First 5 Mini Goals

I've been on my low carb-get healthy journey since February. There has been a lot of trial and error and even more baby steps in the right direction. I have set mini goals that motivate me to lose 5lbs per goal. I'm well on my way to my first big goal of 30lbs. So, I thought I'd go ahead and share my five goal rewards for this week's Five on Friday.

5lbs

This lovely bead for my Pandora bracelet. I chose it as a reminder that I am able to overcome my PCOS diagnosis. I can overcome my issues with infertility and weight loss. God is bigger than my diagnosis.

10lbs

I love CC and their music is always inspiring. One thing I've wanted to do with this life of mine is Thrive instead of merely survive. The tunes on this album continue to give me the encouragement to push on.

15-20lbs

This wallet from Thirty-One was a little more pricey so I opted to combine it for a 10lb weight loss goal. I just got it yesterday and I love it!!!!

25lbs

I have been eyeing these PW Cowgirl Lace dishes for quite some time now. I can't wait to get them on my table!

30lbs

::via::

I am already becoming in need of some smaller clothing but I'm holding out. I'm hoping to meet my goal by the beginning of school and at that point, I'll do some updating to my wardrobe.

Thanks to everyone for their encouragement. I'm definitely getting there!

Linking up for Mommy Moments

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole (Low Carb)

Low carb is becoming my way of eating. I approach meals very differently now and I'm always looking for recipes that my whole family will enjoy. I'm not one to make separate meals for everyone. It's more of a take it or leave it kind of thing. Fortunately,  this recipe has been toddler and husband approved. I must also add that I believe the leftovers are just as good...if there are any.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole 

Ingredients:

1lb of ground venison, beef or chicken, browned and grease drained

3 slices of low sodium bacon, cooked until crisp and roughly chopped

6 eggs

1/2c light cream

1/2c tomato sauce 

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp black pepper 

1 c shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375.

Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray. Evenly spread the meat on the bottom. 

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Mix in the cream, tomato sauce, seasonings and 1/4 c of cheese.

Pour over the meat and gently toss the meat so that all ingredients are mixed. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top.

Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the casserole is firm.

Enjoy!

Linking up for Mommy Moments

New on Instagram! My low carb life...

"You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

1 Cor. 6:19b-20

It's no secret that I have always battled my weight and self image. The struggle began as early as late elementary school. I've battled emotional eating, fad diets, calorie counting, exercise routines and self loathing. 

I've always know that there has to be something better. I could be better. The Lord has brought me through so much and the past year has been difficult health wise. In an attempt to restore my heart, body, and mind, I have been breaking down my own stigmas and perceptions by learning how to take my thoughts and actions captive and compare them to what the Lord says in His Word.

I have been told many times that because of my PCOS, a lower carb way of eating (WOE) would really benefit me...but who wants to give up bread and pasta? Not this girl. However, thanks to a friend, I was really encouraged to give it a try. Over the last 4 months I have been transforming the way I view food and the way I eat it. I am slowly making low carb a way of life.

I've really been encouraged by the weight loss and the way I feel. I feel good! I've had a lot of people ask how I have been working this in my life and I plan on sharing details soon. In the meantime, I have set up an IG account to share meals and bits of encouragement for those of you who are also trying to restore your health. 

I'd love if you'd follow me at 

bought.with.a.price

Remember...we were bought with a price. We have this one body in which to live and serve the Lord and I personally want to give my best. This begins with caring for His temple.

Linking up with Mommy Momments

If I'm Honest

It could be worse. 

I've reminded myself of that countless times over the last few weeks. It's been necessary to keep perspective because I am a fixer and when things are broken or out of line that I can't fix...well, the struggle is real. I've been trying to give God what is His because He promises to bear the burden. He willingly accepts the load to show me His strength and grace. It seems silly to cling tightly to those things that would be better left in His hands.

If I'm honest, which tends to be almost a fault embedded in my personality, I would have to admit that I am overwhelmed simply because I do not leave things in His hands.

I have a short list of dreams that are just out of reach. I struggle with comparison as those move ahead with "my dreams" as I continue to wait. I struggle to understand how we can work so hard and follow the course laid before us, only to have those around us basically handed what we've hoped for and have yet to obtain.

Perspective. 

The truth is, it really could be worse. The past few days of sickness and uselessness are now almost behind me. My husband now going through the same is sad, but we know how to treat and recover. My son's appointment with the specialist is on the horizon and I am grateful for the peace God has given during this wait. The home we dream of building lies in wait on paper as, prayerfully, God prepares a home buyer for our current house.

I have to trust His process.

So, in being honest,  I am a muddled mess. I battle insecurities, jealousy, frustration and every other human emotion...and often without much grace. Fortunately, I am held together by the hands of a gracious God. I am stitched together and fashioned for a life that was only designed for me. I am part of a bigger, Kingdom centered purpose.

I am part of His purpose and that need be enough.

This song has been such an encouragement.

Baby N: 11 Months

I would cry, but I am afraid that if I start, I will not stop. You are growing too fast! In one month you will be a year old!

