Fit Fun & Fabulous

Healthy Holiday

2010-11-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

We all want to enjoy the holidays and all the yummy food too. So here are a few tips on how to do that!

1.) Eat lots of veggies with your meals. This fills you up and gives you lots of nutrients. No one gets fat eat veggies!!
2.) Put the dessert on a plate and eat only 1 serving
3.) Remember how it feels to be healthy and say no!!
4.) Drinks LOTS of WATER!! This keeps your system flushed and hydrated. We too often forget to drink water during the cold weather and when we get busy.
5.) Make time to workout: A walk, Jog,Hike, Bike Ride, Lunges as you walk up the stairs, squats on the wall as you fold laundry or brush your teeth, push ups/planks during a commercial break!!
6.) SLEEP!!! it's a busy time of year where we can go-go and go! So get some sleep. It helps us stay mentally and physically healthy
7.) Load up on your proteins... they keep you full longer and continue to give you fuel.
8.) Do your best to live a 90/10... living healthy 90% and 10% is just when life happens : parties, on the go meals ect.....

Let's all choose to be healthy this Holiday Season ~

What motivates you?

2010-07-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

It can be hard to find ways to stay motivated. I recently found a quote I just love ~
"Motivation is what gets you started, Habit is what keeps you going" Jim Ryun

We do have to find the motivation to start but once we find the motivation we need to create the habit so the things that motivate us don't just fizzle and go away.

So what are you motivated by? What habits can you form this month to keep you on the road of healthy living?

Some of my habits are making "working out" part of my weekly lifestyle, buying healthy foods, cooking dinner at home, knowing my calories as I eat, having good choices around me to choose, drinking water as my main source of liquid and thinking positive thoughts and attiudes towards life's moments good or bad!

My motivation started as I started to work out my emotional baggage and then finding tools to keep me on track towards my goals, resources on teaching me how to eat, following those who are living healthy, learning to push myself physically and associate with those around me who are positive! Now I can say my motivation has turned into a habit and a lifestyle change. To live healthy and fit, to be positive and to motivate others ~

So what are you motivated by? What habits can you form this month to keep you on the road of healthy living?

Easy chicken

2010-03-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Looking for a way to not cook every night?

Get out that crockpot.... put 1 cup low sodium chicken broth on the bottom. Take a whole chicken ( which is on sale regularly) or around 3-4 lbs of chicken of your choice. Sprinkle a LITTLE Mrs. Dash spices on top. Then turn it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3.5

Then you will have the most moist chicken for anything you wish. This is a great way to have your protein ready to eat anytime of the day too!

For those with picky eaters... ALL of my kids LOVED it!!

Whoever knew cooking can be so simple. I am in love with my crockpot this week!!

A few side dish ideas:

Veggies & greens

~ Green beans steamed ( melt butter & 1 clove of garlic then pour over grean beans when done & if you wish to sprinkle over a little bit of grated parmesan cheese)

~ A great Salad with spinach lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers and brocolli slaw w/ tsp low cal dressing

Carbs

~ Mashed sweet potatoes or potatoes ( 1/2 cup)

~ Steamed rice ( use broth & it's a little flavor too) Eat 1/2 cup

~ in the mood for Bread... 1 slice.....choose one with high fiber: Like Orowheat Double fiber

OR you can take that chicken and make a list of great easy healthy meals:

Taco's or taco salad

add to your chili

homemade pizza

chicken veggie sandwich

chicken stir fry with rice & veggies!! A love of mine :)

Pasta with chicken & veggies

More ideas to come!!

Have a fun time cooking and having that chicken ready to throw anything with it!!

A Frugal Find giveaway...saving $ is a way to become fit!!

2010-02-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

I currently have been spending my time learning how to not just be physically fit but to take those lessons I have learned in my fitness & health and apply them into being "Financially Fit."

More about these changes in a future entry... TODAY, I wanted to share a blog that I currently read daily as it is a tool in my Financially Fit life change.

www.frugalfind.com

Julia is currently having a great giveaway!! What better way to start being financially fit too~

Check it out today ~ How would you like to get $50 worth of Safeway groceries FOR FREE?! Now is your chance , one lucky Frugal Find reader will win a $50 Safeway Gift Card courtesy of MyBlogSpark and Fiber One yogurt. The gift card can also be used at Dominick´s, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Vons, Genuardi´s.

Log on to frugalfind.com to sign up today!!

Motivated Monday

2010-01-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

Monday seems to always be a day we need to get motivated. We come off a weekend full of activities, events and too much food! So we want to jump back into a good fresh start on Monday.

I recently was asked "how do I stay motivated." Well.. I believe it's in the way we speak out loud and to ourselves. The way we speak and think effects the choices we make. Motivation can be as simple as talking to ourselves... the next time you wake up, think about what you say to yourself.

Some of us speak to ourselves like this: " I am so tired, I don't want to get up, I am going back to bed once I get the kids off to school, I am going to lay on the couch today, I don't have time for the gym/exercise today, I am so stressed out, I don't care, Oh great another day, Monday uhhg!,... you get the picture"

Or we can speak to ourselves like this: " today is a great day, I love mornings/ today, I am up and going to the gym, I am going to make good choices, I am worth it, I am loved, I am beautiful, I am going to change today, I am going to give more then I have today, I love the fog, I am so blessed to be me, Today is a new day and I am loving it, his mercy's are new every morning.... or I may feel tired but I am going to get up, smile and make today great!!"

I learned at a young age from my dad that our self talk is so important. I do my best to fill myself with positive things so that it can spill out of me throughout my day. I am not great at this everyday but I do believe it to be key to our motivation.

We have the choice to change. Change, is in no way easy but, I do believe if we ask for the strength to change... God will present us with it. If you don't know how to ask and receive... don't be afraid to do that today. I have welcomed change in my life since my teen years. I have since then continually asked to be change, renewed and filled up by my Jesus. He fills my cup and it overflows when I connect and ask. He wants to give to you today. As God changed Saul to Paul in the book of Acts... He can change us to!

May your Monday be full of Motivation to live life to the fullest today~

John 10:10 A thief (our negative thoughts/speech) is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came so they (You & I) can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (Jesus wants it for us and is offering it to us daily... moment by moment) from : the message

Friday food recipe

2009-12-18T08:38:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I have to share this awesome recipe with you all!!

go to :

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/08/cooking-with-pastor-ryan-delicious-mexican-lasagna/

it makes at least 3 meals for our family. You can 1/2 the recipe if you don't want to make such a huge batch. I love it!!

