Confessions

1.  I did not wear sunscreen today and now I have a pink face and shoulders
2.  I drank wine before going to my bible study when I should of been finishing my hw.

Now for my big one
I have major insecurities.  They may seem little to others,  but are huge to me.  I feel that my comprehension on many subjects is very poor therefore making it hard for me to complete exercises or carry on an intellectual conversation - I usually just remain quiet.  Tonight for example.  listening to others pray (which i know there is no right or wrong) and answer questions from the hw made me very uncomfortable and feel out of place.  It is not their fault but I just felt so "behind" of where I "should" be.  I pray that God will help me with these insecurities so I can fully participate.  One girl came up to me as we were leaving and said she was where I am last year and she has come a long way...that was so important for me to see and hear.  I CAN grow!

Anyways.. had to get that off my chest!

Looking forward to tomorrow and the beautiful day we are going to have.  I have more planting to do!
eh.. guess I should finish going through my tax stuff since i am meeting with the acct Friday morning

Time to get dirty!

Hoping this will be the year of a green thumb! I even went as far to buy a strawberry plant! Oh my!!

Yes Sir!

Namaste!  I just finished a great Yoga class followed by some treadmill and bike action.  Boy could I tell it has been a while since my last class.  I had to use a block today.  I need to start going again... at least twice a week.  Sometimes I just get so bored.
When I got home I needed a snack.  Strawberries it was! I saw somewhere to put some balsamic on them and let them sit - so I did with added spinach and goat cheese! YUM!

Then, thanks to Heather's Tofu Tutorial, I was able to start my first creation!  

I made a Mexican flavored one and one similar to Heather's tutorial.  I chopped up 1.5 pieces and put it on a bed of lettuce with black beans, a scoop of guac, lf sour cream, salsa and a side of Mexcian rice I made last night! I will def. have leftovers and look forward to having it again!  Stupid question, but how do you store cooked tofu? hmmm?

then I had this little guy for dessert!

Off to find a new pair of Toms! 

Lovin me some Kefir

I found a new fave! This morning I poured it over some fiber one, strawberries, bananas, and walnuts!

Now I'm off to do some Yoga!  This may be scary~I haven't done yoga in prob. 7+ months!  followed by some cardio with my new Health magazine!

Have a beautiful day :)

one more

the blog is being difficult tonight.  but i wanted to add I found these cute shorts at The Limited.  They were super comfy and looked pretty good... i'll have to find a top and hope the pasty white legs get some color before I can wear them. 

Shopping, Baking and More!

WOW! Today was packed with lots of shopping!  I started the morning off with a dead car battery. UGH. I had to get a friend to come jump my car off so I could make it to AutoZone to get a new battery. Shop #1 - $90 battery.  Rushed to the RUSH! ha! and did a strength class and some cardio.  Then headed to the Teet for some triple coupon deals! I spent $46 and saved $55 in coupons! heck ya! i love it! I was famished after all the shopping so had a snack of yogurt and delicious strawberries

followed by a ff hot dog with spinach and broc

Then had a last minute decision to make a trip to Trader Joe's!!  I love that store and so wish we had one in the Boro.  Here are some of my new finds

have you ever had Kefir?  I asked one of the clerks and they didn't know much about it, so let me have a taste test!  The strawberry was delicious! I got strawberry and plain.  It is like yogurt.  I bought tofu for the first time.. maybe I'll give it a whirl tomorrow!  OH.. that truffle pizza is so yummy!

After all the shopping I needed another snack! Guac with brown rice chips :)

When we were in ATL this weekend J's mom made bran muffins.  Justin loved them so I decided to try them for myself!  The original recipe calls for Crisco and I did not have any, nor was I going to buy it so I used ff yogurt and applesauce.  They turned out good!  I had a little bottleneck mixing all the ingredients - the bowl was overflowing!! oops!

soaking the bran

bowl overflowing and still have one more ingredient!

Yummy muffins!! minus one J had to try while they were still hot! Success! 

A Tri kind of weekend!

We are back!  Thanks to Justin's Ninja like abilities, we out ran the tornadoes.  The weather is always crappy when we go to ATL.  It rained on the way and major storms/tornado warnings on the way home. 

We were a little crammed on the way down - carrying our weekend luggage (you would think we were staying a week!), Coltrane, the bikes and Justin's Grandma's old sewing table. 

Coltrane was a good sport and slept in a ball most of the way!

We got in late and hit the sack around 12.  Got up early for a swim.  We needed to time our 100 yd free so we would know what group to swim in.  Justin did great!  My time puts me in the first group (yay) but I think I am going to register for the second group.  It's a good thing I can swim bc my bike and run are super slow.  You can't win by your swim :( sorry kel!

After the swim the out laws took us to Dick's to get new bathing suits (mine is at least 12 years old).  It was pretty miserable trying out suits...  went home had a quick lunch then suited back up for a bike ride.  Justin, his dad and I did 16 miles and his mom and a family friend did 40! they are training for the st. pete tri in a month.  16 was enough for me.  it was a pretty trail with lots to look at.  their friend let me borrow her wind jacket.  I felt so official!! 

