Wordless Wednesday- Peaceful Path

GratiTuesday- My Husband’s voice :)

Just a short blip today- because you’re probably all going to think I’m silly

Today, I’m grateful for my husband’s voice.  You see, whenever I hear his voice I still get butterflies in my stomach!  We’ve been married over 15 years now, and I still have the same flutter flutter.  I could just be in the other room and hear him answer his phone.  He doesn’t even have to be talking to me  

I know, it’s silly, but I just love him.  What about you?  What is the one thing about your husband that after all these years still makes you flutter?

Menu Monday- 8/29

Much better  WW week for me- hopefully it will show on the scale!  I did get out and exercise 5 days this week, some days biking, some walking.  I’m having to table my quest to run for right now because I have a touch of tendonitis in my ankle.  Got let that heal up a bit before I try to run again.  Which is part of the reason for some of the biking   I also did my first organized run on Saturday- the Duck Run, which I walked, but at a faster pace than I usually walk- 3.9 mph instead of 3.4.  It was a lot of fun, and my friend who walked with me and I are going to try to make one organized event a month.  I’m excited about that.  Maybe by say, November, I’ll be able to run a 5K   We’ll see!  I also had a trip to the Chiropractor in this week (who told me of the tendonitis) and he also said he’s concerned about my upper body strength.  So, I’m going to have to sprinkle in something to improve that as well.  Any ideas you’d like to share would be great!

This week my goals are:

• Exercise at least 5 days (this is getting a little more complicated because we start schooling again this week)
• Better plan my lunches instead of “free for all”-ing it and having to make up the difference at dinner
• Up my water intake

Here’s the menu plan for the week:

Monday:  Chicken Noodle Soup

Tuesday:  Burgers and Fries

Wednesday: Black Bean Salsa Chicken for the adults, Pizza Rolls for the kiddos

Thursday:  Pork Tenderloin in the Happy Pot, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies

Friday:  Spinach Quiche

Saturday:  Snack Dinner

Sunday:  Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Supper Sunday- Coffee Creamers

I love me some cream in my coffee…  But I don’t love the junk that’s in the flavored creamers, and often they’re too sweet for me anyway.  Well, I was super excited when I found some recipes for homemade creamers!  I adapted a couple a little to better fit into my WW lifestyle and the recipes are below.  I haven’t tried the other recipes on that page yet, but I plan to.  Super easy, and good

Cinnamon Strudel Creamer
Svg Size:  2 TBS= 2 Points+ WW

Ingredients:
1 Cup Whole Milk
1 Cup Half and Half
4 TBS Real Maple Syrup
1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Almond Extract

Directions:
Whisk together milk, half and half, syrup, and cinnamon in a medium sauce pan.  Cook over medium heat just until mixture begins to steam, and then remove from heat.  Stir in extracts.  If desired pour through a sieve to eliminate cinnamon particles (I don’t mind them so I skipped this step)  Allow mixture to cool and store in a glass container in refrigerator. 

Pumpkin Spice Creamer
Svg Size: 2 TBS=2 Points+ WW

Ingredients:
1 Cup Whole Milk
1 Cup Half and Half
3 TBS Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 tsp Pumpkin Spice
4 TBS Real Maple Syrup
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Directions:
Whisk together milk, half and half, syrup, and pumpkin puree in a medium sauce pan.  Cook over medium heat just until mixture begins to steam, and then remove from heat.  Stir in extract.  If desired pour through a sieve to eliminate cinnamon particles (I don’t mind them so I skipped this step) Allow mixture to cool and store in a glass container in refrigerator.

Singing Saturday- Let it Rain

Great song to prepare your heart, or bring you to a state of worship.  Also a good one for soaking.  Hope you enjoy

 

Let It Rain

Let it Rain, Let it rain

Open the floodgates of Heaven

Let it Rain

Family Time Friday- Wunderlist

If you’re like me and you have about a 1,000 to do lists in 15 different places, for different groups, you may be interested in Wunderlist.  A friend of mine recently told me to check it out to manage my tasks, and I’m so glad she did!  This is awesome!  You can have separate lists for different things.  For example, I have my Six List, a list for the HOA duties I have, a list for household improvements I want to make, a list for homeschool tasks etc…  You can even date your items to remind you if they need to be done by a certain time.  Best part- it’s FREE!  And, you can sinc it on your computer, on the web, and on your phone!  I just love this, and thought you would too!  Check it out and let me know what you think!

