24 Weeks Baby No.3

how far along? 24 weeks

how are you measuring? My doctor hasn't been measuring my belly, but I'm sure it is ahead like it was with the other two.  What can I say...I have a big belly.  

size of baby?  about the size of an ear of corn.  1 1/3 lbs and 8.5 inches long

heartbeat? about 150 bpm...strong and healthy

sleep? I wake up constantly to flip over at night.  I go to sleep on my side, but wake up about 15 times a night on my back and have to flip back to my sides.  It is pretty annoying, but on the bright side I don't ever have to go to the restroom.  I have a bladder of steel :)

food cravings? I've eaten everything in sight so no specific cravings.  I'm sure the next week is going to be rough.  I have to detox after the holidays.    

gender predictions? It's a girl!  We still don't have a name and probably won't say until the birth just like we did with the other two.  

What I'm feeling:  Definitely starting to feel her more often.  I feel like it has taken forever for this to happen due to my anterior placenta.  Now, I get to start counting kicks to make sure everything is good.  

How are the other kiddos?  They haven't said much about the baby lately... too busy with all of their new toys and fighting with each other.   They've been on my last nerve this week, but I know they are being normal siblings that fight with each other.  I don't think they handle being home all day very well.  

total weight gain/loss? Let's just say that I gained my fair share plus enough for two other people over the holidays. I am starting to work out every day and I'm cleaning up my eating. I've gotten rid of all the junk in my house and have grocery shopped for fresh produce. I have gained my "total" amount planned and I'm only 24 weeks. Womp Womp...I'm not letting it get me down because I know that I'll lose it again.

Normal pain or something to worry about

I'm only 22 weeks pregnant with this little one, but I feel like I'm 38 weeks along.  I'm not complaining about my pregnancy pains because I feel blessed to carry this little girl, but this is more out of concern and logging all that has happened.

My tummy/pelvic area have been so uncomfortable since about 16 weeks.  I get sharp pains, pinching, and pressure, but figured she was laying weird or digging a foot into my pelvis.  So I've went about my business like normal.  Last week, I had a day where I could not walk without a sharp pain on one side of my low abdomen and back, so I taught my classes sitting.  Good thing I teach older kids and can just work the problems sitting on my stool with the use of my ELMO.  Again, didm't think much of it.

This weekend, I decided I had to get back into going to the gym so Saturday I went and walked briskly for 30 minutes with hills on the treadmill and then did some lower body weights.  I was sore for the rest of the day.  My lower abdomen, vagina, and back were sore/painful.  I figured, it has to do with the work out and my body hasn't had to do anything in months.  I went back to the gym Sunday to work out the soreness.  I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and then lifted weights.  The elliptical felt much better because I didn't have as much pressure bouncing on my pelvis.  As the day went on, the soreness/pain got worse.  Yes, I'm definitely taking it easy with my workouts.  I'm not pushing myself very hard because I want to slowly get back into a routine.

I took Monday off to "recover." Actually, I just want to make sure all the pressure and pain I've been feeling is really from the work outs and not something else I should be concerned about.  I'm going to see how work goes today and if I feel fine, then I will hit up the gym today after work.  I'm really hoping it is just my body adjusting to working out again.  I wouldn't be as concerned if I hadn't had so much pain other days without working out.

I would never do anything to jeopardize this pregnancy.  Has anyone felt so much pain after working out while pregnant?  Is it normal?  Any feedback would be great....

FYI- I will contact my doctor if it doesn't get better.  

Pregnant Eating is out of Control

I've been back on the working out train this week, but the food train has wrecked.  I'm not talking about a little indulgence here and there.  I'm talking about sweets and crap at work and then the hubs saying, "I picked up dinner or Do you want to eat at Chuy's."  If you follow me on Instagram, you are well aware that we live at Chuy's.  It is the only good Mexican food place in the DFW.  We are very particular about our mexican food coming from Austin where it is at every street corner.  Yes, we grew up very spoiled in that department.  So, when we moved here we searched high and low for good mexican food and it didn't happen until a couple years ago when Chuy's opened up.  Apparently, we MUST live there every week.

