Having a purposeful life

Today my heart feels very heavy. I am really struggling lately with a lot of feelings that maybe my new job isn't the right fit for me.
It makes me cry every time I think about whether it is bringing my life purpose? I will tell you a little about what I do/did for a job and maybe you can relate a little more that way.
I previously worked at an assisted living center for the past 10 1/2 years before leaving in June. I currently am employed at a local hospital as a  housekeeper. I was hoping to use this as a "starter" position to get my foot in the door.
I really feel like I am not serving God in this position....Does that make sense?
I am a people person with a big heart and my gifts are being "bottled up" and put on the back burner.
I need to keep praying that God will show me what I should do....
Please Pray for peace and that if change is the right path for me.
In God I will serve no matter the place:)
Michelle

New favorite drink

Yum!!! You can have this hot or cold. which ever you prefer. Such a nice drink for fall:)

*1/2 cup of Chai mix is 70 calories, 0g fat, and 0g fiber.
*1/2 cup 1% milk is 50 calories, 1.25g fat, and 0g fiber.

Mix the equal parts together and enjoy!! *If you are going to enjoy this hot, mix the equal parts together and heat over the stove in a small saucepan.

Poor food choices

Ahhhh!!!! I was doing so good yesterday until we went out for dinner.
We took my sister in law and my father in law out for dinner to a local pizza place to celebrate my sister in laws 40th birthday. I had good intentions, but pizza buffets are evil;) I consumed way to many calories, but today is a new day!!
"Starting over is better than never starting at all."

Busy, Busy, Busy

Hello everyone!!

I am sorry for the lack of posts recently. School is off to a great start at our house and I am as busy as ever!! I have 3 children all at different schools this year. My oldest is at the high school, middle child at the middle school, and youngest at the elementary school. WOW, I suddenly feel very old;) I am also working many 12 hour shifts at the hospital and am part of our churches senior high youth group as a leader this year.

As the changes in my schedule have changed I have also been slacking a TON in the dieting department. I have been trying, but it gets boring!! I think I can cheat here and there and it won't add up...WRONG!! I need to step it up again and need some motivation. So, we booked a Spring vacation to Tennessee in April. I think that will help me get on the ball again! I am very excited about this vacation and all the hiking we are planning on doing so I need to get my butt in shape{literally}:0)

I am planning on doing my first official weigh in next Friday so stay tuned for that...

I look forward to hearing how everyone has been doing since we all have talked last, so please comment I would love to hear from all of you!

I am here:)

Oh, how the summer has flown right by! We are leaving for our last camping trip of the summer and it is so sad to see it come to an end:(

On the happier side of things. I have lost those stubborn 4 lbs. That I have been up the last few weeks. Back down to -50lbs!!!! I had my yearly and my doctor was so excited to see my weight loss since last year. I lost a huge amount of body fat, blood pressure was great(that's normal for me anyways) and I am still currently on no medications except a multi vitamin:) Overall a great appointment besides having to have a pap smear;) lol!!

Have a great day everyone!

Anniversary and many changes...

My wonderful husband and I are going to be celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary tomorrow!! There has been so many changes in the past year, all good:)

I have grown so much in so many ways...I have tears just thinking about how God has been working in my life. I not only have lost weight, but gained so much closer to God in the process.

Here is a picture of my husband and I last year on our anniversary vacation.

And here is a recent picture of the two of us taken by one of our daughters. Sorry if this picture isn't very clear. Something about going from my cell phone to my blog doesn't work so well.

The heavy me and the lighter me, were loved by this man either way:) Thank you God for blessing me with such an amazing man!

WW Brownies

Ingredients:
2 tbsp. margarine
1/3c. sugar
1/4c. cold water
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2c. flour
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp. chopped pecans
1 tsp. powdered sugar

Directions:
In a small saucepan. Melt margarine, remove from heat. Stir in sugar, vanilla and water. Stir in flour, cocoa powder and baking powder. Mix well, stir in nuts. Spray a 8x8 inch pan with Pam. Pour in batter and bake @350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cut into 8 bars and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

WW Point totals for 1 brownie:
Old points= 2pts.
New points= 3pts.

A week in pictures

Summertime

We are busy, busy, busy.