I just made some and will be freezing the other 1/2 for another meal. I cooked them in the foil casserole pans. Let's save ourselves a night of cooking :) If your looking for an alternative to christmas dinner with a mexican twist... this is an awesome alternative!!

ENJOY!!

Fabulous Friday Tip

2009-12-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

Hey My friends,

As the holiday's are here... let's not forget about Your health ~ Mental, physical and spiritual is so important. We can get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of all the demands we get in this busy season but we all still have the choice to say yes.. or NO! To choose where we can spend our time as much or as little that we have.

We have to not forget about talking a walk, a hot bath, a warm cup of tea and a good healthy meal. While we spend time daily with the one who can fill us up. ~ Jesus~

The average person puts on 15 pounds during the holiday season. Let's not be the one's to join that average. Let's be the one's who can be confident and say no to... too much... junk food & commitments and YES... to healthy foods and good exersise. Those are the places we can spend a few hours a week. If you need motivation!!

HERE IS MY ADVICE TO YOU~ Look at the person in the mirror and tell yourself you are worthy and loved so much by your creator, the lover of your soul, ~Jesus~, that you deserve to take time to care for you. Give to those we love and don't love, but not so much that they only get the least of us. I don't say this to be selfish but to give in the right area's. We can only give so much from ourselves... we need to refuel! So we can be the best in all that we do daily.

This joyous season let us Rejoice !! Rejoice in our choices :)

This month Cody and I are reading through the book of Philipians in his bible. As I read with him I am reminded to Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS and to share that with you ~

Philippians 2:18
You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Have a Joyous weekend ~

Fun, Easy & Good Tasting Recipes

2009-11-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

Wow... time flies ! I have not posted in awhile but I have some great things to put up today:)

Her are some of my favorite simple recipes that are for us all who run out of time to put large amounts of time into our food. I believe we can all do these! These meet all calorie intake levels of a healthy snack 200-300 calories... ENJOY!!

PMS Trail mix

1/4 C Almonds

1/4 C mixed dried berries ( Trader Joe's)

2 squares dark chocolate, broken into small pieces

1/8 C no salt added peanuts ( if you like to add these)

Lettuce Turkey veggie wrap

2 red/green leaf or romaine leaves of lettuce

1 tbsp tomatoe & basil hummus (trader Joe's)

2-4 oz Sliced chicken or turkey meat

1/2 cucumber, red/yellow/orange/green pepper, or a roma tomatoe

spread the hummus on each leaf evenly, lay veggie's inside ( one's of your choice), lay one slice or evenly distribute the turkey/chicken inside lettuce... roll up and put a paper towel around to hold... place in your fridge for tomorrow's snack or in a baggie for snack on the go!!

I hope you enjoy these snack and add them to your fitness, weightloss, maintance diets, or even for my prego friends. They really give us NO EXCUSE not to choose healthy, plus have an amazing taste too!!

To healthy choices and enjoying it!!

food journal

2009-10-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

How to use a food journal:

Now that you have all your I am goals down we can start the daily writing and accountability!!

1st page: Daily write about your struggles, your mood, your thoughts ect...

~ this is a place you can see what triggers you have for certain food habits, when your weak, when your emotions control your food choices, and to look back on your success !

Then on your next page write what you ate... Why?

Writing down what you eat keeps you accountable to what you choose to eat.( especially when no one else is around ) When I started a journal it helped me to stay on track as I was getting closer to my goal. I also used it to keep calories, protein grams and utilize that for future meals.

Now... many of you say " i don't count calories. It's to much work or you don't know how"

I have found a few tools to make that simple. Go to your google search and enter " calories in _____" You name it you can find it. If you don't have a label to read don't let that discourage you from knowing what your eating. If your eating out go to that restaurant website and look at the nutritional facts sheet. We can make good choices even when eating out!!

For me I simply used this format below:

Breakfast: 7:00am

2 egg whites/1 egg calories:112 protein grams:13.2

1 slice of bread Cal: 70 g: 5

1 tsp almond butter cal: 31.7 g: 2.5

2 tbsp salsa cal: 10 g: 2

Water: 16oz.

Total: cal- 223.7 g-22.5

Snack: 9:20am

Meal details

c: g:

H2O:

Gym: 9:30 am / water 24oz-48-oz

lunch: 12:00

Meal details:

cal: g:

H2O:

snack:2:30

Meal details:

H2O:

Dinner:5:30

Meal details:

cal: g:

H2O:

Snack: 7:30

H2O

Daily Totals:

Cal: G: H2O:

I would write down how much water I drank, all the foods, calories, grams of protein and the time I ate. Time is a way to see your eating schedule. The best way to speed up your metabolism and utilize your food is to eat every 2.5-3 hours.

I also, tracked my protein because I was training hard. I had lost 40lbs. and was not gaining much muscle or definition. I learned that protein is so important. I found what my ideal protein intake needed to be and the journal help me stay on track. I did my best to consume 24 grams each meal/snack.

Writing water intake, I believe, is so important. So, you can really see how much you are drinking. We sometimes think we are really drinking enough but the truth is we usually aren't drinking enough for what our bodies need daily.

I always wrote everything down!! It's a tool to stay accountable to yourself. If you eat a cookie or a bag of snack food... WRITE IT DOWN!

I believe that you need a purpose behind why your loosing weight. Mine was to be healthy, to feel good about my body, to set an example to my kids and to love myself enough to care and change!! A Journal can help keep you focused on your purpose and your goals.

I hope this tool can be one that helps you

TODAY

to make healthy changes

1st steps

2009-10-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

Whenever we start thinking of losing weight or wanting to change the way we eat. It can be an overwhelming start.

So let's make it simple instead of overwhelming!!

1st, get a journal

2nd, write 3 goals

EX: My goals

I am an inspiration

(by being healthy with my food choices, my thinking, my attitude choices, my physical activity

and pushing through the tough times by not letting them keep me down)

I am physically fit

(I can do push up's on my hands, I can run and feel good, being a healthy weight/size for my build)

I am confident

(I can look in the mirror and not be depressed but PROUD & beautiful!)

