Holiday Food

During the holidays I struggle with picking something off of one of the platters of treats, snacks etc that are covering the tables at my moms and my mother-in-laws houses.  I usually get workouts in and enjoy the cold weather while other people watch my kids.  :) 

This year I came up with a painful solution that will keep me away from all the extra food. I'm having my wisdom teeth out on the 23rd... yep - that'll do it!

Merry Christmas to all of you!  Hope you enjoy family and friends, time off from your normal schedule and most of all the worship of the Savior!

Hair

Hey girls.. check these out :)

www.bondiband.com

Liz - Dr. Philip McNeely @ Holy Family Medical.  We did a different schedule with our girls. None of them get any of them until they are 2.  He was informative and open to it.  I know a lot of people in Lincoln who wait or don't do it at all.  Most of them go to him.  He is catholic so some of his reasoning comes from his beliefs.  We should talk more about this.  I'm curious why you asked... my email is samcnair@gmail.com if you want to share.

fasting frenzy

since thanksgiving i have been eating a lot. with all sorts of holiday goodies at arms reach, i've really been over-eating. so, last night as i was praying and remembering how i used to fast twice a month, i felt called to do it again. so, again, i am fasting on the 1st and 15th of every month to walk in solidarity with the poor and the hungry.

i will also be doing an all-natural vegetable and fruit cleanse once a week. i did this for 3 days after thanksgiving and it really made me feel great. plus, it's good to get all the nutrients you can with raw fruits and veggies every so often.

i am excited about this new eating/fasting routine, not only because it is healthy, but because it is spiritually healthy too. today was the first day of my new routine and i got to meditate on all that i am thankful for as my stomach growled. i think of all the children who are going without on this day, and suddenly, i'm not as hungry. i find it amazing that god can teach us so much through any sacrifice we give him...even something as small as food.

i encourage you all to find your spiritual eating ritual. i'd love to hear your thoughts or routines. god bless you all this holiday season!

by the way, if some of you have no idea who i am, i am jen's friend from NE--we grew up together and our families are dear friends...i consider jen family.

Late night eating

Hello girls!!!!  How is everyone.  So I have been on a mission to lose the rest of the weight I gained in pregnancies.  I am finally having some success and I think it is all due to getting rid of my late night eating.  Almost every night I would put the kids to bed and treat myself to whatever I wanted.  Since cutting that out I have lost some weight.  I have a little more to go and it is coming off slowly but it is coming off.  When I want to eat at night I think of my new daughter.  In all the pictures we have of her she is very very thin.  She does not get to eat when she wants or what she wants.  I eat plenty every day and I need to learn to tell myself no more often.  Eating for them is survival not pleasure.  I hope you all are doing well.  

sleepy in Lincoln...

Hi all.  Hope thanksgiving was good for all!  We had  a great weekend that was busy with traveling and lots of family!  Aria was up every hour of every night while we were gone.. screaming uncontrollably.  I think there are a few teeth that are about to pop through.:)  So I am catching up this week after being a zombie for a few days.  My goal is to walk on the treadmill 4 time this week.   Aria is sleeping all night now, but I am still recovering from the her wild weekend:)  How are you all doing?

Jen - made the avacado stuff! Yummmmmm!  Can't keep my chips out of there:)  Thanks for sharing!

cold runs

Hello girls

  This morning I went for a run and it was 25 out.  I love to run in cold weather as long as I am dressed properly.  Some of you may hate to run in the cold because you are always cold.  I only run on the treadmill if I have to.  Well last year  in March I bought some North Face tights at Scheels on sale, they were still forty dollars but great quality and so worth it.  So I wore them today for the first time and I was blown away.  My legs did not get cold once and I did not wear anything over them.  It was a beautiful crisp morning and I don't think my run would of been as enjoyable without the tights.  It is hard to run when your legs are freezing.  North Face rocks!!!  I would buy all kinds of things if it wasn't so expensive.  So if any of you are looking for good cold weather running clothes check out north face tights.

Hiking!

Me and my best running buddy everyone needs a dog to run with, when you don't feel like going they give motivation to go do it anyways.

The boys  having a great time!!

