A Friendship Filled With Gods Promises

Someone close to me has blessed me with scripture.  I have two close friends who do this. One is Patti who lives in Idaho and the other is someone I met before I really knew her. It started when I was looking at head stones in the cemetery. We were urged to take a look and see if there was anything that caught my eye.

At the time, I was so broken after the loss of our son that all I could do was just walk through the peaceful place that my son and someday WE would call our resting place. I noticed several things.  1. we were NOT the first to lose a child so young and we probably wouldn't be the last sadly.   2. I found peace there in the quiet. I found love there with those who were no longer part of THIS world.  3. I came eye to eye with my own mortality.  4. I found the headstone that caught my eye.

While the headstone was "similar" to the one we had made, they were both very different.  Little did I know that the mother of that child would be my good friend. Would be the person everyone told me I should meet at church and didn't until a month or so later.  She has been through SO much, yet she took that anger, sadness and frustration and daily gave it to God where HE used it to build on her strength. The very same strength God had given her to lift her even on days when it has been hard for her to stand.

Now, I'm not going to go into detail about my dear friend. That's HER story to tell if she ever decides to do so. I will say that she has been a HUGE drive for me as I watch HER faith walk just as I have with Patti.  BOTH women have such faith and it really helps me through this chronic fear that I've held onto for so long.  I've been ready to let it go. Read to put down the fear, TRUST GOD and step out of my comfort zone to better my life Physically, emotionally and spiritually.

The last several months I've been praying about where to go from here. I've noticed on my own that  I can't be fully fit without all three in balance. If one is off, there is a HUGE imbalance.  I can be physically fit but what good would it do if I was SO emotionally incapable to LIVE because of the chronic fear and anxiety that seemed to get worse after the traumatic loss of our son?  Furthermore I can be in EXCELLENT shape and finally free from anxiety but without God who brought me here and walked me through the worst experience and best experiences of my life, my life would be...empty. Like a HUGE part of me is missing.

So today I have chosen to LIVE. Not just live but REALLY FULLY LIVE life on purpose! My goal is to get all three aspects (Physical, emotional and spiritual) in balance and in great health. God as my center of course and the rest will come.

Today, as I share a piece of the chapter with you that my dear friend used to encourage MY walk.  I pray that each of you LIVE FULLY.  We only get one life here to live. LIVE it FULLY with God, LIVE It fully with good health in the vessel God has given you and finally, LIVE fully away from Anger, disappointment, fear and judgement. It will only keep YOU from living a life FULL of blessings that YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER Has for YOU! Let go and trust God. There's a purpose for your life!

 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name.

 When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation.”

Psalm 91 Verse 14-16

A Change Is In The Air...

 I have been approached by a local coach here in CNY who is meeting with me THIS WEEK. Upon Dr.'s approval (which I plan to get tomorrow) He is talking with a local shop owner to fit me with the gear I need and be my coach. He is also a vegetarian and will help me with dietary needs throughout this journey. We will go over my fitness level (I reminded him it's not much) and what I plan to enter. In exchange for all of this. A thank you and the approval to be an advocate for exercise and health and willing to be in the media. 

Last night I prayed about this and knew as a Stay-At-Home mom, there would be NO WAY for me to afford my dream unless I was chosen by CNN. Gods answer? Oh yes you can! Here I am beginning a journey that will not only get me healthy but will save my life and set an example for my daughter and anyone like me.

Which brings me to the next subject. I think things are going to change in here once again.  I'm going to be blogging about my experience to good health and well-being. I'm also going to blog about my "active" life with our little bear.  My hope is that we'll be able to incorporate HER into our healthy lifestyle and give her a head start to a life filled with good health not just physically, but emotionally AND spiritually. I'm starting to understand that there needs to be a balance of all three.  Maybe there will be someone out there who will benefit from my strengths or even my weaknesses.  I'm going into this knowing that it's okay to make mistakes!  My friend Deanna (a Triathlete herself) has told me the only competition you have is with yourself. NO ONE else matters. You race against your last time. 

Already my journey has been positive. After all, I got off the couch and pushed past fear and anxiety to get to where I am. Without God, none of this would have happened. For that I am grateful!