Life is great as well:) We have been camping, hanging out at the beach every weekend and working of course;)

I am trying to maintain my weight loss still, but I have to admit I am up about 5 lbs. I need to get back on the bandwagon again. It is hard when you are camping and having picnic lunches...I tend to snack more often.

How is the summer going for all of you? I would love to hear from you:)

Summer Fun & Healthy Choices

Hello Friends!!

It seems like forever since I have last posted. We have been busy with swimming lessons, camping, working and just living life:)

How has the summer been going for all of you?

Here are some pictures of some of my favorite things so far this summer as well as some of my favorite healthy foods that I have been enjoying.

Hayrides at the campground

Floating in the pond

Swimming lessons

Flowers

Iced Tea

Raw Nuts

Banana Chips

Have a great day everyone, until next time!
Michelle:0)

Clean Eating 1 Week Review

Overall this week went very well and I was very happy with the choices that I had made. I didn't notice any changes in my energy level, but I am also adjusting to working 12 hour shifts. I did though experience more of a full feeling and was less apt to snacking between meals. The one huge difference for me was I felt a ton less bloated! I hate that feeling, so this was a nice change:)

Here are some of my favorite changes from the week:

Granola that is locally made right here close to my town, paired with Greek Yogurt.




Chia Powder purchased at the Whole Food store. I added this to my yogurt, it adds a thicker consistency along with tons of health benifits!! The powder is easier for your syestem to digest than Chia Seeds.




All natural snack bar. It was delicious!




OMG!!! I picked up a package of these on my way out of the whole food store and after
1 bite I was hooked! The best peanut butter cup I have ever eatten!



Fresh Cherries = BLISS:)



Fresh sliced pears topped with Greek Yogurt. Then sprinkled with a Tbsp. of Good Life Granola. Heavenly!

Progress: ) and my first clean breakfast

My overnight oats were not horrible, but very heavy in my stomach. I could only eat a few bites. I am going to try a hot oatmeal recipe this morning and see if I prefer that more.

Here's to another great day, full of making better choices:)

Clean eating challenge

I am starting a new challenge today.
Everyone on the internet has there own ideas about what Clean Eating is. I am just challenging myself to eat more whole foods and not so much processed, prepackaged foods.

I love my morning coffee with vanilla creamer and that I am not willing to give up;) But as for the rest of my day I will aim to make better choices:)

I am excited to see if these changes will give me more energy or not? With me working 12 hour shifts now I need all the help I can get! Hehe:D

Have a great day friends,
Michelle

My week in review

Well I just completed my first three 12 hour shifts and WOW, I have had to process a lot! My new job is going well at the hospital:) I am happy to report that I have been maintaining my weight loss these last few weeks. I wasn't sure how it was going to go with me eating and sleeping at different times but I am thrilled to just see the scale numbers staying the same.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!
Michelle:)

Smoothies

Good Morning!!

I just made the best smoothie and I wanted to share quick a minute before I head out.

I found this Banana Smoothie recipe on allrecipes.com and with a few changes from others comments it was AMAZING!

Banana Smoothie

1 cut up frozen banana
1c. 1% milk
1 Tbsp. Honey
1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Makes 1 serving.
WW points = 5 (old way)

Catching up

WOW, things have been busy over here!

First of all Happy Memorial Day! I am up bright and early after a long night of baking and preparing for 17+ guest to come over for brunch after the parade. We have done this for many years and our group is growing:)

I wanted to let all of you know that I got the job I applied for at one of our local hospitals!:) So my crazy schedule is going to get crazier. My post will be few and far between due to it being summer and will be gone a lot camping etc.. also I will be working full time now instead of part time.

I hope everyone will have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your summer:)

Michelle

Weigh in

Oh boy, confession time!

I posted a few days ago that I had hit my 50 lb. mark, and I did. I was so thrilled!!
But...

I took that as an opportunity to indulge a little, and now here we are on weigh in day and I have to tell you that the scale showed NO loss:( The numbers are the same as last Wed. So those few pounds I was down came back on with a vengeance!

Nutty Bars, dinner at Applebees and movie theater treats are the reason I gained those few extra pounds I was down back.

