Another Day of Fun!

We went to the park again yesterday! We go to a Park in Longview called Kid's View. It is so nice.

Randi and Audrie--Audrie was being silly with Adalynn's sunglasses on. The girls like to crawl to Randi!

Audrie saw Fraizer's hat and picked it up, so I put it on her to see what she would do! And she lovvvvveeess chewing on this sunscreen tube. Haha. She has all these toys but would rather chews on sunscreen!

Audrie was trying to take Fraizer's water bottle!

Then... Audrie fell asleep! I never thought she would do this, but I guess she was exhausted! She just took a little nap...and mommy got really sunburnt!

I didnt take Audrie to the swings or slide again because she fell asleep...Next time, we will do that first, then play on the blanket after! 

Diet Week 6 and Some Recipes

Weekly weigh in...202. Total=26 pounds! I am so close to being under 200!
Things have been pretty good...there were about 4 days I wasnt losing, but being really strict on my diet, so it was little discouraging, then the times I splurged a little, I lost weight!

Some healthy recipes:


Onion Soup Mix Chicken


Ingredients:
1 lb Frozen Chicken (ab 4 chicken breast)
1 Pkg of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 Carton (16oz) Fat Free Sour Cream
1 Can of 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup

Directions:
Put chicken in crockpot.
Mix together sour cream, soup mix and cream of mushroom.
Pour over chicken.
Cook on low for 7 hours.

I served this with Roasted Garlic ready to eat Uncle Ben's rice. I would have done a veggie, but GT didnt eat until 9...so it was rushed! It was soooo good though! It was 200 calories for 1 chicken breast with sauce!

And for something not so healthy but delicious!

Strawberry Cake


Ingredients for Cake:
1 Box of White Cake Mix
3 Heaping Tablespoons of Flour
1 Box of Strawberry Jello
1 Cup of Oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup water
2/3 Carton of Frozen Strawberries

Ingredients for Icing:
1 Tablespoon of Butter
1 8oz of Cream Cheese
1/3 Carton of Frozen Strawberries
1 Box of Powder Sugar

Directions:
Mix cake mix, flour and jello. Add oil. Beat in eggs. Add water and strawberries. Mix well.
Bake in a cake pan about 40 minutes on 350.
Let cake completely cool.
Mix all ingredients of icing then pour over cooled cake.

*Cake needs to be refrigerated (if there are left-overs of course) because of the cream cheese in icing.
**If you dont have time to let strawberries thaw in fridge or on counter (which I never do), just pop it in the microwave and defrost. Its ok if the are still a little frozen.

I am not even calculating the calories on this! I did good...I only had 2 bites of cake when I made it, and they were small.

Crawfish!

I like to put alot of pictures on my facebook. You might say, I take too many or put too many on there. I cant help it. I want to REMEMBER everything about Audrie being this young and I want for her to be able to share the memories with us when she gets older. Also, I scrapbook...and so sometimes I get a scrapbook layout in my mind and take some pictures just for that...Anyway...I think I am going to stop putting so many on FB...1. Because I like to blog ab the pictures...2. my blog imports to FB...3. just because. We will see if it happens.

Audrie attended her first crawfish boil this past weekend! (These are already on FB, but I wanted to blog it too)

Audrie and her sweet dada. That girl always has her tongue sticking out!

She loves to play rough! 

Our Family. We hardly ever get pics as a family! I need a haircut!

The yummmmmmyyy crawfish! 

Audrie and her bff Adalynn playing! Adalynn takes off with that walking toy! Audrie is more interested in the toys on the front of it! 

We had so much fun. I dont feel like GT and I socialize that much anymore. Since having a baby we stay at home alot more, which I guess is normal. And any free time we have to ourselves we want to be with just each other. And this is my first crawfish of the season! Thanks to Damian's parents for bringing it and cooking it! And thanks to Damian for having a birthday and inviting us to celebrate it!

Also, I brought my mom's famous strawberry cake! Ok, I dont know if it is famous, but she brings it to alot of things and it is usually highly requested. I will have to ask permission, but if she allows, I will post it soon...It is sooooo good! 

Top 2 Tuesdays

This weeks Top 2 Tuesday...is 2 Random Facts About Me:


1. I have a gold tooth. When I was in 4th grade, I had a root canal. They put a silver cap on it and it kept coming off. So one time, after eating a now-n-later, we go to the dentist and he says he is going to put a gold tooth on. I told my mom...she was like...NO! You cant have a good tooth, the dentist laughed and said he was joking. Well, once the work was done and I was in the car...I looked in the mirror, sure enough...gold! But its in the back...so you cant really see it...I like it. It makes me feel gangsta.

2. This is kind of two things..but it is 2 things I like to eat that seems odd to some people. Sloppy joe meat and cheetos (puffy ones), I dip the cheeto in the meat...Mashed potatoes with Catalina Dressing mixed in. I really liked it when I was preggo. Yum. GT said it looked like throw-up. :)

Shalom Ya'll

There was a time in my life when I was fascinated with the Jewish religion. Not like it is now, but how it was in the day of Jesus. Because Jesus was Jewish. And I wanted to know what that meant. I wanted to know how being a Jew affected his teachings. I wanted to know who He was talking to at that time period. I still like to learn about it, but have little time to do so...Anyway, in my studies back in the day, I was entriguied by the word "Shalom". Many of us know this to mean peace. My parents went to Israel once and brought back a plaque that said, "Shalom Ya'll". Ha. But Shalom means much more than peace.

