To make the ABC Christmas Countdown more easily accessible I have placed it on a Google site that I am currently in the processes of creating. Please disregard the rest of the site as it is a work in progress. Check it out here.
If you scroll to the bottom of the page you will see there are two attachments. One is for the lesson plan and one is for the daily ABC cards.
Hope you all have fun and learn lots about Jesus!
11.12.2009
10.30.2009
Menu Ideas
Here are a few fast and easy things that the Fitch girls eat on a regular basis. Most of it is done with organic foods. The cheese we eat is also health market cheese that has probiotics in it. Other ideas to come soon...
Roasted Chicken, with potatoes and carrots:
It does take 1.5 hours to cook, but you just throw it all in a pan (cut up the potatoes and use baby carrots) with a stick of butter and season the bird. Then every 30 minutes just bast it. The prep time is so easy, that i use this meal when i am at home, but busy. (pick all the leftover meat off and FREEZE THE BONES when you are done)
With the left over meat you can make one of the next two dishes.
Chicken Casserole:
Leftover chicken (or six breasts fully cooked and diced)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 8oz sour cream
mix these three things together. Spread crushed up Ritx crackers over the top and cook at 350 for 30 minutes. Delicious
Chicken Broccoli and Cheesy Rice:
Left over Chicken (or how ever much you want to add)
Buy and prepare a packet of cheesy broccoli rice. while that is cooking...
In a skillet, cut up and put Broccoli in, with a little bit of water in the bottom, cover it, and cook until it is bright green.
Add in the chicken and cover it again.
Within 10 minutes that rice will be done as well as the chicken and broccoli. Put it all together in a big bowl and put it on the table.
Salmon:
This is so easy to cook. You can buy 1.50 frozen wild caught salmon at HyVee. it is PINK so my daughter will eat it.
Just throw it in the skillet (a little olive oil in the bottom) and salt and cover it. Let it sit for five minutes while you...
Prepare green salad and apples. Sometimes some cheese sliced too.
Flip the fish after 5 minutes. Salt and cover.
Finish getting the table set.
Pull the fish off and you have a full meal in 15 minutes. Prep and all.
Veggie Pasta Soup:
This will take a day to prepare, but then you can freeze and pull it out later. it is a family favorite here.
To make broth: bring to a boil two saved chicken carcasses then let them simmer for 6-8 hours
Then drain the bones and you should have over a gallon over broth left (super healthy).
Add to it: One box of bow tie noodles, 1 can peas, 1 can carrots, 1 can corn and one can garbanzo beans
Serve with grapes, hard boiled eggs and cheese cubes.
it tastes just like chicken n noodles that you put over potatoes, but it is really healthy and low in calories.
Roasted Chicken, with potatoes and carrots:
It does take 1.5 hours to cook, but you just throw it all in a pan (cut up the potatoes and use baby carrots) with a stick of butter and season the bird. Then every 30 minutes just bast it. The prep time is so easy, that i use this meal when i am at home, but busy. (pick all the leftover meat off and FREEZE THE BONES when you are done)
With the left over meat you can make one of the next two dishes.
Chicken Casserole:
Leftover chicken (or six breasts fully cooked and diced)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 8oz sour cream
mix these three things together. Spread crushed up Ritx crackers over the top and cook at 350 for 30 minutes. Delicious
Chicken Broccoli and Cheesy Rice:
Left over Chicken (or how ever much you want to add)
Buy and prepare a packet of cheesy broccoli rice. while that is cooking...
In a skillet, cut up and put Broccoli in, with a little bit of water in the bottom, cover it, and cook until it is bright green.
Add in the chicken and cover it again.
Within 10 minutes that rice will be done as well as the chicken and broccoli. Put it all together in a big bowl and put it on the table.
Salmon:
This is so easy to cook. You can buy 1.50 frozen wild caught salmon at HyVee. it is PINK so my daughter will eat it.
Just throw it in the skillet (a little olive oil in the bottom) and salt and cover it. Let it sit for five minutes while you...
Prepare green salad and apples. Sometimes some cheese sliced too.
Flip the fish after 5 minutes. Salt and cover.
Finish getting the table set.
Pull the fish off and you have a full meal in 15 minutes. Prep and all.
Veggie Pasta Soup:
This will take a day to prepare, but then you can freeze and pull it out later. it is a family favorite here.
To make broth: bring to a boil two saved chicken carcasses then let them simmer for 6-8 hours
Then drain the bones and you should have over a gallon over broth left (super healthy).