You choose one's that speak about you. Take sometime to write "I am's" that you WANT to be and that you can envision yourself being. I believe that one of the ways to true healthy living starts in our mindset. I thank my personal trainer/friend Lori & my Loving husband, for speaking positivity and constant encouragement to me. I learned that the way I think of myself and what I say to myself on a daily basis is what can keep you going!!

So spend today thinking about your "I am" goals. Then we can move on to what you can put in your journal next!!

~We have to start with our "mental" as we move into

making the "physical" changes we desire ~

till the next post... why & how to journal?

Granola Mix

2009-09-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry... I forgot to post this too!

For a cereal or a granola mix to add to yogurts.

Granola cereal/Mix

1 canister 5 grain Oatmeal (trader joe's)

1 small box of grape nuts

1/2 bag flaxseed meal (red mill brand... find in baking section/tJ's/ natural foods)

Nature's Best Granola w/ flaxseed OR.. w/peanuts

** If you can't find Nature's best... use trader joe's granola w/ blueberry's OR Red mill muselix

2/3 cup serving for cereal w/ 1 cup light vanilla say, rice milk, Nonfat milk, almond milk

1/8-1/4 cup for granola mix serving

** cereal add 1/4 cup raisins ~ calories: 130 or blueberries ~ calories: 20

** Banana 72 calories in a 6" banana to 135 in a 9" banana

Calories:

2/3 cup ~ 130 calories

1/4 ~ 90 calories

1/8 cup ~ 45 calories

Treats

2009-09-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Let's think of treating ourselves to a reward in a new way. As I began loosing weight I decided that I was no longer going to tell myself I deserved a "treat" "a special food or meal" for a reward of working hard or eating the right foods.

I believe we so often work hard and see ourselves making changes to our diet or eating a certain way for a few days or a week. Then we tell ourselves we are going to treat ourselves to a TREAT! That in my house usually meant Ice Cream... ben & jerry's mint cookie or a high calorie, high fat meal... a in & out burger with fries + a shake.

I have learned that those "treats" are not helping us make changes... they just help us stay in those same bad habits. Lets look at a new way to treat ourselves. For example: As I moved through my weight loss I decided to set goals where I got to "treat myself". When I reached a new size and my old clothes were getting to big and baggy. I went out and bought myself a new shirt or pants or panties... you get the picture.

I believe treating ourselves and telling ourselves "I have worked hard" "I deserve a treat" gets us in the mind set we can now go out and eat whatever we want. I think if we start turning that around and saying " I have a goal to reach and when I get there I deserve to feel good with a ..... pedicure, a new clothing item, a new hair cut/color, a nice necklace, a quiet bath, a walk with your spouse or kids, go out with friends to a movie ( no goodies)." My point being lets give ourselves rewards that don't make us feel guilty later. Life is one we can enjoy so many other things that we don't have to feel guilty about.

Simple Recipes

2009-09-23T09:23:00.002-07:00

I am in love with these few recipes. They are simple and easy to make on the go or ahead of time! They have all the food elements for a balanced meal and taste great

Lunch/snack:

TUNA SALAD WITH A TWIST

1 4oz.can NSA added tuna 120 cal.( I use tongal tuna from trader joe's)

1 cup baby spinach leaves 5 cal

1.5 tbsp Kraft Olive oil Mayo 67.5 cal

1-2 tsp mustard 5 cal

1/2 cup cucumber chopped 8 cal

1 roma tomato chopped/ 12 grape tomatoes 35 cal

1/2 cup cooked, basmati organic white rice ( trader joes) 50 cal

**substitute small apple for cucumber/tomato 55 cal

Drain tuna and add mayo/ mustard. Mix well so it's moist but not overwhelmed with condiments. Take 1/2 mix ( 2oz) of tuna. Chopped veggies and mix into tuna. Last mix in rice

** if you need an afternoon snack don't add the rice. Or you can substitute a small apple chopped for the cucumbers & tomatoes.

Calories: w/ rice 290.5 w/o rice 245.5 w/small apple 302.5cal w/apple w/o rice 252.5cal

Snack:

Turkey Rolls ups

2 slices Columbo Low sodium turkey meat (from costco) 70cal 13 g

2 leaves red leaf lettuce 2 cal

1 slice provolone cheese 70 cal 5g

1 slice cheddar cheese 80 cal 5g

Lay your turkey meat out flat. Place one leaf of lettuce and one cheese slice. Roll up !! Now you have a nutritious snack you can take anywhere. Place both rolls in a ziplock bag. Ready to go

Calories: 222cal 165grams (protein)

Snack:

Granola yogurt treat

1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (I use trader joe's brand oz container) 60 cal 11g

1.5 tsp peanut butter (I use jiff natural) 47.5 cal 3.5 g

3 stalks of celery, sliced 8 cal

**or 1 small apple , sliced 55 cal

1/8 c granola mix ~ read below for recipe 45 cal 2g

Mix yogurt & peanut butter together till creamy. Add granola and mix well. Slice celery or apple. Ready to go~ Dip and eat

Calories: w/ celery 160.5 cal 16.5 g *w/apple 207.5 cal 16.5g

2009-08-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

I recently have been praying over an idea that I am not sure if I am prepared for but... I am willing.

I started this blog with a desire to share my life, experiences, pictures and my thoughts. I have been really thinking over why I chose the name.. Fit, fun and fabulous. Over the last few months I have thought how I can help those I come in contact with and around me to have those words ring true in their own lives... well this has led me to the thoughts of how to take this blog and turn it into less of what I have been using it for and use it for what I believe God has been working in me to share more of.

Life is a road that we constantly are learning new things, growing, being challanged, getting hurt, healing, and learning. So, I am working on seeing how I can incorporate what I have learned in my journey of weightloss and all that this last year and half had taught me. I am not sure what it's going to look like but I am hoping to share tips, recipes, encouragement, workouts, fitness tips, positive thoughts and a blog with a deeper purpose.

I shared with a wonderful friend yesterday about how I know God has brought be through this time in my life not just for me to stand taller and cheer myself on but to share, inspire and encourage those around me who too, have desires deep in themselves to change and live more fit, have more fun and to feel Fabulous.

