One Down...

Well, one down, and many to go.  I met my first weight goal this morning.  Seems like a long time comin'.  I have been diligent about watching what I eat and exercising, and it paid off!!

I am making a change though, I talked with our local nutritionist and she recommends that I eat 1500-1600 calories per day, so I am starting to eat more.  Seems hard to eat more calories, but I do find I have more flexibility.  

Taco Chicken

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1/2 an onion
Olive Oil
Taco Seasoning

Cut chicken & onion and drizzle a little olive oil over it, add 2 tsp or as much as you like of taco seasoning and cook on stove top.  I like to use a cast iron skillet.

Eat as is, or in a taco shell.  Add toppings as desired.

Making Changes

Changes are coming in my life.  I have started this year really trying to focus on my health.  I am working out everyday on my elliptical for 30 minutes right now, but hope to get more time and distance as time goes on.  I am paying close attention to my food choices and how they affect me.  I am following a 1300 calorie diet.  I used to try really hard NOT to have to focus on calories, but unfortunately that is not working, so I have given in.  I am seeing results.  

A big hurtle I am trying to get over is the balance of making important changes in my life and doing what I need to do to take care of myself, but not becoming self-centered and focused on myself all the time.  I feel like I am doing ok so far, but I have fears that I will go over the top and turn selfish as I reach more of my goals.  How do you hang on to everything that you need to do and not compromise what you need to eat or in your exercise routine, but not have to have things center on your needs?  I don't know how that will go, but I know that I have an awareness, that must be the 1st step, right? 

So, as time goes on, I plan to blog my victories, challenges, and even some of my favorite foods as I go.  I am looking forward to reaching my goals, one at a time.

Where has the time gone?

Wow, it has been a long time since I last wrote.  So much has happened in the last 4 months, I wouldn't even know where to begin.  

I love that the sun is shining again.  We are trying to wrap up our school year and still deal with everyday life!

We are very excited to spend time with special friends this next couple weeks.  It has been a year or more since we have spent time with them.  It will be a great time to catch up.

Friends with like minds

Last night we had friends over.  We enjoyed the evening over dinner and conversation.  We enjoyed talking about kids, faith, and life in general.  It is wonderful to have friends that are like-minded that you can enjoy an evening just being you!!

How did they ever do it?

I was up all night with baby and am extremely exhausted today.  I have so much to do that I have to push on.  That got me thinking.  How did the women from the days of old do it??  Seriously.  They would have had multiple little ones to care for and had much more physical labor than we.  I can't image being up all night and then rising at probably 5:00am to get the breakfast on the table for the family.  Clean that up...oh remember that is by fire.  Then there is laundry, mending, teaching, chores.  Then lunch time.  Did she remember to kill & pluck the chicken?  How long would that take anyway.  Well lunch is now done.  She is cleaning up again and probably clean the rest of the house.  Then there is dinner to deal with, so sometime she had to get the meat and everything ready for that.  I haven't even mentioned keeping the fire going, nursing babies, fixing scraped knees, and stepping in to fix an argument between siblings.

As far as I can see, the only advantage they had over us was, no phone ringing and not as many toys to pick up.

So, as I finish loading my dishwasher, switching a load of laundry, and taking the meat from the freezer to get a casserole ready for lunch in my gas oven while exhausted from lack of sleep....I shall not complain!!! 

A New Start

It has snowed again today making a bright white coat on the lawn. It reminds me of what it is like to have a fresh start. All the brown yucky snow is covered again. The tracks from the kids and the dog are covered looking as if the yard is untouched. Ready for a brand new trip down the hill or a hike to the bunny hutch.

I guess that is how I am feeling this month. I feel like I get a fresh start. Spiritually I feel renewed and ready to learn. Physically, I am excited about starting a lifestyle of taking care of my body, the temple of the Most Holy One. The kids are working on cleaning out their rooms to get unused toys sent to the thrift store and broken ones in the trash.

A new start, time to begin again. My goal is to work harder to keep things the way they are. I know that there is beauty in a fresh start, I just pray that when I get another chance, that this time, there won't be so much icky to cover up.

Lord, thank you for your blessing of fresh starts. They have such a renewing and refreshing feeling of hope. I pray that as I go from here that I will keep my focus on what you have for me. I ask for your guidance everyday as I take care of my responsibilities. May I do what you would have me to do. I pray that the next time you send a time of renewal, that I will not feel so overwhelmed with where I am, I want to be in your will everyday...even in the mundane. Thank you for being patient with me as I learn more about you and give up more of my selfish ambitions.