Menu Monday- 10/31

Ok, last week when I weighed in after being out of town and eating a lot of Mexican food I stayed the same.  I was pretty happy with that.

However this past week, I only walked one day   This busy-ness is really getting to me!  I need to figure something out, and quick!  I did order the videos from T-Tapp, which should be here today or tomorrow…  That’s at least something.  As soon as they get here I’m going to start the 14 day boot camp- just in time for Thanksgiving But, I’ve got to figure the cardio aspect out too….  I actually miss walking!  It’s pretty sad when a task that is finished by 7:30 am isn’t able to be accomplished because of too much to do!  I still think I’ll show a little loss when I weigh in this week.  I did stay within my points this week YAY! and I did do a good job on the fruits and veggies.  I have to say, eating my Green Smoothie really helps with that!

Today is Halloween, and a reason for many of us who are watching our weight to be scared LOL…  My leader gave us a list of fun sized candies and their points---

Almond Joy, Snack Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Baby Ruth, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Bit-O-Honey, 1 piece, 1 PointsPlus value
Bit-O-Honey, 6 pieces, 4 PointsPlus value
Butterfinger, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Candy Apple, 5 ounce, 5 PointsPlus value
Candy Corn, 20 pieces (41 grams), 4 PointsPlus value
Caramel Apple, 10 PointsPlus value
Charms Blow Pop, 1 pop, 2 PointsPlus value
Crunch, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Dots, Fun Size, 2 Points Plus value
Gummi Bears, 14 pieces (38 grams), 3 PointsPlus value
Heath Bar, Snack Size, 7 PointsPlus value
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, Snack Size, 6 PointsPlus value
Hershey’s Miniatures, (any flavor) 5 pieces, 6 PointsPlus value
Kit-Kat, Snack Size Bar, (three 2-piece bars) 6 PointsPlus value
Lemonhead, Fun Size, 1 pouch (11 grams) 1 PointsPlus value
M&M’s Milk Chocolate, Fun Size, (1 package) 2 PointsPlus value
M&M’s peanut, Fun Size, (1 package) 3 PointsPlus value
Mounds, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Nerds, 1 box (12.6 grams), 1 PointsPlus value
Oh Henry!, Mini, 2 PointsPlus value
PayDay, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (2 cups) 6 PointsPlus value
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Reese’s Pieces (51 piece/40 gram bag) 5 PointsPlus value
Skittles, Original Fruit, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Snickers, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Take 5, Fun Size, 6 PointsPlus value
Tootsie Roll Midgets, 6 pieces (40 grams), 4 PointsPlus value
Twix, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Twizzler Twists, Fun Size, 4 PointsPlus value
Whoppers, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
York Peppermint Patty, Fun Size, 1 PointsPlus value

Thought that might help some of you as you “examine” your kids’ candies

Here’s the menu for the week:

Monday:  Cauliflower Cheese Soup, Mummy Dogs, Orange Chocolate Milk

Tuesday:  Nacho Cheese Bake

Wednesday:  Snack Dinner/ Boys at EYC

Thursday:  Totinos for the kids, Date Night for Mikey and I

Friday:  Burgers, Fruit Salad

Saturday:  Eating at our Church International Festival!

Sunday:  Mostaccioli Hot Dish, Salad

Y’all have a great week!

Singing Saturday- Forever Reign

They sang this song at Women of Faith last weekend and it really touched me…

Forever Reign-Hillsong Live

You are good, You are good, when there's nothing good in me.
You are love, You are love, on display for all to see.
You are light, You are light, when the darkness closes in.
You are hope, You are hope, You have covered all my sin.
You are peace, You are peace, when my fear is crippling.
You are true, You are true, even in my wandering.
You are joy, You are joy, You're the reason that I sing.
You are life, You are life, in You death has lost its sting.
Chorus:
Oh, I'm running to Your arms, I'm running to Your arms.
The riches of Your love, will always be enough.
Nothing compares to Your embrace.
Light of the world, forever reign.
You are more, You are more, than my words will ever say.
You are Lord, You are Lord, all creation will proclaim.
You are here, You are here, in Your presence I'm made whole.
You are God, You are God, of all else I'm letting go.
Bridge:
My heart will sing
No other name
Jesus, Jesus.