Anyways, enough about my rant on mexican food.  My eating is horrendous.  It all started with the 4 dozen cookies Chad baked last week that are now on my ass.  Then, it is the holiday season and everyone gets the urge to bake goodies and bring them to work.  Last but not least, my evenings are filled with carbs and fatty foods that are "picked up" because I'm either too lazy to cook or I don't get home until 7 or 7:30 so the hubs takes care of it.

I'm surprised my babies aren't over 10 pounds with the amount of food I feed them in utero every day.  I have got to stop and get it under control.  There is this word I learned a long time ago that I must start using...it rhymes with smo.

Any tips or good, healthy recipes would be greatly appreciated.  Send them to me as I need some sort of kick in the butt because apparently the ever growing number on the scale isn't enough of a deterrent.

Getting back into a normal routine

The ice made me realize just how much extra time I have on my hands now that school is over.  For the past 4 days, I sat around the house and checked social media sites about 5 billion times just waiting for updates.  I probably should have been cleaning out rooms or doing something else productive.

The hubs made tons of cookies and I ate probably 2 dozen on my own.  They were so good and I was that inner fat kid sneaking cookies every five minutes.  Oh the memories of my childhood shall never go away.  I can usually resist some, but being stuck inside all day didn't help me any.  Oh and the fact that I'm pregnant doesn't help the will power.  Ugh...I'm so over cookies.

So what is going on now?  I feel like crap.  I feel fat and lazy and I'm done with my lethargic, unnecessary eating.  It is time for me to get back in the swing of things.  I have about 19 weeks left until  this baby blesses us with her presence and I plan on shedding some of the ungodly pounds I've put on over the past six months.  Don't worry...I'm not going on a diet or going to work out hardcore, but let's just say I've already gained the "total" amount my doctor suggested and I'm only half way done.  Something has to change.

Unfortunately, my hubs is getting rid of my gym membership due to an increased car payment (3rd kid makes you get a larger vehicle).  BUT until he actually cancels it, I'm going to use it.  So today, I'm going to the gym right after work.  Plus, it will wear out the kids and they love going.

I WILL get back on track today!

21 Weeks So let's catch up

 Aren't they so cute in their Thanksgiving outfits?  I love them so much!  We went to Austin for Thanksgiving to visit the in-laws.  It was a short trip, but it was nice to get away for a day. Unfortunately, we had to come back on Friday so I could write my remaining papers and finish up my other documentation to end my internship.

Today, I am getting out in the ice to drive an hour + to turn in my remaining assignments for my internship.  Woohoo!  Once they are in, I will officially be done with my Masters.  I am super excited.

We've had lots of ice in DFW and have I told you that I love the cold?  I am probably one of the few... As soon as I get tired of the cold, it warms up and vice versa.  This is why I love living in Texas.  I get the extreme heat and cold throughout the year.

The ice the past few days has caused me to remain inside, but I have enjoyed it.  It has been great just laying around, watching movies, and eating cookies with no school or work worries.   There are no assignments waiting to be completed or books to read.  Although, I am starting to go crazy being cooped up inside all day.  I was hoping to return to school today.  Maybe tomorrow will be better.

 Chad got the kids out to play in the ice.  They loved it and didn't want to come back inside.

And last, but not least, we found out we are having a beautiful baby girl!  My gut instinct told me girl from the beginning, but for a couple weeks before we found out I was starting to lean towards boy.  I don't know if it was because everyone else thought it would be a boy or what.  Chad told me on the way to the doctor that he would love for it to be a boy, but was positive it would be a girl.  I think he was a little disappointed when we found out.  I had no preference at all.  I thought of a million pros/cons to both so it really didn't matter to me.  I'm thrilled to be able to buy some girl stuff again and to know that she is healthy.  Now if only I can keep the high blood pressure away for this entire pregnancy.  

I hope you are all enjoying your December!  I need to start Christmas shopping soon...