Since we finished early, I talked the boys into letting me go to Whole Foods.  I am in search of coconut butter.  I keep reading about it on the food blogs but not exactly sure what it is.  I found coconut oil but I don't think that is the same thing.  well.. they didn't have it or maybe i just didn't feel like searching the store with two men!  BUT we did scope out the protein bars for J's mom and bought 5 to do a taste test with!

The think thin bars were NOT good.  I will not be trying these again.  I was most looking forward to the kashi turtle bar - not much taste here either.  Balance bars win!

this is the kashi bar that i had high hopes for!

then we needed to have a potato chip cookie made by J's mom.

they are the best!!

On the way back from ATL we pass three outlet malls.  I talked J into stopping at the Gaffney outlets.  As usual, I left with nothing.  I went to JCrew, Banana, Gap, Ann Taylor, and Nike.  I tried on a lot but no success.  Aint that some ___.  It seems every time you have the money/time to spend, you don't find anything.  So after an hour of shopping we were back on the road in rain and stand still traffic.  Justin was not a happy camper. 
Planned on going to the gym when we got home but thanks to the lovely weather I will just double it up tomorrow!

glad to be home!

And we're off!

Today was our first day of Spring Break.  I headed to work for a half day (so I wouldn't have to use a sick day)

came home and did a quick 2 mile walk followed by this yummy lunch. 

packed an apple and crackers with almond butter for a snack.  It is starting to rain... go figure. I swear - it always rains when we go to ATL.  Tomorrow we are going for a bike ride and making Justin get in the pool to practice for the triathlon that is in Less than a month! holy cow!
Have a great weekend!

Stepping UP

Tonight was a first for me.  A Bible study.  I am so excited and look forward to where God leads me.  We are doing a Beth Moore study called " Stepping UP a journey through the Psalms of Ascent"  I have heard so many wonderful things about Beth Moore.  I am hoping to go some place I have never been! 
I also met some great girls.  I was also surprised to learn one of the girls there was at Dr. D's office the same time I was today!! I feel like that is a sign.  So say prayers for both of us!!
Yay for trying new things and taking the next step in life.
CHEERS!

We're back!

It's all over!  THANK GOD!  May be TMI but this is my diary so i can say what I want! ha!
When it was our turn, the nurse came in to do the IUI and was having trouble finding my cervix...Let me tell you how good that feels.  She tried for what seemed like 5 min then decided to get Dr. D to do it.  I was super anxious and nervous.  I have never been a fan of a male dr. that is just weird to me.  BUT it went very quick and did not hurt. Justin's hand may of hurt and he may have had white knuckles, but I was ok.  I had to stay on the bed table for like 20 min. where Justin proceeded to play with the bed making it go up and down -  so I went for a ride.  What ev.  It kept him entertained and he was being supportive.

I checked the mail before we left and found a card from a friend's mom.  It was so sweet and perfect timing.
"Call to Me and I will answer you." Jeremiah 33:3. She told us she was praying for us and not to get discouraged.  Def. made me cry!

Guess I should go to work!
Have a good day :) It's my Friday! Woo Hoo!

Today is my Thursday.  Woo Hoo!!  I am so looking forward to Spring Break!  Today was busy with more senior projects.  Today while waiting for them to begin, I took a 38 min run around the school.  really I just ran up and down the parking lot. Fun, I know!  gotta do what ya gotta do... and the weather was an added bonus!
Have to show a quick pic of my lunch.  It was so yummy. I love roasted veggies!

Today one of our custodians, Rosita, reminded me that I told her I would make a cake for her bday.  I love any opportunity to make a cake followed by the mandatory licking of the bowl. Ya know you do it too!  Anyways, I made a german chocolate and I'll put a powdered sugar icing.... still trying to keep it lower fat.  I made her her own special mini bundt and I'll take the bigger for the students.

Of course I had a little taste and it wasn't so bad.  this was made with yogurt and egg whites.  Real icing would make this even better!

Tomorrow is the day.  I'll give an update after we return from Dr. D's office.

He made it!

A full night sleep!!!  As soon as I put his bed in the sunroom he went in!  It felt so good to have a night without waking up at 2:30 and having trouble falling asleep.  I went to check on him this morning and he was just hanging out in his room!!

For Breakfast I went back to Bob's oatmeal.  It was nice for a change.  I added the usual blue and strawberries, banana, pb/ab, cottage cheese and the last of the wheat berries. 

I uploaded the pics so I could blog at work  but now they won't move! oh well.

Another long day at work.. brought my own dinner tonight and hoping to walk the track during break.

Maybe some Feeney's for dessert!! You get a small cup for $3 if you tell them you are a Feeney's Facebook Fanatic... that I am!

Judging

Tonight was the start of our Seniors presenting their senior projects that they have been working on all year.  They have been so stressed and nervous these past two weeks.  It was so cute to see them tonight all dressed up and professional looking. 
I had to plan my food accordingly since I did not get to go home at all today.  For lunch I had a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with spinach, dijonaise, a tad of guac and a little fresh mozz.  with a side of Stacy's Pita chips.