Today is a new day:)
Looking forward to seeing a loss for next week!

Not a weigh in day

I know it's not weigh in day but I want to share that when I weighed on my scale this morning I hit my goal of -50 lbs. !!!!!!!

I hope I stay at this for my official weigh in next Wednesday. I have been working my butt of this week and it is really paying off:)

A great day

Yesterday was the best day:)

I put my house all back together now that we are almost finished painting the main level of our house. It looks so nice and refreshed:)

I planted a flat of impatients, and went to get my hair cut. I also received a very important phone call about my job interview. Prayers are appreciated as I am moving forward in the hiring process:)

I also started lifting weights again...I am feeling the burn this morning!

Have a blessed day everyone:)

Back in the game! Weigh in day

I am thrilled to see the scale moving once again!

Here are my results~

-2.8 lbs.

WHOOT HOOT!!:)

Mother's Day

What a busy day it was!

First church, then to my parents for lunch. We had a good time, but the I needed to go to work.

The best part of all was the wonderful cards and gift my husband and kids gave me.

They rock!!

Kindle fire:)

Sums it all up

I am a Mother

My favorite movie is~ Dirty Dancing

I almost always cry while watching a movie, even Transformers;)

I always make exotic dinners for my family....Does pot pies count? Lol

The first thing I do after a long night at work is~ undo my bra the second I step in the door.

I love to lick the beaters after making frosting or pudding.

I love yoga pants!!

I find myself talking to myself more as I age;)

I eat bon bons all day long....NOT! I am lucky if I get to finish my food before my son finishes his and wants mine.

I am healthier and happier because I chose to make a change.

I didn't make the same mistakes my parents made when they raised me ...I made MORE!

I am a Mother and it's a name I wouldn't trade for the world:)

Happy Mother's Day on Sunday to all of you my friends.

May your day be a special as you are!
Michelle

Morning coffee with a little Prayer mixed in

Fresh start this morning on the dieting side of things.

I am having my routine cup of coffee and reading my daily devotional.
It's ironic that it is about worrying. Which is what I have been doing a lot of lately.

I am going to put looking for another job on the back burner for a while. I haven't heard anything from my interview, so I am taking a Que and trying to be content where I am at:)

There were a few quotes in todays reading that really struck me.

"The Lord goes before me, making crooked places straight."

The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. 1 Samuel 2:7

I think to be rich, is not to be wealthy in material things or having lots of money in the bank. Having love, family & salvation are priceless.

Weighing in & holding myself accountable

I did my first weigh in, well in a while actually. It is not pretty.

+4lbs.

I am not happy about this, but it was my choice to make bad decisions. The hubby and I went to Dairy Queen a couple times, birthday dinners, extra snacking. Just poor choices in general were the culprit here.

I weighed in today at a fellow bloggers site.
At home with Kim

She does a Wednesday weigh in and I think moving to Wednesday for weigh ins will give me double the accountability:) I apparently need it;)

Time to see those extra pounds vanish for next weeks weigh in!!

Learning to let go

Do you ever feel like your life revolves or thrives on a routine?

If you break it everything would crumble around you?

Well I do. I am a huge planner. I thrive on LOTS of lists! I do a lot of the same things on the same days and times each and every week. Any of this sounding like you?

As of lately I am having(trying) to let go of some of my control over things and let God take the lead in my life. As you know I had to put my meeting for volunteering on hold due to a job interview last Monday. It has been a week today and I am "patiently" waiting to hear the decision, good or bad. I was told they would take a week or so to let me know, so I have been Praying that if this job would be a good fit for myself and my family that it would be given to me. God already knows what the answer is to that. I just need to trust in him and give up all control....he knows my path:)

P.S. I have not forgot about weighing in, it has just been put on the back burner lately. I will get back to it on Friday:-)

Tx again my friends,
Michelle

Praying on the spot

I struggle every day with comparison and envy. They are not healthy atributes to have by any means.
Sitting in church this morning there I was in the pew behind two beautiful young wives/mothers and what was going through my head? "I am not as skinny as them', "There outfits are better than mine"....I am not good enough.
Why?
Why...
Do I still feel this way?
I know I have worked so hard and Prayed even harder to get where I am weight wise. I will always be a work in progress when it comes to staying at a healthy weight, but I know I am doing my best. Now if I can just remember I AM GOOD ENOUGH:)

Faith looks at God instead of looking inward at inadequacies, problems, or circumstances.
Is there an area in your life or weight loss journey where you need to refocus? I would love to Pray for you:)

Michelle

Sunday morning worship

Do you ever struggle on Sunday mornings to get up and make it to church?