Definition of Shalom: Completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.

A few years ago, I was going through a though situation in college and my dad called me to give me some words of encourgament. Something he told me I will never forget...he told me that Jesus prays for me. I was like what??? know He doesnt! If He does who does He pray to? Himself? That makes no sense.

It was not until years later than I realized, He intercedes for us. He pleas for us. He prays for us.

"Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us." Romans 8:34

He is praying for His children to have Shalom. To be complete, at peace, tranquil, have rest, be fulfilled...one of my favorites...to have wholeness. 

I am a long way from this, thank you Jesus that you are pleading on my behalf to have this wholeness. I would never achieve it on my own accord. I am so grateful, I dont have to do anything own my own. I would miserably fail as I often do when I attempt to do things without Christ.

Teething Biscuits

Yesterday, I decided to make my own teething biscuits. We have tried both brands from the store...Earth's Best and Gerber. Audrie prefers the earth's best brand, however she can bite it off easier and it makes me nervous...

The first recipe I tried from www.wholesomebabyfood.com

Ingredients:

1 cup flour
1 cup dry infant rice cereal plain or flavored (I used the mix fruit flavor)
3 tablespoons cooking oil
ice water

Directions:
Preheat oven 425F
Mix flour and cereal.
Gradually stir in oil. Mix a little ice water at a time (start with 1/4 cup) until dough begins to form a ball and pull away from the bowl.
Roll out to the thickness of a cracker on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. (I put mine in a Ziploc bag and cut the corner..then squeezed it in bar shapes on the cookie sheet)
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet 10-12 min. or until lightly brown. Cool completely.

Verdict: These came out to be a little harder than a normal biscuit. Would be good for an older infant, but not one just starting out with the finger foods.

Hard Round Teething Biscuits from www.cooks.com

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1 cup of sugar (white or brown)

2-2 1/2 cups of flour (maybe even more)--white or wheat

Directions:

Beat eggs until creamy. Stir in sugar. Mix well. Gradually pour in flour until it makes a stiff dough. I used more like 3 cups. Roll out 3/4 inch thick, cut into round shapes. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Let it sit 11 to 12 hours. Bake 325 degrees until dark and golden. I baked them 15 minutes, then flipped them over and did another 15. 

Verdit:

These were much better. Very hard. Harder than the ones at the store. Next time I am going to roll it out to be 1/4 inch thick. When I baked mine they rose some and were a little thick. And next time I might use a smaller round cookie cutter. Audrie seemed to like it! Made about 12 of them. Store in airtight container...also can be frozen! 

Politics Shmolitics

I have been debating sometime whether I should blog about my feelings towards what is going on in the white house...healthcare bill...mortgage reform...abortion rights...you name it. I ultimately decided not to because I really doubt it matters. It matters to have opinions and to vote and speak up for what is right...totally. But what would me blogging about it do? Would it change anyone's mind? No.

This morning I discovered Psalm 94 that I think sums up my feelings.

O Lord, the God of vengeance,
O God of vengeance, let your glorious justice shine forth!

Arise, O judge of the earth.
Give the proud what they deserve.

How long, O Lord?
How long will the wicked be allowed to gloat?

 How long will they speak with arrogance?
How long will these evil people boast?

They crush your people, Lord,
hurting those you claim as your own.

They kill widows and foreigners
and murder orphans.

“The Lord isn’t looking,” they say,
“and besides, the God of Israel[a] doesn’t care.”

Think again, you fools!

When will you finally catch on?

Is he deaf—the one who made your ears?
Is he blind—the one who formed your eyes?

He punishes the nations—won’t he also punish you?
He knows everything—doesn’t he also know what you are doing?

The Lord knows people’s thoughts;
he knows they are worthless!

 Joyful are those you discipline, Lord,
those you teach with your instructions.

You give them relief from troubled times
until a pit is dug to capture the wicked.

The Lord will not reject his people;
he will not abandon his special possession.

 Judgment will again be founded on justice,
and those with virtuous hearts will pursue it.

 Who will protect me from the wicked?
Who will stand up for me against evildoers?

 Unless the Lord had helped me,
I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.

 I cried out, “I am slipping!”
but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.

 When doubts filled my mind,
your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

 Can unjust leaders claim that God is on their side—
leaders whose decrees permit injustice?

 They gang up against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.

 But the Lord is my fortress;
my God is the mighty rock where I hide.

 God will turn the sins of evil people back on them.
He will destroy them for their sins.
The Lord our God will destroy them.

If I were them I would be scared. God doesnt play games. There will be justice. 

VIctoriously Frazzled

Our church offers Bible Study classes in the mornings. I had wanted to go to one a few months ago but when I asked about it, they had already started. Then a few weeks ago, GT pointed out to me an annoucement in the church bulletin saying one was starting at the end of March. I got really excited.

I emailed the lady in charge of it as soon as I got home to find out the details...mainly if they had childcare. And they do! The name of the study is "Victoriously Frazzled". I googled it. And then I was kinda upset. I was hoping for one of those great Beth Moore studies on Daniel...or her new stuff on Insecurity...I was thinking, I am stay at home mom, I am not stressed out. I debated for the past 3 weeks if I should go or not. I really want to get out of the house, and I really want God to teach me and continue working on me. I ended up going. I thought, I will just go the first time and if I dont like it, I wont go back.