Add to it: One box of bow tie noodles, 1 can peas, 1 can carrots, 1 can corn and one can garbanzo beans
Serve with grapes, hard boiled eggs and cheese cubes.
it tastes just like chicken n noodles that you put over potatoes, but it is really healthy and low in calories.
10.29.2009
Pearl Team
Eliza has been asked to join the new Pearl Team at Amy Peel Dance Avenue where she dances. This is a competition team.
The parents were told that our child was asked because they showed great improvement in:
1. The ability and desire to dance.
2. Listening to teachers.
3. Treating their friends kindly.
I like how they stated "showed improvement". :) I just love my daughter, and I have to say, she did work for this. I hope her passion only continues to grow, and all three of these things continue to increase in her life.
The parents were told that our child was asked because they showed great improvement in:
1. The ability and desire to dance.
2. Listening to teachers.
3. Treating their friends kindly.
I like how they stated "showed improvement". :) I just love my daughter, and I have to say, she did work for this. I hope her passion only continues to grow, and all three of these things continue to increase in her life.
10.27.2009
Leaps and Bounds....
Am i the only one who has a child who will out of nowhere just start getting things? Eliza has been doing this over the last few months. She went from not being able to know her letters in a snap, to knowing about 8 of them. She is also learning what sound the letters make, and was able to tell me more than one of them the other day.
Math has always been a strong suit for her, but she is learning more and more the concepts that are used in figuring out addition and subtraction.
One place she could still improve are her social skills. This was the main reason that i wanted to wait and send her to Kindergarten just after her sixth birthday. With all of the things that she has been learning so well, i was starting to question my decision. Until i see the captain of the mean girls show up.
Oh yeah, it is that bad. If you have seen the movie "Mean Girls" with Lindsay Lohan, you know what I am talking about. Unfortunately, this character is one that i see reflected in Eliza sometimes.
But i think she is getting it. Twice she has chose to apologize to the person without being asked to. And once, she even prayed for forgiveness for treating someone so badly.
Having a child who is having their feelings hurt is no fun. Eliza has been on the receiving end more than once. But I think it is even worse when your child is the one doing the hurting. Praise God that she is learning that this is not how we are suppose to treat each other.
Math has always been a strong suit for her, but she is learning more and more the concepts that are used in figuring out addition and subtraction.
One place she could still improve are her social skills. This was the main reason that i wanted to wait and send her to Kindergarten just after her sixth birthday. With all of the things that she has been learning so well, i was starting to question my decision. Until i see the captain of the mean girls show up.
Oh yeah, it is that bad. If you have seen the movie "Mean Girls" with Lindsay Lohan, you know what I am talking about. Unfortunately, this character is one that i see reflected in Eliza sometimes.
But i think she is getting it. Twice she has chose to apologize to the person without being asked to. And once, she even prayed for forgiveness for treating someone so badly.
Having a child who is having their feelings hurt is no fun. Eliza has been on the receiving end more than once. But I think it is even worse when your child is the one doing the hurting. Praise God that she is learning that this is not how we are suppose to treat each other.
10.26.2009
Marlboro Ultra Lights
As i was cleaning out above my refrigerator today, I found an almost full pack of cigarettes. I opened the lid to smell them, thinking it might be nice. On the contrary, they smelled awful!!! And not just a stale smell, it was a normal cigarette smell. All i could think was, OH PRAISE GOD!!!!!
After 50+ attempts at quitting, and wanting to quit for about eight years, i was finally fully released from this addiction. There have been times over the last year plus, that i thought, "Hmm, i think i want a cigarette", but it is always followed by the reminder of these things:
1. They were making me sick, literally.
2. I can run now, when i couldn't before.
3. It is one less thing for me to worry about.
4. I think it stinks now, and considering I always carried a body spray with me, I think I always did.
5. Lord willing, I quit soon enough to allow myself more years with my daughter and other loved one.
What a nice reminder this was for me today. Just when I start getting hard on myself about my lack of discipline, I am given a visual of just how much the Lord has been healing me from the inside out.
After 50+ attempts at quitting, and wanting to quit for about eight years, i was finally fully released from this addiction. There have been times over the last year plus, that i thought, "Hmm, i think i want a cigarette", but it is always followed by the reminder of these things:
1. They were making me sick, literally.
2. I can run now, when i couldn't before.
3. It is one less thing for me to worry about.
4. I think it stinks now, and considering I always carried a body spray with me, I think I always did.
5. Lord willing, I quit soon enough to allow myself more years with my daughter and other loved one.
What a nice reminder this was for me today. Just when I start getting hard on myself about my lack of discipline, I am given a visual of just how much the Lord has been healing me from the inside out.
10.24.2009
Back sliding....