Entered CNN's Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge Contest.

If anyone is out here lurking, please support me in what could be a life changing experience.  Check out my video on CNN.  Comment and share with everyone you know. The more exposure I get the better it will be for Fit Nation and Sanjay Gupta to see my aspirations and help me help myself.

10 Pounds Down And A LOVELY Autumn Season

 Our Little Strawberry

Baby Bear's Favorite Person, Her Daddy!

Special time right now. I know I'm not posting a whole lot, I'm trying to enjoy time with our sweet girl while also getting more active. That means less time on the internet.  So far I'm down 10 pounds.  With 36 pounds left to go for my short term goal.

We love the Autumn season!  Took baby bear out to grandparents for Halloween.  It was SO fun.



This week, we're trying to finish the winterization and hunker down for what sounds like will be a pretty rough winter.  I hope we're prepared enough.  It's cold and rainy today.  We managed to finish mowing the front lawn but still need to get the rest of the leaves.  We cleaned out the gutters again for winter.  All the windows in the house are sealed.

Next the garage windows will be sealed, the chairs will all be put up in the storage. THEN Comes the back lawn to be mowed, leaves to be taken up front and the deck cleaned as well as the deck furniture stored.  We hope to have the garden cleaned out and tilled by next weekend.  I'll be planting fall garlic shortly for next spring. SO excited as we love the snow, but just need to get things comfy and cozy.

I hope your all doing well.  We're looking at a new chapter which I plan to share in the next few weeks.   As it stands now, I'm making fun Plant-based warm meals for the season. Lots of veggie soups and stews.    The books are out and I'm reading three right now.  "1000 Gifts", "Created To Be His Helpmeet", and believe it or not a children's book called" The Boxcar Children" which I was told was a classic series worth reading to children.  I thought I'd read it first.  I love it and bet that most young children would LOVE the series.

What are YOU reading?  What's on your seasonal menu?

Happy Birthday Baby Bear!

 Who would have thought THIS sweet baby girl would grow so quickly?!  From the day we brought her home, all I heard was "enjoy this time because it goes SO quickly".  I miss holding this sweet little baby, but...

 It's this little girl who is growing to mold me into the mother I am and hope to be in the future. God blessed me with this role. While it can be testing at times, I REALLY love the sweet and compassionate part of this little being.  She just LOVES.  At this stage, I notice the struggle she has in coming to her own. You know the "terrible 2's". I call them the "testing 2's". She's not terrible...the sinfulness in our world in US is the terrible. She's just a little one trying to figure things out.  Mommy and daddy are trying to figure out how to discipline in a loving way that will guide her footsteps. No is NOT a word we're afraid of.  It's one however, that baby bear is learning to understand. It is hard to believe that THIS cutie-patootie has a temper.  She loves hard, plays hard and is strong willed like her mom was.

 This is Elmo.  Elmo is just 1 of baby bear's favorite friends.

 More Sesame Street Friends!

Baby bear and her 2nd cousin once removed sit together and celebrate...LIFE!

Small And Sweet

© Shauna Scott

Small and Sweet.
My Little Girl so small and sweet,
Those tiny hands and tiny feet.
Everyday I watch you grow,
You teach me everything I know.
Such a joy to be around,
Every smile and every sound.
Number one you will stay,
Each and every single day.
You changed my life in such good ways,
''Thank You'' is all that I can say.
I love to watch you sleep at night,
Cuddled warm and wrapped up tight.
As I blink the time it flies,
It breaks my heart to see you cry.
I gave you life, so proud to say,
I'll love you more with every day.
My little Girl so small and sweet,
For you my heart, It beats and beats.

Source: My Little Girl So Small And Sweet, Baby Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/my-little-girl-so-small-and-sweet#ixzz2jWQ3dwY5 
#FamilyFriendPoems 

Week 2 Scripture And Challenge

"Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow. For tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of it's own."  Matthew 6:34

You've got this! You can eat healthy, you can exercise to feel better.

How is everyone doing? Are you on target? Are you falling behind?? Are you finding certain obstacles in your way?!