So I share this in hopes that you who know me and feel led to pray with me what this will look like and where I will find the time to do this. I love you all and thank each of you for sharing this with me!!

Love to you all... my fit, fun and fabulous friends!!

A summer of fun

2009-08-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Summer around our house involves water, a boat, some camping and lots of fun!! As our summer has so quickly come to an end. I was so thankful for all our fun moments.

The rock jumping, the kids laughing on the tube, Frog Beach... thats what it was named after the kids found many frogs around the rocks and shore and the laid back relaxing family time we get when we are camping.

This july we went on our annual 5 day camping trip. We had a blast because it was at our favorite lake... now I would tell you the name but it's a secret... so you will just have to enjoy the pictures...

The first one is of dries & cody jumping off a large rock waterfall we found hidden back in one of the coves. I enjoyed seeing my boys love the adventure.

Summer has come to an end but the good times live on till the next trip....

a birthday wish

2009-07-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Annalyse is now 3 years old. Our little baby girl is growing out of the baby stage of life. She celebrated her birthday this year On June 20th... on a big bus... and great friends & family. Annalyse decided that day to participate in all the activities. It was so wonderful to see her enjoy this fun day! She is truely a bundle of joy and brings so much laughter to our daily lives:)

We love our little baby girl... she will always be the baby eventhough she is growing up into a little lady~

Lyse just busted out her strattle roll down the cheese

licking the icing... because that's her favorite... and only part she eats

down the tunnel she goes!!

Hawaiian Adventure

2009-06-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

here we are in Godzilla's foot print. This was at the ranch we went ATV riding

a sea voyage out to see sea turtles and china man's hat island.

You can walk out to the island when the tide is out.

this is the boat we went on out to the ocean. We made some friends with a couple who is from the mainland but now lives in Oahu. We learned a lot of neat things about the culture from them. We love meeting strangers on our trips~LOL

We went ATV riding through the hills and roads on a ranch on the island. The ranch has been a location for many movies like Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Pearl Harbor, 50 1st dates and the tv series: Lost.

This is one of our stops we made on our ride. The view of the ocean was amazing.

More Hawaii Pictures

2009-06-11T15:06:00.001-07:00

The view of one of the ocean off the roadside

I love the sun peaking over the mountain

Blowhole : The water pushes up in the hole and sprays all over. In representation of the blowhole whales have. This area of Oahu is where you can often see whales.. but we didn't see any this time~

This is our hotel from Wakiki beach.. you walked right out on the beach

SURPRISE!!

2009-06-05T09:12:00.001-07:00

I have the best husband :) He listens and knows me well. Tuesday May 19th he surprised me (my kids were in on the surprise too). That on Thursday Morning we would be leaving for Hawaii for 5 days... without our kids for my Birthday!!

Yes my friends, he gave me 24 hours notice... but you know me and I did fine. I pulled it all together... well not my house. I watched my daughter Alayna graduate from Preschool in the morning, went to my bootcamp class, then shopped and packed for 6 people... all in one day. It was crazy but soooo fun !!

I told Dries that I couldn't believe we were going to Hawaii!

It honestly didn't feel real till we landed and got on the beach in Wakiki. We had an amazing time and every minute of each day was so refreshing, special and fun... You know it had to include fun somewhere in there~~

When we were on the plane to Hawaii. I told Dries that we should go all out while we were in Hawaii... well we did just that !! What an amazing Birthday Surprise and special gift.

I got the adventure I wanted for my birthday plus a trip to Hawaii which is what I have talked about for over a year now and special time with my husband.

Below are some pictures of our last night in Hawaii as we caught a sunset behind the clouds. We climbed out to some lava rocks out in the ocean. Watched the waves crash over the rocks and watched the sun lower. It was a beautiful end to an amazing trip!!

A Journey of change

2009-05-16T16:13:00.001-07:00

Recently I was asked to post some pictures of what I look like now after losing 54 lbs. I have wanted to make this post for sometime. I am excited to post today. I feel amazing !!

This long journey of weightloss and health along with discovering who I can be and what I am worth started a year ago back in February 2008.

Little did I know what the Lord was about to help me uncover. It started with a trip to tennessee, a book and my heart being open to what the Lord was going to say to me.

I read ... yes friends, I read a book and finished it!! Whoo hoo

Any who... back to my story. As I opened the pages of this book, that were about to open a new door inside my soul. I realize now it was the beginning of a new freedom. I have for so long struggled with my weight. I have been having babies for the last 12 years and have been on a constance roller coaster of weight gain & weightloss.

As I read "captivating" I pondered a lot, cried, looked deep inside, and did a lot of praying. I discovered through these pages that who I was, was not, who I was fully embracing. I wanted change but wasn't fully aware how I was going to get there. Dries prayed with me and encouraged me to find the way. As the months passed I started to reveal and heal wounds. As September approached I received an amazing freedom that I have never experienced before. The grace that covered me in that time was one of being set free from a dark place inside me that I thought was done being healed many years before. A place I had just seen as who I once was.

In my new freedom I experienced and have discovered a new way that I am loved, beautiful, filled with purpose, worthy of loving myself and have been designed to love. This weightloss has been more then eating the right foods and working out. It has been about searching and having God heal my soul. I have learned so much and believe it has changed me forever!!

The pictures below are me once I lost 12 lbs and weighed in at 210lbs a size 18 to my weightloss to now, weighing in at 166 and a size 8/10. Thank you to all who have supported me through this amazing change and continue to cheer me on!! I hope to be an inspiration to anyone who wants to discover that inside ourselves there is so much more to who they may see in the mirror. Weightloss is not the only battle I have but I do believe it's a change that can be made to become more of who I am designed to be. I am not at my complete physical goal but I have passed my 1st 2 goals and now making new ones. That feels so rewarding. The right choices, educating myself, listening, say no, working hard and being free has brought me to a fit, fun & fabulous, feeling inside myself!!

Thank you to my amazing Savior who has set me free by his grace and deep love for me. My husband who loves me so deeply to pour God's grace over me. The support of Dries has been one of words I can't describe in how they have made this change so rewarding!!