These last couple of months have been a struggle. To be honest it all started the first day of the fair. I kind of allowed myself to let up on the diet. To make matters worse, the next day I went on vacation. The next week, then I get back and the gym has no classes, just the fitness center. This got my completely off the routine that I had created.
September began and I was doing pretty good with making it to the gym. However with school and a whole new schedule starting, I started to slack off on the food. Then in October, my schedule took a fierce shift. It has not been good. I am finding it hard to make it to the gym, and the diet is so far off....i have kraft singles in my fridge!?!??! WHAT THE?????
To add to the rut I have found my way in to, I now have an injured wrist and knee. This will limit my work outs to the treadmill and swimming pool. I think that this might be happening so that I get my focus back on eating the right foods, in the right amount.
I am writing all this, not to complain, or as an excuse, but rather I hope to look back on it very soon as a reflection of how was in a rut, and through the grace of God, got out of it quickly!!!
Here's hoping!
September began and I was doing pretty good with making it to the gym. However with school and a whole new schedule starting, I started to slack off on the food. Then in October, my schedule took a fierce shift. It has not been good. I am finding it hard to make it to the gym, and the diet is so far off....i have kraft singles in my fridge!?!??! WHAT THE?????
To add to the rut I have found my way in to, I now have an injured wrist and knee. This will limit my work outs to the treadmill and swimming pool. I think that this might be happening so that I get my focus back on eating the right foods, in the right amount.
I am writing all this, not to complain, or as an excuse, but rather I hope to look back on it very soon as a reflection of how was in a rut, and through the grace of God, got out of it quickly!!!
Here's hoping!
10.16.2009
Timothy Lovers Fitch
Check out the newest member of our family!
Apparently, on Wednesday of this week, this cat was found by my neighborhood mail man. He put the cat in his truck and was going to take it to the shelter. He then stopped at the Barber Shop in my neighborhood (this is a local hang out for the fellas) and the cat jumped out of the truck and walked right into the Barber Shop.
The men were enjoying him, but the wife of the owner said the cat had to go, as they had just taken in another one last week. So they called my friend Tammy (her dad is a regular up there) since they know how much she loves animals.
Tammy already has a few cats, and so she called me to see if I wanted him. I said no at first, as I had visions of being bit. Then I said, ok bring him over and we will see. Well the cat came right to me! I looked at him and said "Ah, Timothy." And that is how he got the name. We brought him right in, and he was at home instantly!
My friend thought his name should be Lovers, because he really is just that sweet. So his full name is Timothy Lovers Fitch. It is a great addition to our family, and I am sure the wrath of Gracie will pass soon. I hope. :)
8.31.2009
She Has a Plan!
Oh heavens-ta-betsy, five is just too cute. Eliza has entered into her fifth year of life, as i stand by and watch. She is thinking more and more lately. About how things work and why things are the way they are. Almost everything she sees she questions. My favorite thing is how she always has "a plan".
_____________________________________________
"eliza, please do not go out there without me."
"but mom, I planned to get my Barbie so that I could have her be the flower girl at the wedding."
______________________________________________
"Eliza, you need to have shoes on to go on that deck."
"Mom, now i will not get the van before reid. I was going to go out this way because it is closer, and not my plan is no good."
______________________________________________
Yes, she always has a plan... perhaps i should address her and her schedule in the mornings before i make the plans for our day? :)
_____________________________________________
"eliza, please do not go out there without me."
"but mom, I planned to get my Barbie so that I could have her be the flower girl at the wedding."
______________________________________________
"Eliza, you need to have shoes on to go on that deck."
"Mom, now i will not get the van before reid. I was going to go out this way because it is closer, and not my plan is no good."
______________________________________________
Yes, she always has a plan... perhaps i should address her and her schedule in the mornings before i make the plans for our day? :)
8.02.2009
Bootcamp Results
Thought I would give you all a run down of some of the results from the last month of "Y Boot Camp".
Getting Stronger
I seem to be able to do a lot more physically. The training included run/walks, cardio intervals, spinning and kick boxing. The combination of all of these, seems to have heightened my endurance. I was able to do the required hovers in the spin class, and did not have to take as many breaks in the kick boxing. I also am not feeling as much pain in my lower legs when I am run/walking.
The free weights and machines are about the same. I am focusing on making sure that I have good form, and taking my time to work the muscles right. I have a lot more confidence when I am walking up to the weight area now too.
