On diet and I can still have Rice and Pasta!

So I’m doing good on my exercise and been eating well and still finding great recipes that feed my need to eat yummy food.  First off I found this Kalyn's Stuffed Cabbage Casserole.  I loved it, the boys thought it was just ok but I’m all that matters right? LOL … My neighbor got the other half since my boys don’t do left overs.

Last yummy on my list was Healthified Mexican Pasta Skillet that the boys of course loved since they are all about the Mexican food.

We have our Tuesday dinner friends coming over so we have Meatball and Spaghetti Soup.  What is on your menu tonight?

Crockpot Soup to the Rescue

I made a great soup that was easy to throw into the crockpot and was ready for dinner time!  Another one from my Pinterest that I saved and actually made.  My goal is to not just save cool things, but to actually do them!

This Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup was so yummy and easy and low in points if you do the Weight Watcher Plus System.

So what is on your meal for tonight?

 

Ok so it’s not so BAD …

I saw this cartoon and just died laughing I so would be this person!  Full of excuses why I can’t do the exercise.  I’m happy to say that I have worked out every day since Saturday except Sunday.  I have cut my excuses and figure that 25 minutes a day won’t kill me.  IT may make my arms and legs feel like jello with weights attached to them. 

I have found that my overweight body can’t do all the hops and the down to the floor move with one arm up in the air just may not be in my future.  I instead of the past don’t fast forward threw these parts I do an exercise that I can manage at this time. 

So I’m surviving my first week of exercise, I haven’t passed out yet and I am walking slow but still moving.  Let’s see if I’m still moving next week!

The Best Question ever Asked …

We’ve started a new search at church, ok for you non church people don’t run away =D.  I think this is a “PRACTICAL” idea you can input into your life.  Almost like a resolution but I really think it is so much more than that.

The Question:

“In light of my Past, my Present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do”

At first I was like oh boy this is another resolution I won’t follow threw with.  But then I sat on it and really started thinking.  Our pastor gave us 4 Areas to look into our life.

1. Physical
2. Relational
3. Spiritual
4. Professional/Education

So of course I look at my Physical which I know hinders my Relationship.  When I feel frumpy, well you know the rest.  So on to bettering myself.  I feel this is so much better then a resolution.  I put my butt (literally) into gear.  I broke out my Shred it Video by Jillian Micheals and my Kettlebell and here we are today will day #4 of the work out and let me tell you my legs are like jello and my arms feel like I’m an ape and they are hanging down and no way are they coming above my head!

Some other things with this lesson I think also can be PRACTICAL in every day life are:

1. There is cumulative VALUE to INVESTING small amounts of time in certain activities over a LONG period of time.
1. My Goal: working out a few minutes per week! Also spending special time with the boys (playing Wii Games, instead of sitting on my arse). And praying nightly with boys.
2. There are rarely any IMMEDIATE consequences for NEGLECTING single installments of time in any AREA of life.
1. YES it won’t hurt if I miss one day of the above Goal, but it becomes easier and easier if I “SKIP just this one day”
3. NEGLECT has a cumulative EFFECT.
1. My Goal: There will be no weight loss, special time or night time rituals if I NEGLECT these items!
4. There is no cumulative VALUE to the URGENT things that we allow to interfere with the IMPORTANT things.
1. My Goal: NOT allow myself to say I just need to check facebook or make this call etc instead of doing what is important to my health which is the working out!

Last on my list is I NEED to get insurance for myself.  When Rick changed to current job the insurance went from being affordable to no way jose!  I think I found a place that I can get me and the boys for $150 a month.  NOW to find the extra money and I can do this!  I MUST go to the doctor I have been off my Thyroid Medicine for a LONG time which is NOT good and I know is effecting my health and with my motivation.  Thyroid controls so much in your body including your weight and energy.

Thank you Google Images for the picture above.

Twist on Meatloaf & Potato

Last Tuesday due to the snow our Tuesday night dinner friends didn’t make it but I still made up our dinner that was planned.  It was actually good it was just us due to the boys liked this meal so much they ate it all! Cole told me I was the best cook and I need to be on one of the cooking shows I watch … ahh!  Than Caden told me I was a “Cool as Grave Digger” we recently went to Monster Jam …. LOL.  Thank you again to Pinterest you make my meal planning easy!!  When growing up Meatloaf & twiced baked potatoes where something my mom would make all the time.  I love to bring things from my childhood but with out all the calories.  Here are some great twist of family favorites that won’t bust your pants.

I made the meatloaf with ground turkey due to that was on sale the other day and I stocked up!  I found this Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf and I think I may have to make it again soon!