I must admit that exercise is NOT my favorite part. I REALLY have to push myself to do it but once I'm done, I feel GREAT! 

So here is how I'm feeling after week 1.

I'm extremely confident with Scripture Memorization.  I've read, written and consciously viewed the scripture each day this past week.

I've taken a picture or two of a couple meals I've had:

 Raw Zucchini pasta with marinara sauce and Nutritional Yeast

 Salad with Raw Mango dressing

 Veggie sandwich on wheat with black bean soup and an iced coffee

Chocolate Banana Protein Shake

Serious obstacle on my part is that I'm stress eating this week and feel more bloated than ever. The morning goes great but by the time evening rolls in, I'm wanting to eat anything and everything. Doug did two twelves this week to catch up on finances from a car part we needed new in order to pass inspection. The baby had an accident on the floor, the dog followed suit (which doesn't usually happen) and none of us got much sleep this weekend. The stress has caused me to crave carbs at night. ((sigh))

So what do YOU do late at night to curb your cravings and the stress?   

To add to this, I haven't slept well in 4 days.  It's not for lack of trying. I'm WIRED, which I'm guessing is the carb overload at night and the anxious thoughts going on in my head of things that need to get done. 

Finally, I've been sick which I've guessed is from the stress.  So while I HAVE worked out this week, it hasn't been at the intensity that I've liked.  I have been doing Classical Stretch.  I sweat like a hog. While you may think this is SO easy, it's a pretty good workout.  Miranda used to be a dancer (me too!) and when she hurt herself, she wanted to find a new way to incorporate her love for dance with exercise she COULD do.  It lead to Classical Stretch, which is a combination of Classical dance and Tai Chi.    I did this Monday, Wed. Friday. and Saturday with some bicep work on 5lb dumbells on Wed. and Friday night.  Hopefully this week will be better as I am not feeling sick at all!

This weeks scripture couldn't have come at a better time.  With all the anxiety and inability to sleep.  THIS weeks verse should prove to help!  God is SO perfect in His timing.

May the Lord bless our week and the work we do for the glory of Him who saved us! In Jesus name...AMEN.

A Loss. YAY

Though one may be overpowered,

    two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccles. 4:12

I can't stress enough how important it is to have some or a series of someones who are by your side encouraging you and helping you stay accountable to your goals is.  It helps a great deal if your spouse and family are a part of the change.  Luckily that's what I have with my husband.  He was the first one who went plant based, he was the first one who lost weight and got off his medications so he is the first one to lead his family to better health.  I couldn't think of a better leader since through Christ, HE is the leader of our home.  He also seeks Christ as HIS leader.  It just all works to Gods glory here.

I'm about 2 months into a more plant-based lifestyle. I have dairy/meat here and there, but for the most part, there's no meat and dairy in our refrigerator. We have almond milk and almond or coconut yogurt. NOW, cheese has been the hardest for me. Particularly mozzarella but most cheese just cannot be replaced with a non-dairy cheese. It doesn't melt the same, the texture is not the same and taste is NOT the same.  I'm sorry, as a foodie, there's just no substitute to the flavor of cheese.  I want to go completely plant-based but eggs and cheese are a staple I like once in awhile.  Not all the time but sometimes at least.  So I'm out on weather plant-based life will officially be my end result.  We'll see how things go in the future.  To call myself 100% plant based would be a lie though. I'm still concerned about what animal fat and cholesterol can do to my heart and blood pressure.  Since I am at higher risk for a heart attack or stroke with PCOS and Type II diabetes this is something I want to be careful of so that I can live to see my child/ren grow.  A question I have is would having eggs and cheese in great moderation REALLY be an issue if what I mostly eat is raw and/or cooked fruits and veggies?  I'm just out on it.

Today's exercise is classical training.  A cross between dancing and Tai Chi.  It doesn't sound like much, but it's a great weight loss tool.  After doing one video I've sweat like a hog and hurt in the morning.  I know someone who recommended it to ME who lost her weight that way.  I was skeptical but it works!  It's on PBS if anyone is interested. Wed.'s for us here in CNY.  I've been recording LOTS of them for different workouts...full body weight loss, back issues, arms, legs, feet, etc.   It's GREAT for those who have back problems or feel as though they can't achieve much through a regular workout yet.  