YUM

I had all intentions in bringing dinner - but, as usual, there was no extra time in my morning routine.  So I had a small serving of lasagna with a side salad and well..... an oatmeal cookie.  We ate at like 5:30 so I needed a little bowl of cheerios when I got home after 8:45.

The projects were so good.  Our first kid actually made a guitar.  It was awesome and even looked better than the ones in the store.  We also learned about knitting, horse driving, auto mechanic, disease, aviation, tennis for africa and how to make mosaics.  Even though I am super tired and did not get to go to the gym... I look forward to tomorrow's group of students!

Enough is Enough!

Wow! Yesterday was busy! But I got my hair done and it feels so much better.  I always feel so refreshed after getting a color.
Went to bed at a normal time only to be awaken by *the smell* and a dog walking around.  Yep.  He did it again.  I got up to clean - again and got back in bed.  I kept smelling and couldn't figure out why....well that why was discovered when Justin stepped in it while getting ready for work. Barefoot!  I told you we have a brown shaggy rug in the bedroom...it doesn't help find you know what!  I don't know how I missed it.  I thought I searched the carpet.  Anyways. Justin said he has had it.  We (I) probably haven't slept through the night in 4 months due to nightly poops and letting him wander the yard for 20 min.  So tonight he is headed to "his room".  He will be sleeping away from us for the first time :( He will have his bed in the sun room.  This makes me sad and I feel mean.. but HELLO I need sleep too!

This morning I made a nice breakfast. I had a banana with almond/peanut butter and an egg white omelet with asparagus and mushrooms. so good!

Oh. quick update from Dr. D.

Eggs still didn't grow to much so we did one more night of injections and tonight I will do the ovulation trigger shot.. IUI Thursday.  I am excited, anxious, nervous..... scared.  I really, really want this to take.  Lots of prayers for Thursday.  Plus I have to go back to work afterward. That will be so comfortable! NOT

Back to Basics

Yep. After the scale yelled at me to get off this morning I decided it was back to basics.  I thought I could get away without counting points but it has gone out of control!.  I think I have been eating way to much "healthy fats". I know they are good for me but I don't think I need as much as I have eaten. The yummy food blogs I read are mostly ladies that are about 50lbs lighter, run a marathon every day, and well.. you get the point.  So this morning it was back to my 1/2 c fiber one cereal with strawberries, blueberries and 1/4 of a banana with 1/2 c milk.

Here's to a point kind of day and the start of a crazy busy week!

forgotten

I forgot to show these flowers I picked on my way home from the walk with Cole.  We have these in our yard, but only a few so I didn't want to pick them.  There is a random area on our walk and there were lots so I thought it was a sign that I needed them :)

and the cake!

Raspberry Zinger Cake

1 box white cake mix -- Betty Crocker Super Moist preferred
1/3 cup ff vanilla yogurt
3 egg whites
1 box sf ff raspberry Jello -- 4-serving size
1 1/2 cups hot water
8 ounces Cool Whip Free
1/4 cup coconut flakes

Combine dry cake mix, yogurt, and egg whites; mix well. Bake according to package directions in a 9x13 pan. Cool slightly.
Pierce cake with large fork at 1/2-inch intervals.
STIR boiling water into Jell-O until completely dissolved. Carefully pour gelatin evenly over cake. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
When cake has set , frost with Cool Whip and sprinkle coconut over top.


This will be a great spring/summer time dessert!

Girls Night Out and Weekend Re-cap

What a weekend!!  Yesterday was another beautiful day - perfect for a 9 mile bike ride with the hubs!

What is wrong with this picture?

It took Justin telling me that my helmet was on backward!  Oops!

After our bike ride I felt the need to stay outside a little longer so I mowed the yard! It looks so much better.  Came in to have this delicious lunch followed by making apps/dessert for GNO

fresh mozzarella, artichokes and spinach on a baguette drizzled with balsamic glaze!

Weight Watcher's Raspberry Zinger cake .. well this is before the icing!and I did not take a final pic. :(  It was pretty tasty if I do say so myself!!

I also made some homemade guac and had a cream cheese block covered in red pepper jelly. YUM

We started GNO at the nail salon for a pedicure. It was so nice to relax.  Then we headed to Anna's for drinks, apps, girl talk and a little cards!

enjoying the nice weather

we didn't like these at all!

these chips were a big hit!

Yummy red pepper pizza bites

having fun playing cards 

We decided this was so much fun and def. have to do again soon!!

Today we went to church, came home cut coupons, headed to the gym for a quick cardio workout, then to the Taj ma Teet for weekly groceries (spent more than i wanted), meeting, came back home and took Cole on a walk then a 16 min workout video.. Oh, chopped up some veggies and made dinner! Long day!

I should have been relaxing since my week looks like this:

Monday:  hair appt at 4:30 then straight to a Xango meeting

Tuesday: judge senior projects til 8:30 (so I will be at work 8am - 8:30 pm)

Wednesday:  same as Tuesday

Thursday:  I can come home after work but then have my first bible study at 7!!!

Friday:  we leave for ATL for the weekend!

Tomorrow I have another visit to Dr. Deaton.  This will determine when we do the IUI.