“This is my entry to the Hotpoint family baking competition”

And of of course a side, I loved this one the boys were so so on it.  These Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes were easy to make (I did them first in the microwave).  The recipe called for baco bites but I did up some turkey bacon!

What is on your menu tonight?  Thank you Pinterest we have Kalyn's Stuffed Cabbage Casserole on our menu for the night.

Is it really Monday?

I think I lost a week there?  Oh wait I did a week of my sanity with the snow and the kids being home all week long!  Between snow and kids I think I was going looney. Rick had Wednesday and Thursday off but I lost my cooking mojo most of the week.  I did make up this Taco Casserole I first pinned on my Pinterest board. It was a super easy and yummy weight watcher meal.

What is on your menu tonight?  On our meal plan is Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Snowed in & Watching Movies

Hi Gang it’s no longer snowing “thank God” but we had ice rain all day yesterday and a lovely chill keeping the snow on the ground.  We are now on day FIVE of no school!  I think I may loose the little marbles I have left.  Thankfully Rick was scheduled to have Wednesday and Thursday off already so he hung with the kids those days.  Today I’m on my own!  Which if I didn’t have to work would be fine, but working from home doing calls with the boys is always fun!

The boys had fun in the snow and here is their “Snow Cone” Snowman … TeeHee!

We have thankfully also had our power the whole time “knock on wood” some of my friends are going on a few days with none.  Which means mom can watch moves!  Here are a few ones you must see :

I’ve be waiting for this movie to hit DVD and it came on when we had a Star’s free preview weekend. It’s another great faith based movie that even Rick liked (probably because it had police officers in it). The Grace Card is a must to see, it will make you cry but it really gives you a calm.

This movie Field of Vision was on LMN and it was a must see also, it had some great Christian music in it but I don’t think it was a faith based movie.  It really was a great movie that showed bullying in high school, there were a few cheesy parts but I loved it.

Sexting in Suburbia was another great movie that sadly showed how bullying is in our schools and what it can do to those around us and sadly what it does to our youth.

Walking the Halls is another movie about what happens in to kids in high school that parents kind of loose them.  It was a sad movie with the drama of a lifetime movie.

There you have it, it’s cold and mom is trying to get over a cold and watching movies!  Hope you’re all staying warm!

Tooth was Pulled & Tears were Shed!

It’s taken me a bit to write this, due to it was such an experience that really rocked this poor mama and little boy.  Last Friday we headed to the dentist, due to loss of insurance I took Caden to a clinic I could pay cash and make payment to.  It is a “kids” clinic, so I figured it was the best place since they deal with just kids.

We got there they took us back a sweet young lady I think doing her residence put Caden in the chair put some cool sunglasses on and the gas mask on him.  Caden kept breathing threw his mouth so of course wasn’t getting the juice.  Then the doc came in tried to cover his mouth so he’d breath threw his nose but not really much luck.  She then put some numbing gel on his tooth, but didn’t wait for it to kick in and went right in with the needle.  That is when the apt went down hill.  The 8 shots sent Caden into a meltdown of screaming that they were hurting him and he wanted me.  At first they kept telling me to sit down they didn’t want me near him.  But I couldn’t take it anymore and went to be with him.  He was trying to crawl out of the chair.  Then she went to try to remove it.  That of course didn’t go over well more screaming and “leave me alones”.  I tried to comfort him.  Then came in assistant #2  who decided that this was the perfect time to come in and say “Ok Caden, this is enough” in her lovely stern voice!  As some of you know we have someone in our life that says this same thing to Caden all the time while Cole can get away with murder … I digress … ugh!

2nd time they had me lay down on his legs while I’m in tears and Caden was in tears they were able to grab the tooth and remove it! My parents picked Cole up and offered for him to stay the night.  Caden and I hit home with the ice cream he was allowed for dinner and I took some Nyquil and early to bed we went.  Cole then decided he wanted to be a turd and didn’t want to go to sleep.  I was knocked out, Rick at work so when they called to bring him home no answers.  They brought him home, poor thing only stays there around 1 or 2 times a year so when it was time to go to bed he of course was not happy and wanted to come home. UGH What a freaking day!  THEN the next day I took boys to Lowe’s kid clinic that I signed up 3 weeks a head of time for.  But of course my gas light came on so I stopped to get gas got to the clinic at 10:18 to find at 10:15 they gave away one of my kits to some SMUCK who didn’t pre-register and just showed up!  YUP that was my weekend.  Head cold finally going away, Caden doing much better now to get over the snow … lol!

Snow Snow Oh How Pretty .. But Please Can you Go Away!