I usually never do, except when my family is gone and it's just me at home. Like this morning, I woke up on time and had some coffee and thoughts started filling my head. The devil was trying to do his best to keep me at home and not attend worship service this morning.

Some of the things he was trying to tell me were~

*"You can sleep in, go ahead"
*"Just relax and skip church, your family isn't here to go with you anyway."
*"You can skip just this one time"

Get out of my head already!!

I might not care if I skip church but God does and I want to worship him everday with or without my family with me.

I went to church by myself today:-)

Satan you will not get the best of me!

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

The last few days

Thank you for all your wonderful comments lately, you are so kind.

The last few days I have been super busy baking for my husbands annual father/kids camping trip. There were 30+ of his friends and their kids and his dad going this year. That's a lot of breads and cookies to make. They were having meals to no worries:)

I also thought I had my plan of what I was going to do with volunteering all figured out, but once again God through me a curve-ball and I got a call Thursday(the same day as my meeting) for an interview at one of our local hospitals. So Thursdays meeting is on the back burner until I have my interview on Monday and see where that leads. I am trying not to get my hopes up, but could definetly use some Prayers!:)

Thank you:-)
Michelle

God you amaze me!

In an earlier post I asked for Prayers about what to do regarding my "free" time now that my children will all be in school all day next year.

Well, God had really been guiding me down the path to volunteer. I have been blessed to be able to meet with a local Christian adoption agency to give of my time and love of God:)

I am thrilled!! Please Pray as Thursday I will meet with them.

God is good all the time!

What a mess

Dear Lord,
If I ever get to far from home. I know you will catch up with me and guide me in the right direction.

What a mess~

What a mess you can feel like when you are struggling...

With weight issues
With health issues
With family issues
With financial issues

Sometimes it feels like you are never going to be able to get over the mountain. God says, cast all you cares upon him because he cares for you. We have to believe and have Faith that God will only gives us what we can handle.

The last few years I have really struggled with why God was calling so many of my loved ones "Home". They had to endure illness and pain and I was deeply hurting.

When my Grandparents passed, I had never felt so much pain.

Why did God have to take them from me?

Now I look back at my weight gain and most of my excess pounds were put on during the last 5 years. Food was my main source of comfort, it filled the void. It comforted me in my time of loss.

I realize now, I should have turned to God and not to food to fill my breaking heart. I still miss my loved ones terribly, but if I need to cry, I cry. I do not eat a whole bag of Doritos(even though I would like to sometimes).

I have come to see that God will put us through trials, but not to hurt or break us, but draw us closer to him.

Isaiah 41:10 says- Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.

God you are my rock!

God is my GPS

God's path for me isn't to be skinny or to show off newly purchased outfits(I am guilty of this). It is to be healthy and content while honoring him.

I thought I had my diet "path" all figured out yesterday and was ready to hit the road, but God stopped me at the first stop sign.

Everything I was reading yesterday, songs I was hearing on the radio were about how we determine our worth, and not by waiting for that certain "something" to happen before really starting to live our lives fully.

I do not want to waist my life away waiting for the scale to show me that I am good enough. I have been shown by losing many people that have been close to me that God can call us home at any minute. I do not want to dwell on weight all the days of my life.

God put this verse in front of me yesterday.

"If you want to be perfect (whole), go, sell all your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Yes Lord I will follow you~

I want to be healthy...
Not obsessed

I want to be alive...
Not just living

I want to be strong...
Strong in Faith

I want to start living for my health, for my family. Not a number on the scale or a number on a tag.

By Prayer and healthy choices I will continue on this journey not by any type of "plan".

I have been really Praying about a lot of things lately. Regarding my job, what I am planning to do once my children are all going to be in school all day next year. I feel God is trying to show me his plan for me.