Here's the deal, since raising my thyroid 2 weeks ago because I stopped losing weight, felt groggy and my labs showed I needed it. I have felt great.   I also have lost 11 pounds.  11 pounds I'd LIKE to announce to the world however each and every time I announce a weight loss, I gain it all back again.  No sir, I'm not announcing the 11lb weight loss in any other place but my blog.  The blog where I am writing down where my trust lies in Christ for the Challenge I'm doing.  Somewhere I can look at and just share the ups and downs of getting healthy but this time KNOWING that Christ is my leader and not only is physical health important but more importantly, Spiritual health and well-being is important.

Which leads me back to the verse again:

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

I pray your week is going well! Love and Hugs dear friends.

Week 1 Scripture Memorization and Devotional

Though one may be overpowered,

    two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccles. 4:12

To read the Devotional, Please Go to Living & Active Challenge HERE.

A New Course In Our Journey

Well, I've come to an EXTREMELY difficult but needed decision. This has been coming for months now I suppose, but I was always afraid to make the final call so to say... After a discussion with my husband, a whole lot of prayer and confirmation in all directions I think we're calling it quits to try to conceive any further through my own body. 

I am overweight, depressed, out of shape, sick, hormonal and unhappy. I look at my almost 2 year old and while I REALLY don't feel done with having children, I also know that 9 months on bedrest with a stitch and progesterone shot will rob her of having a mother at a crucial time for HER and her need as a toddler to explore.

Furthermore, I want to live to see her grow up and to grow old with my dear husband who is MORE than patient, kind and gentle with me. So I've decided to call it quits ttc through my own body. My thought was I was going to have a hysterectomy, get a lap band to aid with the plant based lifestyle and exercise I've been doing. Maybe even start a goal to train for an Iron Man Race. This of course is long term, but a significant goal that I can be proud of accomplishing.

God blessed us with two children already, when I never thought I could carry a child. Maybe His reason for all of this is because He knew if we had one more through my own body, we'd forget about adoption. My hope is that He will provide the finances we need to do so as well as lead us to the grants and funding that can help us achieve that goal.

While it breaks my heart to shut this door, I am REALLY excited for this new journey in my life. I can stop taking all the hormones, stop worrying about cycles and timing and FINALLY just be happy!

Many people may be wondering why I'm sharing this in a public forum. My focus always has been about being transparent with our fertility struggles so that my experiences can help other women going through the same thing. To let couples know that they are not alone in their fertility struggles and that there are other options available. My agenda to bring awareness to preterm loss as well as the many struggles of women around the world who REALLY long for just one child.

Please pray for us if you think about us over the next several weeks, months and years. That God will create a way to expand our family through adoption, the financial means to do so and will help us get healthy physically, finacially, emotionally and spiritually. 

5 Week Living And Active Challenge

This is JUST what I've been looking for. A Divine Appointment!  Since we're actively looking for a church AND I am trying to lose weight and get healthy, why not combine the two!

If your in for a 5 week Scripture Memorization and Exercise Challenge, Why don't you get those sneakers on and follow me?!  

Lets get spiritually and physically fit!

Quick Response To My Dear Friends.

First of All, Jill, I just wanted to respond to your posting.  Funny you mention Dr. Fuhrman.  I have one of his other books and have in fact watch Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.  I'm also using that website for juices and smoothies.

I bought Walk away the pounds too. SO excited.

Is there a way to contact you. I wasn't sure if I could post comments on your blogs since you haven't posted in awhile.


To all my other posters. I've seen your responses and am SO thankful to see you all!  It's been a bit crazy here. We're trying to finish our garden. Get the fencing in, etc.  We've had to wait for the weather to warm up so we're on crunch time.

I can't WAIT to post more in the upcoming weeks and hope your ALL doing well. Love and Hugs to you!

An Update

Hello Everyone!

