OLW 2017

Hi lovies! I chose the word "Humble" this year. Definition includes "having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance" and "offered with or affected by a modest estimate of one's own importance".

This word can be misunderstood quite easily, and I do not intend to live it as a negative influence (berating, demeaning, or lowly). I am choosing to utilize this OLW as living more simply, more modest, more respectful. Sort of a less talking, more listening approach (if that makes sense).

This word found me, in several ways recently, and I knew that it was to be my OLW for 2017.

I've chosen a OLW for several years now, and truth be told, I always have the best of intentions sticking with it throughout the year, but somewhere in the middle it diminishes and by the end of the year I come back to it just in time to choose another word. This year, I have chosen to be active in really living and working my OLW. This year, I have joined Ali Edwards OLW year-long class. I am mostly excited, and a bit nervous, but overall I am really looking to commit myself to this creative process.

happy friday indeed

Oh my goodness! 

You'll never believe what happened to me! 

I won a contest! 

A Mad Men contest!

For those of you who know me and know me well, can understand my elation!!

The requirement was to submit my favorite Mad Men moment. So difficult to choose from, especially because I loved the relationship between Don and Rachel Menken, but I went with my favorite scene in Season 5 Episode 10, "Christmas Waltz" where Don and Joan have this really special moment. For whatever reason, it just solidified both characters; where they were and where they had both been in life. In the end, no matter what, you'll always have each other, and you'll both be okay. 

Oh happy day!! Hope you are having a wonderful Friday too!

still time to change the road you're on

Oh change, how you scare me so.

There are so many things happening in my life right now. Even before they began, I could feel it coming, like the first soft blow of air before the gusts of wind turn into the tornado they were always meant to be.

I dislike change, mainly because the unknown makes me uneasy. Actually (truth be told) the unknown terrifies me, keeping me contained to the bubble I live in. It's a cozy bubble.

However, change is indeed, inevitable. We grow, we try, we succeed, we fail, we learn.

We make choices.

I like to think that almost always we base our decisions on what is best for ourselves at that particular time in our life. When you are a parent, the decision-making extends to what is best for our children, our family, as well as our self. I honor and respect these decisions, because I know they are not easy.


When the dust settles, I know that I will be okay. I will know that the decisions I make are the right ones for Me, right now, and that my decisions will benefit my children, and my family.

While my heart is painfully sad and aching at the expense of change, I will carry my memories close as I enter a new path on my journey.

It is scary, letting go of the way things were. Leaving the comfort of schedule and repetition and the known, the expected. I am apprehensive to make any move, forward or otherwise. I do, however, know that we can not move backwards, no matter how hard we try.

Surprisingly (and thankfully) I am optimistic. My heart lives in a place that says in this lifetime, anything is possible. I breathe this, in and out every day.

I don't know exactly what lies ahead. I do know that I will find out.
Where I go from here is up to God.

One Little Word : 2014

It's about that time again.... Ali Edward's One Little Word. This year, I've chosen a word that has been in my heart for the past month. My One Little Word is...

Protect

I feel as though my life and my livelihood has been being attacked, mentally and spiritually, physically and emotionally. I have come to recognize that sometimes I put myself and my family and my beliefs in open waters for others to violate. I need to be aggressive in taking back the responsibilities of my life and my livelihood.

My family, my children... they are my everything and I will protect them with all that I have.
My heart ...has been broken more times than I care to share. I will protect it, but will remain open to love.
My relationships... those need to be protected. Far too often I take them for granted, and I need to secure them with love and kindness and generosity.

My hopes are that this year be prosperous for my family. We've been through so much turmoil over the past few years, I pray that beauty shine through the ugly and all that is positive prevail.

to honor the fallen

When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished.  What he does after that is all in the line of work.  ~Edward F. Croker


Tomorrow, the hubs and I, along with many of our fellow Crossfitters will be heading up to Prescott, AZ for an event at Captain Crossfit to honor the 19 fallen heroes. 



Crossfitters across the State of Arizona, across the Nation, and across the World will be participating in this same workout, on this same day. How cool is that. How moving is that. 
This goes to show, that like the small town community of Prescott, the Crossfit community is just as tight knit, just as supportive, just as touched and affected by this tragedy as this small town. 

I am mindful going into this event that the hard work I am preparing my self to accomplish is for these 19 men. This event is to celebrate their lives, honor their death, and support their families. 

