Motherhood is Softening my Heart

You know I used to be a crier. Emotions often brought tears to the surface but these days I'm not really a crier. I was wondering today why that is and then I had the perfect day to evaluate those thoughts.

With my husband gone to Florida for work I am manning the children by myself. (My props, love, and hugs go out to those single mothers, military wives, and women who do this much more regularly than I do...you are strong...keep going...I admire you!) It was a particularly difficult day with my 3 year old boy, who is very much my spirited child. And, this evening when I found myself in the Target parking lot for 30 minutes trying to coax him into his car seat midst screaming, tears, and thrashing I asked myself why it was I wasn't breaking down into tears at this point. A part of me wished I could, wished I would and that it would release some of the emotions and frustration I was feeling but it would have been forced if I had.

I wondered if I had become harder through the last few years of my life. With every year of life comes more experience. Had motherhood hardened me a little? Had I let life harden me? And, I'm sure in some way I have but in the same way I realize that tears aren't required to show softness, tenderness, and kindness. In the same way that you can cry and still be strong I believe you don't have to cry to be soft and tender in life.

Motherhood has strengthened me but most often that is the result of being broken down first. I have wondered many times in the past 3 years why motherhood doesn't seem to be the uplifting, filling activity I always thought it would be before I had kids. (I still testify that motherhood is rewarding, joyful, and fulfilling. It is divine and blessed. But, it is also draining and often times feels like defeat.) Then my friend said something the other day that struck a cord in me. Talking about this same thing I mention above she said, "...but, motherhood isn't necessarily meant to fill us up. It is meant to fill our kids up."

I realized then that you know maybe I am doing something right. Maybe and hopefully feeling depleted in the area of motherhood at the end of the day means that I spent my time lifting up my children. I believe in taking time for yourself to fill your own cup so that you can come back a more patient, better person in all aspects of life but I also think that motherhood is a wild ride and sometimes no matter how great that personal time is you can once again be depleted as a mother, in what feels like an instant.

And then today when I was reading this post by Stephanie Nielsen of NieNie Dialogues I was reminded of my strength as a mother and reminded of one of my favorite talks on motherhood where Elder Jeffrey R. Holland says:

"Mothers, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones. 

Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be

 magnified, compensated, made more than you are, better than you are, 

and better than you have ever been. You are doing terrifically well. 

The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is 

everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you. 

He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days

 and your nights may be the most challenging. Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.”

I am reminded of the great work I am doing. Yes, it can be depleting. It can be challenging. But, I am being strengthened, uplifted, and softened every day through this journey as a mother. My Father in Heaven is behind me 100 percent. He is rooting for me and he is aiding me on my journey.

Leaning on the Lord in Motherhood

Motherhood is on my mind this morning in relation to this scripture!

The thought above comes from what has always been one of my favorite scriptures. I have a habit of trying to lean on my own understanding sometimes and it never works out quite right when I do!

Yesterday was quite the day at our house! It was full of lots of messes, spaghetti everywhere, bread crumbs, nibbled carrot bits everywhere, torn books, wet sheets, crying kids, and some definite disagreements between mom and children. There were so many times I would sit down to finally take a breather before I went crazy and then something else would happen ro littles ones would be knocking on my door or taking over my relaxing, hot bath as their own.

For most of my day yesterday I leaned on my own understanding, frustrated that what I was doing all day, every day didn't seem so important. But, after the day was more than half over I said a little prayer and realized how much the Lord cares for me and what I am doing.

I asked my husband the other day why as a mother sometimes I feel that I hear the Lord less than I did at other times in my life. It seems terrible to say or think that but it is true for me most of the time. It seems it's hard to hear him over the screaming children and the stress of another thing to be done even though I feel I am doing his work.

But, I was reminded yesterday that even when I might not be hearing him because there are a million other things going on he is there. The thing is do we trust in him and remain faithful even on those days we feel we don't hear him over the screaming children, beeping timer, stress of bread crumbs and wet sheets?



Even though I am doing the divine work of motherhood that doesn't mean the Lord's work is always easy. Some moments it's exhausting and it includes broken hearts, sacrifice, and tears. But other moments it includes restoration, complete comfort, and more tear, but of joy. It is the daily consistent work whether exhausting or restoring that brings us to him as we do his work.

Keep going! Motherhood is hard and it's not always very glamorous. It's sacrifice and exhausting but it's also restoring, divine, and incredibly joyful. Keep going! There is joy to be found in those trenches!