May 16th 09: I am wearing a size medium tank (jr's size), a size 8 pair of capri's, and weigh in at 166lbs. I feel good in my skin. I do have a little more to go till I reach my goal but I am in the midst of achieving it!! It is possible and it's happening~

Cabo June 08 with my hubby... weighing 210lbs, a size 18. I had lost 12lbs before the cruise... but new there was so much more... I wanted to do this!! I look at this picture and can't believe how far I have come. I felt soooo uncomfortable taking this picture. I am glad I have it now~ It is rewarding to see how far I have come. I still have "awe" moments that I don't feel or look that way anymore!! I am a new women~

Gotta love the face

2009-05-06T16:16:00.001-07:00

Annalyse is about to turn 3 and is just not holding back her love for hen she is being told to do something. I had to share these pictures of the faces she shares with me almost daily now. Gotta love your kids and their personalities!!

She goes from saying no with the tongue to just plain old mad... I love it !!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-06T15:33:00.001-07:00

I love taking pictures. I love my kids and the joy they bring to my life. Being a mom is not always an easy or simple job but one of the most rewarding!!

I love you Dries, Cody, Alayna & Annalyse. Thank you for letting me be your mom!!

To all my dear friends and family out there. Happy Mother's day to you all. I hope you are all blessed with a day full of love and appreciation. Lets hug and kiss our kids today. We have such an amazing job and I am honored to be a Mom.

the winning catch

2009-04-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

Times in our lives we get chances to see our kids have great celebrations!

At the 1st game of the baseball season , Cody was playing 1st base and caught the last OUT that Won the game. He was honored that day with the Game ball. We were so proud of him. I feels good to be the one that helps your team win. This day Cody got the honor of being one of those players in a big way!

A fashion show

2009-04-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

The girls and I have many a nights a week we spend w/o the boys because they are at wrestling. So, this night the girls decided they wanted to have a fashion show. So as they strutted down the run way:) I just had to have the camera going!

These two love the camera! I love having my girls and all the girly fun activities we get to do!@~

Call Jesus Mommy

2009-04-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

I am in awe of the recent events with my sweet Annalyse. She has started to talk a lot ... I Mean A LOT!! It is so fabulous.

With talking comes lots of fun conversations. Lyse recently has wanted to talk about Jesus. While we were at the park a few weeks ago. Annalyse was in the swing and this is the conversation we had as she was swinging. It goes a little like this~

Me: "I love you"

Lyse: "I love you"

M: "Daddy loves you too"

L: " I love daddy"

L: "Jesus loves me "

L: "And I love Jesus"

M: Kisses.. because this is so darn sweet

L: " Where is Jesus Mommy?"

M: " He is in Heaven"

L: "I want to see Jesus"

M: " We will get to see him when we go to heaven"

L: "I want to go to Heaven to see Jesus."

M: " Well we can't go to see Jesus right now. When God wants us to come we will get to see him"

L: "Mommy, call Jesus"

M: I could not stop from laughing ... this was so darn cute "

If she can call daddy and talk to him why can't I call Jesus. Right?

This conversation has gone on almost everyday for the last few weeks. Lyse just goes on and on how she loves Jesus and he loves her. Then talks about how she wants to go to heaven to see Jesus and that Jesus is in heaven. I love to see the desire she has to know and see Jesus. The heart of my sweet Annalyse.

food creations

2009-01-29T16:14:00.000-08:00

Alayna, Annalyse and I have recently started a food creations class. I wanted to share the fun food they got to make on their 1st day. Annalyse enjoyed the cream cheese the most as she ate it out of the little cup it was in. They made cucumber, cream cheese sandwiches and egg boats.

Again, I did not have my camera so my handy phone camera was used.

It was a fun morning and we are excited to see what else we get to create next. I think as long as cream cheese is involved Annalyse will be there!

A beautiful day

2009-01-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Who would say this is January. We had to take advantage of the beautiful sunshine and take the boat out for a spin. The weather was on our side and the water was great... no not the temp. because only the feet and hands touch the water that day. I had a chance to take a few pictures of the kids doing what I love to see them do... have fun together. I feel so blessed to have the day to get out on the water with my family. It was just what we needed!!

I wanted to note these pictures are from my phone because my brain is detached from my head these days.So thank the lord for my phone !!

He is holding our hand

2008-12-23T17:16:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt so in wonder of what Christmas will bring you. I have been in wonder this Christmas. Not for what would be under my tree but I wanted my gift to be about seeing and then being able to do. I struggle so much everyday to be the mom I want and desire to be. I make horrible mistakes I find myself apologizing for in my day to my precious kids. I have been praying for this part in me to be changed from a mom who feels impatience or frustrated by my kids... to one who is able to listen, respond, cry more, hug more, kiss more, say yes more, discipline with love not impatience. My prayers are being answered as I read more, listen more, take in more .... so I can be the one my Lord has designed me to be. A woman who is full !

I loved this Christmas card (one of my blogger friends in Nashville) posted on her blog today. This brought tears to my eyes as I remembered I am not alone in this. My Jesus is walking alongside me as I raise, nurture, care for, pour into my kids. Isn't is a beautiful picture? I can't see God but I know he is holding my hand every step of the way.

Recently, Alayna asked me if I have ever seen Jesus. I told her no, I have never seen him. She then asked me how do I know He is real. ( my kids always have such deep questions) I told her that sometimes it is not what we can see but what we believe. The conversation ended there but I know more will be asked later. I loved this picture because I believe this is what reminds of how to believe!
In a time of year where celebration, hope, joy, or even tears, sadness, and emptiness are felt. Jesus brings us himself. My Jesus is walking with me and you this Christmas season. I hope you know He is there holding us even if we can't see him!!

Prayers of blessings... of hope and love to each of you as we each find our gift and receive this

Merry CHRISTmas

LOve to you All!

christmas card picture time

2008-12-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

The other day I realized I needed pictures of my kids for our christmas card. So we headed to the backyard. I had a blast taking these pictures along with a few frustrations because I was trying to get that perfect picture... in the end I now have some fun memories of my kids just being total goof off's while trying to capture that perfect picture... which I did get but I am not showing here!

I will give

2008-12-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

This morning I had a chance to think deeply about all the blessings of my life. One being the shoes on my feet I wear everyday. The many shoes I get to choose from. My slippers in the morning.. because it is so cold... My gym shoes, my dress shoes, my casual shoes, a few pair of flips flops ect... As a shoe lover, I too often take for granted the blessing I have to be able to put shoes on my kids feet everyday.