I love to hike, and we got to go to Cane Creek Canyon today and do some wonderful hiking and even a little running up hill.  I love to breath the fresh air and look out at God's beauty.  We lost our pup for a while but Jake and Sam ran all over and finally found him.  He was getting tired and wanted to lay down for a while.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  

Thanksgiving!!

Hello girls!!  I have been cooking and cleaning all day.  My brother and Jake's brother will be staying with us.  As we all get ready to eat some great food remember to try to get a good work out in this weekend.  It is so easy to get out of the routine when the holidays come.  We have to work especially hard during this time of the year.  I don't know if I will get a work out in tomorrow but I will make sure I get a run in on Friday.  I would love to hear what you are all doing for Thanksgiving.  I will try to post a picture of us tomorrow so you can see what we are all up to.

love you all!!

i can't breathe....

I have been battling the tempatation to worry instead of trust as we sell our home and move out west...   I was out walking the other day, praying and memorizing verses and was feeling like I could not breathe.  Not because I was walking fast:), but because I was so caught up in the sin/selfishness of worrying that I felt like I was suffocating.  I actually had to slow down and bend over.  It reminded me of how sin can affect us internally and externally.  I will remember my walk... it was a breaking point, a time of repentance, and so much more.  Draw near to him and he will draw near to you.  

i love hearing from all of you.. encouraging, challenging ... I am lifting you all up!

Victory after a Triathlon

Good Morning to my Ladies....Well i have enjoyed reading all of your entries this morning as I have been away from my computer for a whole week. My husband and I went on a very long intense week of counseling....We had one on one sessions and were able to stay in this little cottage with no tv, no computer, no kids (which was the hardest) and just focus on each other and to focus on God. I feel exhausted this morning because I feel as if I just completed a triathlon. However I have Victory!!!! Victory in knowing that God is the ultimate healer and knowing that he can take all your hurt and pain away when we are able to lay it at his feet. Im refreshed and have a new love for my Creator that I didn't even know existed and a new love for my husband that I know I have never felt.... Since we have returned we have been attacked but we are keeping our eyes on him and running to him........No matter how hard life seems or how discouraged you are......KEEP RUNNING TO HIM. Love and Blessings to you all, Erin

5k

So that 5k I was going to run is not going to happen.  i found the race online but I cannot find out any more about the race.  I have called the number and there is no answer  and no one replies to my emails.  I don't think the race is really happening or something.  I am now trying to find a trail race.  that would be a new challenge for me to run off road with many hills.  I need Amy U. to help me get ready for that, she is my mountain girl.

How's God?

I'm loving these posts and seeing what every one is working towards. Kudos to all of you! I have to post a question, however. Since the main theme of this blog is to prioritize not only our own health but also our spiritual lives, I'd love to hear how all of your quiet times are going! So, how's your relationship with God lately?

I'm doing a Beth Moore study with a couple of friends. It is "Stepping Up: Psalms of Ascent". It has been an incredible challenge to me. I am growing and my whole outlook is changing. I want to encourage you in your personal relationships with the Lord. Tithing your day to Him (through prayer time, bible study, etc.)--even 10 minutes in the morning-- will give you the necessary energy and grace to make it through the day--including your workouts! I feel I am one step ahead of everyone else when I rise first and dedicate my day to Him. Try it out and see what you think. Blessings!

did it again..

Okay - so it still wasn't at am, but I was up walking again this morning.  I had to take a break in the middle of it to get Sam's bfast and lunch.  But I got back on again even though I wanted to sit down and eat the awesome oatmeal that I had just made for him!  Breaking a sweat feels so good sometimes!  I ended up listening to the same song 6 times during my walk.  IT was like the Lord kept calling me back to it...made the walk go faster too:)

Avocado Corn Salsa

My favorite recipe.  I eat it with baked corn chips or organic blue corn chips

3-4 avocados diced

1 bag frozen corn thawed (my favorite is the white and yellow by birds eye)

1 green pepper diced

1 red pepper diced (you can just make it with two green peppers it is cheaper but not as pretty)

2 jalapenos   (I take out most of the seeds and them chop them very small with a food chopper)

2-3 limes juiced over it all

salt and pepper to taste

garlic powder (I put enough in to taste it but not too much, more then a dash)

a little olive oil

Mix well and put in the fridge

Jake and I eat this all the time.  My friend Annie taught me to make it and we eat it all the time for meals.  It is very healthy!!  Let me know if any of you make it.  This is  a great power food for all of you nursing mamas. We have a lot of new posts you will have to scroll down to read them all, and a new author, Lindsey Partridge. 