Week 3: PiYo Casting Call Results

And, just like that I finished my 3rd week of this PiYo Casting Call! Just 5 more weeks to go until I submit my FINAL results!

I am still LOVING the program and I've been doing it for a few weeks even before I started this Casting Call challenge! :-) But, I also have to tell you that if you really want results in fitness, nutrition is really KEY! They say abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym! With that I have really had to take a FOCUS on my nutrition because that is the hardest part for me! But, is it possible! Of course it is!

Focusing on your nutrition does not mean you never get to have a cinnamon roll or ice cream, french fries, or pizza ever again! You can still have those things but it's all about moderation in life! You eat clean 90% of the time and then know that when you work hard to eat clean the remainder of the week you can have that treat meal where you have whatever you want and not feel bad about it. :-) There is a quote that says, "One bad meal won't make you fat, just like one good meal won't make you skinny!"

The first two weeks I cut out all cheats or treats not because I necessarily wanted to deprive myself but I wanted to prove to myself that I was strong enough to do it and I DID IT! This last week for my 3rd week I allowed myself a treat meal of pasta with my husband and did I have to feel bad about it? NO, I didn't! Because I still worked hard and ate clean the remainder of the time!

The PiYo Nutrition plan isn't hard to follow! It's really easy and it if you take the time to meal plan and meal prep it is even easier! You have a list of all the foods you can eat and then you know how many of each foods you can have and there you have it! You aren't starving! I am plenty full and satisfied following the plan. It is the basics of living a healthy lifestyle to implement and make a habit in your life!

With that are you read to see my 3 week results!?!

Here you go!

And, here are my three week stats:

Weight: 132.7 (-3.5 lbs.)
Chest: 33 (-1.5")
Biceps: L 11 7/8 (-1/8") R 11 7/8 (-1/8")
Waist: 28 (-1")
Belly: 32 (-1.5")
Hips: 38 (-1")
Thighs: L 22 (-3/4") R 22 3/4 (-3/4")
Calves: L 14 (-1/2") R 14 1/4 (-1/4")

I am very proud of the results I have had in knowing that I have done it by consistently eating healthy and getting my workouts in! But, the best part is I don't have to starve myself or workout endlessly! I get to eat plenty and I only have to workout for 20-50 minutes a day! PiYo is a low impact but high intensity workout. I'm not beating up my body to get these results! Do I work hard! YES! Are some of the workouts hard? YES! But,is it worth it? YES! :-)

Happy Transformation Tuesday!

Clean Pumpkin Pancakes

Fall is right around the corner and that means pumpkin EVERYTHING! :-)

I kept seeing recipes for pumpkin pancakes and I NEEDED some ASAP! So, I decided to find a good, healthy recipe I could enjoy without killing my efforts for the PiYo Casting Call! And, out of that came this lovely, beautiful recipe for pumpkin pancakes. I found the original recipe here and just adapted it slightly. The credit definitely goes to Skinny Taste though for making these delightful pancakes possible! I only altered them slightly.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup buttermilk (milk and vinegar/lemon juice mixture will work just fine)
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
• 1 tsp. extra virgin coconut or olive oil

Directions:

Mix all wet ingredients together in Vitamix. Add dry ingredients and blend in Vitamix until well blended. Make sure to scrape the sides if any flour sticks to sides and mix again.

Top with berries or pure maple syrup and if you are feeling really adventerous it would be delicious with a little low fat whipping cream! ;-)

Enjoy to your heart's delight!

PiYo Casting Call: Week 2 Results

Well, my second for this PiYo Casting Call journey is complete! Yay! Two weeks down, six to go! :-)

I was feeling a little defeated and frustrated because it seems my wrist didn't completely heal before I decided to stop wearing my brace and I'm back in that brace and no bearing weight on that wrist. So, you may ask how the heck am I doing PiYo? I just MAKE IT WORK! :-)

When it's time to do push ups I go into a forearm plank and either hold it or lift my legs one at a time. When we are in down dog I am on my forearms as well. I do the best I can and KEEP GOING! I have learned that there will always be another excuse as to why you "CAN'T" do it. But, in reality, it's not about if you can...it's about if you WILL! So, you have to make some adjustments...SO WHAT! Keep going! ;-)

And, here we have my two week pictures and progress! (If you can't tell I took these by myself with my phone propped up on a chair, boxes, and a book with two kids running around...haha...it worked...kind of!)