Quite a lot has happened since my last post.  I'm trying to balance life with a toddler while also being a wife and homemaker.  I don't know how ya'll do it with more than one child.  We'd very much like to have more children but I keep wondering if I'm crazy because I can barely tackle life with one. Hahaha

We're trying to finish up our vegetable garden out back. The weather here has been pretty cold and we're still not through the freezing temps in the morning.  We did manage to get the hardier plants in the ground but are falling behind on getting the other half of the garden up and tilled.  Oh how I hope everything comes up come harvest time!

Sadly, we had to put our beloved pekingese dog Sasha down.  It broke our hearts.  It was unexpected but she was extremely sick with mouth cancer and in the end, just 2 days after she was diagnosed, she just couldn't eat and she was in SO MUCH pain that we couldn't bare to keep her alive anymore just for the sake that we wanted her with us.  It was bitter-sweet for both of us. Sasha was with me at my side when I was grieving the loss of our son Jackson.  It hit me like a ton of bricks when I knew we had to let her go.  At the time we took her to the Vets, we sang to her and told her to go run in the garden with Jackson until we meet again.  She was a good little dog and blessed us beyond measure.

What we DIDN'T expect was to ever want another dog again.  We still have our old Jack Russell Terror...erm Terrior, but after that, we just were unsure. Losing Sasha like that...ugh...it just tears your heart right out.  Shortly after though, a friend of my husbands asked if we'd be interested in taking a rescue pekingese in.  Lo and behold we now have another sweet little pekingese dog.  Talk about God fulfilling matters of the heart!  She has been REALLY good for us all. Max lost his beloved friend in Sasha, our daughter lost her pal that she spent time with in her little book nook and we lost a loyal companion as well.  Bella, while she's different in color and personality seemed to fit right in.  WE needed her just as much as SHE needed us!  She's made us laugh and she's SO GOOD with our little tot!  God just knew!

My husband is still eating plant based and after an appointment with his Dr. last month, was told if patients followed a plant based diet...he'd be out of a job!  Doug lowered his BP and his cholesterol as well as his weight.  He's feeling great and looking great too!

I am going to start working my way there!  I'll be honest, I miss dairy. I miss eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt.  Oh how I LOVE cheese!  However, I'm willing to try this new lifestyle to see if it will work in lowering my weight and getting me off meds for diabetes. I look at our beautiful daughter and want to be around to see her get married and have children of her own.  I think of God and just want this vessel that he created to be in the best shape I can be in to give HIM the glory. 

So, I've decided for the summer that every week I'm going to add something plant based to my diet and slowly weed out the junk.  I don't eat a whole lot of red meat.  I do like the occasional chicken and/or fish.  

We'll see how this goes.  

I'm also working on a goal for exercise throughout the summer.  I really would like to lose this weight.  We're talking 100lbs. For obvious reasons I know this takes time and we're looking at 3 years or so with food changes and regular exercise WITHOUT quitting.  Nothing comes off quickly.  So hopefully I'm going into this with my eyes WIDE open and a good attitude.  

How are all of you doing??

A Season Of Plenty

I am getting SO excited for this new season in our lives.  I cannot tell you how much I love being a wife, mother and housewife.  Don't let the word "housewife" change the way you see me. The work of a housewife is anything BUT luxurious. In fact, I rarely see myself wearing heels and high end clothes to run outside and sun myself. Nor have I ever flipped a table over because I was mad or punched someone because they didn't do things my way (I must admit there "may" have been times I've wanted to with certain people).

Baby Bear

We're in such a fun season right now. I'm FINALLY coming into my own with having a child.  I was so cautious and scared in the beginning. Dr.'s never made it any easier with their scare tactics about normal, everyday issues pertaining to newborns.

Baby bear is coming into her own as well. She loves music, dancing and might I add talking to the list too?! She's picking up new things, is captivated by her 5 senses and LOVES books. She is laughing most of the time and has brought so much fun and love to people we meet in public. Totally worth the 10 year wait for her.

The House

There is also the fun we're having in our OWN home. If you could see me dancing the Irish Jig right now you'd know I'm excited! While I know this is material and FAR from importance, it IS important for us to live in a quiet and SAFE neighborhood.  What a change from the city!  Love our neighbors, love our fenced in backyard and I LOVE making this house our own.  We have painted, put up some doors, taken off backboards, pulled up carpet, changed faucet fixtures and the list goes on.