(In case you’re wondering, no, I’m not being paid to tell you about this   )

Thoughtful Thursday- Sensory Processing Disorder

My daughter has been diagnosed with SPD, or Sensory Processing Disorder.  What this means in a nutshell, is that her Sensory system is all out of whack.  There are many faces of SPD, some are more extreme than others, and some are more difficult to manage than others.  Many children will have different areas present themselves.  These areas are: tactile, auditory, olfactory and oral defensiveness, as well as proprioceptive and vestibular dysfunction.  My daughter has some auditory, olfactory, proprioceptive and vestibular.  What this means is that what works today to calm her might not necessarily work tomorrow, or in 5 minutes for that matter.

Often her sensory issues will present themselves in behavior problems.  This is particularly difficult, because, it isn’t completely her fault that she’s acting this way, but I can’t allow her to continue the bad behavior either.  This leads to frustrated momma and child.

Lately she’s been on what I call a “Sensory High”, where she’s been extremely overactive.  When she’s on one of these, she’ll act out constantly during her awake times.  She’ll also tell me that she hurts- my back hurts, my toe hurts, my eyes hurt…… etc…  everything hurts at one moment or another.  Her clothes have to sit on her a certain way, and often the seatbelt will be particularly bothersome to her.  We can be driving along and she will suddenly burst out in a scream because her seatbelt is bothering her.  Try that for distracted driver!  It’s difficult to deal with at best.

The acting out is bothersome, but the worst part is that she often goes for danger.  Sunday morning at 4am I heard the back door close.  I got up to see if one of the older boys was letting the dogs out or something and my 2 year old daughter was in the back yard back by the trees!  Talk about a heart attack!  She never went back to sleep.  When she’s on a high, often sleep doesn’t happen like normal.  Before I knew what was going on with her I would jokingly say that the only child proof room for her was a padded cell.  This is, unfortunately not far from the truth.  She’s almost 3 and still puts everything in her mouth, and often times it’s something yucky.  I’ve learned to let go of most of my fears of her eating something bad because I just can’t watch her constantly.  I’ve got to give it to God and do the best I can.  And she’s fast.  Whatever she’s doing, particularly if it’s something she’s not supposed to, she’s super fast. 

All of these things make us on constant alert with her, and that’s hard.  It’s exhausting.  It’s frustrating.  I feel like a terrible mom.  A Lot.  But the absolute worst part-

My daughter will often go days without peace.  You know when you see your child playing by themselves and there’s just a peace about them?  You know when babies sleep how they look so peaceful?  Often she will not have that.  Even when she’s sleeping her eyebrows are raised, her body is tense. It’s awful.  I mean just awful.  I can’t do anything to give her that peace that she needs so much.  I can only try the things the therapists recommend.  And what works today might not work tomorrow.  What works tomorrow might not work later that day.  It all depends on what sensory system is being set off.

I know there are times when I’m out in public with my daughter and people are staring because she’s acting out.  I’m sure they’re thinking one of two things- either that kid needs a spanking, or geez that mom needs to take a chill pill!  That too depends on the day. 

There is nothing more defeating than not being able to help your child.

So, I do what I can.  Of course we pray constantly that God will heal her heart.  We are grateful that she doesn’t have other lasting consequences of the drug exposure.  And, I try to have the conversation with her often that I love her even when we’re having a bad day.  Today I decided to start something new for just she and I.  I told her I will love her always and forever no matter what.  Then I told her to put her finger to mine and we’ll say together, “Always and forever”…  That will be our sign that no matter what, through thick and thin, we’ll always be there for her.  I also tell her that I love her just as much when she’s disobedient as I do when she’s obedient.  Yes, she’s 2.  But I’m telling you this kid is S.M.A.R.T.  and she KNOWS what I’m saying. 

So, if you think about us, say a little prayer for us that we can find some consistent ways to give our daughter a little peace in her heart.

Wordless Wednesday- Bad Dog!

GratiTuesday- I’m in a bit of shock

Well.  As I write this post I am in a bit of shock.  If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, or know me personally you know I have a very, very rocky relationship with my mother.  It’s been such a long, and difficult journey, which has climaxed at a point of absolutely no communication between the two of us, with me even promising her that I wouldn’t try to contact her again.  It is a road consumed with pain.  I will not sit here and tell you that I don’t have a bit of responsibility for us getting to this point.  I  (as I am sure is true for her also) have spent countless hours trying to find a way to make things better between the two of us only to be disappointed when I end up making them worse.  I can’t put into words how much pain there is there.