  

18 Weeks with Baby No. 3

how far along? 18 weeks

how are you measuring? She didn't check my measurement at my 16 week appointment.

size of baby? about half a pound and 6 inches or the size of a mango according to "What to expect."

heartbeat? 150 bpm (I have a doppler and I use it pretty regularly) 

total weight gain/loss? Apparently I overdid the workout last Monday because I could barely walk for the rest of the week.  I have a busy week this week so I'm not sure if I'm going to make it to the gym.  My classes are winding down which means lots of papers to write and submit.  2 more full weeks with Thanksgiving in the middle and then I'm finished with Grad School.  Yay!  I Can. Not. WAIT.  

sleep? I always sleep well.  I wake up a lot on my back and then have to flip to my side.  Flipping over is getting harder to do.  Megan suggested her body pillow.  She said it is amazing, so I might need to bite the bullet and buy one.

food cravings? Nothing special this week.  

gender predictions? I go back and forth ever day.  I have no clue.  A healthy, happy baby is really all I care about.  

What I'm feeling:  I thought there were a few times last week that I felt some flutters and kicks, but I'm not positive that is what it was.  Either this baby is really chill or I'm just not feeling anything because I have an anterior placenta blocking it all.  Kaylee was pretty mellow the entire pregnancy so this one may be more like her.     

How are the other kiddos?  They are so freaking cute and I cannot get enough of them.  They are getting so big and I know this one is going to grow so quickly also.  I'm just trying to enjoy every moment with them and this last pregnancy.  

17 weeks Baby No.3

how far along? 17 weeks

how are you measuring? She didn't check my measurement at my 16 week appointment.

size of baby? about 5oz and 5 inches or the size of my palm according to "What to expect."

heartbeat? 150 bpm (I have a doppler and I use it pretty regularly) 

total weight gain/loss? I made my way back to the gym this morning.  I felt so disgusting when I saw myself in all of the mirrors, but hey at least I was there and I got a good workout in.  I know I'm going to be sore later.  My legs are really shaky.  

maternity clothes? I wore my last pair of regular skinny jeans this weekend (only because they are stretchy).  Other than that, I stick to maternity clothes most of the time.  

sleep? I always sleep well.  I am pretty lucky in the fact that my bladder can hold a lot of pee and even though it is completely full I can usually hold out until the morning before it wakes me up.  

food cravings? Nothing special this week.  

gender predictions? Up until this point, I kept thinking girl, but for the past few days I have started to think it is a boy.  Who knows... We will find out in 2 1/2 weeks.    

What I'm feeling: Pretty plump and ready to feel some movement.  I thought there were a few times last week that I felt some flutters and kicks, but I'm not positive that is what it was.  You would think I would know since this is my 3rd, but it is so sporadic that it makes me think it was gas.   

How are the other kiddos?  Kaylee still insists this baby is a girl.  She has started giving my belly a kiss at night when she goes to sleep.  Lucas mentions the baby here and there, but I don't think he really knows what is going on.  

15 Weeks Baby No. 3

how far along? 15 weeks

how are you measuring? I was measuring 14 weeks at my 12 week 4 day appointment.  

size of baby? size of an avocado

heartbeat? 150 bpm (I have a doppler and I use it pretty regularly) 

total weight gain/loss? I'm not going on a "diet", but now that I am feeling better I am planning on really trying to force myself to eat lots of veggies and fruit.  I can already feel my hands and feet swell some nights.  I also want to start walking/jogging in the mornings now that my energy is starting to come back some.  (6 more weeks of grad school!)

maternity clothes? I'm wearing both so that I am comfortable.  I hate feeling stuffed in my clothes.  

sleep? I always sleep well.  I am pretty lucky in the fact that my bladder can hold a lot of pee and even though it is completely full I can usually hold out until the morning before it wakes me up.  

food cravings? Nothing special this week.  

gender predictions? My initial instinct when I found out I was pregnant was a girl.  It has been right with the other two so I'm curious to know if it is right again.  The heartbeat is lower like Lucas had.  I had my first gender dream this week and it was a little girl.  I go back and forth. I already have a beautiful little girl and sweet little boy so I really don't have a preference for this one.  I just want a happy and healthy baby.  Our 20 week appointment is scheduled for Nov. 27th so we will find out then.  