Please... if you can help in any way, please Donate HERE. Even if it is just $5.00, every little bit helps. 

33

Today I turn 33.

This is what I look like.

33 doesn't sound like a milestone birthday to the general population, but to me it's kind of a big deal.

When I was little I remember always feeling this connection with Jesus because his initials and my initials were the same ... JC (sidenote, my initials are still the same). I remember reading one of the Bible stories about my buddy Jesus dying on the cross, and was shocked and a truthfully scared to find out that he was just 32 when he died. Being a young kid, the concept of death and dying scared me tremendously, and even at that age I thought that Jesus was too young to die (that would mean I was already a quarter of the way through my lifespan). I would pray and pray that I would one day turn 33. 

The unsettling thought of dying young has been with me my whole life. As I grew older, I still housed those same fears and concerns about death. To be completely honest, it wasn't until my Dad passed that I had started to open my thought process to accepting death and dying. When people started prophesying that the world would end in 2012, I began to put belief in my fears that I would not live to see my 33rd birthday. 

Well... today I celebrate turning 33. Even with the wrinkles starting to show themselves. Even with the single gray hair that keeps trying to appear. Even with the same 10 pounds that stubbornly won't exit the ride. Even though I'm working. Even though I have no big plans for the evening. Even though today is just another day for most every one else in the world.

I have waited many years for this day. And I celebrate it in my heart, and in my mind. I am so grateful that I have been blessed with all the days of my life. I am grateful that I have been blessed with all the people in my life. I am grateful to be alive and breathing. And I intend to live the next 33 years with love and joy and peace.

One Little Word : 2013

Hello beautiful people! Happy New Year! And what a year it's been, hehe.


So... as I said before... I am totally choosing a word for Ali Edward's One Little Word ... and it is...

Positivity

I don't even think this is a real word (like dictionary word) so we're gonna go ahead and call it a Jen-ism. Seems fitting. 

The short-story on how I chose this word goes like this...
I kept seeing this word and using this word for, like, days and days in a row and I just really wanted something that means 2013 is going to be OUR year! 

No more deaths. No more money problems. No more binges. No more excuses. No more weeks on end of  sadness.

It's going to be a YEAR FULL OF POSITIVITY because we are going to wake up every morning and choose to be positive, to make someone's day by giving them a compliment, by talking someone off the ledge, by taking that flower arrangement class that you've always wanted to, by eating beautiful and healthy foods, by getting out and walking or running or hiking a mountain, by being grateful for every single breath of life that our glorious God has given to us!

Right!! Now go out ... and infect others with POSITIVITY!

Love Yous!

so long 2012

Because you can never have too many photos of your shoes ~ 12.31.2012

Happy New Years Eve!

It's been quite a year, hasn't it.

I, for one, am happy to start a new year, especially this one... 2012 had way too many 'end-of-the-world' connotations for my liking.

2013.

That has a nice ring to it. Plus, I turn 33 in 2013. I've waited my whole life to turn 33. I'm pretty sure it's because I wanted to outlive Jesus. He was 32. And we have the same initials. I know, that's weird. But, well, that's me.

Moving on.

I've been playing around with the ideas of joining in on the following:

Ali Edwards : One Little Word

Project Life : Elise Blaha edition

A Beautiful Mess : 365 Photo Project

I know, I know... all three of these together seem quite ambitious, but if you break it down, they all kind of intertwine together and that is what will make each of these project successful! Sidenote, I'm not making any promises that these will get completed, but the best of intentions are always there.

Usually the list of "resolutions" include such over-played and under-achieved goals such as:
- Lose Weight
- Quit Smoking
- Exercise More

I am not about to set myself up for disaster, so I'm gonna skip all the resolution crap. I do have a list of intentions... wanna hear them. Okay good.

I intend to stick with CrossFit in 2013. In fact, I hope to never stop CrossFitting, as it is quite addicting and much better for me than other addictions like smoking or drinking or doing drugs, all which I am against.

I intend to take more photos in 2013. Hence the above listed projects. But hear me out real quick-like. My babes are growing up and soon they won't let me take photos of them. Sucky, but you know how it is, growing up all teenage-like. Grr.