Losing Milk

I am learning how to get out and walk with my kids now that they are growing to new stages. Joseph is too big to fit in the double stroller, so I let him ride his tricycle. I put Bella in the stroller and tied Rocky, our dog, to the stroller. Jesse was sleeping at home with Blake. It was a rare, pleasant day in late November here, so that's why I had to get out with the kids. Half the time I had to push the stroller and pull Joseph in his trike. That was great for the thighs, wow! So, Jeni has helped me be creative in walking with a 4 year old, 2 year old, infant, and dog. It is a great illustration of the life of a young mom. Juggling many responsibilities at once, and still standing.

New Topic: Also, I have been struggling through my fears of losing weight after giving birth because I don't want to run out of milk. With my first two children my body lost weight quickly just by breastfeeding. After 6-7 months my milk supply started to get low. I don't want this to happen again. I did some research yesterday and found that it is not so much your weight although you don't want to be under weight while breastfeeding. The most important thing is getting enough calories a day from high power foods. Here were the top foods for pregnant/breastfeeding moms: High fiber cereal, Eggs, Lean Beef, Wild Alaskan Salmon (less chemicals in Alaska), Spinach, Broccoli, Nuts, Yogurt, and Beans/Legumes. The experts also said that sugary foods should be very limited for breastfeeding moms. Well, I have always saved most of my calories for desserts. I now see that I have to flip my eating habits to keep up my milk supply. I don't have to be scared of going back to my pre-pregnancy weight, as long as I am getting more of my calories from highly nutritious foods and not sugar. This is very freeing for me, and hope it is good information for you all, too. If any of you have advice for keeping up milk production I would love to hear it.

praise the Lord

I got my buns out of bed to walk on the treadmill this morning!!! Ok - so it wasn't 6:00 like I want it to be, but 6:30 worked well this morning.  I listened to Selah the whole time and had a great time.  Aria was watching me - she probably thinks she has a crazy mom:)

I have been running on and off since she was born, but have not worked out consistently since pre Ava(my second).  My goal is to walk consistently for 2 weeks, then start a consistent running schedule.  The only way the consistency will  happen is if I get my butt in bed earlier... so 10:00 bed time for me from now on!  

I would really like to run the Lincoln half with a friend in May, but it will never happen unless I stay consistent!  Praise the Lord for a fresh start, a victory this mornign and for his amazing grace!

Tired morning legs

Today was my first attempt at running in the morning. My running schedule has always been after a long days work, but since the time change I haven't been able to run after 5pm. So for the last couple weeks I have been trying to rise early and run before work; however, that has not been easy since I'm not a morning person. But today I did it.

My run was quick. I ran a mile and my legs were so tired. I am used to running at least 2, but it must have been something about running in the morning that made me so tired. I guess my legs were still asleep;)

My goal is to run three times a week until December. The first week of December I start training for the 10K. Running for me has become therapy. It is more for my head than my body, but it's obviously great for both. I feel like my life is on pause when I am running. I feel like I am sitting in God's hands just resting when I run. It is a mental break for me. It is a soul replenisher. It is my break from the craziness we call life. I am so glad that so many of you see running as a blessing too. Pray that my legs wake up ;) Ha.

Get going!!!

Here we are coming in for strong finish, this was I think 4 years ago maybe 5.  As we finished the half marathon the winners for the marathon were finishing at the same time we were. 

WE are still smiling at the finish, we had so much fun!!!

This me finishing the triathlon two years ago, so happy to finish  I had mastitis and was not feeling the best.  As soon as I get pics from this year I will put some up.  Liz did awesome in this triathlon.  We trained together.  We nursed our babes and handed them off to go sweat it.