What I'm feeling: I had someone ask me today if I am expecting.  This was the first time that I didn't have to tell someone.  It made this whole pregnancy a little more "real," but at the same time made me think...OMG I shouldn't be showing yet and Ugh...I need to lose some weight.  I know it sounds stupid because I AM expecting so I should be happy to show, but it still bothers me because I'm only 15 weeks.  Don't get mad at me...I'm just being honest and I can't really tell you exactly why it is bothering.  I am truly blessed to be carrying this baby and I don't want people to take it like I am being ungrateful.  I'm not.  I am super excited about this baby and I cannot wait to hold it and love it.  God has chosen me and I am honored to be given another child.  It is okay to have insecurities and this weight gain issue is one of mine.  

How are the other kiddos?  Kaylee insists this baby is a girl while Lucas thinks it is a boy.  They are both so sweet and talk about the baby all the time.  Last week when I picked up Lucas from his class, his teacher poked her head into the hallway and said, "Lucas told us today that you have a baby in your belly.  Is it true?"  I laughed and confirmed.  Silly boy is telling people before I do.  

14 Weeks with Baby #3

I've made it to 14 weeks and I finally have a day to myself.
That means I have two seconds to myself to get a blog post up.

how far along? 14 weeks

how are you measuring? I was measuring 14 weeks at my 12 week 4 day appointment.  

size of baby? size of an orange

heartbeat? 145-150 bpm (I have a doppler and I use it pretty regularly) 

total weight gain/loss? a lot...I'm not going to post my weight gain every week. I don't want to get caught up in the numbers, but instead enjoy my last pregnancy.  

maternity clothes? I'm wearing both.  I can wear some of my regular pants, but they are too tight to be considered comfortable.  I have gone out and bought some more clothing, non maternity, that will last throughout and after.  I don't want to waste money on clothing I won't wear at all after the baby.   

sleep? I always sleep well.  I am pretty lucky in the fact that my bladder can hold out and even though it is completely full I can usually hold out until the morning before it wakes me up.  

food cravings? Satisfied my Texadelphia craving today for lunch.  It was awesome!

gender predictions? I have no clue.  I go back and forth every day. Our 20 week appointment is scheduled for Nov. 27th so we will find out then.  

What I'm feeling: I'm feeling very gross and totally pudgy these days.  I don't have a baby bump, but my tummy pokes out more.  With my counseling internship, school work, and career, I have completely fallen off of the working out routine.  It sucks and I can't wait to have time to breathe and work out again.  I have 7 weeks until graduation and I can not wait!  I have been super emotional and cry at just about anything...probably not a good time to critique anything I am doing because I may just cry.  I have been more nauseated this pregnancy than the past two and the only thing that made it better was eating more and more, especially carbs.  Can not get enough pasta, potatoes, and sweets.  Luckily, I think this is starting to pass so I can try to make better choices.  

How are the other kiddos?  We told them about the baby last week and they are sooooo excited.  Kaylee will come up to me all the time and tell me about things she is going to do once the baby gets here.  She keeps asking if she can help with ......  It is so cute and I cannot wait for her to be a big sister again.  Lucas has been happy about the baby, but I'm not sure he fully understands what is going to happen.    

I miss y'all

Wow...my last post was probably over a month ago and it sucks!
I miss writing about stuff that really isn't too important and having you all read it.
I love the support I get on this blog and it has helped me stick with lots of goals.
I miss reading blogs every morning and crying, laughing, or getting motivated to do more.
I wish I could go back to the good ole' days.
For now I can't, but just know that it isn't by choice.

My life has been turned upside down this semester with my new teaching job, my internship, and my other grad class.
Oh and I can't forget the 2 kiddos I have to entertain and try to keep alive every day.
My days consist of getting up at 4 and working on grad school stuff, going to work by 6:30, working nonstop(no conference period) and then getting home around 7.
Just to do it all again the next day.
I feel like I don't have any time for myself let alone my family or friends.

So, just know that I'm not ignoring you.
My plate is way too full at this time.
I'm going to suck it up until December and then my life will be fabulous and I will have so much free time that I won't know what to do with myself.
Love you all and thank you for your support.