We started by going around and saying what stressed us out. I got nervous. I didnt know what to say. Then as the other women were taking turns telling their stressors, God brought to my heart my biggest stressor...Finances. When I was thinking of stressors, I was thinking about my old job-CPS, college, finals, tests, meeting deadlines, writing papers...those kinds of stress... But finances hang over my head like a heavy dark cloud many days. So when it came my turn...my top 3 stressors:

• Audrie-yes, a 7 month old can be stressful, as well as staying at home
• Finances
• My pups...oh, somedays I want to give them away..but I wont, they are part of the fam

Then I had to tell how I de-stress:

• Taking a bath
• Reading
• Talking to GT

Did you read that list? Did it include reading the Bible? Memorizing scripture? Praying? Being STILL before God? Going to church? Nope. But yet, I say that I want God to be in control.  I am not allowing him to be. I say it in my head, but it is not true in my heart. 

 I hope to blog weekly as I go through this Bible Study and learn to really allow God to handle my stress. 

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10

Healthy Enchilada's

Ingredients:


Ground Turkey 93% (can also use chicken)
1 Package of Enchilada Seasoning
1 Can Cream of Mushroom 97% Fat Free
1 Can Rotel Regular
1 Small Container of Fat Free Sour Cream
2 cups of Fat Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Package of Wheat Tortilla's Taco Size (10)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350. Brown meat and drain. Season with Enchilada Seasoning, add 1/2 package of water. Mix well. Set aside. Mix together sour cream, cream of mushroom and Rotel in mixing bowl. Put in microwave for 2 minutes. In each tortilla, put a scoop of meat, scoop of soup mix and scoop of cheese, roll tortilla and place in baking dish. Pour remaining soup mix on top of enchilada's and remaining cheese. Bake for about 15-20 minutes...until cheese is melted and enchilada's are hot.

I serve with a side of corn and sometimes mexican rice. Makes 10 enchilada's.

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe: 10
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories		206.4
Total Fat		6.1 g
	Saturated Fat	1.5 g
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.7 g
	Monounsaturated Fat	1.1 g
Cholesterol		40.4 mg
Sodium		794.8 mg
Potassium		172.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate		21.3 g
	Dietary Fiber	7.4 g
	Sugars	3.9 g
Protein		23.0 g

Fun in the Sun

Yesterday, I brought Audrie to the park for the first time! We went with our good friends, Lynzie and Adalynn, and Randi and Fraizer! It is so fun to have friends with babies close to Audrie's age. And its fun to have some mommy talk!







All three of them swinging!













Audrie wasnt too sure about the tunnel. She didnt really go through it just sat there then played with the dirt!


















She really seemed to like the swing! I even got a few out loud laughs, which hardly ever happens! Then I think towards the end it was making her sleepy!









Then we tried the slide. Again, Audrie was more fascinated with the dirt.





I cant wait for them to be able to run around and really enjoy the park! It is going to be so much fun! I am looking forward to many more trips to the park!

diet week 5

Has it only been 5 weeks???? It feels like a lifetime :)

Weekly weigh-in: 205. Weekly weight loss--3 pounds! Total weight loss 23 pounds!!!!!!!!! Yippppeeee! Yesterday, I had a doctors appointment and they had my last weight (6 weeks after Audrie was born) was 236. WHOA MAMA! My last weigh in before I had her was 262..oh, man. I seriously hope I dont get that big again! Inspires me to keep losing! :)

This weeks bumps in the road:

• I wanted to quit. I just wanted a cheeseburger. We went to this place called Smashburger Friday. Well first off, we attempted to make turkey burgers on the grill, but the meat was too lean so it fell apart on the grill. And we didnt really have anything else. So we went out. And I really wanted a big fat bacon cheeseburger. Instead I had a grilled chicken sandwich. And....sweet potato fries. I couldnt resist. I LOVE sweet potato fries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I only ate 1/2 of what they gave me. They were sooooooo gooooodddd.
• Last week the weather was good most of the days, but I just didnt feel like walking. We go walking when GT gets off work and by that time I am exhausted, covered in baby food, spit up, drool, sometimes poo...and I dont feel like walking. I feel like giving Audrie to GT and taking a bath.
• It is getting a little old. Eating the same things, not eating much. I dont feel hungry usually but I miss eating, if that makes sense. I still eat. 3 meals a day. It just not the same.

I usually hit this bumps on the weekends and sometimes I splurge some, like with the sweet potato fries. then on Monday, I get back to it! It made me feel good to go to the doctor yesterday. They all noticed and complimented me on my weight loss. 

I only have 6 more pounds to go to get out of the 200 club! WOOHOO! 

Week in a Re-Cap

We had such a busy week last week.

• Monday, Audrie and I went to Shreveport because I had a doctor's appointment. We had lunch with my best friend Jessica and her mom "Aunt Pam". It was sooooo much fun! Those two girls are crazy fun! Then we went to two consignment shops, Hock Your Smocks and Second Time Around...they were both closed on Mondays....boo...And I went to my first Premier Jewelry Party at my friend Randi's house! It was alot of fun! 
• Tuesday was GT's first softball game of the season! We didnt win, but there is always next game...GT played good! And looked good might I add! :)
• Wednesday I felt so exhausted all day--I took 2 naps! Thats crazy, I usually dont even get in 1!
• Thursday, we went back to Shreveport. I had a lunch date with Jessica and Robin. I finally got to go to Hock Your Smocks, and got Audrie a cute Easter dress. Then we went to Old Navy where I got Audrie the cutest bathing suit and flip flops (with a 30% off coupon might I add)...then I went home and spent some time with my parents! And worked on student loan junk...yuck!
• Friday, I cleaned house alllll day....then we went to Terminix to visit GT and eat some lunch. Then we played outside the rest of the afternoon.
• Saturday, we were lazy because I had already cleaned and it rained all day. We did have plans to do some house projects, but they were mostly outside.
• Sunday, church then more laziness. I did keep the house clean all weekend, which for me is an accomplishment!

