Thursday, December 29, 2011

Getting it all out there.

The past few months with no running has been strange for me.   I still go to the gym, and often get a good workout it.. but it has not been the same.  I have not pushed myself as hard.  I have given myself room to slack.   And, to make matters worse, when I am not as disciplined at the gym, I am not as disciplined at nutrition and eating either...   yuck.  So, now, I am up in weight.    This is hard for me to admit, but I fear if I do not put it in writing and face it, I will not deal with it  and shed these pounds before they multiply.  They have a tendency to do that, you know.  Multiply.   Grow.  Get bigger.  

Gosh, it seems so cliche to be talking about losing weight in January... but then again, it is the beginning of the year, so a perfect time to set goals.  I will set other goals, too.. but will get to that later.

So, here it is.  10 pounds.  My goal.  Down, not up.  I was comfortable at my previous weight, even if I still could have used to shed a few more pounds.  And, for the most part, it was easy to maintain.  Until the past 6 months.  So, time to get back.   I will report regularly in January as my accountability check.   No before or after pics of my in my sports bra, though. : )    even after 10 pounds, that is not something I can do. ;)  heheheh.  I have never had that six pack, or even a two pack... So, I will just document my progress. :)

Oh, and I am big on setting goals, and then having a plan to achieve them.  So, in order to accomplish this... I am going to...

 1.  food and fitness journal.  I will journal daily my food, water and fitness. I  use my fitness pal.  This makes it so easy.
2.  Calorie watch.  I will not exceed daily calories, nor will i go under too far.  
3.  Alcohol consumption will be limited to once a week.
4.  Coffee with creamer will be reduced to 2 times a week, and only 2 cups each time.. or even less. I may just stop buying the creamer.
5.   I will get in a 60-90 min workout 5 times a week.

My reward.   Simple.   back to 155.   Feeling better.   Oh, and I will buy myself those cute Silver Suki's I have been checking out....



Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Home


For those who have been there....  Do you miss it? 


For those who are still there, probably not.  For me, right now, Yes.



I miss it.  The calm.  The snow.  The cold.  The mountains.  The snow.

Homesick.  


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Advent

This year, December has once again creeped up on us.... Where did November go?  

As sneaky as it was, I was ready!   The past two years I have gotten out my advent calendar a couple days late.. not this year.  It was out and hung up 3 days early (note to self, do not do that again.. pure torture for children).



And, this year I made an advent candle wreath with my moms group.  I love it and the children love lighting the candles each Sunday and talking about the promises God made that led up to Jesus' birth!  So exciting for them.

Tonight as we were lighting the candles, I was sitting across from my youngest and I could see the glimmer in her eyes.. Not the glimmer reflecting from the candles, but the glimmer reflecting from pure joy and excitement as we lit the candles and talked about Christmas coming...  


We have been talking a lot about presents, and the greatest gift of all .. Jesus, given to us to be our Savior....  and how each time we see a present under a tree, we are reminded of this gift... and are to say a prayer of Thanksgiving!!  

I am amazed at the depth to which my children can show God's love during this time.. they are so young and innocent, they remind us to stop and enjoy each moment, each Christmas decoration, every light and ornament... they are all reminders to us of the true Spirit and Wonder of Christmas.


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Angel Food Candy

In honor of my grandma, I decided to make Angel Food Candy on the day of her funeral (since I was not able to go).   Now, my grandma and grandpa used to make hundreds of pounds of candy each holiday season and sell it...  but the Angel food candy was my favorite...

So, I decided to make some.  On the day of her funeral, I realized I was missing the main ingredient..  Sun.  You see, my grandma always says it has to be a clear day to make it... So, I waited til Wed.

Then, the fun began..


You take the above ingredients and cook them..


 Til they are 300 degrees...


Then you add Baking soda and watch it bubble like a magic potion!!

 Pour it in a pan..


Check out the bubbles. Now, hope they stay... often, it falls flat....


Oops.. it fell.  :(  so sad.

I cut into it, but something was off.. to dense.  will have to try again.

Sorry Grandma...