When we were in Mexico this last October I remember looking down at the kids feet at the work camp we visited. There most of the kids had NO shoes. I was sad to think that they run around all day with no protection from all they are exposed to. I thought how would you be able to provide shoes for little ones and their parents who work all day in the feilds.

Well, I found my answer. This morning I took not more then 3 minutes of my day and $15 to donate 6 pairs of shoes. ( the link is on the right). I thought to myself that I would show my kids what little we can do and how great of a blessing it can be to 6 people somewhere else in the world. The 6 of us have more then 6 shoes. I wanted them to remeber what we saw when we were in mexico. Now that we are how the impact doesn't have to stop. We can still give !

I don't know if you have 3 minutes, $5 to give... for 2 pairs of shoes this year. I think I wear more then two pair of shoes a day!! They also cost more then $2.50 a piece.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

I feel so blessed and running over. I want to listen, hear and do what the Lord is telling me to do for his people. Those he loves... those who he sent his precious christmas gift for too!

Blessings

15 down.. 35 more to go

2008-12-13T08:39:00.000-08:00

28 days ago I didn't think I would be here!
I stand on the scale at 15 pounds less then I started 28 days ago. I look back on this last month and think of all the obstacles that have been thrown my way. Yes, I say throw because they all came in like they were being thrown at my body some how. I started my 1st week with a visit from aunt flo a whole 5 days early. I pushed through and made it through that week 8 lbs lighter. I then left the next week with excitement to spend 5 fun days with my family in the mountains. Little did I know it would end in strep throat .. my most hated sickness ever!! Then after finishing my meds... losing another 6 lbs. I got hit with a fun womanly infection caused by those lovely meds and then my good old Aunt flo decided to fly in on her jet plan two days later 4 days early !!

I must share that if you can ever be discouraged to just give up and go back to your old ways this would be it but I am so glad to say I stuck it out. I only had about 6 days that I didn't eat right due to that lovely sickness of strep!! Due to being stuck in the mountains with no meds for two days it definitely slowed my body down a little but I did still loose a pound that week!!

I know the scale does not tell all.. so you must go to the closet. When I put my clothes on and have to cinch my belt 3 loops tighter and can wear shirt I haven't felt comfortable in for sometime... I am proud to know I did it finally!! My promise I made to myself is one I didn't break. It feels so good to sit here and sing celebration !!

I started with a promise, I would give 6 days... now 29 days later it is not just a habit but a new way I am choosing to live and eat. When I look in the mirror and know my hard work has paid off. I am so motivated to keep going. My goal of 50 lbs by May 2009 ... 30 & fit and not 30 & fat!! It is possible to see my goal in reach. A new way of life in the process so rewarding as well.

Sacrifice means a deeper meaning to me as I have gone through this time. I am feeling held deeply in this time knowing my sacrifice is pleasing to not just me but my Lord. I am a creation of his not just to sit around and indulge but one to live a life that is full. I am full !! Thank you Lord for holding my hand through each day and choice I made. AMEN!!

A 1st for me!

2008-12-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

So my friends I have made my 1st pumkpin pie and turkey ( with the help of my Dries's)

We had a blast baking and making our 1st turkey thanksgiving dinner. I used a recipe I wasn't sure about for the turkey and it came out moist and delicious ... after a number of hours of cooking!!

I am not a chef but I did have a great time cooking all day with my family!!

Losing It!!

2008-11-21T13:13:00.000-08:00

The last 6 days have been hard, amazing,challenging, rewarding, crazy... well lots of words can describe what they have been like. Why? Little did I know that on Saturday evening the 16Th when I decided to make a 6 day commitment to change did I know it would end in the results I new were possible. I believed that I could see results if I changed but did not know the reward would be so great.

I have seen in my life it is with discipline that you see results. Last week I heard such wise words that brought me to a place where I was ready to commit to a tough challenge. One I was not willing to do a day before this. Coming to this place where I could "believe it was possible" even though I didn't know the result. Making a promise that for 6 days I would commit to sticking to changes.
What changes.. Changes to the way I eat. If you would have asked me a week ago if I was willing to change the way I ate I would have told you No! Why? because I wasn't willing to make the change to get results I really desire to see in myself.

I want to see results but I wasn't willing to be disciplined enough to see the results I know are possible. I have a dear friend who I am tremendously grateful to that I have been inspired by to see that it is possible. Possible to set your mind to be disciplined to change. She has made some good changes and has seen tremendous results, feels great and looks wonderful.

I have prayed for a number of years that I would be a woman who was changeable. I want to be molded into what the Lord has designed me to be. I know we can only tackle certain changes that need to take place in our lives when we want to see and be willing. Over the last year I have seen the change needed but not fully willing. I offered only some of myself to change. I wanted to be more fit and loose all this weight "I" have gained but was not willing to take a step in a direction of real change.

What is different now is that I believe I have seen, listened, prayed, desired and I AM WILLING to change. I know this change is not easy. My hardest moment was taking the leap to believe it was possible for me to eat in a way that can change the way I look and feel.

Looks are not everything, I know this but I also know that when I have let myself make choices that I knew were not the ones that I would love myself for tomorrow. Then I also know that the woman in the mirror is not the beauty that God created. Please don't get me wrong when I say that My God does not see me as beautiful. I know he does. I am his creation. My realization is that how I am taking care of his creation is not pleasing to me or him. I have let myself make bad choices in the foods I eat for too long. I have had 4 babies in 11 years. I know what happens to the body, your mind, your emotions and time. I also know that we all have seasons when we are ready.

Well my friends!! I am ready to change this body for the better of my God's creation. I know that I can serve him fat or skinny but the way I serve him looks different when I am living in discipline to myself. I am not living in the now but in the long term effect of my decisions. The choices I make please me and him at the end of the day.

How is 8 lbs in 7 days possible. It is with discipline, a healthy plan of eating, exercise and a desire to know that change in me is possible. I am not a dieter but I do know that I have what it takes to see the Natalie on the outside that I see on the inside. My heart has been changed through surrendering my wants. I now am taking a step in changing. I had to get my head around this all because it meant for me to make some big changes for myself but I am doing it.