It was a fun week! And we have another one ahead! I LOVE spending everyday with Audrie, it is sooooo much fun and I wouldnt trade it for the world!

Count Your Blessings

I was having a pity party the other day. One of those, Why me, God? Why us? Why our family? Most of it dealing with our finances. It is a odd thing when other people are blessed...and you think why couldnt that have been us? I was not angry with God, just asking why. I know we needed the lesson when GT was laid off, but isnt that lesson learned? so What do we need to learn now?

Then, I was reading a book on parenting, and the author was telling the story of the prodigal son. If you havent heard it, short recap--the youngest son asked his father for his inheritance early. He took it, left his father's house, and sowed his wild oats. He lost all his money and then ended up eating pig slop...so he went back to his father's house. His father was waiting for him with open arms, put a ring on him and new robe, killed a fatten calf and threw a big party. Usually the conviction for me in this story is how we run away from God and He is always there waiting for us to come back. But not this time...

The story goes on to tell that the older brother comes to his father and whines...he basically asks, why does he get this when he wasted all your money while I have been here being a "good" son and working for you. This is the fathers response, "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' " To read the whole story in the Bible look up Luke 15:11-32

Man, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Everything I have is from God, it is all God's. It all belongs to Him. And I have no idea what God is doing in other people's lives or why He is blessing them. I should rejoice in their blessing and be content and grateful for what I have been given. We have never ever starved or even come close. Audrie has always had more than enough. So, then this hymn pops in my head, "Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your blessings, see what God has done, Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings see what God has done."

Now every time I want to ask why or want to have my pity party. I count my blessings.

1. My husband. I am sooooooo blessed to have a husband who doesnt settle for mediocre. He always wants to be a better man, husband and father. He loves me unconditionally. He challenges me and gives me strength. He makes me laugh and smile. He understands how important it is to me to stay home with our child and future children--he supports it 100%.
2. A little girl.  Audrie is more than I could ever have imagined. She is so happy and silly. She teaches me more about myself and priorities then I think i can ever teach her. She gives me so much joy.
3. My parents. My parents dedicated their lives to the Lord which included their marriage and raising their children. They have never been fake. They taught us truth, values, convictions and the love of God. I can never thank my parents enough for what they have given me and taught me.
4. My family. This includes my brothers, all my in-laws , nieces and nephew (and one on the way). I am blessed to have family who cares about us, prays for us and continues to show us support and love. When we were running low on finances, family was there. When I needed advice and someone to talk to, my family was there.
5. Finances. We have never missed a mortgage payment. We have never missed paying a major bill. God has always provided a way.
6. Friends. There are friends who have known me the majority of my life and still love me. And that says alot. I havent always been the best of friend or made the best of decisions and my friends were  and are still there for me. Some just know the surface but they are still friends. I am grateful for everyone of them.

That is barely even the surface of the blessings that God has given me and my family. Those are just a few, I figure this posts is getting pretty long.

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Healthy Recipes

Its been awhile since I have posted some recipes! Here are some healthy ones we have had lately:

Slow Cooker Zesty Italian Chicken

4 Chicken Breast
1 Bottle Fat Free Italian Dressing

Put in crock-pot. Cook on low for 6 hours.

Turkey Meatloaf


Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey (I used 85/15)
1 large egg
2 tsp Yellow Mustard
2 glove of garlic (I used mince that I had in the fridge)
1/2 cup of Bread Crumbs Italian Style
3 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Directions: Mix all ingredients well. Put in loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Only makes 4 servings, you might want to double it. I think I will next time. It was delicious and I do not like meatloaf.

Only 241 Calories per serving!

Honey Mustard Chicken

Buy McCormick honey mustard chicken mix, follow instructions on back. Yummo. Can be done in crock pot or baked...

My new favorite snack::::: A bag of popcorn (my fav is kettle corn) with sharp cheddar. Sometimes I eat this as my meal. Low calorie and soooo good!

Diet Week 4

Weekly weigh in= 208! Weekly total pounds lost-4...total pounds from the start-20! to be my goal weight=24 to go!

Bumps in the road:

I dont really have to many...it seems to have become alot easier as time goes by. There was one day last week, I felt weird and light-headed, so I started taking a women's multi-vitamin.

Things I really want to eat but cant:
1. A Big Fat Cheeseburger...from Sonic, or whataburger
2. Onion Rings
3. Fried Pickles
4. Chocolate Chip Cookies
5. A coke

Yesterday, I met with the fat doctor again. I think he was impressed with my weight loss. I dont think he knew how serious I am about losing it. I also got some fat burners to target my stomach area...we will see how that works out!

I got GT to take some pictures of me the other day because I fit in "fat-skinny" jeans, but when I looked at them--I dont look as good as I thought I do, ha!  So I am not posting them...Maybe when I lose another 20 :)

I will post some pics to see the difference in my face...I hate when my face looks fat!