I intend to blog more in 2013. Can you believe that I only blogged 78 (this is post 79) in 2012!! Cray-cray! I'm typically a 100+ annual blogger. I sucked at blogging in 2012, and I had better make it up to you peeps. Bring on 2013 and the year of blogging we will name as poetic-ramblings-of-a-crazed-30-something-mom-of-teens! Rolls off the tongue, eh? hehehe

Okay, so enough babble. Do you have any resolutions? Any intentions? I wanna know, because I'm nosy like that. lol.

In all seriousness. I wish each and every one of you much love and many blessings in the new year. Good tidings of health and great joy. May peace and love be with you every day. Promisecakes!!

to the last of the greats

This is my Grandma Mickie. 

Her real name is Agatha. 

She turned 90 on December 9th, 2012.

Can you imagine... living on this earth for 90 years, especially the past 90 years. She lived through the Depression Era, she grew up in a time where girls didn't go to school after 8th grade, she worked on her parents farm, left home at 17 and was married and with child by 20. She has lived through her husband's passing, her only daughter's passing, and her only son's passing. She's been through seven wars including World Wars One and Two, Vietnam and the Gulf. She knew life before microwaves and computers and when they called cars "automobiles". She's seen the world change.

Yesterday, December 27, 2012 

at 10:19am

She passed away.

This was her wish. She was ready to go, and we were ready to let her go. On angels wings she flew up to be with her family. We will miss you Grandma, but we are at peace because you are finally at peace.

howdy-ho neighbor

Hey, guess what??  I'm home sick today. Perrrfect day to catch up on le blog. Are you ready...


First Topic:  Paleo Challenge

So, the Paleo Challenge ended Saturday, November 21. The bad news, I wasn't First Place. The good news, I was Third Place! But really, if you stuck to the program, we were all winners. Wanna see my results... okay, here's the deets:

• Food Points : 168 (that is a PERFECT Score... 6 points a day for 4 weeks straight... no cheats here!)
• WOD Time : 7:19 (my WOD time at the beginning was 8:10... I shaved off nearly an entire minute!)
• Lost Inches : 5.66 (2.8 on waist, 1.8 on hips, .06 on chest, gained 1.9 on thighs... we squat ALOT, 1 on arms)
• Lost Body Fat Percentage : 3.7% (I took first in this catagory for girls... kinda a big deal)
• Lost Pounds : 8.2 (yes, in 30 days!!!)

True story people! This really happened to me! I was totally on cloud nine about my results. So much so, that I have continued to eat strict Paleo. I did have a few cheats during Thanksgiving (more on that later) but overall, I'm in it to win it! The positive changes occurring in my body are affecting everything else in my world. I'm becoming mentally stronger, physically stronger, and spiritually stronger. It's like I'm totally aligned with myself. It's wonderful, and so amazing to me that so much of the way we feel has to do with the food we put into our bodies. It's legit science, I read about it as much as I can on the internet and ebooks. So crazy!
Anyway, it's the path I've chosen to go and so far so good. I'm taking things one day at a time. I'm making small goals and achieving them at rapid pace. It's exciting and inspiring (yeah, I'm totally inspiring myself. Crazy!)

Second Topic:  Thanksgiving

How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was lovely! We spent an entire 4+ days back home in SoCal. It was lovely! We left out on Wednesday afternoon and made the 5 hour drive. I had enough time to get all the Paleo Desserts made that night. Wanna see what I made... these photos are borrowed, btw.

Source: paleomg.com via Ann on Pinterest

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cheesecake
The only was I know how to describe this is freaking ah-mazing! I nearly ate the entire thing to myself... not-even-kidding! I don't know if I was just starved for sweets (totally my downfall) but this was totally Paleo so technically I wasn't even cheating!


Pumpkin Butter Truffles
Seriously delish, and so incredibly simple to make. I did choose to add some ground up flax seed to help as a binder (a suggestion from a CF friend). Also, next time I don't think I'll use 72% Cacao chocolate. I forget that not everyone is a dark chocolate fan and it can get bitter to some. (Although, it just means more for me! hehehe)

Source: againstallgrain.com via Against All Grain on Pinterest

Grain-Free And Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
I know, I know, doesn't sound legit, but it was soooo good! Until I burned the crust, but whatev's. I cooked it the night before and left it in the oven to set (because seriously, there was like, no room anywhere in that kitchen). So, come Turkey morning we turned the oven on to preheat and you-guessed-it... the pie got baked, again. But... the inside was totally edible. I mean, the whole thing was technically edible, but the crust was dark indeed. Lol. We decided to put in on the counter with a spoon and as people walked by they'd take a scoop out. Hey, we're all family so we all have the same cooties. It totally worked out. A sweet appetizer, if you will.