I have shared with many of you what this is and what it has been doing for me. I would love to share more with you all if you wish. Please comment and I will send any info you wish.
Thank you for reading all of this because I know it is long. I love you all & thank each one of you out of there supporting me through this time. I am so thankful that my sweet husband stands by my side as I take this time to put energy into being healthy and fit before I am 30 !!

Seven days of prayer

2008-11-11T09:18:00.000-08:00

I pray for my kids daily. Sometimes I know for myself I can let that be something that happens during the day as I see something to pray for. I also know that I can be so consumed with the to do list, the crazyness of my house, the kids and their needs, academics and places to be. I can get overwhelmed and forget my desire to be more of a mom who is filled with the concerns of the heart of each of my kids. I now have a junior higher who is changing everyday. He will be entering the world of teens soon. I know that this brings lots of pressure. I pray for him as he leaves my car for school and when he rests. I do this for my other 3 little ones.. or so they still feel little. I know that my time with each of them goes so fast. I can make those days count and put my focus on my prayers for them as we go through our daily motions.

I do believe I can have enough in me to pray over them as they grow before me. I am not saying that those prayers are not valued that I pray now. I know they are I just see so much more that I can do through my prayers for them. I just didn't know where to start.

Recently I have read this blog. It has given me the tools I wanted. I am loving it!
If you are not a mom but some day will have children or have little ones around you. Join me in this!! Our prayers are heard and impact the heart of our children.
Let me know if you will be joining me. It does take a little to do but is a little something that impacts their hearts. The Lord wants our hearts to be for him.

(click on the link & it will direct you to this blog)

I would love to know if you will be joining me along with moms all over as we pray for our children!

It is decided

2008-11-05T17:03:00.000-08:00

The day after the election I find myself in a place of sadness and hope. I am sad that McCain/Palin did not win. I do believe that voting is so important and know so many voted yesterday. This makes me proud of Americans. It makes me proud that people have seen that they need to vote.

I read today wonderful words of wisdom. Please feel free to read with me these words of Beth Moore. If you need inspiration at this time please join me and read!!

I know that this is now my time to pray as I did this morning for our new president-elect despite my differences with him. It is what I am called to do. I will be faithful and pray Obama and his family will serve our country.

In being honest I am nervous of what we have ahead of us. I do believe there is unknown with this man but pray we will pray for his leadership. As my husband has said this week. "We live in a great country, this is America!" This is true so let's pray the land of the free and the home of the brave stays that way !!

Almost out of Diapers

2008-11-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

Now the title of this blog is inspired by the events of today. Yes, today Annalyse initiated pee pee on the potty all by herself . She told me and we went running. This is a day of celebration. The day of diaper changing in the Pruis House may be coming to the end!!

I had to take pictures well because that's what I do.

( Annalyse gave me permission 1st!)

I also made them as modest as I could. I just thought they were way too cute!! I was so excited that the day of potty training is coming and that this took no bribes or even taking her and talking about it. I mean of course we talk about it with her but I haven't even been pursuing the issue. I

know she won't be in diapers forever. But at 2 yrs 4 mo. I am excited to see her show the interest.

Now this all started by just taking off a very wet diaper and letting her air out. Well my friends... who knew it could be the start of something like this. Now don't get me wrong. Annalyse has gone on the little potty once or twice before but that was me putting her there. This was her feeling the sensation and saying pee pee... I know what comes next.

A lot of accidents and messy pants. But the end result is I am almost out of changing diapers everyday. This is a happy day for me.. even if it seems so goofy to be celebrating this. I am !!

The choice, our freedom

2008-11-04T09:00:00.001-08:00

Today is voting day.

As I have followed this political race for this election year. I have found myself looking at the great freedom we have. The amazing country we live in to be able to go to the polls and put our choices on paper. To stand for what we believe is right. To vote for someone who will be leaders and voices of our country, states and cities.

I count this a freedom to not take lightly. I am in awe of our right that we have as Americans to vote on so many issues and the people who will stand before us and represent us. Ones who should stand for what American is all about... Freedom!

I am proud to vote today!

ps.. I will follow up later and let you know how my voting experience was like when I take my two little ones with me to the poll!

pumpkin carving time

2008-11-04T08:52:00.001-08:00

The pruis pumpkins

yes that is the apple sign for Mac... This was Dries W's pumpkin.. he carved it himself. It was so fun to see him do this and be so proud. It was a lot of fun !!

Pumpkin Time

2008-11-04T08:33:00.001-08:00

Thought we would share some of our fall festivities !

what a cute pumpkin

The cart is suppose to be for pumpkins.

Do you like the two cute ones we picked out!! Heehee

Yes that is his IPOD. He was listening to music through the bail of hay..

What can we say..Jr High

We know the train driver so Alayna got a front seat picture on the pumpkin train!

Finger licking good

2008-10-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Okay my friends. I thought I would share with you a new favorite cookie recipe.

If you know me I love to make and eat chocolate chip cookies from scratch. Well I have one more ingredient to add. What goes better with chocolate then peanut butter. Well actually I know lots of things go good with chocolate but a family favorite in the pruis house is chocolate and peanut butter. I thought I would pass this recipe on to you all. I hope you bake with the kids.. even despite the mess that comes. Annalyse was covered in peanut butter after our baking time but well worth the pictures and fun she had as she dipped into the peanut butter.

Oh, I didn't use the peanut butter she was eating!!

Before you think I came up with the recipe I took it from a friend who found it on a website.

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup peanut butter ( we used chunky)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 1/4 cup flour ( I used a little more for more fluff )

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

mix butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light

Add egg and mix until fluffy

Mix dry ingredients together in a seperate bowl. After, add to wet ingredients.

Bake for 10-12 minutes

If you like big cookies you can roll them into about 1 1/2 golf ball size balls. You will get plump thick cookies. TOO GOOD!! Enjoy every bite but remember to share with the kids too.

A Mommy fun day

2008-10-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know about any of you but sometimes I feel all I do is laundry, meals ( Yes ladies I have been cooking dinner almost every night... but I am including breakfast and Lunch too), kids maintaince, homework with kids and all the duties that we get as part of being mom. I can be a mom who goes through the motions everyday. With 4 kids I feel my days becoming consumed with anything but " fun." Now don't get me wrong. I love the blessing I have to be home everyday with my kids but the honest truth is I can go through each day with out feeling "I" did something "FUN " with my kids. I don't want to take away from park days or playdates but that is providing fun time for them to play but not FUN time with Mom! Not sure if anyone can relate but I am proud to say that I got out of that slump and have had a FUN craft day with my girls!!