     

Big Girl Carseat

We finally decided on a convertible carseat. GT and I went to Target looked at each one of them, what they do, what is different, etc...And we decided on this one:

It's the Evenflo Triump. Ours is different color stripes...so why did we pick it??? It is better for a taller child...and there are this rolly things on the sides, you roll them to tighten the straps! I love this! And to height the straps you just push them up. You dont have to go into the back and do all that! Also...It reclines in 3 different positions. 

It is quite large, but for us that wasnt an issue. And, it took us awhile to figure out how to install it. You have to switch the latches around for rear facing. It wasnt a big deal, we are glad to know it is correct. And I used the latch system plus ran the seat belt, I feel like it is really sturdy, even more than her infant car seat was.

The only thing I dont like, and this is any convertible carseat, Audrie had this frog toy on her infant carrier that she loves! And I cant attach it on the new seat. And I dont really know what toys I could do. I ended up just bringing some from home...but then I sure dont want to be toteing toys back and forth, I guess I can get some just for the car. 

Anyway, thats all! Audrie seems to love being up high and being able to look out the window!

The Life of a 7 Month Old

I am not sure what happened in the past 2 weeks, I feel like I have a different child. She is still sweet, happy and silly, however, she is not containable anymore!

Pulling Up. It all started from what happened in my last post...she started pulling up in her crib. Then, we noticed she was trying to pull up on other things...things she couldnt really pull up on, like our legs, her jumperoo, etc... So, I went to Target and got her the Leap Frog Learn and Groove table. This didnt work out too well either. She would get to distracted from everything going on with the lights and sound, so she would let go and fall. Sometimes hurting herself... Ugh.

Bath. Then, we were giving her a bath in her inflatable duck like we have been since about 4 months or so. And she would not sit still in it. GT had to hold her down so I could wash her. It made me nervous because she turned herself around and was standing while holding on to the duck's tail. I was scared she would fall forward and hit her head on the spout. The solution= we arent using the duck anymore. I got a bath mat and a spout cover. Audrie had her first "big" girl bath last night. It went better then it did in the duck. She liked having all the room and having all her toys in the bathtub. We even put in the bubble bath for the first time! She crawled a little in it, but her head was way above the water and GT and I were both there if she were to fall or stick her head under water. She did try to climb out towards the end, so we just took her out and decided bath time was over. I dont think she climbs out because she doesnt like it, she loves her bath, I think it is just because she knows how to now. I researched it a little and they sell bath seats, but I dont think she would like that. I think as long as GT and I are right there it is ok. And hopefully, this is just a phase.

Clapping. As some of yall saw on FB, Audrie claps! We didnt even know! We were playing on the floor with her, and periodically we clap and say YAY! when she does something cute or just when we feel like it.  One time I did it, and she looked at me and did it back! SO we kept doing it and kept doing it! I know she is just mimicking us but I cant help thinking it is so cute. And scary...Because she can mimic us. I mean I knew the day would come, but it makes me think of things I do or say...I better watch it!

Crawling. For the past few months Audrie has been working on crawling. She started getting on all 4's like at 4 months...Recently, she figured out how to make her hands go, she is still working on the legs, she can do it, it just takes her alot of concentration and she gets distracted alot! :)   I thought I would be really excited about her crawling, and I am. However, I cant just leave her with her toys in the living room like I usually do. And she falls quite a bit. And she refuses to roll to her stomach if she falls back. She can do it, because she does sometimes, but she would rather me do it for her. Now, we need to child proof. Ugh-again.

Car Seat. Audrie is getting to long for her infant car seat. So I am researching convertible car seats. I thought I had one picked out that I decided on. Then when I went to look at them at Target, I could not decide. I wish we could have like trial car seats. Try it out for a week then keep it or exchange it until we found one we liked. If any of you have suggestions, please pass them on. However, I am not getting a Britax. WAY to expensive. Right now, I am torn between Titan Elite and Graco My Ride.

Yesterday, we had to go up in PJ size. Her footed 9 months pajamas have been too small for her for about 2 weeks, but I have kinda been trying to ignore it. I know, bad mommy. This time I didnt get footed ones, 1. because its about to be really warm...2. i cant keep buying a whole new size of PJ's every 2 months. this way they wont really get too small length wise and weight wise she is on target with her month.  Anyway, and I got some baby sun hats, baby sun glasses and a swim suit for her! I cant wait for summer! I cant wait to bring her swimming!

It sure is fun when she learns something new, but I miss her being a wittle baby...  :(   Guess I will just have to have another one! :)

C-Sections

I debated whether or not to blog about this. I know it can get pretty heated and alot of women have had c-sections. So, I preface this note by saying my frustration is not with women who have had or are going to have a C-Section, my frustration is with the health system, hospitals and doctors. Recently, C-Sections studies have been on the news, so I have decided to blog my opinions. Please do not get offended.

1. Induced labor. The rate of women being induced has double in the past 10 years. I was actually induced myself. I am not against "induction" and I realize in some cases, including mine, it is necessary. It is crucial and life-saving in some instances. However, many labors lead to C-Sections because of induction. A woman will be induced and have no progression and they will end up preforming a C-Section, or a woman will be induced and her heart rate and the babies will increase due to the amount of pitocin and a emergency c-section will have to be performed.  10 years ago, a doctor would only order induction at 42 weeks if there were no extenuating circumstances prior. Again, I know there are times when induction and c-section are life-saving and the "best" thing.