Turkey Day was good, the ma-in-law and sis-in-law kept me company in the kitchen and we all stayed busy. We had Turkey and Ham, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Mashed White Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts with Onion and Bacon, Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, and Cresent Rolls. I kept it Paleo, and for the first time I think Ever, I didn't overeat and that felt awesome. I cleaned up and did the dishes, and before I knew it I was mid-breakdown. Emotion caught up with me, and I deeply and painfully missed my Dad. Things like this happen, and I let them run their course. I hope they never stop, because even the pain of missing him makes me weirdly happy.

Turkey Day morning the hubs, the dad-in-law and I got in a good workout.... we did Cindy, a 20 min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) of 5 Pull Ups, 10 Push Ups, 15 Air Squats. Friday we were able to visit Crossfit Kinnick (home of the Games competitor Jeremy Kinnick) and get a parter WOD in. (This is the dad-in-law's home crossfit box). "Black Butter" was a 30 minute AMRAP of 200 meter run (together carring a 35# kettlebell), 10 Clean and Press at 85#, 10 Burpee Box Jumps at 20", 10 Kb swings at 35#. It was my first RX'd workout and I rocked it (along with my partner Katie). Wanna see me all beastly...

Yeah, that's me... gettin' it done! Light Weight! hehe
Friday during the day we spent making Tamales, a family tradition. Saturday we went up to Grampa's. Grampa is 90 years old, and he is my kids Great-Great-Grandfather. How cool is that! He lives in the mountains and has the most amazing old cabin filled with schtuff... it's an American Picker's dream! Sunday was drive home day and settle in before the work week. Great trip, all around!

Third Topic: Christmas

Are you ready? Because I sure am not. lol. I'm usually the lady that decorates the week before Thanksgiving, I love Christmas That Much! But this year, I didn't get things decorated until this past weekend, and even then I sifted through my decorations and got rid of A-Lot! I don't want to be cluttered this year. I'd absolutely love to buy new decorations, but you know how that goes... do you spend the money of decorations, or on the kids. Kids win every time. But when they're old enough to know better, I'm gonna get me some serious Christmas decor. Watch out!
The hubs and I did most of the shopping this past Sunday. We're not doing big gifts for the grownups, just the kids. That's the way it should be. Daddy always said Christmas is about the kids. I like to spoil them, both mine and my sister's. But I also try and put them all in check, they get so much that I constantly remind them about the kids who get nothing because they're poor.
Now to wrap the gifts I have, which funny enough is becoming one of my favorite things about the holidays. Even though the kids just rip it right off, I enjoy making pretty presents. hehe
The kids are having a Christmas party next weekend. I'd better get planning. I think we'll do a few minute to win it games and fill them up on lots of holiday sweets. Paleo sweets. hehe


Okay, it has taken me for-ev-er to type this blog up. I'm gonna go relax on the couch with some Kombucha and hot tea and a holiday movie. Until next time... ttfn!

paleo and Nascar. two words unlikely together.

Well, I must say, this week went by pretty seamlessly in my paleo-eating. I struggled, but not nearly like last week's end. Except... for yesterday. Sunday. Nascar Day! Oh... you didn't know I was a mega-dork Nascar Fan? Well, I am. We all gotta little redneck in us, right? Anywho. I had been stressin' the race. Why? Well, typically this is how a race day goes:
8:00am  -  Gates Open
9:00am  -  Arrive to the dirt parking lots (along with 55,000 other people... this is NOT an exaggeration)
9:01am  -  Crack open the first beer
9:31am   - Crack open the second beer (and so on...)
10:30am  - Start the mile+ walk towards the raceway. This is a two-beer walk.
11:00am  -  Reach Merchandise Mile and talk crap about the drivers merch you don't like until you end up standing in front of the Kyle Busch merch trailer and suddenly can justify spending $125 on a #18 M&M Toyota racing jacket. Then you remember you only have $100 and beers inside are runnin' $8 a piece. And you're more thirsty than cold.
12:00pm  -  Enter the gates and fight the tens of thousands of people toward your section, holding onto the friends you're with (cuz you'll totally get lost).
12:05pm  -  Find beer tent and drop an easy $20 on double fisting beers (who wan't to walk back down the grandstand during the race... not me).
12:30pm  -  Chaplain prayer. God Bless America. Fly over. Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!! (Best Sound Ever!!!)
1:00pm  -  Race Starts. Four hours of standing up and down, cars racing over 100 miles an hour around the track, wrecks and cautions, pit stops, yelling and screaming at your driver while the person behind you yells at you for being a fan of your driver.
4:30pm  -  Stumble down the grandstand, cow-hearded to the parking lot. Hopefully you know where you parked. Hopefully you have a DD. Must grab another beer (or two) for the walk.
5:00pm  -  Hang out in the dirt lot to let the traffic die down. Keep drinking the beers you brought.
8:30pm  -  Looks like a good time to leave. You're the last car in the parking lot. Thanks DD, for putting up with us.