Prayers are greatly appreciated:)

"Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."~ Romans 12:2

Being ready doesn't mean you are

My husband is always telling me that I just need to stick with one thing (like dieting). It's my personality to like and thrive on change. I am always changing my clothes, at least 2x a day, moving around my furniture, changing hair styles...It's just ME.

I get bored.

I AM going to cut out most of my carbs again, while still changing some of my families food choices to healthier clean ones. I think changing pastas, peanut butter etc..is important for them even if I will not be eating those same foods.

I am still eating all whole foods and no processed foods on Atkins. Eggs, cheese, meat, salads:) etc.. are still very healthy options. I am looking forward to seeing the results after the first week back on plan. So I will do a 1 week weigh in next Thursday.

Looking forward to sharing the results with all of you:)

Just a picture~ Wednesday

Oh, Mondays how I dislike you!

Well this weekend just flew by! I am going on my third night straight at work and it has been super busy. I am ready for a few nights off, especially now that my little guy woke up @5:00 am this morning running a fever:(

A mothers work is never done...

I am hoping to still get some things done today even though I have a sick little guy at home with me.

I don't know about any of you other working mom's out there, but when I am at work the laundry and other house work is always waiting for me when I get home to "have time" to take care of it.

Calgon take me away...:)

Changing is hard

As you know from my last post I have decided to change some of the foods I eat. I was all for totally switching everything to a Clean Diet but, it is really hard! I love food and a lot of it is WW meals, granola bars, etc.. But I AM trying:)

*This was my first attempt at changing my Breakfast OK..this was horrible! It tasted terrible, actually it didn't taste like anything. I am thinking smoothies maybe a better option for me. I love flavorful foods and oats is not one of those for me. Trial and error I guess:)

*Now this was good! I switched our regular JIF peanut butter and bought lightly salted Organic rice cakes. I really like this for a quick snack:)

* I love salads as some of you know, but I tried switching my favorite ranch dressing for rasberry vinegrette.

NO , I do not like it sam I am ;-)

This is not really going so well is it??!!

I like what I like I guess, not sure if that is going to change. Lol

I guess after 33 years I am still the picky, little freckled face red-head my momma made sit at the kitchen table all afternoon until I would finish my ham loaf;)

Weigh in #27

Results for this week...

+/- 0lbs.

I stayed the same, but I am healthier than ever and I wouldn't trade that for anything:)

Thursday's thoughts...

Everything is going great lately:) The scale is at a standstill but good things come in time. I know God is right here with me promising to be here with me on my healthy-eating journey.

I read Psalm 107:18-20 this morning and WOW!! All I can say for today is...

"All my Jesus girls say, Amen!"

Weigh in week #26

Good morning everyone!!

Here are this weeks results~

-.2

It's not great, but it's a loss:-) Slowly but surely I am getting close to the 50 lb. mark!!

Have a great weekend everyone, and a Happy Easter!

Thursday's random thought

I really dislike fat free vanilla creamer:P
I thought since it was only 25 calories per serving I would try it....

Yuck!!!

I will take the extra 10 calories, if it makes my coffee taste great;)

What a sacrifice;) hehehe

Easter Outfit

I am doing one last fitting today and practicing walking in these shoes;) lol
Pray I won't fall on my face!
My phone has a terrible camera..sorry if the pic is fuzzy:(

Choices

When do you remember not being on a "diet". I have always been a small child. In middle school I was my heaviest, during those years of "change". In high school I changed my eating habits, not on purpose, it just happened. Boys came along, I was very social, worked and the extra pounds came off. Then I got pregnant with my first daughter I was wearing a 14/16 at 9 months, I thought I was going to die!! That was FAT for me having always been a 9 slim. WOW if I had only known almost 16 years later I would love to be in a size 9 slim, and I mean those 9's were straight out of the drier and fit like a glove;) Paired with a tight top and boots and I was ready for the day!
I know realize I am not ready to be a 9 slim and living on animal crackers and Diet Coke:) I need MORE! I still love my Diet Coke though.
Someday's I feel like if I even smell a donut and not only do I gain weight, but something somewhere gets squishier;)
Thanks for letting me ramble on today!