In The Closet
There have been numerous victories coming from my closet. The clothes I normally wear are feeling and looking better. I am able to fit into clothes that I bought, but had some lumps that I did not like. But I think the best feeling is this pair of purple striped pajama bottoms. I bought these shortly after I had Eliza. They fit ok, but a bit snug. Over the last five years, they have been becoming more and more and more snug, until it was to uncomfortable to wear them. I can now not only wear them, they are fitting better than they did when I first got them. Now that feels nice, like jammi bottoms should.
The Scales
Stupid scales. Why do we do this to ourselves? The torture of the up and downs of a woman's body weight are such a mind game. But of course, I have been playing it, and it is not all bad to see some results. I have lost 10 lbs since the end of June.
To date I have lost 35 lbs! This is in a course of about 4 months, which is incredible results in my book.
The Heart of The Matter
There are still many moments when I eat a handful of chocolate chips. Or eat subway when I should be cooking at home. Or the cheeseburger, or various other "cheats" that I know I should not be doing. I am learning that I can not allow myself to beat myself up over these cheats. At the same time, it is not OK, for me to abuse grace, and tell myself it is exceptable. Does this sound confusing to the rest of you? Well it does to me too, so I am just trying to trust in Christ, that he is teaching me to do right.
I know that there are other areas in my life that he is healing as well. Other issues of life that I was not always able to deal with, because I have a rather tender heart, I am now able to begin to address.
Being still is also a work of art that I have been working on. I must say, I have had some victorious moments as a result of acting on this gracious advice.
Overall, I feel that it was time, money and sweat well spent. I plan to continue to do as Diane, Dendra, Cathy and Marci have shown me. These are some awesome woman who dedicated a lot of time to me and my bootcamp teammates. I thank them all and look forward to ongoing relationships with each of them.
I am attaching a picture of a week of working out that I will be doing. You can see it better by clicking on the image itself. I think it is a good idea to have it written out in advance so that you know exactly what you are going to do, and know exactly how much time you will need to do it. Just FYI...
Getting Stronger
I seem to be able to do a lot more physically. The training included run/walks, cardio intervals, spinning and kick boxing. The combination of all of these, seems to have heightened my endurance. I was able to do the required hovers in the spin class, and did not have to take as many breaks in the kick boxing. I also am not feeling as much pain in my lower legs when I am run/walking.
The free weights and machines are about the same. I am focusing on making sure that I have good form, and taking my time to work the muscles right. I have a lot more confidence when I am walking up to the weight area now too.
In The Closet
There have been numerous victories coming from my closet. The clothes I normally wear are feeling and looking better. I am able to fit into clothes that I bought, but had some lumps that I did not like. But I think the best feeling is this pair of purple striped pajama bottoms. I bought these shortly after I had Eliza. They fit ok, but a bit snug. Over the last five years, they have been becoming more and more and more snug, until it was to uncomfortable to wear them. I can now not only wear them, they are fitting better than they did when I first got them. Now that feels nice, like jammi bottoms should.
The Scales
Stupid scales. Why do we do this to ourselves? The torture of the up and downs of a woman's body weight are such a mind game. But of course, I have been playing it, and it is not all bad to see some results. I have lost 10 lbs since the end of June.
To date I have lost 35 lbs! This is in a course of about 4 months, which is incredible results in my book.
The Heart of The Matter
There are still many moments when I eat a handful of chocolate chips. Or eat subway when I should be cooking at home. Or the cheeseburger, or various other "cheats" that I know I should not be doing. I am learning that I can not allow myself to beat myself up over these cheats. At the same time, it is not OK, for me to abuse grace, and tell myself it is exceptable. Does this sound confusing to the rest of you? Well it does to me too, so I am just trying to trust in Christ, that he is teaching me to do right.
I know that there are other areas in my life that he is healing as well. Other issues of life that I was not always able to deal with, because I have a rather tender heart, I am now able to begin to address.
Being still is also a work of art that I have been working on. I must say, I have had some victorious moments as a result of acting on this gracious advice.
Overall, I feel that it was time, money and sweat well spent. I plan to continue to do as Diane, Dendra, Cathy and Marci have shown me. These are some awesome woman who dedicated a lot of time to me and my bootcamp teammates. I thank them all and look forward to ongoing relationships with each of them.
I am attaching a picture of a week of working out that I will be doing. You can see it better by clicking on the image itself. I think it is a good idea to have it written out in advance so that you know exactly what you are going to do, and know exactly how much time you will need to do it. Just FYI...
7.28.2009
July Bootcamp!
This last month I have been quite busy with school, festivities, and for two hours every morning Monday - Thursday, a little something the YMCA likes to call "Bootcamp".
I decided to take part in this mostly because I knew that I needed to have someone show me my way around the gym again. I also need to be pushed beyond my comfort level. This course has met both of these objectives!