Well I am home from my trip and so happy to be with my family.  I took Sunday and Monday off from working out and it was really hard to get going today.  I was thinking of every excuse not to run.  It is just so easy not to work out.  So, to get myself motivated I went to look at some pics of Hannah and myself running the half marathon and triathlon pics.  They did the job. I worked out so hard I am going to be very sore tomorrow.  I listened to awesome worship music the entire time I ran and it was a great time with the Lord!!!  How are ya'all doing??

Hitting the Road early today

I am up early this morning getting ready to go for a run.  I leave for Omaha today.  I am in Emily Gunn's wedding.  I fly without my family so my heart is already aching for them.  I keep thinking I should set up a run date with all my girls but I don't know if I will have time.  I will basically only be in Lincoln for two days and then head back, so I will be busy with wedding stuff.

My favorite things to run with:

Spearmint chapstick

gum

ipod(Benjah is my fav to run to)

cool weather

Thank you God for the cool weather.  I just get so excited when it is cold out.  Basically I try to work out 6 days a week.  I go to the gym MWF and run or walk TTS.   Sat is usually my hardest longest run day.  I usually take Sundays off but maybe take the dogs for a walk.  I love you all keep writing.  One more thing I keep wanting to tell ya'all.  I run for my children in Africa.  When I run I pray for them, I think about them, I cry for them.  It is my greatest motivator.  When it gets hard I think of their hardships.  I get so excited it makes me run a little faster.

One more thing, I keep thinking we should all do a road race together and then I remembered that there is the triathlon that started this idea for me.  Do you all want to commit to doing it this next summer, July 4th or close to that date.  A 10k all together, .25 swim, 3.5 bike, 2.25 run.  There is also a pregnant or just had a baby division, which is everything cut in half.

You can just call me, Captain random.  I jump all over the place, try to follow me.

Gym...

I keep hearing about you all going to the gym.  We don't do gyms.  So I have a hard time staying consistent because I think I can do it anytime because my treadmill is right downstairs.  Now it is 9:40 and I didn't do it today.  Off to bed... wishing I would have worked out.  My goal is to do it in the mornings before the hubs and kiddos are all awake and hungry... just hasn't happened very often.  Can someone call me every morning at 6am and say get on the treadmill? :)

My Aching Shin

Im not sure if I spelled shin right but Im having issues with mine. This morning I sat in the car in the parking lot at the Ymca debating if I should go workout or take Gray home and snuggle on the couch. I did go in and about mile 2 my shin started aching so bad, and has continued to hurt all day. I haven't changed anything in my workout except Im running more inside that out these days. Any suggestions or tips, I don't want to start having problems with them....Im also posting a picture of Gray so you know how hard my decision was.....

Baby Jesse

Here is our new sweet boy, Jesse! Joseph told me yesterday that he will NEVER, EVER get mad at Jesse. I had to smile. He really believes that. Its easy to love a baby that can't take your toys or push you.
He is crying in his nap right now because its feeding time. But I wanted to practice putting a pic on the blog. Blake didn't even help me. I did go to the gym, thank you for the encouragement Abby and Jeni. I know I need to talk full advantage of any help I get from Blake. There will be so many times he can't help or there is illness, etc. So these days that i can go are a gift. I did the bike and rowing machine and the dreaded toning class. I can't do the whole class yet, I have to modify some of the moves. But when I feel the pain, I thank God that I can exercise and that pain is good for me. At least I know I am doing something that is pushing my body. As my dad says, "No pain, no gain." Go push your bodies today in some way, girls! Push ups and sit-ups in your living room can bring plenty of pain. Love to all!

I don't have to!

I don't have to go. . . I don't want to go. . . .to the gym. Blake and I worked out a way for me to get to the gym twice a week during the day. At lunch I go and he feeds the kids. Today is one of those days and I am really thankful he is willing to try this, but I really don't want to go. This is common for me in winter. I would rather be lazy so I thought of our blog and decided to write for help. Can anyone out there give me some motivation? Help!