Two week progress front view

Two week progress side view

Two week progress back view

:Measurements:

Weight: 132.7 (-3.5 lbs.)

Chest: 33 3/4" (-.75")

Waist (smallest part): 28" (-1")

Belly (biggest part): 32 1/4" (-1.25")

Hips: 38" (-1")

Thighs: L 22.25" (-.5")  R 23" (-.5")

When you commit to reaching a goal and stay consistent things will happen! My next group starts Monday, September 1st! Are you going to commit?

I'm ready to take September by storm and keep going! Are you? ;-)

Seasoned Coconut Chicken

When I'm cooking I like it to be simple, healthy, and yummy! That's not too much to ask, right? You see, I just figure why put in the effort if it doesn't meet that criteria! ;-)

This chicken meets all those requirements and I LOVE it! I came across it when I was in a hurry to feed 4 hungry missionaries and only had 40 minutes to get dinner ready! It was a total experiment but I figured growing, hungry missionaries would be great to try it on! :-) Now, it does have Ranch Seasoning on it which is not exactly clean. But, I'm okay with a little ranch seasoning on my chicken now and again. I no longer eat Ranch dressing but that doesn't mean I don't like the taste! Everything in moderation! ;-)

So, that is how this recipe came to fruition!

Sorry I'm not a better photographer! ;-)

Seasoned Coconut Chicken

Ingredients: 

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Parsley (fresh or dry)
Tony's Seasoning
Ranch Seasoning & Salad Dressing Mix
Salt & Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degress. Coat bottom of baking pan with coconut oil. Place chicken breasts on pan and give them some spice! ;-) I just sprinkle some of each on there until I'm happy! 

Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. 

Serve with a side of veggies and fruit and if you want a little more of something serve with some sauteed potatoes. 

I hope you can ENJOY it too! Happy Sunday!

My PiYo Casting Call Journey: Week 1

If you are following me on Facebook you probably know that I submitted my before photos into the PiYo Casting Call. I had already started PiYo about 3 weeks before and I fell in love with it but then decided I really wanted to step up the accountability by dreaming big and setting a big, hairy, scary goal to be chosen for the PiYo Casting Call, be in the infomerical, and meet Chalene Johnson!

This meant really committing myself to getting every workout in and really dialing into my nutrition! I set the goal and I started a group with others to keep me accountable and focused and I just finished the first week!

I was not completely accurate on all my portions or on all my categories this week but I ate 100% clean, no cheats! That felt good just to know I could resist the temptation of unclean food and cheat meals when I had cupcakes sitting in front of my face! ;-)

Today was our day to take our stats. This means pictures, measurements, and weight. And, I am being vulnerable here to share with you all my progress so that you know what is possible when you commit to the PiYo program and nutrition guide!

So, here are my one week progress pictures! And, remember these are taken first thing in the morning...and I am not a morning person! ;-) I try to smile sometimes.

My weight and measurements are as follows with my stats from today and the difference in parentheses!

Weight 134.6 (-1.6 lbs.)
Chest: 33 3/4 (-.75)
Biceps: L 12 R 12 2/8 (+2/8)
Waist: 28 1/2 (-1/2)
Belly: 32 3/4 (-.75)
Hips: 38 1/2 (-.5)
Thighs: L 22 1/2 (-.25) R 23 (-.5)
Calves: L 14 1/2 R 14 1/2

No, my results are not incredibly dramatic but I can tell a difference and if I've learned anything progress takes time and consistency! I am very pleased to see progress though and especially excited to see myself losing inches in my hips and thighs, which I haven't lost anything on in over a month! :-)

This is an 8 week program with 20-45 minute workouts, once a day. I am not working out tirelessly at a gym (ain't nobody got time for that). I am not starving myself, just eating good, clean food and drinking Shakeology. I still have a long ways to go but I am confident that if I am committed and consistent I will see great results. I am confident you can too!

If you want more information on the PiYo program, Shakeology, or being part of a challenge group please comment with your email! I love helping others see their potential and strength as well. It is a passion of mine!

Clean Eating Granola

I am a total cereal fanatic but most cereals these days are FULL of refined flours and sugars. They just don't fit the bill when it comes to clean eating. My kids inherited that love for cereal and it just so happens I married a husband who loves it too!

So, I was in a quandry about getting my cereal fix in but sticking to my clean eating lifestyle I have adapted. This brought me to granola, which is just like cereal but probably better! I've tried a few different recipes and made my own in the process that we have been devouring lately! :-)

I love just eating mine with some skim milk. You might like yours with some greek yogurt. Whatever way you eat it, it's delicious!