2. Legality. Many doctor's perform c-sections due to fear of being sued. A doctor's responsibility is to deliver a healthy baby while keeping a healthy mama through the process. If a doctor does not do that, it is possible they will be sued for mal-practice. So, their solution is to do c-sections because that is the ultimate thing that they can do to fulfill their duties and also a c-section can be more controlled since it is surgery other than labor which is unknown.

3. Convenience. It is convenient for a doctor to perform a c-section that might take a total of 1 hour, where a woman can be in labor for 12 or more. Most c-sections are scheduled during the week and before 5 o'clock. Hmmm. Isnt that interesting? Even with I gave birth, i didnt have a c-section but my doctor asked me to wait to push until she got done see patients. So when she got done seeing patients I began pushing, but I starting pushing too early, because then she wanted to get home to her family. So I ended up pushing for 2 1/2 hours, and I really didnt need to. If she would have let me be in labor for a little longer then I wouldnt have had to push so long, or at least thats what I like to think.

4. C-Section Education. Women are not taught the complications that can arise from a c-section. Yeah a doctor or nurse comes in and quickly tells you what could happen or you might sign some paperwork that you dont even read. You are there to have a baby, you are probably exhausted, probably soooo excited, probably just ready to get the baby out. So why dont the doctors or classes teach c-section early on. Tell women what could happen and how to prevent these things.

I dont know why I feel so passionate about this, but I do. I just feel women should be educated on everything dealing with labor, child-birth and pregnancy. I feel our culture has down played the whole process and tried to make it convenient, scheduled and easy. I know I am different then most women, but I want to go into labor by myself. I was to feel what its like. I still really want to try it natural.

On the news, they told a story of a woman who had a c-section and didnt walk for 3 days after. She was in the hospital and they didnt make her get up and walk or anything. So she ended up having a blood clot and dying. That child will NEVER know his mother. Then the news anchor said this is still very rare, out of 500,000 births in California last year only 95 women died. Only 95? That seems like a lot to me. That means 95 children will never know their mother and might not ever have a mother. I understand they might not have all been preventable, but the story they shared was preventable. And could have been prevented by the woman receiving proper education about the process. She could have been told she needed to walk around 24 hours after the c-section, or she could have asked for those stockings they put on your legs to prevent blood clots.

Anyway, that is my venting. I was born by a c-section. I was breach. And I turned out wonderful, haha, just kidding. So, its not that I am completely against them being performed at all...i believe that are performed many times when it isnt necessary and that women need more pregnancy/labor education. Done.

Diet Week 3

Total weekly weight loss= 3 pounds! Total weight loss overall= 16 pounds!

Bumps in the road this week:

• Discouragement. The first week I lost 9 pounds... I was losing a pound or 2 a week. Now, I am losing a pound every few days. At one point, it really discouraged me. I am on of those instant kind of people. I was just want to instantly be at my goal weight. But I know thats not how it works. I know it takes time and hard work. It is worth it! 
• Cheesecake. GT and I went to a retreat where they fed us. First night, fajitas. That wasnt too bad, actually it was something I could have. But dessert was cheesecake. I shared one with GT. I couldnt resist it.
• Weekend. It is so hard to stay on a diet during the weekend. Especially when you go places where you cant control your food. We went to the retreat then to a wedding shower. Usually, I dont really care for shower cake, but GT's cousin made this AWESOME chocolate cake. I cant describe it, it was sooooo good. But I only had one bite, although I wanted a big stinkin piece! 
• Again, exercise. Man this weather is so fickle. Again, its been raining. Off and on. And it usually on when we want to go for a walk. Today its supposed to be good, but then the next two days not so much...ugh...ready for summer! 

Encouragements this week:

• People. My family and GT's family has been so supportive of me and really want me to succeed. My parents even started a diet of their own and they are doing awesome! I am so proud of them. Also, people that know me are starting to notice and that always makes you feel good!
• Exercise. This is an encouragement too, because Lynzie and I started Zumba! I kinda forgot how silly this white girl looked doing it, but I love it. I love to dance, but I really cant. Like, its bad. But yay for Zumba!
• Adipex. Thats all-just adipex. 
• Recipes. I am still collecting some healthy recipes and trying to cook new things. That makes me feel more excited about my diet. Last night I made sweet and sour meatballs, they werent that great, so I am not going to share the recipe, I dont think I will ever make it again. 
• Smart Ones Key Lime Pie. Yum. Love it. Delicious. Makes me happy. Keeps me going. 

Goal= 12 more pounds to become a "good" weight. 27 to become my goal weight! 

Marriage and More

Wow. I dont even know how to begin to write about this weekend. I guess I can start out by telling what went on this weekend....

GT and I attended a marriage retreat through our church, Mobberly Baptist, with speakers Steve and Debbie Wilson. My parents have always taught me growing up to take every advantage of conferences, retreats, seminars, etc... on marriage, parenting, life...anything, because there is ALWAYS something that can be changed and worked on. Also, during college I took a marriage class where I also learned the same, that nothing can ever perfect...

So that is what we do. Anytime something like this is available we try to go if possible. And I am soooo glad we did. Since Audrie was born, our marriage has gotten more difficult. I wouldnt say it was bad or in trouble, it is just harder. This weekend was so refreshing to get our attention that we need come back together as a couple, re-evaluate some things and remember that our marriage is the most important, second to our relationship with Christ.

God really spoke to me this weekend more about mine and His relationship then my one with GT (and he really talked to me about that one too!) He convicted me of things I have been doing that isnt who He created me to be. He showed me for anything to change or get better with GT and I's relationship, that mine and His needs to get better. And He's been there the whole time waiting, so its me that has to do something!