Family Time Friday- The Importance of Getting Away

I want to talk a little about the importance of getting away today   I was privileged to be able to attend the Women of Faith Conference last weekend in San Antonio, courtesy of Book Sneeze As a wife, and a mom, and especially a homeschooling mom, it seems like my work is never done.  There’s always more dishes, there’s always a nose to wipe, there’s always laundry, there’s always a to-do list.  No matter what time of day, no matter how hard I work, there’s always more to do.  I am so blessed to have a husband who really helps out as much as he can, and I know not all women have this.  My husband works a LOT of hours, so he isn’t always available to help either, and it hasn’t always been this way either.  As we’ve gotten older and both matured we’ve really begun to work well together.  It only took 15 years!    We’re rock stars, let me tell you LOL…  Anyway, it is very difficult for me to get away. 

When I found out I was chosen I didn’t even think twice about going.  I was so excited.  I was especially excited to get some time away with my girlfriend without the distraction of kids and husbands and the to-do list.  Shortly after, we booked our room (in haste) and we were ready to go! 

As the day approached, the expense of going was setting in, the room we had booked (that was non-refundable) was pretty expensive, more expensive than any room we had stayed in previously, and the idea of leaving my husband and kids seemed less enchanting (even though I knew I needed a break).  In addition to all of this, one of the people who was going to go with us had backed out, increasing the expense of the hotel, AND my husband had gotten an extra job that would require him to be gone over night one of the days I was gone.  So, I had to find someone to spend the night at my house with my kids too……

There were many reasons I came up with not to go.  But something told me I HAD to go.  I knew I was getting overwhelmed by life at home, and, to be real honest, it was probably showing in the way I talked to those I love the most.  I knew it was going to be good for me to be gone, but it just seemed like it would be better to stay home.

But God.

But God pushed me to go.

But God made it possible for me to pay for the hotel room.

But God helped me find someone to watch my kids.

But God called me to this experience.

So,  I went.  The theme for the weekend was “Over the Top”, and I had no idea how much that would mean to me by the end of it.  You know, God’s love is “Over the Top”, and we sure felt it throughout the weekend   I’ve never been to one of these conferences, and, as the old saying goes, I just didn’t know what I was missing!

We were blessed with so many great people who spoke, including Andy Andrews, Patsy Clairmont, Mandisa, Amy Grant, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty, and more.  Honestly, some of these people were unfamiliar to me, but not anymore   I’ve even reviewed a couple of Andy Andrews’ books, and now that I’ve seen him in person I think I would enjoy his books more LOL…  He writes like speaks- very energetic.  Now that I have that mental picture of him moving about the stage as he speaks, I think I could better read his books.  He had some really great points, one that stuck with me-

Forgiveness is about the past
Trust is about the future--
Do you forgive someone from stealing from you?  Yes, but that doesn’t mean you then trust them with your belongings……  The two do not go together…..

This was a freeing thought for me, as I continue to work on forgiveness in my own life.  Also, freeing for those who are forgiving me, because I no longer expect things to be the same after I have hurt them….  The other point he made that I really grabbed on to was:

Families can be in disarray because of offenses that are not dealt with properly.
When someone makes a mistake, I’m sorry covers it.
When a choice is made, I’m sorry is not going to cover it.
When it’s a choice, only the words, “Will you forgive me?” Will hit the reset button.

A great concept that I hope to be able to better instill in my children.  It’s a much better explanation to the “Sorry isn’t good enough”…  Here’s the why behind that…

Amy Grant spoke a little, and sang for us, which was wonderful.  I truly truly enjoyed it, along with Mandisa on Saturday.  How fun to get to sing with the likes of the two of them?  And be treated like friends, instead of concert goers…. 