Work out Wednesday

I thought I would link up today with Megan since I have a little time on my hands to get my workout documented.

My legs are still screaming at me every time I walk, sit, stand, or just about anything from yesterday's workout so this one is going to focus on upper body. 

Side note: I try not to let more than 30 seconds lapse between each move.  I feel more of a burn that way.  

Happy Hump Day!

Meal Planning 8/12-8/17

I only tried one new recipe last week because we didn't get to the Quinoa veggie stir fry, but the Lasagna roll ups were hubby approved.  They had a little bit of a "skinny" taste because all of the cheese was low fat, but still good.

Monday-  Chicken, potatoes, and green beans
Tuesday-  Tacos
Wednesday- Taco salad using left overs
Thursday- Quinoa veggie Stir Fry with shrimp or chicken
Friday- Steak, potatoes and veggies
Saturday- not sure because family will be in town visiting

I'm going back to work today, so I have to stick to my planning so that I can eat decently.  I plan on taking a big ole' salad for lunch every day and lots of healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, and homemade protein bars.

I hope you have a great week!

Normal Gym Routine Change

I try to get the most out of my gym sessions.
During the summer I have no problem spending 2 hours at the gym everyday because I have nothing better to do.
It becomes part of our routine.
My kids love going to the gym to play.
There is a HUGE play area with computers and coloring, toddler area, infant area, basketball court, slides, climbing toys, and many other toys.

Now that school is back in session I have to shorten my workouts.
I either have to go before work or right after.
I know my kids would go after work, but I feel so bad feeding them dinner past 6:30.
Is that weird?
Don't get me wrong...they are not starving.
Their school gives them snacks at 3:30 and around 5 if they haven't been picked up yet.

Typically I do 30-45 minutes of cardio, abs, weights(different muscle groups each day), then 15 minutes of cardio.
This has to change.
I think I'm going to cut out the last 15 minutes of cardio and make sure I get through my weights a little quicker i.e. stay on track with 20 second breaks in between sets.
I get a little distracted people watching and listening to music :)
That is a whole other post on its own...
The changes should put me around an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half.

I'm really looking forward to working out during the school year since last year it was impossible for me to go in the morning due to graduate work.
Hopefully my internship this semester will not take away all of my time, but I do have 240 hours to accrue in 1 semester  on top of teaching full time.
I have no idea how I will get that many....

Whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger!

Awesome new App and Internet Site

My mom called me on Sunday to tell me about this new site she found.
It worked out perfectly because I was in the middle of meal planning for the week.
I always hate finding my meals, copying and saving recipes, and then writing out my grocery list.
It takes me using at least 3 different sites and tools, which is why I don't get to blogging about meal planning because I'm too tired to write it all out again.

What is this cool place I am talking about?
It is Ziplist.
You can google it or just click here
There is an internet site and a free app to use.

A few things you can do:

• You can browse recipes on the internet and if you find one you like then you can use their "Ziplist recipe clipper" button to copy the entire recipe to you recipe box.
• Enter your own personal recipes.
• Share your recipe box with others.
• Filter your recipes
• Easily create your meal planner for the week.
• Click on the recipes you want to use for the week and it will generate your grocery list.
• Everything is very easy to use and straight forward.

I love how our family recipes can be added and available for everyone in the family to share because I constantly find myself calling my mom asking for the same recipes a bazillion times.
I am not getting anything to blog about this site.
Just something very useful that I'm sure many people would love to use.
Check it out.

2  more days til the weekend!

Decisions Decisions...

I have been in great debate with myself as to what I want to do once school starts.
I have 3 options when it comes to my workout plans.

1. Keep my current membership
2. Get membership at BFF's gym.
3. Get membership at parents gym.

It is a struggle because all three have their perks.
My current gym is "home" and close to my house with childcare included(for the weekends).
My BFF's gym is close to my new work location and I will get to workout with her. Amazing!
My parents gym has all the basics, is cheap, and I can get my dad to workout.

The first two options would be all about me if I choose one of them because their positives benefit me more than anyone else.
The last option is where I am struggling the most.