Oh yeah they predicted 8 to 10 inches of snow and I think we are there or are very close to it!  We live in Washington snow is not something we usually get a lot of.  Rain now on the other hand, which is cool with me.  But Snow can really throw a wrench into my day.  Now Snow is great the kids can play and have fun and when I work OUTSIDE the home it was great.  I could call into work due to not being able to drive there and just hang with the kids.  Since my office is located in my house that leaves me with no excuse for not going to work.  SO we are on DAY 3!!! of kids home.  The kids go play for a while but come right back in and it’s all day long of “he touched me”.

THANK God Rick has the day off today so he can help out or you may all be seeing me in a looney bin!  Wish me luck and that the snow goes to higher ground where people love it and I can look at it from the distance … lol!

We Interrupt Your Regular Programing …

The Pacific North West has been hit by snow, thankfully yesterday was a Holiday so it didn’t mess up school but today we have been hit again.  It’s coming down like crazy, I swear it looks like a blizzard outside.  So a quick post today but of course I leave you with a recipe to keep your belly warm!  The boys of course are loving this, and mom is just trying to stay sane with boys in the house.

And for something to warm you up from the cold, well it’s served cold but when I was young mom would always serve it warm .  I found an amazing recipe for Refreshing Apple Tapioca Pudding.

What is on your menu tonight?  Are you getting snow?

Tuesday Friends with Full Bellies

Last week was a Mexican meal week, I didn’t realize that while I was making my meal plan for the week. This was super yummy and I can’t believe how easy! This Bubble-Up Enchiladas were a hit even my friends son that is a picky eater.

Then for dessert I made a Apple Oatmeal Crisp, that was easy and way to yummy!

So what is on your menu tonight?

We literally are Pulling Teeth :(

Pulling teeth is one of my favorite go to frazes when I call people for work and I’m trying to confirm and gather their information.  But today is a different type of pulling teeth.  2 weeks ago Caden couldn’t sleep and was complaining about his mouth.  Being the Amazing Super Mom that I am just thought he was being the little drama queen he always is.  Then when we didn’t sleep at all one wink I looked in his mouth to find that he back molar was cracked … UGH.

Called a local dentist to see if we could get him in.  When Rick changed jobs we lost our insurance so it was all out of pocket, thankfully this place let’s you make payments!  So we went in for a quick x-ray and a prescription for an antibiotic.  Along with an appointment to come back in two weeks for an extraction. YUP not looking forward to that bill! So today is the day for the extraction.  Caden is very scared and mama is too.  Wish us luck tomorrow!

He was all happy last time, plus got to play brothers DS!

Of Course when dentist came in it was all tears .

Happy Friday the 13th Everyone!  Stay away from black cats & walking under ladders.  I think I have had my far share of good and bad luck, I’ll be trying to find me a four leaf clover .. lol.

Look My New Work Clothes Arrived!!!

Rick was so sweet and bought me a new outfit for my work day, but sadly it was a size too big.  You should have seen his face when I put it on and you really could fit two of me in there, now if it was my regular size and that happened I’d be happy but come to find out it was just the wrong size.  So back it went and last night my right one came and this one was roomy too but not too bad. 

Here is my new Work Day Outfit:

Aren’t they cute??  Oh yes they are pink, soft and have cupcakes all over them!!  What I work from home!  At least it matches and doesn’t have stains! lol  Happy Thursday only 2 more work days for me! Yeah!!

Sticking to a Resolution

Well I gave up with resolutions I don’t seem to follow threw with some things. So why not something I NEED to do and won’t end up with me in tears laying on the bed trying to pull on a pair of pants … well I digress!

I tackled my spice rack that drives me insane.  The more cooking I do the more I rely on my spices.  Every day I’m pulling down all these bottles to get just the right spice and of course each time it’s in the back!  I saw some great ideas on Pinterest but my cupboards are older and I couldn’t do the cool idea with the magnet paint and hang the spices on the door.  So I went on a search of what I can do!

I then hit my favorite store Winco with their amazing bulk section they have great spice bottles for like 79 cents!  I then had Rick’s label gun and went to town transferring my spices to the new bottles and labeling them.  I then went OCD and put them in alphabetic order and put them in my new Christmas Present to myself the Swivel Store Spice Rack at Bed Bath & Beyond for $19.99 and used my 20% off coupon!!  I need to go back for one more rack, I’m just waiting for my next coupon to come in the mail.  I want to do all my baking stuff like the sugars and other decorating items I have.

Check out my mess to HEAVEN!

My year is getting off to a good start!  Now to tackle my spare room and get it ready for the boys to have separate rooms!!  Do you have a practical new years resolution?

Light Dish for us & Sweets for the Girls

Last night I made a yummy dish for the boys (their favorite Mexican) and then I had my women’s group at church and I wasn’t sure someone was signed up for snacks so I whipped up a little something.