Adding this to my already well defined diet, enabled me to lose eight pounds in the first week. I lost some major inches, dropping one full pant size, and a lot of my clothes are feeling a lot better.
The next two weeks were a major struggle. I had so many other things going on, that I was finding great excuses to stop for a burger, or a quick dinner at Casey's. Needless to say, I went up and down a few pounds these two weeks, but no real success or failures. The nutrionist that gave two lectures to our "bootcamp" group stated it well, when he said, "A relapse is not a failure." Those seemed to be pretty big words for me, as I seem to judge myself on a pass/fail scale.
I was also struggling with my emotions. If you have ever watched the show "The Biggest Loser" you might have seen people break down and cry. I always wondered what that was all about, but now I have a better idea.
Last Wednesday during cycling class, we were doing sprints. This is where you go full fource for 25 seconds and then 35 seconds off. You do this for a total of eight minutes. This was our second round of sprints, after some uphilling and hovering. I have not developed all of the needed muscles for cycling yet, so it is all a challenge for me. For some reason, after about the fourth sprint of that round, i just threw my towel over my head, and my body started to just weep. I do not recall thinking of anything sad, or evening feeling like I was "crying". It was just a flow of tears, that seemed to be releasing a build up of tension from my brain.
This last weekend, was definitly not great, as I continued to struggle with staying disciplined with my diet. Then yesterday morning, while reading the word, I was given motivation to refocus my eyes back where they should be, and remember that it is not just about what "i want" to be doing, it is about healing and transforming myself from the inside out, as an act of obedience to my Lord! A call to live a life worthy of him and all that he has planned for me. And to be able to be around, and in good condition to do so. To make my body a living sacrifice. To not be a glutton, or sluggard, because those things are not holy, and he is calling me to be holy. So, do i really need any other reasons to die to my own desires for the Mc D's cheeseburger, and live the life he has shown me to live? HMM!?!?!?!?
I decided to take part in this mostly because I knew that I needed to have someone show me my way around the gym again. I also need to be pushed beyond my comfort level. This course has met both of these objectives!
Adding this to my already well defined diet, enabled me to lose eight pounds in the first week. I lost some major inches, dropping one full pant size, and a lot of my clothes are feeling a lot better.
The next two weeks were a major struggle. I had so many other things going on, that I was finding great excuses to stop for a burger, or a quick dinner at Casey's. Needless to say, I went up and down a few pounds these two weeks, but no real success or failures. The nutrionist that gave two lectures to our "bootcamp" group stated it well, when he said, "A relapse is not a failure." Those seemed to be pretty big words for me, as I seem to judge myself on a pass/fail scale.
I was also struggling with my emotions. If you have ever watched the show "The Biggest Loser" you might have seen people break down and cry. I always wondered what that was all about, but now I have a better idea.
Last Wednesday during cycling class, we were doing sprints. This is where you go full fource for 25 seconds and then 35 seconds off. You do this for a total of eight minutes. This was our second round of sprints, after some uphilling and hovering. I have not developed all of the needed muscles for cycling yet, so it is all a challenge for me. For some reason, after about the fourth sprint of that round, i just threw my towel over my head, and my body started to just weep. I do not recall thinking of anything sad, or evening feeling like I was "crying". It was just a flow of tears, that seemed to be releasing a build up of tension from my brain.
This last weekend, was definitly not great, as I continued to struggle with staying disciplined with my diet. Then yesterday morning, while reading the word, I was given motivation to refocus my eyes back where they should be, and remember that it is not just about what "i want" to be doing, it is about healing and transforming myself from the inside out, as an act of obedience to my Lord! A call to live a life worthy of him and all that he has planned for me. And to be able to be around, and in good condition to do so. To make my body a living sacrifice. To not be a glutton, or sluggard, because those things are not holy, and he is calling me to be holy. So, do i really need any other reasons to die to my own desires for the Mc D's cheeseburger, and live the life he has shown me to live? HMM!?!?!?!?
6.17.2009
6.05.2009
Week Ten - A Noticeable Difference
We are wrapping up week ten of our new eating habits. Ten weeks seems like a short amount of time when looking at the big picture, but it has been enough to make some noticeable differences in our health, our attitude, our tastebuds and my heart.
Our Health
When we started this I was about 15 lbs heavier.
When we started this I could not run/jog for more than a minute, last night I made it four.
When we started this Eliza was having stomach cramping a few times every day, and the doctors were ready to put her on a prescription. She is not on it, and the stomach pains are GONE!
Our Attitude
When we started this I was ready to give up on ever being able to shed the extra weight.
