A LOT! However, it does freeze well. I hope you'll enjoy this family favorite...

 

Soup

 

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced

1 tbsp. oil

1lb smoked sausage (I usually use turkey or chicken), sliced

2 tbsp. Hungarian Paprika (there is a difference)

8 1/2c water

4 bay leaves

12 cloves

3 medium potatoes

8oz sour cream (I use low fat)

 

For the dumplings:

3/4c flour

dash of salt

2 eggs

 

Directions:

In a large soup pot, heat the oil and sauté the onion. Add the sausage and paprika. Mix well. Add the water, bay leaves, cloves and potatoes. (Here is a time saver...wash the potatoes, wrap in a paper towel and microwave for 8-10 minutes or until they are slightly tender. Cube and then add to the soup.)

 

Bring the pot to a boil.

 

As the soup is heating, prepare the dumplings. Take a small bowl and combine the flour, salt and eggs. Mix until a thick dough forms. Once the soup is boiling, spoon small amounts of the dough into the pan. Allow the dumplings to cook for 5-7 minutes. Add the sour cream and allow the soup to thoroughly heat through.

 

Remove from the heat and remove the bay leaves. Serve with a crusty bread and salad...enjoy!

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