John's scan

This has been a stressful week, full of emotional highs & lows.  What caused the most stress this week was my hubby's CT Scan yesterday.  As scans get close, fear always takes over, and my stress level rises.  

As my mind wandered this week, I laid on the couch in the late evenings once the kids were sleeping, and watched TV to distract me.  Watching TV wasn't the problem, the dozens of cookies that I consumed during those shows was the issue.  Our moms group had a cookie exchange and I really thought freezing the 13 dozen cookies would help me not eat them.....but no....I realized some of them were really good frozen! LOL.  For me, the best way not to stress eat  is by not having alot of sweets in the house.  If it is not here I don't (can't) eat it!  As much as I didn't want to stress eat, I did!  Thankfully, I kept up with my workouts, well most of them (there were a few I couldn't make due to meetings).  

Due to running crazy, no sleep, and sick kids, I forgot to weigh in...........I think I am taking this as a "pass" week from weighing in.  Going to make this a GREAT week!

OH.........John's Scan - was CLEAR! 

I CAN

December Promise

IT IS NOT TO LATE!!!

Who are you hanging with?

When I started working out, I always saw the same girl in the gym and was amazed at how hard she was working out. A few months back I noticed she joined the zumba class I was going to with one of her friends.  I was amazed that with each move she did , she always added some extra hop, bend, or squatted lower to increase the intensity.  After a few classes I started chatting with her, and realized we had a lot in common.  She was on a journey to reclaim her life as well.  She joined weight watchers, changed her diet, and added in a lot of workout classes. 

As we talked more she started telling me about the different classes at the Y, and encouraged me to try them.  She has motivated me in so many ways!  Just when I feel tired and don’t want to go work out, she pops in my head…..her dedication and energy is so contagious.  She is now down 50lbs & her hubby is down 100lb!  HOW AMAZING!!! 

I have learned that if I want results like her, I have to do the extras.  I probably wouldn’t have tried so many new things, or stuck with them as long, if I wouldn’t have met Jen. I am very thankful God has brought her into my life. 

If there is something you want – surround yourself with those that have gotten the results!! 

Peppermint Pie

Peppermint Pie - Can't wait to try this!!! YUMMY!!

HG's Candyland Peppermint Pie Mint Condition! Combining the seasonal goodness of peppermint with the year-round goodness of chocolate, this pie is AMAZING. Warning: If you alert your holiday guests that this creamy treat is low in fat and calories, they might fall over and knock down some of your decorations. Ingredients: Crust 4 sheets (16 crackers) chocolate graham crackers 2 tbsp. light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown)  Filling 1/2 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup fat-free milk 1 small (4-serving) box Jell-O Sugar Free Fat Free Vanilla Instant pudding mix 3 cups Cool Whip Free, thawed 3 tbsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 standard-sized peppermint candy canes, lightly crushed, divided Optional topping: Fat Free Reddi-wip Directions:Preheat oven to 400 degrees. To make the crust, crush graham crackers in a food processor or blender (or place in large sealable bag and crush with a meat mallet). Transfer crumbs to a bowl and set aside. Place butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, about 15 seconds. Add to the bowl of graham cracker crumbs and mix until uniform. Spray a pie pan with nonstick spray. Evenly distribute crust mixture along the bottom of the pie pan, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust. Press it into the edges and up along the sides of the pan. Bake crust in the oven until firm, 8 - 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. To make the filling, combine condensed milk, milk, and pudding mix in a large bowl. Mix well. Fold in Cool Whip until smooth. Gently stir in chocolate chips and about 3/4 of the candy cane pieces. Once crust has cooled completely, evenly pour filling into the pan. Refrigerate until firm and chilled, at least 2 hours. (Overnight is best.) Sprinkle pie with remaining candy cane pieces. If you like, top with Reddi-wip just before serving. Dig in! MAKES 8 SERVINGS Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of pie) Calories: 202 Fat: 4.5g Sodium: 250mg Carbs: 37g Fiber: 0.25g Sugars: 24g Protein: 2.5g PointsPlus® value 5* http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/show/1850

Don't Compare

Full Figure Poem

"When you’re a plus size woman,

 people like to say"yeah, she's cute in the face"

 as if being full figured is such a disgrace. 

Honey, I’m cute in the face, and I’m thick in the waist.

I look good whether I’m in cotton, leather, or lace.

 I’m beautiful, vibrant and above all, smart!

 And there's more to me than my weight,... I also have a big heart. 

Yes my clothes maybe a bigger size,

 that just means you have access to a bigger prize.

 We all are not self-conscious about our weight, 

and we never have a problem getting a date.

 So don’t think your small frame gives you more pull,

 I’m a hot, sexy, curvy woman with a figure that's full." 

author - unknown

Menu for the week Dec 3rd - 9th

Saturday: Egg Burritos

Onions, peppers will be added as I scramble my eggs.  Then stick it in a tortilla and top with a bit a salsa!