Winning support

Okay girls. This is the best support ever. Absolutely no bounce. Moving Comfort Fiona. It's adjustable for changing sizes too...good for breastfeeding moms. I used this one for a good year post Sam's birth. Pricey, but worth it. Check it out. http://www.activasports.com/act/products/MCL217/

Running Support

I do not mean the running support in which we are all encouraging one another....I mean the kind of support that I am really in desperate need of....I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a GREAT sports bra....I need one. My girls are very droopy......and I can not find a good sports bra. I have a couple of ones from Target and one that is a Nike one but they are not working. My chest kills during and after my runs. I have tried to wear 2 at the same time but that doesn't seem to work either. Breastfeeding has made this part of my body a pain in the butt.....Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated. I'm not sure holding my chest would be very good for me to do on the treadmills at the Ymca.....Love to all

Living Waters 5k

  Hello girls!!!  I have decided on a race to run.  Once again I will not be racing just trying to finish.  It is called Living Waters 5k.  It is raising money for water purification all over the world.  We will run along the river.  I am trying to get one of my friends to do it with me.  It is November 29th.  I will let you all know how it goes.

   I did run the trail Sat. and it was wonderful.  It is a trail full of hills and after first moving here I was not used to running hills, but now I like to attack them.  At the end of this trail run there is a huge steep long hill and it is always my goal to make it up.  I refer to it as the big bertha.  Yesterday I was at the gym doing a class and today I will run.  I am tired because I was up with Marya last night, she had the stomach flu but she seems to be doing a little better this morning.  If we didn't work out every time we were tired I guess we never would as mothers.  I am seriously so happy that you guys are writing on the blog.  Keep it up girls, when I run today I will take time to pray for each of you, Liz, Erin, Abby, Hannah, and Amy.  That is our group this far it may grow in time.  I love you all!!

Goals

I am a novice blogger, so bare with me. I will try and get an awkward pilates move picture in when I figure out how to do that. Anyway, hello to all the "sweat it" girls. It is getting cold in Nebraska and so my beloved outdoor workouts will be few. It is to the gym for me. I went to the YMCA on Saturday and was a little disappointed that I could only go about 3.5 on the treadmill and it felt like my legs were flying. Still, my mind is not on how out of shape I am now, but on my goals ahead. My goals are to 1) Work out 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes, 2)Lose my remaining pregnancy weight gradually over the next 8 months=20 pounds, 3)Eat less sugar and more veggies. I want to always make changes that are for life, not fads or extreme diets. I like the challenge of getting in shape, and I am feeling energized as my baby sleeps more. I will be excited to hear about your experiences and advice. I am just in a very grateful state getting to love on my kids and welcome a new little one into our home. And also thankful for short times away to exercise and clear my mind as I talk to God about life and think on His Word. Encouragement: Exercise for your health and to renew your spirit with Words of Life. Psalm 16:11"In Your presence is fullness of joy"

I'm a mother of 4 kids, and having twins did some damage on my body.... Grayson is 2 yr. old and I'm probably 15 lbs. heavier that what I would say is a great weight for me. I started running about a year ago and have ran in 2 5k's. One with my daughter Alexa. (Note the picture) It was a blast. I have now set a goal of running the Lincoln Half Marathon with my friend Allison. I'm running 3-5 miles now about 3-4 times a week and doing pilates. I have learned that I can not just exercise and diet for an occasion that I have coming up but I need to exercise for me and my family on a regular basis. So I can have energy and feel good about myself. I'm turning 30 in about 5 weeks...(yikes that sounds old) and I can tell my metabolism and body is changing. So i'm taking those challenges head on. Running for me has turned into my "ME" time and my one on one time with God. I love when I'm chugging along and talking to God and singing to Jeremy Camp....and the time and miles fly bye. The people on the bike trails here in Lincoln think Im crazy but....OH WELL! Looking forward to hearing about everyones progess and victories...God Bless!