When we started this I felt hopeless about surrendering my food addiction to my Lord.
When we started this Eliza would not eat salad. She eats it almost daily now (even though she is still not a fan.)
When we started this we did not pay attention to what we were consuming, now we read the back of the label even for the gum we buy. (which all of it is garbage.)
Our Tastebuds
When we started this Eliza would not eat Veggie Pasta soup. It is now one of her favorties.
When we started this, I could not get enough sugar. Last night I got my old Starbuck's favorite Chai Frappachino and could not finish half of it. WAY TO SUGARY!
When we started this, I could taste the Kefirness in the Kefir. Now it is a normal flavor in our home.
My Heart
When I started this, I was still holding back a part of me, not willing to let it be opened to healing.
When I started this, I was still convinced that I was going to be the one to fix the emptiness I have been trying to fill.
When I started this it was ten weeks ago. There have been good weeks, where my will was rockin. And a few weeks where there was no will, no power, just a pray that I could make it through and not throw in the towel completely. A deep yearning to continue to be changed and transformed from the inside out.
Our Health
When we started this I was about 15 lbs heavier.
When we started this I could not run/jog for more than a minute, last night I made it four.
When we started this Eliza was having stomach cramping a few times every day, and the doctors were ready to put her on a prescription. She is not on it, and the stomach pains are GONE!
Our Attitude
When we started this I was ready to give up on ever being able to shed the extra weight.
When we started this I felt hopeless about surrendering my food addiction to my Lord.
When we started this Eliza would not eat salad. She eats it almost daily now (even though she is still not a fan.)
When we started this we did not pay attention to what we were consuming, now we read the back of the label even for the gum we buy. (which all of it is garbage.)
Our Tastebuds
When we started this Eliza would not eat Veggie Pasta soup. It is now one of her favorties.
When we started this, I could not get enough sugar. Last night I got my old Starbuck's favorite Chai Frappachino and could not finish half of it. WAY TO SUGARY!
When we started this, I could taste the Kefirness in the Kefir. Now it is a normal flavor in our home.
My Heart
When I started this, I was still holding back a part of me, not willing to let it be opened to healing.
When I started this, I was still convinced that I was going to be the one to fix the emptiness I have been trying to fill.
When I started this it was ten weeks ago. There have been good weeks, where my will was rockin. And a few weeks where there was no will, no power, just a pray that I could make it through and not throw in the towel completely. A deep yearning to continue to be changed and transformed from the inside out.
4.27.2009
This Week
We are currently going into week five, and it is getting rough. I think it is a combination of plateauing, PMSing and stress. Tonight was awful!!! And last week left a lot to be desired. Worse yet, this weekend we are going out of town. So, if you pray, please send a shot out for me!
Tomorrow I am going to just get right back on track! Right! Right? RIGHT!!!
Eliza is still doing great! I think I finally have the backing of some of her other caregivers. I tried to keep it simple, and still allow them to spoil her sweet tooth a little. But I think they understand what I am trying to do for us, and plan to help rather than undo the hard work that we are doing.
Tomorrow I am going to just get right back on track! Right! Right? RIGHT!!!
Eliza is still doing great! I think I finally have the backing of some of her other caregivers. I tried to keep it simple, and still allow them to spoil her sweet tooth a little. But I think they understand what I am trying to do for us, and plan to help rather than undo the hard work that we are doing.
4.17.2009
While She Is Sleeping....
I have been watching her lately. The little lady in my world. Things have slowly been changing. She is maturing.
On Easter we went to church as usual, only this week it was Easter Sunday. There was to be an Easter Egg hunt, and the preparations happened before we arrived. This meant that Eliza would have to carry her basket around, with hundreds of eggs all around her, and not pick any up for an hour. Talk about taunting of a four year old.
Well she made it through the hour, stopping every once in a while to fix a broken egg that was on the floor. (she did not sneak any candy either...a saint?!?!) Then it was time. A pastor told the kids they could begin, but only pick up 12 eggs. Well, Eliza counted very carefully, as she put only the large eggs in her basket. :)
The children were then given free rein to get more eggs and they were off, finding the some 600 eggs that had been placed out for them. At the end, they had to empty the candy out of the plastic eggs, keeping it in their baskets. It was at this time that some visiting children arrived. Some other members of the church re hide some eggs, and then Eliza went up and said "I will share my candy" and started handing them handfuls. ***** I cried! ******
Later that day, I was telling my mother, and she said, "HUH, I have been praying for her all week. This week it is kindness."