Back story...
My step-dad will probably kill me if he knew I was writing this about him, but he doesn't read this so I'm okay.
My dad is 50.
He has had 3 heart attacks with a quintuple bypass surgery and has an internal defibrillator.
In other words, his heart doesn't work well at all.
The doctors have told him for years that while it does run in his family it is greatly suggested he lose some weight, eat healthy, and work out.
So like most of us, he does well for a week or two and then does horribly for a month or two.
He loses a few pounds and then gains it back times 2.

He is the BEST person I've ever known.
He is caring, always happy, always wanting help, and plain and simple he is genuinely nice.
He has taught me so much and I can never repay him for the love he has brought into my family.

I want him to be healthy and to be around for many years to come.
I have tried to help him eat better, but I'm not around him 24/7.
My mom tries to get him to go walk with her and sometimes he does, but not always.
I talked with him and told him that I am debating joining their gym so that he can come work out with me in the mornings.
He was okay with this, but didn't sound too enthused.
I want to help him, but I can only do so much.
I want him to join me and would hope that if I was there then he would feel obligated to go and I would be able to hold him accountable.
With his track record it makes me worry that I will join and he won't come.
Luckily, there gym is month to month.

I owe him the benefit of the doubt that he does want to be healthy.
So, I think I'm going to join their gym for a month and see how it goes.
If it doesn't seem to be helping him, then I will cancel and join my BFF's gym so I can benefit.
As much as I would love to join her gym now, I feel I MUST try to help him first.

Sometimes we have to put others first.
I'm not sacrificing my health by doing this so hopefully it will be a win-win.

Meal Planning 8/5-8/10

I'm getting back into the swing of things to prepare for work starting this week.
I have decided to try and do some meal planning again with meal prep on Sunday.
I make the most mistakes in eating when I have "no plan" for dinner or lunch; therefore, I am making plans for every day this week.
I'm not going to include Saturday and Sunday because the hubs always changes things up on those nights depending on what all we have going on.

Monday-  Sausage, quinoa, and veggies
Tuesday-  Skinny Lasagna Rolls and salad
Wednesday- Left overs
Thursday- Quinoa veggie Stir Fry with shrimp or chicken
Friday- Steak, potatoes and veggies

I also prepped my lunches this week.  I will be eating chicken, sweet potatoes, and a green veggie(to be determined).

Breakfast will be a mix of the following: oatmeal, fruit, eggs, turkey sausage, ezekiel bread,  and almond butter.

Snacks will include: greek yogurt, cheese sticks, boiled eggs, protein bars, almonds, and fruit.

There's my plan and I'm sticking to it.

Have a great week!

It just got real

I decided that if I'm gonna get real and do something about my weight gain then I should see how much damage I've done.
I took off my yoga pants and tried on every pair of pants in my closet.

I skipped a few ultimate goal jeans because let's face it nobody needs to go through that much shame.
Let's just say...it was not pretty.
So, I've consistently tracked in mfp for a few days and can already see a difference in how I feel and the scale is slowly going back down.

I don't believe in diets because if you do diets then eventually you will give in and fail.
To me diets involve depriving yourself of certain foods because they are "unhealthy."
I've been on plenty of so called diets where I restricted myself of things I love.
I do really well for a while and then BAM I gain it all back.
So, I refuse to eliminate any particular food because I end up binging after a while and then I have to start all over. I'm a foodie so they do not work for me.
Does that mean I eat all crap if it is within my calorie range?
No.
I try to eat well balanced meals and if my calories allow a little chocolate or cake or ice cream, then I will indulge in some sweets as they are my weakness.
Do I think there is one way weight loss plan that works for everyone?
Not exactly, but I do think it boils down to calories in versus calories out.
You have to burn more than you take in to lose weight.
I've researched my BMI and BMR and through trial and error have come to the conclusion that 1500-2000 calories a day is what works best for me. (depends on the amount of exercise that day)
I typically put all of my food into MFP in the morning so I can see how it works out in calories before I eat it all.
Sometimes it is too much or not enough so I have the entire day to adjust things, but still use a firm grounding.
I debated doing the whole macros thing, but I don't have time for that.
So, I have a general breakdown and try to get close without spending so much time calculating and being exact.
It works for me.
Try different things out and get something you can stick with because it does take a lifestyle change to keep going.
This was just too funny not to post:

August Goals

I've been back at it this week with getting my eating under control and trying to leave the vacation mentality.
I've been on "vacation" for 2 months and that kind of eating can't be good for anyone.
My summer mantra:

Tomorrow is my last final for my summer classes. Hallelujah!
I would like to think I will have a week to be completely on vacation- away from work and school- but I won't because I have 3 inservice days next week.
And do you really ever get a beak when you have kids?
While I am NOT looking forward to going back to work, there are some definite positives to think about.
First, I love having structure so the beginning of a new school year feels so renewing and starts with so much potential.
I've gained 12lbs this summer!
So, here are my goals for August.

1. Get the kids back on a good early(7:30-8) bedtime.
2. Once work begins, start an AM workout schedule.
3. Track ALL food in mfp.
4. Lose 5-10lbs of "summer weight"
5. Continue my nightly Bible stories and prayer with the kids.

Healthy Banana Bread

I'm throwing a quick post at you today because I have my last paper of the semester to write and turn in today.
I have to share this recipe for healthy banana bread that I made yesterday with the kiddos.
It is really good and doesn't taste "healthy."
I had some ripe bananas and I didn't want to wast them so I looked up some recipes and then made some changes to make it a little better for you.

Yes, I had to try it before I took the picture. Needed to make sure it was worthy.

Recipe:
4 bananas, ripe
1/2 cup Truvia Baking blend
1/2 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups  whole wheat flour 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.
Place bananas in a large bowl and mash with electric mixer. (I put all of the wet ingredients into my VitaMix and blended)  
Stir in sugar and let stand 15 minutes. (I only let it stand for about 5-8 minutes while I put all dry ingredients in another bowl)
Add applesauce and eggs and beat well.(Again, they went into the VitaMix with the bananas and sugar)
I put all of the dry ingredients in a big bowl, stirred them together, and then added the wet ingredients.
Pour into greased 9x5 loaf pan.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Remember:

It isn't healthy if you eat the whole loaf in one day. 

Don't judge me...it was a long day filled with lots of tears.

BUT I am a strong believer that portion control is the number one key to weight loss.  

Low Key Weekend with a Somber Ending

We had a low key weekend and it was AMAZING.
I got up early Saturday morning to continue my cleaning from the day before.
The hubs went on his normal bike ride, so the kids were home to help clean.
Yeah, right.  They made a mess as I would clean up another.
At one point, I was upstairs sweeping the bathroom floors and Lucas was downstairs splashing my mop water all over my freshly cleaned floors.
Luckily, my mom called a few minutes after and offered to pick up the kids and take them for the day.
The kids were going to stay the night with them anyways, but being gone all day and night was a bonus for us.
We had some possible concert plans for Saturday night, but they fell through which worked out better.
What did we do?
We ran some errands and then spent the afternoon watching two movies and eating.
Again, it was awesome.

Sunday morning I woke up to the news of Kidd Kraddick passing.
Honestly, I have been heartbroken ever since.
It is hard to put it into words.
I tried to explain it to my husband, but just couldn't.
I spent all day Sunday checking news and social media outlets for any updates.
I was hoping it would turn out to be some bad prank after all of the "Deathbed Confessions" on the show last week.
Really, what crazy timing?
Did he have a feeling something would happen?  Was there some underlying medical issue only he knew about?
When I heard the crew would be on air this morning, I knew I had to listen.
I got up and found the live streaming of the show.
I spent the next two hours bawling my eyes out.
They have major composure to keep it all together like they did.
I know they are hurting as much, probably more,  than I am.
I listen to KKITM every day.
Probably a little too much as I would tune out my kiddos to listen to the show on our way to school.
Yes, I know he is a radio guy that I have never met, but he really touched my heart with his funny little bits and generous heart.
He gave so much of his life to help others and gave when he did not have to.