So today, I was inspired by my very creative friend. She has this great way of doing lots of fun things with her kids. She inspires me quit often.. (you know who you are.. and if you don't you will know after this.) She posted a blog last week about how she painted pumpkins with her kids. At first it may not sound like much. You none crafty friends, or clean freaks might object to this kind of fun but... after experiencing painting pumpkins with my girls today. It was the funniest, little, easiest, cheap, messy, and creative project I have done with my girls in sometime. It is also a cute decor for the season my kids can be proud of. The boys were in school today so they missed out but the girls painted pumpkins for them.

We gathered our supplies: paint& brushes (little stencil paints & brushes I never use anymore) Two of daddies old tshirts, (I should have wore one too with all the splat painting I did to my pumpkin), and a table cloth (which my lovely daughter Alayna got out.. "so we didn't get the table messy" she said) And our pumpkins. I found 2 kinds of pumpkins at food maxx in the produce section. So we were ready!!

We put a little water in our paint to get it to go on a little lighter and not so thick. We were all excited to start. We picked 5 colors. And the creative juices just started flowing. As you can see you don't have to be crafty for something to look cute!! Definently a fun new little activity for me and at least the girls to do together. Maybe next time we will wait for the boys to come home next time... or not!

Well not much more to say then that I had a blast laughing with my girls. Watching them be creative and I wasn't freaking out about the mess at all because the paint cleaned up easy with water and soap.

What a wonderful fun mommy day.. and I did grocery shop, do a load of laundry and still make dinner. Not boasting just excited I accomplished a lot and HAD FUN TOO!!

Silent night, holy night

2008-10-13T21:43:00.001-07:00

I know as a mom I get those moments when it reminds you that it is all worth it. Well a few nights ago I had one of those moments with my sweet princess Alayna. It all began with this fun little tradition I decided to start with the kids after they are all in their beds. I go around and sit with each one on their beds and we have a little one on one before they rest for the night. Each night looks different but it is something special I do and they all wait for it. It is very sweet!!

Sometimes there are nights when I wonder "why? did I come up with this idea!!" Just wanted to throw that in there incase you are all saying to yourselves I am crazy for not just putting them down and saying goodnight. I know some of you are saying that. So I am normal and have nights when I want to run through each room give 30 seconds and get on with my evening but this night is why I do what I do!!

Alayna was in a chatty mood and had lots of questions. She does this sometimes to keep me in her room longer. She usually gets the most of my time.

So Alayna was asking lots of questions like what are we doing tomorrow?( a daily question) What was on my shirt? I was wearing a shirt that had our church name and a bunch of little pieces of treasure below. And a verse on the back.

So here is some of our chat about my shirt:

Alayna: Mommy what does that say? What are those little things below it?

Me: It says Creekside. Below is little treasures

A: Why?

M: Well the bible talks about treasure.

A: Oh like pirates?

M: No not exactlly. ( I then turned my shirt around to read the verse to her.)

A: where do we get treasure?

M: We get treasure by serving god, loving him. Like when we went to Mexico and we helped paint, went to the work camp and played with the kids, colored, tell the stories of Jesus, ect...

A: When do we get our treasure?

M: We get our treasure in Heaven. Did you know the streets are Gold in heaven. It is beautiful there.

A: The streets are gold? Why?

M: In heaven everything is beautiful. There is no pain, no booboo's, no crying. It is a perfect place.

A: Really no booboo's. Why?

M: God loves us. He doesn't want us to hurt anymore. So when we live with him everything is good. No more sin. Do you know what sin is ?

A: Yes, Bad choices

M: Your right

A: When do we get to heaven?

M: We go there when we die.

A: Who goes?

M: People who except Jesus.Those that believe he died on the cross for their sins to be forgiven. He loves us so much that he gave all that he had for us.

A: I believe that Jesus loves me. I believe he died on the cross.Where do I live in heaven?

M: You get to live in a castle.

A: I do! Do I get treasure too!

Mommy: Yes alayna God has lots of treasure for you!

My silent thought: (*** Oh how sweet**) Big hugs.

A small silence for a moment

A: How do you know what heaven looks like mom?

M: I read it in the bible. Would you like me to read it to you tomorrow.

A: Yes

After giving her kisses and laying with her till she dosed off. I sat in awe of our time. My little girl has shown so much interest in Jesus and the bible lately. It is too sweet and very special to my heart. So as you can see why I spend sometimes a extra 30 minutes after putting the kids to bed to sit with each of them.

Many years ago I always remembered some wise words. When your kids open up themselves to let you inside their world. Listen and answer when you need to. My little girl opened her little world of wonder with me. Oh what a precious gift it is. I had to share this moment because it was just so fun to hear her little brain get all that and understand.

"My Jesus, My savior. Lord there is none like you. All of my days, I want to praise. The wonders of your mighty love!"

Sweet dreams...

Welcome

2008-10-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Don't all women need a place we can express our hearts? Share what we are learning or not learning yet? To share our victories, failures, triumphs, struggles, recipes, hobbies, ideas and all those fun times in life? I know that all the hearts and lives shared with me have helped shape me into who I am today.

I believe we all have a great purpose that we have been created for. I do believe we all have a chance to share that great purpose with the one's we do life with. I know I have a lot to learn but also know my heart is deep and open to what the Lord is molding me into and I am open to share that.

This leads me to no better place to share that deep open place with all those great people in my life then a blog. There is just never enough time ( at least I think this..) to share our lives and all that we have to offer to one another.

I am also looking forward to seeing the things that come out as I write.

I have many friends with blogs and enjoy reading each one. The places they go, the adventures they are on and the journey they are going through as we all become better friends, wives, moms and servants of our sweet Savior Jesus.

I titled this Fit, Fun and Fabulous because I do think it fits the way I am looking at life lately. I feel being Fit takes us to a place of more balance in us physically,emotionally and spiritually. Having Fun in life is essential and makes me lighten up. Then Fabulous... I believe my life is filled with fabulous experiences, family, and friends!!

I hope you check in or even bookmark this blog.

Let's enjoy and share this journey together!!