The definition of a really bad day

What do you consider "having a bad day"?
I sometimes think it's when I have a rough night at work, and my residents have gotten to my boiling point.
Sometimes I think it's when my kids are just driving me NuTs!
Most often it's when I feel physically bad, like when the scale says I put on a few pounds, or if my clothes just aren't fitting how I think they should.
Even a bad hair day can make me feel this way. But I have really been working on changing my way of thinking. I know people hate to hear "there are so many people worse off than you, so you should be greatful"...but you/I really SHOULD:) I am not sitting in a doctors office week after week receiving chemo treatments, I am not living at a nursing facility, I am not abused. I could go on and on.
I am having a GREAT day today, because God has promised to be right here with me every step good or bad. He allows for us to have our "bad days" but remembering he is always there to hold our hand makes it feel like everything is going to be alright:)

Sorry for being MIA!

I have really missed my blog... My account was hacked and I had some other issues with this account so I needed to get everything straightened out. Everything is looking good now and back in order:) So glad to be back!! Love, Michelle

Weigh in week #25

I know this is supposed to be my off week, but I have been feeling so good so I wanted to weigh in today:)

Results:
-2.0 lbs

Finally the scale is moving;)

Summer Shopping Fun

I had so much fun shopping this weekend for a few starter outfits for the up coming Spring/Summer seasons! My little guy doesn"t allow for a lot of "trying on" time. I guess 6 year old boys have better things to do. Lol:D Well I did get to pick up a few things:)

I was thrilled to be buying 1-2 sizes smaller in tops and 2 (could be 3) sizes smaller in shorts and capris then last year at this time!! :) I could go smaller in the tan shorts but I really prefer to be able to walk and be comfortable( oh, and BREATH ) :) hehe!! They will probably be to big by the time summer actually comes...but that's ok! I will need to buy a few more outfits by then anyways:-)

These 2 tops are my favorites:) Being a natural redhead I can't wear all colors, but these two I really love!

A new week

I am finding so many blogs inspiring lately. It is amazing to me how many other weight loss bloggers there actually are out there! We all are in search for something "different", even though our end goals are similar...BE A HAPPY PERSON:-)!!!!!!!
*Will seeing a smaller size on your jeans make you happier?
*Will a certain number on the scale make you happier?
*Will running a certain distance make you happier?

Whatever it is you want to be so you are a  happier, more content woman/man. I wish you the best of luck my friends and will be right here with you:)

Here's to enjoying life as a more positive, encouraging, loving, compassionate person!

Finding Peace

I am reading a wonderful devotional right now, that has my mind really wondering about things.
The topic today was that Gluttony seems to be overlooked as an acceptable Christian sin. I am questioning what exactly is the end result people are looking for in terms of weight loss? Scripture tells us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Isn't peace what we want most in our lives- even our health?
WOW...that is powerful stuff! I think being successfull for me will be when I stand on the scale and feel peace, no matter what the number says.
I read this quote yesterday "Food fills your stomach, but never your soul". How true!

Hoping you will find your Peace in you life and weight loss journey:)

Michelle

Weigh in week #24

Here are the results:

+.5

A half a pound gain is nothing considering it has been two weeks since I weighed in and it's that TOM;)

I am enjoying my family time and time with friends. I feel better and more confident than ever:)

Bring on Summer!!!

New Blog

I started up another Blog, devoted to my cooking/baking. I have really missed sharing both new and old recipes with my friends. I am really looking forward to this new adventure! Hopefully you will stop by and take a look:

http://enjoyingtheflavorsoflife.blogspot.com

A smashing sucess in the kitchen = Everything in moderation!

As some of you may know, I Love to cook/bake!I actually used to have a Blog devoted to sharing old passed on recipes as well as newly discovered ones. My purpose was to try to get people to spend quality time together at meals as well as making memories in the kitchen with our children for the generations to come. I grew up watching my Grandparents cook/bake for everyone/anyone. My Grandfather made the best soup, pig n blankets, cookies etc.. My Grandmother was always bringing over homemade breads and muffins. My grandparents have both passed away but are never far from my heart!
I haven't really been doing much when it comes to baking since I started on my weight loss journey. I sort of feel like a piece of me has been missing when I stopped doing something that I loved. So the other day I put my skills to the test and... I havent lost my "gift" ;)
This is one of my favorites:)