Of course it makes me stop and think about what I have done for others, especially those close to me.
Believe me....it has not been enough.
Ironically, I have been thinking a lot about death of myself and my family in the past couple weeks.
No, I don't really know why but it has been on my mind a lot.
If I left this earth tomorrow, would my kids truly know how much I love them?
Would they remember me playing with them and doing activities with them?
I know they would be sad, but as time went on, what would they actually remember?

Those that are close to me know that my father passed away when I was in high school.
I don't remember a lot about my father because he worked a lot so I didn't really spend much time with him.
I do remember him teaching me how to roll up my burrito so that the stuffing wouldn't spill out.
My step-father(the best man I've ever known) has many health issues.
I'm thankful for every day, week, and year I have with him as I don't know when our time will end.
I try to prepare myself and think about how that time will be as I know one day he will be gone.
And then I think well it may not be him that goes first.
It could be me.
We never know what is in store for our future.
We don't know how long we will be here.
We don't know if we will live longer than our children, our parents, or our spouse.

The sudden passing of Kidd Kraddick sort of confirmed my thoughts for the past few weeks.  
I know that i need to make changes now.
I need to do everything I can to be happy with my kids, husband, and family every day.
I need to let go of our petty arguments and the misbehavior of my kiddos.
They are, after all, just kids.

I have spent lots of time with my kiddos this summer, but at the same time I have been disconnected with them to some extent.
I have spent numerous hours on my phone and on the computer doing 50 million different things.
Some of them have been necessary, but lots of others are just out of self entertainment.
So here is my list of things to change:

1. Read a bible story and pray with my kids every night.
2. Every evening put away all electronics and focus only on my kids. i.e. play games, read books, color, etc...
3.  Spend time truly talking with my hubs about our day and thoughts.
4.  Start a Bible study with the hubs. (If you know of any good books for couples, please let me know.)

I know life gets busy and hectic, but I have to spend more time with just my family.
Life is too short not to show your love every day.

New Table

A few posts ago  I mentioned that I am re-doing my kitchen table.

Well, it still isn't completely finished, but i decided I would go ahead and show it off a little.

Here is the before

 I'm not a fan of light wood and it seems that all older pieces are lighter.
This was graciously given to us, so I figured that I would take it and paint it.
I was going to do something completely different, but then decided white would be good because it will match any decor I may decide to use.
This took me a good 3 days to complete.

 On the bottom, I applied 2 coats of primer, 2 coats of white paint, sanded it down some to give it a worn look and then applied a glaze.
The top and the chairs were re-stained with a dark stain.
I sanded the top, applied denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner, and sanded some more to get rid of the old top finish.
The table top didn't get quite as dark as I would have liked, but after 5 coats I was done.

 The chairs were only given one coat of stain, but it took me ALL day just to do the one.

Overall, I'm really happy with the final project.  

If only I can get my booty to the gym now...

Happy Tuesday!

Nice Break from the Kiddos

I had a blast this weekend!
I don't have any pics because I knew everyone else would be taking a ton, so I left it up to them to document it all in photos.
I'm sure my pics would be the same as the ones they've already posted on IG, so I will save you from looking at them again.

Luckily, my hubs was A-okay watching the kids all weekend so I could enjoy some time with Megan, Brandi, Holly, and Becka.
We hit up the bowling alley on Friday night where I got to meet Amy, Tracie, Crystal, Charla, and Kristen.
Everyone was super nice even when I was losing to Jenn.
I don't lose, but Megan told everyone that I was going to win so she set me up for failure.  I blame her for the crappy bowling that occurred.
I don't perform well under pressure.

Saturday we went out to the lake and then dinner.  It was a full day of fun and it felt amazing to take a breather from the kids.
I love them to death, but since it is summer I have them all day every day.
I can only tolerate so much fighting and yelling before I need a drink break.

Sunday the kids and I went to church and then to my parents for lunch and naps.
It was a busy, yet surprisingly relaxing weekend.
I'm definitely blessed with great friends and family.

Unfortunately, my eating was shit all weekend and I have some work to do this week.
Time to get my booty to the gym and work off some beer and fajitas.

Have a good week!