Apparently she purchased a book called "While They Were Sleeping" by Anne Arkins and Gary Harrell that she is using as an outline to pray for her grandchildren. Easter was a wonderful time to be reminded that God answers prayers, and more importantly that I need to be more obedient and disciplined about praying for my daughter.
Well I have dug out the copy of the book my mother got me a while ago, and think it is time I engage in it as well.
And on a side note, Eliza was told she could eat all the candy that she wanted while at Great Grandma's and then we would leave it there and she was done. She hardly ate any... that is discernment. Praise the Lord!
4.14.2009
Week Two
Week two presented it's own challenge with Easter, but I thought that it went well overall. We stuck with our menu, and enjoyed nachos, home made nuggets, a DELICIOUS roasted chicken among other things.
The roasted chicken was probably what rocked my world the most. Not just because of the taste, but because of how much meat was left after we were both satisfied. At first I thought the price of an organic chicken was out of the question, but out of obedience, I did it! And let me tell you it more than paid off. Since then we have made the homemade nuggets, BBQ chicken Pizza, and had leftover chicken. We still have enough for at least one more chicken and rice casserole. That is four to five delicious meals out of one bird.
I am learning to make better and better choices with the menu, as I stated, the menu is key. I think that sticking to the menu is what is helping the weight fall off. Only two weeks, and I am in double digit lose.
One thing we have found that we do not care for is the organic yogurt. Give it a try, but i would have to say that it has a sort of "sticky cheese" after taste. not sure if i am going to be able to hang?!?!
With Easter dinner we both had a good helping of all the sides, but were able to resist the ham. Pork is another thing we are trying to get out of our diets, though that ham looked amazing! So many other good things to eat, that it was not hard to resist.
Eliza did get her fill of candy. I told her that she would be able to eat all that she wanted, and it was crazy, she did not eat that much. The candy was left at Great Grandma's house, since I know that in a moment of weakness, the basket would get half emptied. As my friend says, know when to have the control. For me, it is keeping the temptations out of my home to begin with.
The roasted chicken was probably what rocked my world the most. Not just because of the taste, but because of how much meat was left after we were both satisfied. At first I thought the price of an organic chicken was out of the question, but out of obedience, I did it! And let me tell you it more than paid off. Since then we have made the homemade nuggets, BBQ chicken Pizza, and had leftover chicken. We still have enough for at least one more chicken and rice casserole. That is four to five delicious meals out of one bird.
I am learning to make better and better choices with the menu, as I stated, the menu is key. I think that sticking to the menu is what is helping the weight fall off. Only two weeks, and I am in double digit lose.
One thing we have found that we do not care for is the organic yogurt. Give it a try, but i would have to say that it has a sort of "sticky cheese" after taste. not sure if i am going to be able to hang?!?!
With Easter dinner we both had a good helping of all the sides, but were able to resist the ham. Pork is another thing we are trying to get out of our diets, though that ham looked amazing! So many other good things to eat, that it was not hard to resist.
Eliza did get her fill of candy. I told her that she would be able to eat all that she wanted, and it was crazy, she did not eat that much. The candy was left at Great Grandma's house, since I know that in a moment of weakness, the basket would get half emptied. As my friend says, know when to have the control. For me, it is keeping the temptations out of my home to begin with.
4.08.2009
Week One
The first week went quit well. I wanted to start by eatting the foods that we already had in the house. This made for some dinners that had more processed foods than what we are going for, but it was wise all the same, to use up what we had.
Menu planning seems to be key, as even with the "not as healthy" meals that were on the menu, I managed to lose some weight.
Exercising is becoming a nice part of the routine. I am still only making it twice a week, but when I am there, I enjoy the exercise I am doing. Yesterday I made it a full half an hour on the treadmill, with a total of five - one minute runs at 5.2% It might not sound like much to some, but it is a huge difference to me.
My first shopping experience at the Hy-Vee health market went well also. There were a few things that were very pricey, some I got, others I did not. But i did manage to stay in my budget for the week, and got a lot of great meals that we are eatting this week.
I did notice today when i made Rice Krispie treats to take to school, if it is sweet and in my house....I am going to eat it. As my friend says.."the will power needs to happen at the store." Amazing wisdom there!
Menu planning seems to be key, as even with the "not as healthy" meals that were on the menu, I managed to lose some weight.
Exercising is becoming a nice part of the routine. I am still only making it twice a week, but when I am there, I enjoy the exercise I am doing. Yesterday I made it a full half an hour on the treadmill, with a total of five - one minute runs at 5.2% It might not sound like much to some, but it is a huge difference to me.
My first shopping experience at the Hy-Vee health market went well also. There were a few things that were very pricey, some I got, others I did not. But i did manage to stay in my budget for the week, and got a lot of great meals that we are eatting this week.