My favorite speaker, however, was Patsy Clairmont.  She touched on some points as she was mostly talking about the writing of her new book, Stained Glass Hearts, which I was able to order from Book Sneeze while at the conference and am currently reading to review for you.  So be on the lookout for that review in coming weeks.  So far I LOVE it! 

Anyway, as she was speaking I wondered if she had been following me around?  How did she know all of these things about me?  She was touching on the very things that I’ve been working on with God lately.  I believe most of these things are the result of maturity, which is also what she said.    She said we all have to grow up sometime, and that is exactly how I’ve been feeling for the past couple of years.  And, let me tell you--- I’m doing this growing up thing kicking and screaming!  LOL  Some of the nuggets she said, that I wrote down were:

Don’t tell everyone everything you think you know…  Wow… yeah…  I do that…
In a multitude of words, there is sin…..  Yeah, I’m working on being quiet…  it isn’t easy…  at all…..
Whining is anger coming out a small place….  I’m not much of a whiner, but it helps me to understand those around me who are better…
God has designed us with a will that is stronger than our emotions….  No more excuses ladies!
Truth needs to go through kindness.  If you can’t do it in kindness, it’s not for you to speak…  This one hit me, because I’m usually the one with the guts to speak up when I think something isn’t right, but I’m not always good at being kind about it…

I’m eager to finish her book, so I can share with you more that I have learned from her.  I really felt a kinship with Patsy.  I saw so much of myself in what she said.  I can see myself reading all of her books….

So, to say that the weekend was “Over the Top” would be an understatement.  My girlfriend and I are already planning on going back next year.

And the best part?  When I came home I was so ready to see my family again.  I had missed them so much.  And they missed me.  My husband even washed my car for me while I was gone!  (I had taken his car so he had the car seats)…  I really needed to be refreshed and renewed in the way that I was over the weekend   I’m so thankful to Book Sneeze for sending me, and I hope that if you have a Women of Faith event coming to your area that you will find a way to go.  I promise you won’t regret it!

GratiTuesday, Book Review and a Giveaway!

 

Recently I was given a copy of Max Lucado’s new book, God's Story, Your Story: When His Becomes Yoursto review on my blog.  I was so excited at the opportunity to review this book, because I really, really enjoy Max Lucado

At first glance of the book, I was not disappointed at all.  As I expected, the book is very easy to read, and grabs you in right away.  The book is a collection of stories of things that have happened to people, and how those stories intertwine with God’s Story.  The purpose of the book is to help you, as the reader to be able to relate the seemingly insignificant things, or maybe even the tragedies of your life into the “Bigger Picture”.

Reading this book has really changed the way I’m looking at life.  And isn’t that what we’re supposed to be doing in the first place?  As Christian’s, we are called to keep our eyes not on earthly things, but on the things of heaven.  We’re called to focus on our inheritance, especially in times of trouble.  And, for me, this has helped me so much during trials in my life.  God has a story for all of us.  He has the ultimate story, we are all a part of a great story, a novel of history.  And our life, is just a page, a chapter, a lesson in the great story of time.  When we’re able to take our eyes off this small piece and see it for what it is, it gives our lives purpose.

There are days when it seems like nothing I do matters.  Nothing significant happens in my day, it’s just the normal hum drum of laundry and dishes.  Most days, I’m very grateful for these sorts of days, because there isn’t a crisis   But, sometimes I wonder- am I doing anything significant in this world?  Yes, the answer is yes.  The story of my life intertwines with God’s Story in ways I never really considered.  And why haven’t we considered them?  Do we really think the people of the Bible, especially those in the smaller stories of the Old Testament thought their lives would have eternal significance?  Probably not.  Yet they do.  Their lives mirror ours in different ways at different times.  Seeing the fulfillment of God’s plan in their lives helps us to believe there is fulfillment in our own.  It gives us hope.  And, that is what the purpose of this book is as well.