I'm thrilled to be a part of this blog and also reconnect with you, Jen. Having trained and ran the Lincoln Half with you, I know how dedicated you are to fitness and I love being able to encourage each other to "keep at it"! I have been running off and on this year with a 5K thrown in this summer. I am now training for my first 10K race in Maui in early December. Jeff and I will be celebrating 10 years together and I decided to run a race to celebrate my 30th birthday as well on the island! I am 11# under my pre-baby weight (after 2 kids) and feeling great; although my midwife advised me not to lose any more so I am not at a higher risk for osteoporosis. I want to keep running but feel the need to build muscle as well. My metabolism goes into overdrive when I'm training for any race so I am trying to stay on top of the proper balance of nutrition right now. That can be tough when I'm chasing a 4-year-old and a 17-mo-old all day every day! I have been enjoying true worship as I run recently. The weather, the colors, the worship music blasting in my earphones.....I can barely keep my hands from lifting to my Maker as I remember that every breath I take is from Him.

Prayer

I am so excited about this blob :) and the chance to encourage others and be encouraged. After having 3 babies, I am amazed again at how awesome our God is and what our bodies can do. I have never gotten back down to my pre-1st-pregnancy weight. That is my goal. I have 13 pounds to lose. It has been pretty challenging the 3rd time around. I have dealt with some diet changes because of Aria and my body is not normal right now. I just had a nutritional consult with a doctor to try to get back into shape nutritionally, so hopefully her suggestions will help. Because of these nutritional issues, I have been more tired, had stomach aches 75% of the time and had a few other issues that nobody wants to hear about. My prayer is that the Lord would help me to be wise in excercising so that I don't wear my confused body out and that I would not give up. I am only walking and doing pilates right now and would like to be more consistent with those two things. I would love to be running, but whenever I do, I am wiped out and my stomach issues tend to get worse... Thanks for praying! Love the idea Jen!

Share a little more

  I also want this blog to be a place where we can share our story, so I thought I would share a little more about mine.  My parents have always shown me through there lifestyle that being active and staying fit is important.  Both my parents are in their 50's and in great shape and I know it has not been easy for them.  So with that said I have always been somewhat active.  I have always loved to work hard and push myself.  Before God saved me I used to beat my body and over work myself.  I am so thankful that God has shown me the truth and that I no longer do that.  I gained 40 pounds pregnant with Marya and almost lost it all before gaining 50 with Ezra.  I have lost almost all of the weight just by working out.  I have never dieted but I do feel as though the Lord has shown me that I cannot eat whatever I want.  I must put my flesh into submission and tell it no some times.  I know what it feels like to run and feel like you have dumb bells tied to your butt and sides.  I know what it feels like to feel like you might vomit because it is so hard to work out.  Carrying extra weight is so hard on our joints and heart.  A lady in our church made this comment and I liked it.  She said find a healthy weight meaning not too high and not too low and try to stay there.  I am not far off from my weight loss goal.  I will let you know when I get there.  So any of you that join me I would love to know more about your story. I so want health to be our goal not perfection.  Not to lose weight so we can wear tighter clothes and show ourselves off.  but to take care of the body God has given us.  There are two sides of the fence you can fall on, vanity and make it an idol or laziness and being a glutton.  My prayer is that myself and any of you that join me will keep our eyes on Christ and focus the race HE has for us.  To run or work out with a greater purpose.  Let's write about that.

Here we go!!!

  I am so excited about this.  DECIDE, COMMIT, SUCCEED!!!  Physical fitness should not be the most important thing in our lives but it is important.

 1 Timothy 4:8

   for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

  The purpose of this blog is to encourage each other to be healthy.  To encourage each other to push ourselves to a place that we have never been.  Each of us are at a different place and have different goals and that is great.  We can post our goals, pictures, challenging or motivating video's.   My desire is for this to be a fun place to come and share our success and be encouraged.

   My goal at this point is to continue to get into shape.  I plan on doing the triathlon next summer just 8 months away and I want to do some fun road races or trail races this year.  I will not be racing, just trying to finish.  I want to be able to run hard and sweat and love it.   I will post pictures of myself and my teammates down here as we sweat it.  My greatest goal, is as I get into shape I desire to seek God all the harder and to never let this become an idol in my life.  To grow in godliness.

  I plan to run a great trail this Sat. so I will take some pictures.  today I ran 3.6 miles with a friend that is 5 months pregnant and in great shape.  It was very difficult but she would not let me give up. That is why I love encouraging each other.  With out her there I never would of made it up the big bertha hill at the end.  Thank you Annie!!  She is going to help me with my running.

  I love you all