Today I just ordered the custom cushions for our kitchen Buffet Seating. It came with the house and I wasn't sure I would keep it. In fact, I hated it!  My intention is to knock down that wall anyways and expand the kitchen to where our back deck is with a more open floor plan. It will have the look of a sun porch.  With it will be an expanded bathroom and kids room. Right now though, it needs a new look. The expansion part of the process won't be happening for AT LEAST a decade. We need to pay down the house and save for this big idea of mine.  I am quite content with what we have right this minute and am enjoying the redesign projects I have.

Doug has learned new skills as well. With the kitchen I asked he change the drabby white (and pretty banged up I may add) hanging light for a new FRESH chandelier. The chandelier is more of an Americana dated look. I like it with the 18th century paint we used. I then got sick of  the counters being so crowded, so I took an old hanging shelf my aunt gave me and turned it into an herb/spice rack by putting all the spices in little canning containers that I marked in red. The very top has an antique kettle, some cinnamon sticks and a picture of family.

Later I'll go and add some hardware to the bland cupboards. I already have an idea of what I want but need to find a good price.

Pictures will come in a few weeks when it all comes together. I'll show a before and after pic. I chose a POP of color for the seating cushions I had custom made AND the door. Wait till you see it!

                          Tiny replica of the gardening plans I'd like for our own home this year.

The Garden

Help me Rhonda! Both my husband and I are really excited about this one. I DO think we went overboard on the seeds, however it's our first home and nobody is here to say we can't anymore. SO, we WILL have a BIG garden. Lessons will be learned I'm sure but we've already had our hands wet over the past decade so this will be a fun project for us.

The Birds And The Bee's

Finally, we're trying for another one.  Kid that is! It's  been so much fun parenting that we'd LOVE to have more. I think it's the last child through fertility route. I'd say my own body but if the Lords will is a surprise pregnancy then I won't argue.  Fertility hormones REALLY take it's toll on the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of a woman AND a man. Can't leave out our men. My husband is right there along side me and when momma's not happy, neither is he. lol  Honestly I've been so at peace throughout this cycle. It's hard to believe that I'm on hormones. At least it's hard for ME to believe it. Doug may beg to differ a little.

He's been VERY excited over all this.  He's had to encourage me several times because I've been hesitant to get back into all this because it REALLY takes a toll on a marriage.  So many couples struggle with infertility and it's not just about the heartache but the emotional well-being of both parties as well as the financial well-being. It's NOT cheap. If you don't have insurance that covers fertility treatment your in for a rude awakening! Luckily God has blessed us with good insurance. We go as far as we can to exhaust the coverage with exception to IVF. While our insurance covers IVF, we have decided it isn't for us for many reasons. Now this doesn't mean I'm against it for anyone else. I have several friends who exhausted every aspect and tried it. Some with excellent outcomes, others went on to adopt.  It's okay. I find this to be an issue between husband, wife and God.  God reveals to us what our convictions are. Not everyone has those same convictions. Not everyone is created the same either. So I leave that decision down to God and the couple.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what God does in our lives.  We hope to expand our family beyond children born of our own bodies. Our hope is that God will also give us favor to raise funds to adopt in the future and bring home the children born in our hearts. He knows we've been praying for over 10 years for their safety and well-being as well as their birth family.

A New Church

We have been looking for awhile. Not that I've wanted to, but my husbands schedule has made it hard for us to get to a regular service. We've had to research alternative hours of service and have found only a small handful. Not all churches have the same ideals that we believe in so it's made it hard. We "think" we've found one but it's a church plant and only gets together in our immediate area once a month. Not all monthly services meet on my husbands day off either so this is a concern for us. It's important that Amelia is brought up in the church. To know God, to fellowship with like-minded family and to find growth through Christ.  So we continue to pray for Gods plan on this front. Out of anything THIS is the most important. We are created by God and put here for HIS glory for HIS kingdom.  He's blessed us with much but "to whom MUCH is given, MUCH is required".