Do you see the trend?
Can I tell you that beer is NOT Paleo?
Can I tell you that food is secondary on days like these.
Now do you understand why I was sweatin' it?

I was DD. I was totally okay with that. I've done it before. I planned and prepped for the day. I packed my lunch, brought plenty of water. It ended up just being me and friend Ry (we're Nascar pals... never been to a race without each other. Aw, Tear. lol) The day went true to schedule, less the beer on my part. As we got ready to make the mile+ walk to the raceway, Ry decided he was going to eat inside. Okay. I wasn't hungry, and couldn't remember if we were allowed to bring in food (beer I know we couldn't... they make a killing off the alcohol sales... especially with all them rednecks. hehe)
So we got inside and holy mother of all things good in the world... look what this Paleo-Eating Girl found...

A Big Huge Texas-Sized Turkey Leg!! Holy Carnivore is right! I mowed down on that thing for over an hour! And ate every last bit of meat off the bone. It was sooooo pleasant. And I was soooo full! Happy Girl!

As the race started I was jonesin' for a beer. It just feels so un-American. But, I stood my ground... repeating my mantra (I Am Winning This Paleo Challenge... I Am Winning This Paleo Challenge) and before I knew it, I had made it through the entire day! Yay Me. Go Team Jen!

The race was pretty stinkin' awesome! Crazy drama, crazy wrecks, and crazy finish for the #18 (he led the entire race, and gave up the last two restarts, leading to a third place finish.) I was home by 6:30pm.

Life is good.

Dear Courtney

Dear Courtney,

This Halloween is a big one for you. You want to trick or treat with your high school friends instead of with your cousins. I get it. I understand. It was a hard decision to make (more difficult for me that your father), but we are allowing you to walk around, hand in hand with your boyfriend, surrounded by your very best friends, and solicit candy in an unfamiliar area without your mother and father looking over your shoulder.

Sigh, it is so hard to let go.

I know you are smart enough to follow the rules. I know you are smart enough to Not test your father's and my decision to let you go with your friends. I know you will not abuse the priviledge of staying out into the dark hours of night.

Last night while going over the details with you about tonight's rules and events, you informed me that you did not want to use your trick-or-treat bag.

Gasp!

You were careful to choose your wording, as to not hurt my feelings, but you wanted to try out using a bag like the other kids. You gave good reason. You're 14. You're in high school. You'll be trick-or-treating with your friends. I tried to remind you that you have never cared what others think, and that you have carried this bag around every single Halloween of your entire life. You kindly, very sweetly declined. I tried.

I try to keep you and young at heart as I can. Truly I have succeed in so many way. You enjoy crooner music, you dress modestly, compared to so many young girls at your school who find it necessary to flaunt their newly developed breasts and as much midsection as possible without getting dress-coded. You still watch cartoons and Disney movies.

I know you are growing into a very smart, and respectful young lady. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. I know that I will continue to have to let out the leash, and give you more space to explore the world. But never forget that you will always be my first born, my baby girl, and most of all, the very wise words from Grandpa... Be A Kid As Long As You Can, You Have The Rest Of Your Life To Be An Adult.

I Love You Sissy,

Momma

baby prayers

So many of my friends right now are either pregnant or just recently had their children. What a joyful time this is for them. It seems like so long ago that I was there. Well, it was long ago. Nearly 15 years ago. Lol. The joy of bringing a new life into the world to can be indescribable. Blessings all around, stress, love, joy, sleeplessness. I am so happy for my friends who have had wonderful and uncomplicated pregnancies and births. Reading the stories makes my heart sing.

Unfortunately, not all stories are happy ones.

.