Over the past couple of weeks a few things have happened.  My mother has been HEAVY on my heart lately.  I’ve been in deep prayer for her, asking God to soften her heart towards me, but praying His will above all else.  About a week ago “Shea’s” Behavioral specialist asked the question, “What impact does your relationship with your mom have on your relationship with your own children?”….  I felt like I’d been sucker punched.  I don’t even know where to begin with that!    Sunday I was in church and having a particularly difficult day with my daughter, who suffers from Sensory Processing Disorder, causing her to act out behaviorally.  I went up for communion, and, as I do often, I prayed that I was taking my communion on behalf of my mom, and I began to sob.  I found myself begging God to grant her peace in her heart.  I don’t even care anymore about reconciliation, I just want her to have peace.  I want her to know I love her, but not at the expense of her peace.  I sobbed before God.

Well, I got the mail today (Monday) and there was a letter from my mom……  It looked friendly enough….  I haven’t gotten a letter from her that wasn’t mean in almost 10 years, so friendly isn’t by any means guaranteed.  But, I just felt like it was going to be ok.  I opened it and read it.  It was not mean!  She even went through some events that we have shared in our lives that brought her joy.  She told me she wants to try to reconcile……..slowly…..  Could my prayers be finally getting answered?  I tell you the truth when I tell you, this has to be an act of God.  There is no other explanation. 

So, I’ll read over her letter several times.  I’ll cherish every word.  I’ll thank God for HIS work in this.  And, I’ll ask for your prayers that HE continue to work mightily in BOTH of our hearts.  My prayer for years has been, “God, please part the Red Sea between us and allow us to walk on dry land back to each other.

Menu Monday- 8/22

Saw another loss at the scale last week!  .8 pounds this week.  It feels good to be consistently loosing.  This week, however, my activity has dropped off a little.  My walking buddy was injured, so couldn’t walk this week.  I definitely don’t walk as far, or as fast without her :/  But, I still got out and walked every day, so I call that an accomplishment.    Back in the day I would’ve just say oh well and slept in, stayed in my jammies all day   DON’T THINK I DIDN’T WANT TO!!!!!!

My home group is studying the book Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food.  It’s a great book.  It’s written for women, but the guys are reading it too   AND, I just found her book Craving God: A 21-Day Devotional Challengein the kindle store for FREE right now!   I’m sure this is a limited time, so hurry over there and grab it!    So, one nugget I got from the video on the book at home group was she talked about many people saying “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”….  I’ve said it to myself for sure to get away from food, and it’s helped me on occasion.  Well, she changed it up a bit and said, how about “Nothing tastes as good as PEACE feels”…. 

Whoa.

That is definitely something to chew on.  She also talked about the fact that Desperation leads to defeat, and how that affects our eating.  When we don’t plan for events, like needing snacks while out, or planning our meals we end up so hungry that we don’t care how bad it is, we’re just going to eat it.  This is why meal planning is so important.  She suggested planning out your whole day in the morning.  I think I’ll try a little of this this week, but I’m not sure how it will work for me, because I like to be kind of flexible during the day.  I already know what I’m having for dinner, so at least that is in my mind during the day.  We’ll see.

There’s my nuggets for this week   Here are my goals:

• Plan my days more consistently
• Get a “go bag” for when I will be out and have snacks pre packaged to take with me
• Exercise every day M-F, with some running involved
• Complete the Duck Run (probably a duck walk for me) on Saturday
• Try one new recipe

Here’s the menu:

Monday:  Smothered  Chicken and Fried Eggplant

Tuesday: Chicken Dinner in the Happy Pot 

Wednesday:  Breakfast for dinner

Thursday: Chicken and Rice, Baked Apples

Friday: Burgers and Fries

Saturday: Tacos

Sunday: Snack Dinner

 

Menu Monday 8/15

Phew!  What a week!  When I weighed in last week I hit my 10% weight loss and 20 pounds lost!!!!  WOOHOO  I was SUPER excited!  I didn’t know if I would hit it or not because it had been a weird week.  This is real life, so some weeks are just going to be better than others…  This week has been weird also.  Saturday the only fruit or vegetable I had was a french fry- *gasp*..  And I was sooo feeling it yesterday!  We went to get Auston from camp, and had to leave at 4 in the morning and were gone until a little after 5.  This meant all meals that day on the road.  NOT HEALTHY.  I think if I find myself in this position again I’m going to pack some fruit or something at the very least….  Even with that I stayed within my points range for the week, having those activity points sure helped. 