Clean Eating Granola

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oats
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1-2 Tbsp. chia seed, ground flax, or flaxseed
• Raisins or cranberries as desired

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 

In a large bowl whisk together applesauce, honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, and almond extract. Add oats and chia and mix well. 

Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden brown.

Immediately add raisins and stir after coming out of the oven. Store in an airtight container and serve as you like.

Sweet and Sour Chicken (Clean Eating)

Before I started eating clean the two words clean eating just flat out intimidated me. I thought I could never eat normal meals again. It would be all lean meat and vegetables with nothing that really bursted with flavor. Haha...was I ever wrong! In fact, the clean eating foods and meals I eat now are more rich with flavor than my food ever has been before. You don't have to add artificial things and packaged products to increase flavor. There are natural options and spices totally make your meal what it is!

I decided to try this recipe on Sunday. I've made clean Orange Chicken before and loved it (a recipe for the future) but I didn't have any oranges or orange juice so I opted for Sweet and Sour Chicken. This recipe is adapted from Clean Eating Mag.

Photo from Clean Eating Mag (because it is much prettier than mine :-))

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup liquid aminos
• 4-6 tbsp raw honey (to your liking)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts), chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks (about 1 cup)
• 2 cups pineapple cut into chunks with juice
• 12 sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
• Coconut oil for sauteing chicken.
• Cornstarch mixed with water for thickening if desired

Directions:

Mix together liquid aminos, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a blender or food processor. Saute chicken and peppers in coconut oil. When close to being done add in your sauce. Bring to a boil and add in pineapple with juice. When boiling again add cornstarch and water mixture in while stirring rapidly to thicken as desired. Garnish with cilantro.

Serve over brown rice with some vegetables on the side.

*Make sure not to overcook your chicken, drying it out.

Enjoy!

A Typical Day of Clean Eating

And, here it is! A typical day of clean eating for me! 

I usually eat 5-6 small meals a day! That is one of the basics of clean eating and it is essential to keep your metabolism going and your body fueled. It is perfectly normal to be hungry every 2-3 hours! That's a good thing! So, here are my 5 small meals today! 

Meal #1: A hashed potato with shredded zucchini and sliced peppers along with two poached eggs.

Meal #2: The healthiest meal of the day! My Shakeology! There is no way for me to pack in all the super foods it contains even in a day without drinking this. Natural, whole foods, ground up to deliver your body optimum nutrition it won't otherwise get. I go a day without it and my body is low on energy, digestion is slowed, and I just don't feel as good. It's a non negotiable in my day, EVERY day! Lately I have just been drinking it with water and ice in a shaker cup. Every once in a while I'll add some pure orange juice or watermelon juice in there too! I used to do my shakes in the blender with fruit, ice, spinach, and/or sometimes peanut butter but Strawberry shaken with water and ice is just what I'm into right now! Simple!

Meal #3: Crock-pot chicken with mixed veggies and watermelon. I meal prep my meat, veggies, and fruit on Sunday nights so I have enough for the whole week and that makes meals super quick for all of us! I like quick!

Meal #4: A sliced apple with natural peanut butter and some baby carrots (not pictured).

Meal #5: Clean Lasagna with sliced cucumbers. I use either lean ground turkey or lean ground beef with a can of organic tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with some water and spices for the sauce. The noodles are whole grain and I use a mixture of skim ricotta or cottage cheese with spices for the cheese. Layer it or mix it all together and sprinkle some mozzarella on top.

Meal prep at the beginning of the week saves me so much time. This past Sunday I cooked up our chicken in the crock pot, browned lean ground beef and lean ground turkey, shredded zucchini, sliced peppers, cut watermelon, and cooked veggies. It makes eating clean much easier to have my meal plan and food prepped and ready so I don't waste time thinking on what I'm going to eat and then give into temptation of something from a box or a package that is highly processed. Nathan can pack his lunches in a flash and he has a bag of Shakeology at work so he can have one of those meals on a quick break instead of some vending machine cookies or chips.

And, just a quick note! When you are eating healthy foods you don't need to feel starved. I am completely satisfied and I don't have to workout for hours a day to still lose weight or get fit. Most days my workouts are between 25-50 minutes.

There you have it! I will also be adding recipes and meal tips to the tab at the top of the page so follow the blog and check them out!