I did notice today when i made Rice Krispie treats to take to school, if it is sweet and in my house....I am going to eat it. As my friend says.."the will power needs to happen at the store." Amazing wisdom there!
4.01.2009
Getting the Notion
It has been apparent to me for some time that my eatting and overall health practices were not what they needed to be. I had made a few half-baked attempts at trying to live a healthy lifestyle, but lack the consistancy to see any progress on the outside.
As for feeding my daughter, i thought that i was doing an OK job. She ate 1-2 servings of vegetables a day (from a can usually) and plenty of "meat" products. A glass of milk with every meal and even an occasional fresh fruit.
It wasn't until about a month ago i woke up and realized that a change needed to be made for the long term health of both my daughter and I. Not just a good idea, but now a necessity! You see, Eliza had been complaining about chronic stomach pain, and because of the gerd she had as an infant, the doctors prescribed her Zantac, an acid relex medicine. I understand these medicines are here for a reason, but would prefer it to be the very last result, rather than the first choice.
Using the resources of some well knowledge friends, and my own internet research, I hope to begin anew. Giving Eliza and I the diets that we need to heal our bodies from the insdie out, all along creating habits to last us both the rest of our lives.
stay tuned.....
As for feeding my daughter, i thought that i was doing an OK job. She ate 1-2 servings of vegetables a day (from a can usually) and plenty of "meat" products. A glass of milk with every meal and even an occasional fresh fruit.
It wasn't until about a month ago i woke up and realized that a change needed to be made for the long term health of both my daughter and I. Not just a good idea, but now a necessity! You see, Eliza had been complaining about chronic stomach pain, and because of the gerd she had as an infant, the doctors prescribed her Zantac, an acid relex medicine. I understand these medicines are here for a reason, but would prefer it to be the very last result, rather than the first choice.
Using the resources of some well knowledge friends, and my own internet research, I hope to begin anew. Giving Eliza and I the diets that we need to heal our bodies from the insdie out, all along creating habits to last us both the rest of our lives.
stay tuned.....
1.15.2009
Cousin Kristyn
Eliza has a new best friend. And i have a new neice. Her name is Kristyn and she is an 18 year old Senior. She was "adopted" into our family through my sister and her husband. They knew her originally as one of the students they serve through their church youth group. A need in her life came up and they were able to welcome her into their home and all of our lives.
She and eliza hit it off from the start. When they are together, Kristyn is so great at coming down to Eliza's level and loving her as a four year old princes. Being a princess herself, she has even been able to dress up, tiara and all with eliza.
I praise God for her coming into our lives and will continue to pray that she is a great mentor to Eliza.
Many blesses to my niece, our sister friend, Kristyn.
The Waiting Game
I am not what one would consider to be a patient person. Latly, this is a character that the Lord is sharpening in me, and I would have to say that it is really trying. (DUH right).
First there is this school thing. I want the teaching degree, and believe that the Lord has given me everything that I need to obtain it, but this semester beginning just reminds me of how much hard work this is going to be. And how long i am going to have to wait until I see the fruit of my labor.
Now, it has been decided that Eliza will be attending ICA, a private school in West Des Moines. This is such a blessing in so many ways, and I am so excited for Eliza. But it does not start until next fall.
OK, now I am the type of person who is all about results. I want to get things done...NOW. But as you can see there are so amny details in life that I am having to sit and wait on, and it is driving me a bit nuts.
I know that deferred gratification is a good thing, and that it yeilds much more in life than instant gratification. But I can also tell you that my brain is tender from having to slam on the brakes of my brain so many times a day.
Be still my soul. Wait and see what the Lord is doing. Rest on the words your Lord have written in you heart.
Psalms 27:13&14
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
First there is this school thing. I want the teaching degree, and believe that the Lord has given me everything that I need to obtain it, but this semester beginning just reminds me of how much hard work this is going to be. And how long i am going to have to wait until I see the fruit of my labor.
Now, it has been decided that Eliza will be attending ICA, a private school in West Des Moines. This is such a blessing in so many ways, and I am so excited for Eliza. But it does not start until next fall.
OK, now I am the type of person who is all about results. I want to get things done...NOW. But as you can see there are so amny details in life that I am having to sit and wait on, and it is driving me a bit nuts.
I know that deferred gratification is a good thing, and that it yeilds much more in life than instant gratification. But I can also tell you that my brain is tender from having to slam on the brakes of my brain so many times a day.
Be still my soul. Wait and see what the Lord is doing. Rest on the words your Lord have written in you heart.
Psalms 27:13&14
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
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