Sunday:  Crepes

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/11/czech-crepes-filled-with-mixed-berries.html

Monday:  Grilled Turkey Sandwiches & Salad

I stick turkey lunch meat, a slice of cheese, onions & peppers in a tortilla, fold it in half and stick it in the little Foreman. 

Tuesday: Homemade Chicken Soup

Wednesday:  Leftover Chicken Soup & Baked Potatoes

Thursday: Chicken Fajitas

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/04/chicken-fajitas-45-pts.html

Friday: Crock Pot Skinny Chicken & Rice

http://www.skinnycrockpot.com/skinny-chicken-rice/   (going to try this for the first time)

Saturday: Crock Pot Veggie Soup

http://hopealicious.blogspot.com/2011/02/vegetable-and-lentil-soup.html

Snowman Cupcakes

HOW CUTE ARE THESE!! Can't wait to make them with my 4 year old! 

Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 24 • Size: 1 cupcake • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 4 pts* (3 pts no frosting)
Calories: 143.5 • Fat: 2.7 g • Carbs: 27.3 • Fiber: 0 • Protein: 2.1 g • Sugar: 19.6
Sodium: 143.2 mg  

Ingredients: 

18.25 oz Duncan Hines French Vanilla cake mix (or yellow, classic white)

6 oz fat free plain Chobani yogurt

1 1/3 cups water

2 large egg whites

For the icing:

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp clear vanilla extract

2-3 tbsp boiling water

For the face:

m&m's for the eyes

orange jellybeans or candy corns for the nose

sprinkles for the hat

mini marshmallows for the cotton part of hat

For Full Directions: 

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/11/vanilla-snowman-cupcakes-with-vanilla.html 

Visit with Baby Adam!

Thanks for all the prayers for Baby Adam!  Please keep them coming!!!


I got to go see him last night!  A group of us from our mom's groups, as well as a few others went to the hospital last night to pray with Anna (Adam's mommy).  It truly was one of those times that you could just feel  that Christ was right in the room!  


After we prayed, we had some time to visit with Anna.  It was amazing to see the strength that she has.  Although very scared, you can tell that she is in control (well as much as you can be in this situation).  I can't tell you enough, how in awe I am of her faith!  She trusts Him so much, and keeps saying "He has a plan, and He has been preparing me for this."  As I look at Anna, I see Mary - Christ's mother!  She is watching her son suffer, but totally trusting God, praising Him for how blessed she is, and knowing that His will, will be done!  I am so blessed to have Anna as role model in my life!  


After most people left, a few of us got to go back and pray over Adam.  Walking into the room seeing this sweet little baby all hooked up, it was heartbreaking...but they finally have him resting more comfortable.  It was really sweet - as we were praying, Adam would smile!  Oh the power of prayer.  As I prayed all night I prayed for a peaceful night for them both - and from the reports today from our friend that works at the hospital on Anna's floor, they both had a peaceful nights sleep!!  Praise Jesus!  


He had his second round of chemo this morning is is tolerating it! It is going to be a few days before we know if it is working!


As I have been getting frustrated over the little things, or worry about my hubby's health (we have a scan coming up in two weeks and I always stress as they get near), I stop and think of this incredible lady, and strong little fighter that I have in my life.  Over eating is not the answer to dealing with my stress, it is trusting Him, and getting my booty to the gym that is going to make all the difference!  


God is Good - All the time!!!  

Baby Adam - Prayers needed!

 Adam with Big Brother & Parents

Today I am counting my blessings & kissing my babies lots!  A good friend of mine took her 7 month old son to Children’s Hospital 3 weeks ago with a feeling something was wrong.  That night they were admitted when they found two tumors in his stomach.  It has taken almost 3 weeks to find out what type of cancer he is dealing with – a very rare aggressive one (can’t remember the name), only 25 cases.  They are starting chemo, but need all the prayers they can get, and a miracle!  Nothing is too big for God to handle & I will keep my faith and hope strong.  Any prayers you can send up for baby Adam are appreciated.

Watching my friend Anna deal with this tragic situation with her son, I realize no matter how crazy my day is, no matter how challenging my kids are, no matter how much sleep I do not get – I am blessed!  Lots of hugs and kisses and prayers of thanksgiving for my little blessings!   

It seems like cancer is everywhere! I am so sick and tired of the word.  Having dealt with it in my own family, I can say it has changed my life.

That being said, it is an eye opener.  Health is so important. With your health anything is possible, without it, nothing else matters!  This is one of my biggest motivators to getting healthy.  I need to be healthy for my kids and family – and I need to do my best to keep my family healthy!  It takes work – but I rather some extra work in a situation I can control, rather then being out of control praying for another chance!