I am excited, scared, nervous, etc... about what He wants to do in my life. In our marriage. In my parenting. BUT I KNOW it will be the best...it is going to be a little painful for awhile, and I am going to have to deal with alot of things that I dont want to deal with, but the end result is going to be better than I can even imagine!

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

--Philippians 1:6

Can I get an AMEN???????

When I am down...

Sometimes I need encouragement...or need help getting out of a pity party...or need to be reminded no one else's opinion matters...and oddly, there are times I get it from Jimmy Eat World.

It Just Takes Some Time


Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out or
looked down on.
Just try your best, try everything you can.
And don't you worry what they tell themselves when you're away.

It just takes some time,
little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything (everything) will be just fine,
everything (everything) will be alright (alright).

Hey, you know they're all the same.
You know you're doing better on your own, so don't buy in.
Live right now.
Yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough for someone else.

Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out or
looked down on.
Just do your best, do everything you can.
And don't you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say.

It just takes some time,
little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything (everything) will be just fine,
everything (everything) will be alright (alright).

My OTHER Love Story Part 4

I went through high school very involved in church and a youth group. I am so grateful for this. I think this kept me out of a lot of trouble. I made some of my very best friends in this youth group. I grew up spiritually and as a woman. I learned how to be a leader. On the other hand, I was still boy crazy. I always thought I "needed" a boyfriend. I would get super attached and put too many emotions into a relationship it wasn't meant to be in.

My faith really began to grow the summer of 2004. I worked for Centri-Kid, we basically went around the US doing camps for kids 3-6 grades. It wasnt necessarily the camps that attributed to my change....but...yepp, you guessed it...a boy. I remember meeting him the first day of training week and he intrigued me. For the first 2 weeks or so, I began to get to know him and I could NOT stand him. He argued with me on everything I thought and believed. I even remember praying that God would give me love in my heart for him because I could not stand him. Well, God did just that. We talked alot about the Bible and God. He would challenge me. On what I believed and why I believed it. And I found alot of the things I believed in wasn't necessarily Biblical, but Baptist. He introduced me to the author, Brian McLaren. I introduced him to Rob Bell. The summer ended, I went back to college and we would continue phone conversations and emails. He would tell me about books he was reading in seminary and I would read them. My faith really really grew. I decided for myself what was REAL truth and what was just things I have been told to believe.

The next summer I worked for Centri-Kid again. To make a long story short, it was a completely different summer than the one before. It was a bad...very bad....summer. It ended with me being asked not to work camp again. I felt like I had been treated very wrong by the people who were in charge, which was supposed to be a Christian corporation. I took it really hard. Again, I let anger and bitterness in. Then went back to college, where I was very active in the BCM. I was a chairmen of a committee. I really wanted to change things...and then...more hypocrisy...again, a long story that doesnt really matter. All that matter is how I reacted. I reacted by running. Running from God, running from truth...but the good things is NO MATTER HOW FAR YOU TRY TO RUN, GOD IS THERE!

While I happened to be "running", I began dating GT. and we both happened to be running together. I did KNOW without a shadow of doubt that GT was who God wanted me to marry. So, we got married. The beginning was great. He had an AWESOME job, I liked mine ok. We were financially set. We bought a house. Everything seemed picture perfect. We went to church...but it was almost like we didnt "need" God. Then everything changed. GT was laid off. We had a baby. He took a new job making less than 1/2 of what he was making before and I stopped working. We thought we were going to lose our house several times. We HAD to run back to God. We had no choice. Just like the prodigal son MY FATHER was there with open arms. Forgiving everything. Loving us just as much as before. I am soooooo  THANKFUL this happened to us. We need this wake-up call.

Audrie has caused me to strengthen my faith as well. Something about having this precious innocent baby and knowing how twisted and evil this world is. My prayer life has become much more active. As I pray for her future, for her now, for GT and I as parents. I am so grateful that God has not given up on me and continues to test me and push me beyond the limits I set.

I was sitting in church a few weeks ago when I decided to my blog about my journey. I wanted to do it for a few reasons:

1. I wanted whoever reads my blog to know what I believe. I do hope it is evident in just knowing me. Christ died on the cross to SAVE US from our sins. I believe without His salvation there is NO hope, there is NO peace. Only heartache, destruction...and an ultimate reality of living eternally in hell. If someone might be in the place I was at 15, doubting, not sure what to do, scared...getting rid of my pride was the best thing I could have ever done and allowing Jesus to be the King of my heart was THE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE. It didnt make my life perfect. It actually made it a little harder, but SOOOOOOOOOOOO much better.

2. I want my children to read this one day. My dad would always tell me he wanted us to learn from his mistakes instead of making them ourselves. I hope my children or anyone reading this will learn from my mistakes. I am quite hard headed and usually have to make mistakes myself to learn.

3. God tells us to share our story. Being a stay-at-home mom, my human interaction is pretty low (if you cant tell by all my blogging!)...so this a way for me to share my story. And I will continue sharing as God shapes me and molds me.

I end with my favorite song as a child, it feels more true now than ever...

He's Still Working on Me

There really ought to be a sign upon the heart,

Don't judge her yet, there's an unfinished part.

But I'll be perfect just according to His plan

Fashioned by the Master's loving hands.

He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.

It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,

The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.

How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.

In the mirror of His Word reflections that I see

Make me wonder why He never gave up on me.

He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray

Remember He's the Potter, I'm the clay.