I hope reading my review has encouraged you to go buy the book.  I am very grateful for the opportunity to have read it. 

And…….  The kind people at Zondervan have provided a copy for me to give away to one of my readers!  Here’s what you need to do to be entered in the drawing:

• Commit to writing a review/ His Is Mine story and linking to Nailing Jello- 5 entries
• Leave a comment below with why you are interested in the book- 1 entry
• Leave a comment/ post on our facebook page with why you are interested in reading the book- 1 entry
• Advertise the giveaway on your blog/facebook page- 2 entries

I’ll draw the winners for the giveaway next Wednesday and announce the winner in Thursday’s post

Good Luck!

If you’d like, you can read an excerpt here

Menu Monday-10/24

Well the lack of walking and, let’s be honest, general off plan behaviors of mine did show up on the scale last week.  I’m not totally sure how much, because I figured since I was already going to be up this was the perfect opportunity to switch to my winter weigh in wardrobe, which includes a pair of jeans.  So, my weight was up 4.8 pounds, but some of that was the jeans.

I read somewhere this week that exercise only accounts for about 10% of our weight loss success, which, when you think about it makes sense.  If you go to the gym, or work out and then eat crap you really don’t have much success.  The article said that healthy eating accounts for 80% of your weight loss.

I recently started T-Tapping and the book, Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes claims that you don’t have to diet to have success.  I agree with the statements in the book about lean muscle building up your metabolism, but I do not agree that you do not have to diet.  The testimonials that claim weight loss was achieved without dieting later admit that they cut out most junk food.  Well…….  That probably had some effect on your weight loss!  I do like the workout, and think it is beneficial, especially as we are in the busy time of the year with school and the holidays approaching!  So, I’m going to order the DVD’s of the workout today.  The workout is laid out for you completely in the book, but I think it will just be easier to pop the video in than try to fumble through the pages.  And, I’m trying to eliminate my excuses   One other cool thing is if you buy Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutesfirst, you get a one time coupon for 30% off a purchase from T-Tapp.com.  In case you’re wondering, no, I’m not being paid for this advertisement LOL  I just think when we work together we help each other

Ok, so my goals for this week are: 

• JOURNAL (I have gotten off track with this and need to get back ON track)
• Work Out at least 4 times this week
• Get 5 Fruits and Veggies in every day
• Pay attention to my water intake

Here’s the menu:

Monday:  Tilapia and Artichokes

Tuesday:  Date Night and Totino’s Pizza for the kids

Wednesday:  Southwest Chicken Salad 

Thursday:  Cauliflower Cheese Soup, Rolls

Friday:  Drive Thru night, boys have to be in 2 different places around dinner time ;(

Saturday:  Beef Nachos

Sunday:  Going to a Birthday Party, so I don’t have to cook

I’m also going to make up a batch of Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup to help keep me full during the week and help with my veggie intake

And, finally, I’ll drink lots of Smoothies.  If you haven’t tried my Green Smoothie yet, you really should!  My Weight Watcher’s Leader put it in her newsletter and EVERYONE loves it!~  Really! 

GratiTuesday- Overwhelmed by Gratitude :)

I have so much to be thankful for this week!  First, I became a Grandma by heart:

My oldest son turned 15 on Saturday and we went to Rainforest Café to celebrate.  I wasn’t sure how the babies would do, but they really had a great time

Our Niece Calley drove in to town to surprise Auston for his birthday!  It was so great to see her.  I just really, really like her

I’ve said it before, our kids behave more like siblings with their cousin than cousins, and I’m so thankful for that. 

And, yesterday Auston got his Learner’s Permit, which I’m not sure if I should be thankful for or not LOL   

AND, this weekend I’m going to San Antonio with my very very dear friend Gwenn for Women of Faith…..

And, as if that’s not enough….  I’m lucky enough to share this crazy life with my best friend, favorite person, fun loving, husband

Yep…  I’ve got a LOT to be thankful for!