I started a new board in Pinterest for my Weekly Meal Plan Menu.  I found this Crockpot Chicken Bake.  I was late getting my meal together so I baked the chicken in the oven, shredded it and then put the recipe together but then put it in the oven.

Then when I was getting the kids ready to go to church for my women’s group.  We haven’t meet with the holidays for a few weeks so I thought why not bring something since I didn’t think anyone was signed up for snacks.  So I was trying to find something healthy but then I entered what I had in the pantry and out popped a yummy but not healthy treat … lol!  I found Anne Burrell’s Oatmeal Cream Cheese Butterscotch Bars but I didn’t have the butterscotch chips like I thought so I threw in milk chocolate & white chocolate!

Tonight is Tuesday Dinner friends on our menu is Bubble Up Enchiladas.  What is our your menu for tonight?

Keeping it Warm

It’s chili time around here again!  The boys LOVE chili, if Cole could have his way we’d eat it EVERY day!  I try to find a new recipe to make every few weeks.  I found this recipe on Nutmeg Notebook, which a great site with Weight Watcher points!

Enjoy, hope this warms your belly like it did ours .   On our meal plan for tonight is Crockpot Chicken Bake on my Pinterest Board (No More Fluffy Girl Meals).

What is on your menu tonight?

A Sad Good-Bye

As many of you know we got a puppy last Christmas for the boys.  Cole named him Jake.  He was such a sweet pup and the two of got along great.  I get up around 5:30am and he would hang and sit with me while I worked.  Then I would get Cole up around 7:30am.  In his cage he would go since he was a little hyper still and would knock the boys over.  Poor Caden was so scared of him.  We hoped it would get better but a year later no go and poor Jake spent most of his time in the cage our outside barking and annoying the neighbors … UGH. 

I finally had to put him up for sale .  I felt bad that he would spend his day in a cage due to Caden home and the tears that Jake was scaring him.  A very nice lady with her daughter (who was visiting from college) came to meet Jake.  Earlier that day Jake had jumped and accidently scratched his face and was having a melt down for HOURS over it hurting … UGH.  He got himself so worked up he got a fever and couldn’t stop crying.  But it was good since Jake was very attached to me for me not to be there when he meet his new mommy.  I was sad to see him go, Cole was a little bit. 

I’m sorry Jake I really wish this worked out, but I’m glad we found you a new loving home.

Feeding the Troops

For Christmas I used my bonus to buy Rick a new garage door with an opener.  Tonight he had some buddies come over to help him install and my Tuesday night dinner friend came over tonight instead of last night so I switched my meal plan up at the last minute.  I was pretty darn excited with what I came up with.

First off I saw this on my new obsession Pinterest and found a recipe for Cheesy Artichoke Bread.

Then I saw this Scooters Spaghetti that looked easy to do and how can I go wrong with friend onions on top?

And I had a bag of cranberries that I had to use up so my friend Google lead me to Apple-Cranberry crisp.

In a way I can’t wait for next week then I might be back on track.  For now some more recipes .  Hope you might enjoy one of them!

Anything special on your menu tonight?

Another Belly Filling Dinner

I love Pork Chops and Apple sauce (yes the Brady Bunch show comes to mind when I say that … if you don’t know what I’m talking about you so need to youtube it).

I started with the Crock Pot Applesauce that was so simple to make from Skinnytaste.com.

Then I went to the recipe that lead me to the applesauce, the Pork Chops and Applesauce.  The pork was the best I’ve had in a long time.

I’ve been hearing about using cauliflower for a mash potato substitute.  So I went to Spark Recipes for Mashed Cauliflower with Beans.  I think I was the only one who enjoyed this one.

Happy Wednesday everyone, I’m still all out of whack with the holidays etc and can’t believe it’s Wednesday but happy for a good week to come!

So what is on your menu for tonight?

Ringing in the New Year in Style!

Well Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012 and we can say we’re going to do a lot of things but right now I’ve decided to just do one day at a time and be better then I was before!  Well it’s what I’m going with right now, stop giggling and just let me live in a little bliss for today .. hehe!

My friend had us over to her house for a little get together for the count down and I made a few things to share.  I can never go to a party empty handed.

I took this Apple Pie Cucake and tweaked it a bit to include Sparkling Apple Cider.  I thought it was perfect for the new year!

Then I had to make some dips. The first dip was a Weight Watcher Feta & Spinach Dip.

And the hit of the party was the Weight Watcher Hot Artichoke Dip. 

Happy New Year!  Hope you all had a wonderful year and many more blessings to come this new year!  What did you do for the New Year?  Did you make anything yummy?