Dru and Corrin Morton, are two very dear friends to Paul and I. We've all known each other since the early years of high school. After marriage and two kids they were unexpectedly blessed with another pregnancy. Several complications during Corrin's pregnancy led to sweet Baby Tessa being born on October 18th at 3:20pm. At approximately 26 weeks, Tessa weighed 1 pound 3 ounces.

She came out a fighter, breathing on her own, and not too much longer was able to open her eyes and look and her Mommy and Daddy, and later Brother and Sister. After just a couple of days Mommy and Daddy both got to hold her in their arms.

Today, Baby Tessa needs to undergo a surgery on her little heart, and we need all the prayers we can get for this sweet angel baby from heaven.

Tessa's road will continue to have its good days and its bad, it's ups and downs, but with the love and support of those who know, and don't know this family, Tessa will come out on top. She's a fighter, making small progresses every single day! Thank you for your prayers, they work!!


Also, another local family (who went to high school with us) recently delivered their son, who only lived a very short time. Read more about Colin's story here... Carrying Colin.


With all this heartache going on with my friends, my faith has become renewed and I have been diligently praying, and talking to God. I am so entirely grateful for the blessings in my life.

What are you grateful for today?

Dear Cameron

Dear Cameron,

This morning, as I walked into the kitchen from dropping your sister off at High School you were standing on the stairs. It was early, there wasn't enough coffee in my system, hence my sour attitude. But as I looked over at you, you smiled and asked "Do you like my hair"? It took me a minute to realize that it was combed, with gel in it! I smiled at you and said "Yes. It looks really good." "I did it myself, so it looks allright?" You asked. My heart opened wide and I smiled as I said "Yes, it looks awesome Bud, I Love It!"

I know that today is you are your girlfriend Brooke's 1 month anniversary. I know you have a plastic purple heart filled with her favorite candy, Skittles, that you plan on giving her today. My heart swoons at these little moments where I can see that you are slowly changing into a young man.

I don't want to forget these moments.

Please don't be in a huge rush to grow up. Remember, a very wise man once told me "Be a kid as long as you can, you have the rest of your life to be a grownup."

I love You Bubba.

Mom

as of right... NOW

Time: 12:11pm

Location: My desk at Work

Watching: Project Runway

Eating: Half of a Buffalo Chicken Mini Meatloaf and green beans

Drinking: Cold Coffee and Smart Water

Feeling:   Nervous-ish (blog post to follow)

Reading: The Christian Grey series (for the second time) and am 53% into Book Two

Thinking: About my workout today, and the blog posts I have been hiding from you all

Wanting: To get started on my Christmas shopping (ideas are flowing)

Needing: Absolutely nothing. 

Making: Strong Efforts and Intentions to myself and to those I love

Loving: Life. Being alive, and being allowed to breathe in the land of the free!

Borrowed from Allison Waken's blog

I ...

I feel... joyful. Today is Friday, I have today's cycle class to accomplish, then the glorious weekend!

I want... to go out to a really nice and yummy and healthy dinner where I don't have to clean up. lol

I need... to stop blogging and start invoicing. lol

I wish... all my debt was paid off already.

I watched... Duck Dynasty on DVR last night.

I am... excited to play Yahtzee tomorrow night with new friends!!

I love... my family.

I hate... child molesters.

I hurt... my neck... kinked it Sunday morning and it STILL wont go away. Annoying! lol

I hope... my Dad visits me in my dreams soon. I miss him.

Borrowed from my sweet friend Rasha

updates and such

Oh my, life is sure crazy beautiful.

Easter

Easter was spent at Moms... she's laid up with a bum leg, and my daughter is laid up with a bum arm, so that made our holiday weekend interesting. lol. The Easter Bunny came to our house, and to Grandma's house. It's funny how this year the 'older kids' didn't even get into their baskets until I asked them to. Hmmm, not excited for gifts? I might need to call that Easter Bunny and tell him to skip our house next year (Ahem, I know you're reading this, Courtney). This year we hid a whopping 68 eggs! We only have 5 kids... I swear that's a new record. hehe. Easter always makes me miss my Dad even more. I don't know why this is. The last Easter I remember it was hot in our backyard and he couldn't be on his feet for very long. He sat down on a chair in the shade, and this was so bizarre to me because my Dad was always very active at Easter. He loved dying eggs, and I'm not exaggerating that... he'd sit with a whole dozen and make them double colors and write things on them and draw crosses on them. He loved hiding the eggs, and loved watching them find them. Of course he always helped the little ones out. I can barely remember last Easter, so this one I felt the absence of him quite a bit more. Thankfully, the reason we celebrate Easter is the reason I know that I will be with my Dad again. Man, I can't wait for that day! I miss him so much!