Weight: 21+ lbs

Height: ~30 inches

Clothes: 9-12 months

Eat: You are making me eat my words from last month. You are now willingly feeding yourself finger foods and drinking your bottle without hesitation. You are still a little unsure about your sippy cup but you are getting there. You are a pretty good eater. You love fruits and macaroni and cheese. You have been eating 6-8 ounces every 4 hours and manage to eat 3 meals a day with a snack or two.

Sleep: We are still considering ourselves blessed with your sleeping. You go down around 7p.m. and wake around 5-5:30a.m. Lately you've had some allergy issues and your coughing wakes you/us up a couple times a night. Fortunately, you tend to fall back asleep without any intervention. You are not much of a nap taker these days. You usually have a couple cat naps in the morning and then, if we're lucky, you nap for an hour or so in the afternoon. Your sister has always  been (and still is) a big time nap taker...so...feel free to jump on the wagon little guy.

Play: Your days of play are changing drastically. You are now crawling...and I don't mean just inching. You are all over the place! You love balls...well, you love anything that rolls or moves in a way that you can go after it. Oranges are a huge hit with you.

You love spending warm afternoons outside. Now that you are moving around more, you've learned there is so much to discover. You will be keeping up with your sister in no time.

We've added a few more fire trucks to your toy collection and you are a big fan. While I don't wish you into that profession, I would not be surprised if you develop a love for it like your daddy.

Odds and Ends: YOU ARE CRAWLING!

We dedicated you to the Lord (well, long before your conception in all honesty) on Mother's Day.

You gave us quite a scare earlier in the month. We were concerned that you may be experiencing seizures, but our pediatrician believes it is an eye issue. You will see a specialist on the 7th. Prayerfully all will be well.

Hanging out at the doctor's office

You keep us laughing with your facial expressions, giggles and smiles. You do a great job waving and often get it in context. You are also trying to mimic some words such as "uh-oh". We can't get enough of you.

We could not be more in love with you, Bugaboo. You fill our lives with so much joy. Happy 11 months!

Linking up for Waiting on Wednesday

Monthly Weight Loss Update May 2016

::via::

Another month has passed and although I have had multiple setbacks this month, I am still proud of my success thus far.

I have lost a total of 20lbs!

I've lost a total of 7 inches.

A lot of my clothes are actually appearing to be too big on me.

I'm down a total of 3 notches on my belt.

I feel good (minus this weekend's hit with the GI bug).

I am looking forward to having the summer off with my kids. I am counting down the days. I am also hoping to add more exercise into my routine. One thing I know I need to do to better myself is to not treat the weekends like I'm on a free-for-all binge eating party. I have had a real issue with just letting myself go on the weekends. I don't feel well after eating like that and I know it is not good for me.

Self control.

::via::

So...here's a toast to more progress. I am so close to my 30lb goal!

Linking up for Tuesday Talk

You Never Outgrow Your Momma

::via::

If you've been blessed to have an involved mother in your life, then you'll know what I'm talking about. From the time I was little, my mom was the one I went to for everything. She and I have always been close and I am blessed to have such a Godly, encouraging woman in my life. When I moved to Virginia in 2007, it was so hard to leave her behind. I missed her terribly and I was envious of my sister's time with her while I got to see her only a few times a year.

Upon having my own children, I realized just how badly I wanted that time with my mom back. Since I knew there was no way to get the time back, I focused on how I could make our time together meaningful and memorable. Still, a birthday and Christmas were not enough.

For the last several years, I've prayed for God to place contentment in my heart when the ache became too much. There came a time when it was as if God was speaking straight to me. My heart gained a peace that ensured me that she would once again become a constant presence in my life. That was several years ago.

There were many conversations with my mom about having her move to Virginia. When our daughter (her first grandchild) was born, I was shameless in using her as an incentive. Mom went back and forth with reasons why she could/should but could not move. I'd get frustrated when she'd make progress towards a move, but then there would be no further follow through. I desperately wanted her here.

When we became pregnant with my son, I had a much more difficult pregnancy and all I wanted was my mom. I wanted her here when I'd lie awake afraid and Clinton was at work. I wanted her at some of my appointments. I wanted her to hear his little heartbeat. I just wanted my mom.

This past November, my mom and I were talking (yet again) about her moving here. There were so many signs indicating she needed to make the move and yet she was still hesitant. I totally understood her reasoning, but I felt the time was coming. I insisted that she'd know the right moment when it came. That same month, she and I were texting and we both sent each other the same house for sale at the same time. The listing was in her price range and it had 98% of the things she had on her "must have" list for a new home. Eventually, she agreed to let me speak with a realtor about the house. My husband and I both checked out the house and upon my personal walk through, I just knew it was for her. God gives such perfect confirmations.

To make a long, but no so long, story short, the Lord made a way for EVERYTHING to fall into place. Everything she had a worry about was boldly taken care of through God's provision. In March, she took the bold step and made the official move to Virginia. I have been trying to convince myself that this is real. I now drive 15 minutes to see her. We can have weekly dinners, impromptu outings, and plenty of girl time.

The best part has been seeing her interact with the kids. She has missed so much of their little lives thus far and I am overjoyed at the memories she is now making with them. God has answered my prayers by providing a way for her to become an active part of our lives. She no longer sees us through pictures. I'm such a lucky gal.

After all, I'll never outgrow my momma.

Linking up for Waiting on Wednesday