Kentucky Chocolate Chip Pie

*This is not a low calorie or low fat dessert by any means. But worth every single bite:) I love that on Weight Watchers you can have everything in moderation..even pie:)

Not much going on

My life has been busy with not a whole lot to blog about. I am currently at a stall in the weight loss department. I feel like right now I am just maintaining my weight loss. That's great because I love how I look and feel:) I know there are still 10 lbs. to lose, but it will come off when its ready. "Slow and steady wins the race"

Bye-Week

I will not be doing a weigh in today. This is my Bye-week that I talked about doing in an earlier post. I will weigh in next Friday:)
Have a great weekend everyone!

Being honest with yourself and others

I have really opened up my struggles to the world lately, I feel like. I used to keep everything inside and not share my feelings or thoughts with anyone. This time around it is different. I find myself talking openly about my struggles on this journey with fb, strangers, anyone who will listen. I am hoping this will help someone else and me:)
I love blogging, but also donot want anyone to compare themselves to me, in regards to weight/ weigh in's. I feel like that sets us up for failure. I still find myself feeling like I need to "catch up" with other peoples weight loss..why do we do this to ourselves?? God made us all different for a reason, we are made in his image...I need to remember this!
I was talking openly on fb this morning about having to change mentally now that I have changed physically. When I look in the mirror I still see a fat person. Even though I am not. I see rolls, big thighs etc... Crazy!! I am perfect in God's eyes!!!!! Why can't I see that sometimes?
I think everyone has struggles and needs to be reminded that we are here to support one another through life's journey, weight loss etc...
I am here for you and you have been here for me:)
THANK YOU!

Mid-week Ramblings

I have a confession to make...

I LOVE Toaster Strudels!!! Hehe...

Especially the Boston Cream Pie:)I know this is not a healthy breakfast, but I am addicted;)

Trying to stay the course

I am currently reading a book by Chantel Hobbs. She talks about at the end of her book some thing called "bye week". A bye week is basically a scheduled/essential break from your wellness routine. Giving you and your body time to refocus on your goals without the pressure of "having to do something" like weighing in. She goes on to talk about how many people quit doing something they are succeeding at, simply because of the pressure to maintain momentum. People who never take a break lose focus and failure takes over and they give up.

I do not want to give up, and I won't!

Basically the off week would be used for Prayer, reading, listening to music..doing the things you love without the added pressure of "weighing in". Giving yourself a boost to recharge your body and mind.

I love this idea! Devoting more time to God and thanking him for the results he has given me on this amazing journey:)
Everyone hits roadblocks it's how you repond to them...that will choose your path.

Weight loss progress so far

A good friend helped me put these pictures together. Thank you!

Enjoying some family time

Despite the snow storm yesterday, our plans were not canceled. My daughter and I still attended our mother/daughter night, sent my oldest off to a youth retreat and my husband and son had a father/son bowling and pizza night. Everyone had some one on on bonding time:-)

Tonight we are going to Boatwerks for dinner as a family, I can't wait! I love an excuse to get dressed up:) I am thinking my cute gray dress and tall black boots:)

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Weigh in week #22

Here are todays results:

-1.2 lbs!! :)

over the 45 pound mark!!

At least my weigh in is good because the weather is horrible here! School was canceled due to all the snow we got last night and it just keeps on snowing. My middle daughter and I were going to a fashion/dessert night tonight but that also might be canceled. I am also busy cleaning the house because we were supposed to be getting new leather furniture today, I hope the weather doesn't change there minds about still delivering them!

I will try to post some pics soon:)

Local/Fresh Produce

I am really big on buying seasonal berries and freezing them so I can enjoy them year round. How about you? I also love stopping by the area apple orchard and picking peaches and apples and canning them for the year.
I froze blueberries this past summer and we are on the last of them. I am also on the last few jars of applesauce and peaches:( Summer needs to arrive so I can go to the farmers market and local farms to purchase more. There is just something about going and picking fresh fruit that I just love!

I had a wonderful treat tonight. Greek yogurt with fresh blueberries. YUM-O

Snack time:)

I guess I am all about showing you my snack choices lately!

Now which one to choose?? :)