So lots going on. I'm loving it! To God be the glory and may He give us wisdom and guidance as well as good health and protection in Jesus name...Amen!

Raw Food Plant Based Diet

Hi There Friends!

I pray this finds you all well.  Today I thought I would jot down a little bit about what we've been doing lately.

Last February my husband changed his diet to a plant based diet after hearing about his dad's 8th stent in order to clear the plaque from his arteries.   Cardiac related issues seem to be genetic in his fathers family where his grandfather died before his 40th birthday.  A series of medical issues related to high blood pressure and high cholesterol which put my husband in the hospital several times finally drew him to the understanding that if he didn't change his eating habits, he would not be here for his family.  We both will be turning forty years old in two years.

Since that time, my husband has lost 50lbs and has stuck to the lifestyle and lower or getting completely rid of his meds related to cardiac meds.

He still has some tweaking to do. Less carbs and more smaller meals throughout the day since now his metabolism is REALLY working.  We're also researching ways for him to gain the muscle back that he lost.  Since he went full force into plant based eating, he lost so much weight that he also lost some muscle. It's coming back slowly however it IS something we have to watch constantly as we start moving as a family into a healthier lifestyle.

I too have been working on a healthier lifestyle.  It hasn't come as easy as my husbands cold turkey method however.  Since I am on an insulin pump, my body is getting excess insulin and only uses some of the insulin that is given to the body. I am known as SEVERELY insulin resistant.  Which brings me to another frustrating issue.  Any excess insulin NOT used by my body gets stored as FAT.  Ugh! Dreaded fat.

I've been learning what works for my body and what really doesn't. Let's face it. A type II insulin resistant diabetic will react MUCH faster to fruits with higher natural sugar content than those higher in fiber and less sugar. Same thing with vegetable carbs.  Whole grain carbs...whether it be cereal, whole grain pastas, breads, etc....they are lethal.  I'm learning that these just raise my sugars and my body just doesn't digest them very well.  Taken that my body doesn't do well with glutenous grains, think about my addiction to cakes, cookies, pies and chocolate!

So here's where I am today.  I try to stay away from most soy products.  I'll have them once in awhile but given that I have a thyroid condition and hormonal imbalance, soy products aren't something my body needs right now.  When I DO, I try to make sure it's fermented and REALLY organic.  Most (even organic) soy products have been sprayed with MAJOR pesticides, etc.  Soy actually has one of the highest contents of toxic chemicals in it and the least likely to be regulated because much of it is imported.  You REALLY need to know the source of your soy products before ingesting them.

Meat.  I've stopped eating red meat and fish.  On occasion I'll eat chicken but give the fact that it's in the freezer and isn't really a staple anymore I think it's just for "emergencies".

What I struggle with is cheese, milk and eggs. I don't have eggs an awful lot, but I DO like them in the morning. CHEESE. I come from an Italian family on one side...so need I say more??  Milk.  No excuse!  Honestly I started drinking almond milk and liked it. We transitioned our daughter BACK to regular milk for specific reasons and I find myself drinking it while my husband continues to drink the almond milk.  It's something that should and WILL get back into my diet.

Something different from my husband.....I've been REALLY looking at and somewhat eating RAW plant based diet.  I like the foods, I like the taste now and I'm just working into getting everything balanced.  Believe it or not there IS protein in a plant based diet.  So many people ask where we would get our protein. Protein comes from MANY greens you eat. Spinach, Kale, Broccoli.  Can come from Quinoa and lentils, Soy products or fermented Tempeh, and beans such as black beans.  You can even pair beans and rice to make one full protein.

There are plenty of ways to incorporate a healthy lifestyle using no animal protein.  In fact, we're the only creatures on this earth that will feed our babies milk outside mothers breast milk. There is no real need for animal protein. ESPECIALLY since we are a culture that is mostly sedentary compared to those in the past who had to live in cooler climates, work hard and also fight hard to gather their foods.