7 months and counting!

Where did these 7 months go???? They are flying by that is for sure... Here are some things Ms. Audrie has been up to:

• Sunday when I went to pick her up from the nursery they told me they are transferring her to the next class because she is pulling up on things. 

• Then the next day, when i went to get her from her nap...this is what I found:

She had pulled up on her crib. In this picture she is on her knees. So last night we lowered the crib and this morning she pulled up again, but this time it was on her feet. I am nervous she can flip over, but I dont think so yet, I hope. I am glad we have a video monitor.

• Last Thursday (2-25), I felt her 2nd tooth coming in! Teething for us hasn't as bad as some stories I have heard, but it has had its moments for sure.

• The day after my last "Audrie" posts, she started sitting up! She still falls over some, but she cant sit for  a pretty long time. And she has learned how to go to crawling position and back to sitting.

• She isn't full-out crawling yet. She can take a few strides if she really want something. Other than that she just lunges for it. 

• We are in some 12 month clothes. It makes me sad. I dont want Audrie to look so much older than she really is. Oh well, there is nothing I can do!

I love this sweet girl!

Bubble Pizza Recipe

I had never heard of bubble pizza until I saw a recipe for it on the spark website I shared in my previous posts. I took one from there and made it my own...

Bubble Pizza (Healthy Style)

Ingredients:
Ground Turkey (93%)
Small Onion
1/2 Green Bell Pepper
2 small jars or 1 large jar of Pizza Sauce
Turkey Pepperonis (I used about 20 and tore them in half)
1 large can of Pillsbury Reduced Fat Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits (8)
Fat Free Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Directions:
1. Brown ground turkey, add chopped onion and bell-pepper
2. Cut biscuits into quarters
3. Put ground turkey, pepperonis, pizza sauce and biscuit quarters in mixing bowl
4. Mix well until the pizza sauce covers everything
5. Pour in a 9X13 dish
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes
7. Cover with cheese (I used about a cup)
8. Bake 10 more minutes
9. Yum.

Makes 8 servings. Each serving is a total of 379 calories!

Im sure you could add alot more calories by doing ground beef, regular cheese, regular pepperoni's and biscuits! (and it will probably taste better too!)

Options: you can put whatever ingredients you like on/with pizza...example: mushrooms, olives, sausage, etc...
2.

Diet Week 2

Total weight loss this week...drum rolllllll..... 4 pounds! That is a total of 13 since I started 2 weeks ago! 
I have 15 pounds to go to be at a "good" weight and 30 to be at my ideal weight!

Bumps in the road this week:

• Cooking in the crock-pot. For those who read my blog regularly, you know I like cooking in the crockpot! Well, it made me hungry all day because I could smell the food cooking all day. So my new rule is to only cook in the crock-pot when I am going to be gone most of the day. 
• Eating out. We do not eat out alot, but sometimes. What I do is plan what I can eat before I go. Sunday we wanted to go to Newk's after church. I looked up Newk's in the "my fitness" database. I saw I could have a boiled shrimp po-boy, it was only 350 calories for the whole sandwich. Then when I got home to log my calories, I looked at the actual Newk's website, it was 350 calories for half of the sandwich. :(   Had I known, I would have only eaten half. Lesson learned: check the restaurant's website. 
• Weather. My choice of exercise is walking. I love to go on a walk. Our plan is when Gt comes home from work we will take Audrie and the dogs on a mile walk. Due to the weather, we have only been able to do this twice. Also, Lynzie and I are starting to go to a Zumba class Thursday! I am really excited about it! 

Things that really help me out:

• www.myfitnesspal.com -- I log in my calories every day. I also use it to look and see what kinds of things I can and cannot have.
• www.recipes.sparkpeople.com -- This website has a few things I really enjoy. I can put all my ingredients into their recipe calculator and figure out how many calories, fat, carbs etc. my recipe is per serving. AND they have some awesome, healthy recipes!
• All the encouragement from family, facebook friends, etc... Sometimes I do want to just give up...but I AM NOT! I am determined for me, for Audrie, for my health, for my future pregnancies....

I am going to share some of my healthier recipes as I make them. Tonight I am trying Bubble Pizza. I am not going to post the recipe until I try it out...but I will let you know! 

My new favorite breakfast: English muffin (toasted), "I Cant Believe it's not butter spray", Sugar Free Jelly...Only 143 calories! 

Monthly Menus

I just cleaned out the pantry. Gross. We waste sooooo much food. I tend to buy alot of stuff and forget about it.

I decided our family needs a better system. I made a calendar and sent a list of all the recipes I know or make to GT ...and I am letting him pick dinner for the week...hopefully when we have 4 children and they are older, I will let them pick one night a week. It should be fun. Maybe I am dreaming :)   Thursdays are leftover nights, and Tuesday's dinner has to be crock-pot since GT has softball games that night...I will print it out and put in on the fridge! It will help with the budget too (I hope!)

As yall know from previous blogs, I enjoy cooking. Since I have been on my diet, I have had a hard time planning meals and finding something good yet still healthy. I went through some things I already make and tweaked them to become healthy. Then I looked up alot on the internet for some healthy dishes!

Hopefully as I do this, I will post some recipes online! I know it has been awhile...this diet has thrown me off, but now I am back.

I wish I could insert an attachment on this blog, but I dont think I can. If you would like a copy of our calendar to make your own, just let me know! And leave me your email in a comment!  I have a MAC, so it should work for both a MAC and PC.