Still, I’m not sure what the scale will show today, since I had so much fried food and so many carbs on Saturday.  We’ll see.  Either way, I’m not going to let it bother me, because I’m back on plan today and again, it’s real life.

Here are my goals for this week:

• Stay on plan all week and limit my junk food (I’ve got a real busy week ahead, so this might prove to be a challenge)
• JOURNAL (When I get busy I tend to let this go)
• Exercise every day M-F
• Make sure I’m getting in my fruits and veggies every day

Here’s my menu- for some reason coming up with a menu this week was like having my teeth pulled……. 

Monday:  Chicken Tortilla Casserole (New Recipe)

Tuesday:  Sloppy Joes, Green Beans and Rice Pudding

Wednesday:  Home Group, so I don’t have to cook

Thursday:  Mexican Beans and Rice

Friday:  Taco Night

Saturday:  Pizza for the kiddos, Date night with my favorite guy

Sunday:  Chicken Dinner in the Happy Pot 

Singing Saturday- Hallelujah

Love Love Love this song….

Hallelujah- Bethany Dillon

Who can hold the stars
And my weary heart?
Who can see everything?
I've fallen so hard
Sometimes I feel so far
But not beyond your reach
I could climb a mountain
Swim the ocean
Or do anything
But it's when you hold me
That I start unfolding
And all I can say is

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah

The same sun that
Rises over castles
And welcomes the day
Spills over buildings
Into the streets
Where orphans play
And only you can see the good
In broken things
You took my heart of stone
And you made it home
And set this prisoner free

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah

Wordless Wednesday- FAIL- Someone find an “I”!!!

GratiTuesday- Christian Camp

As I write this, my oldest has been at Camp Eagle for almost 2 weeks.  He comes home on Saturday and I can hardly wait.  I’ve missed him so much.  I’ve missed knowing what’s going on in his life.  I’ve missed hearing his voice.  I’ve missed just seeing his smile.  And, I’ve had a taste of what’s to come- the part where I have to let him fly.  He’s going into 10th grade this year and I have only a limited amount of intense time with him left before he goes off and changes the world on his own.  And I truly believe he’s going to change the world somehow.  But then, do all parents believe that about all of their children? 

Camp Eagle is a Christian camp, and I’m am so thankful that while he’s away from me I know he’s being refined and defined by God.  I can’t wait to hear about all the work God has done in his life.  I’m absolutely giddy at the thought.  I can’t wait to hold him in my arms and take in his face again. 

Menu Monday- 8/8

 

Well, last week when I weighed in for WW I was .2 pounds away from 20 pounds lost.  I’m really hoping to hit that this week, but it’s been a week for me.  I’ve had two separate events this week that involved alcohol, and I think my body just doesn’t handle alcohol well anymore (from a weight loss standpoint).  So, my scale at home is showing a gain, but we’ll see what happens when I weigh in……  I’m trying to focus on non-scale victories to keep me motivated….  and remembering that this is life, and not a diet, so there are going to be weeks when I show a gain.  It just is what it is…..

So, let’s take a look at my goals from last week:

• Continue getting in my fruits and veggies every day-DONE EVERY DAY EXCEPT SATURDAY
• Walk 30 Miles- DONE
• Limit desserts to 4 per week  DONE
• Journal before eating MOSTLY- DEFINITELY BETTER THIS WEEK
• Stay within my points range DONE- 20 WEEKLY POINTS LEFT OVER
• Only have 3 alcoholic beverages for the week- DONE

See, from a goal standpoint I did well!  I really think that “Insulin Resistance” thing they told me I have makes me gain when I drink…. 

Ok, this weeks goals:

• Walk 30 miles with at least 1 jog each walk.  (Jog can be as short as 10 seconds) 
• Limit desserts to 4 for the week
• Get in more veggies this week than last week
• Try a new recipe (Coffee Creamer perhaps?)

Ok, on to this week’s menu:

Monday:  Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches, Fruit Salad

Tuesday:  Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Wednesday:  Snack Dinner

Thursday:  Southwest Chicken Salad, Trip to Ritters for Dessert with the Joneses

Friday:  Pizza

Saturday:  BUBBA COMES HOME!  YAY!  Taking the fam out to dinner to celebrate

Sunday:  Chicken Dinner in the Happy Pot