One of my FAVORITE youtube channels is OKRAW with John Kholer (hope I spelled his last name correctly)  His video's have helped me understand the raw food diet and how to get all the nutrients while having good taste. He teaches where to find quality organic foods at minimal cost, how to garden to get all your nutrients from your OWN products without relying on the grocery stores and has great insight.  I like his site.  My husband does too now.  Check him out if your interested:

Enjoy this video until I come back for another installment of what we've been up to.  In the meantime, I pray you find joy and peace in your day as you walk with God.

Blessings!
P.S., please scroll down to the very bottom of the page to mute the music so you can hear the video.

Engine 2 Hummus Recipe.

Healthy Homemade Hummus

Ingredients:

2 cans chick peas, rinsed and drained

3 cloves garlic

Juice of 1 lemon

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons Bragg Liquid Aminos

1/4 cup water or vegetable broth

Instructions:

I mash the beans together in a bowl, quickly chop up the garlic cloves and throw them in, add the ground cumin and stir.  Throw it in the blender and blend all ingredients into a thick paste adding the lemon juice, liquid aminos and broth to the mixture so it won't clog. 

Variations:

Customize by adding one or more of the following:

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and chopped

1 roasted and chopped red bell pepper

1 cup dark or Kalamata olives

1 bunch fresh mint

1 cup fresh spinach

1 cup cooked eggplant

NOTE: This is the most basic of the spreads. You can find a variation of this recipe in almost any grocery store, but 95 percent of them are made with either olive oil or tahini (sesame paste), which pushes up the fat content. Your best bet is to take three minutes and make a batch on Sunday that will last you for the week.

You can find the source at Engine 2. A Vegan site we frequent quite often. I HAD to share this hummus recipe because it's FAT FREE.  Cut the grocery store brand and make it yourself. It's fresh and Yummy!

Happy Valentines Day!

I hope this day finds you well my friends.  We spent the past two weeks celebrating love.  Our anniversary was last week so we spent the weekend celebrating by getting massages, acupuncture and wading in a lovely waterfall hot tub. It was AMAZING. We then moved on to Indian Curry, a trip to the book store then onward to get our daughter.  The next day we went to the mall, which says a lot about LOVE since my husband absolutely HATES mall shopping.  We ended it with Mexican food.

While Today he had to work, we still spent much of the week celebrating with each other.  We've been praying together, the other day we shared a day filled with errands but VERY calming. It was nice to spend the day with baby bear and my husband.

He left for work but not without sacrificing the day with running on an errand with us leading to the french patisserie for chocolate, the store for baby food and home where he managed to send me an e-card.

I must say that I am married to a man who was hand-picked by God to love me.  If it weren't for God I'd probably be single. I'm high maintenance. Not in the way most men would assume. I can live without makeup, high end clothes and such.  He has lived with my medical issues for many years now. Most of which aren't always fun to be around. I get moody, my body doesn't always work the way it should and when most men would be out the door my husband stood his ground and kept to the Covenant with which we took before God.  

He is not perfect, but for ME he comes close. Remembering why I married him is quite easy.  He's Gods Fence Mender. Loving, Kind and Gentle with LOADS of patience. He loves me for who I am and has made me want to be a better person.  I love that He loves the Lord. It blesses my heart and I've come to understand the importance of what a man who loves the Lord provides to his home and family.

Over the years I've understood that love isn't always a fairytale. There are bad times, sometimes downright draughts! It's easy for people to give up or say they just "fell out of love". In order to fall out of love you have to give up on it. You have to stop putting LOVE into your marriage. You have to stop making your marriage of importance and you have to have made God somewhere outside the 1st priority to your household.

When God becomes the sole priority in which you base the very foundation of your house and home on....it is THEN that you find prosperity in your marriage and home life.  God, Husband, children, etc.  This is NOT to say that my life is perfect. In fact, I have much to learn.  We must trust that marriage and love goes beyond what we sometimes FEEL because there are times we must sacrifice or compromise. 

As I speak, my biggest stronghold is patience.  Nothing good comes from losing it.  So God is teaching me in all directions just how important patience is and how it affects so much of our lives. In learning to be patient, we'll find self control. Through both my family and I reap the benefit from Gods teachings.

I leave you with two scriptures that bless my heart today:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
 Love never fails. 

Romans 5:1-4

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peacewith God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.