P90X

Ah, yes. Something new has been introduced into my life... thanks to Jamie!! She is a coach at BeachBody and asked if I wanted to join her P90X group. Sure. I'm used to working out, and I'd love to have the workouts at home (nice alternative to going to the gym, and from having to pay a trainer although I miss mine dearly). What's really great is that the hubs got in on it too, so we work out together... at 5am... that would be in the morning (for those that don't know me... I am not a morning person, lol). We started with our fit test yesterday, and our first session today. 1 hour and 15 minutes later, I was sweating and shaking, and on the verge of puking (always a good sign that you've worked hard, especially after the first workout). As the day goes on I'm feeling the soreness creep in... oooh, hurts so good! hehe

Foodie

Well, there's a whole nutrition program that goes along with the workout, so I'm trying to stay as close to it as possible. We already eat pretty clean in our house so it's not like a huge transition, but I will tell you that giving up my daily oatmeal or greek yogurt with berries for breakfast was difficult. Not the giving it up part, but the swapping it for eggs. Oh, you didn't know... I don't eat eggs. Yeah, I do not eat them, since, like, my whole entire life! The only time I eat them is when they are hidden in my chorizo and egg burritos. So this whole eating 1/2 cup egg whites in a mushroom omlette is really a challenge for me. I have to take my time eating (which ends up being 30+ minutes) because if I rush, those babies are coming right back up. lol. It's been, um, interesting to say the least. lol

Previous to the new eating schedule, I made this...

Source: zenfamilyhabits.net via JenCoen on Pinterest

and let me tell you... yum! It looked (almost) exactly like that. I didn't take a pic because (honestly) I was too hungry and couldn't wait. lol

Oooh, I also made these for the kids...

Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com via JenCoen on Pinterest

Suuuuuper easy and the kids la-la-love them!

Sharing is Caring

I read something today that really hit home for me, down deep. Something that I think I will think about for the next few days, maybe weeks. See how it affects me. Tara Whitney's blog about change. I can totally relate. I can see in my own life how this can help... help me, my family, and others. Maybe you... read it.

So Sad

This made me sad this week. My prayers are with Tosca and Bob and their family. They have shown me the way to clean eating and taking care of yourself.

Wish List

Wanted to share my recent Wish List with you. It seems I have been doing a lot of 'window' shopping. My birthday's in August people... start saving your duckets. lol

House Rules by UrbanWall

Wide Cuff from Lenny and Eva

(gift card will totally suffice)

You Are My Sunshine necklace by Lisa Leonard

Spring Set Washi Tape by Happy Tape

A Facial with Kimbra :-)

That Is All

consider me reminded, again...

This is my father in law. Ted Coen. 

He died 12 days ago. Twice. 

And God brought him back to us. Twice. 

This man has been a second father to me since I first met him, 17 years ago. To lose him would be like losing my own father... again. I can not explain the emotional roller coaster that our family have been on the past two weeks. I am deeply grateful for the love and support of our friends and family. And I am even more grateful for the hundreds of people who had prayed for Ted, and for our family. People who don't even know us, praying for God to be with us. And he was. He touched each and every one of us, and he gave Ted back to us here on earth. 

This reminder that life is so precious. Life is so short. By the miracle of God are we granted another day. This has been another life changing event for us all. I believe that God has given us this miracle to show how truly great he is, and that in times of sorrow and sadness he is still there for us, loving us and blessing us even though we are sinners and even though we don't feel worthy. God is So Incredibly Good!

Consider me reminded, again...

13 years

Cam to gif

Happy 13th Anniversary, Hubs! 

i really was his sunshine

If you don't know by now, then you must be new to le'blog. 

I was my Daddy's Sunshine. 

It was the first song he ever sang to me. 

It was my nickname, just mine and his.

It is special. 

Now that he is gone, it is even more special.

That is why I am trying to win this:

Jewelry from Lisa Leonard

Giveaway Contest from Casey Wiegand

If I don't win...

someone who loves me very much could always buy it for me.

Look... I even have a coupon code:

 coupon code connect20 for 20% off anything in the shop!! It expires March 15, 2012

I really was his Sunshine.