Problems with Buying in Bulk

This lifestyle of eating we are buying lots of things in bulk. Winco is our best friend these days. 

I have a funny story to share about issues that can come with this. 

The past two weeks when I've been making pancakes they have been coming out almost like a pasty consistency. I wasn't doing anything different! Same recipe for 6 weeks now. 

Last night I went to make up some zucchini muffins and noticed my baking powder was a little more clumpy than usual. Then the realization set in... Is this powdered sugar? I tasted it. Yup. All I could do was laugh. I forgot I had bought powdered sugar when I made wedding cupcakes a couple weeks ago and must have thought it was baking powder and put it in my jar. I ran to the store and just bought a regular thing of it in the jar. 

So this morning I make pancakes. Wow!! Much better today. 

Hope everyone is having a good week so far. Praising The Lord for this beautiful day. 

And So We Continue

Well our 6 weeks are officially up as far as working with our coach. The question now is whether we continue or go back to our old lifestyle of eating. We have never felt better and so we continue on! I would recommend this lifestyle to any and everybody.

I wouldn't recommend it to those who are doing it just to lose weight. Yes thats an added plus but if thats all your in it for then once you get off you will most likely gain the weight back and all the other pains associated.

You should do it for health reasons. I used to have really bad joint pain. A lot. I was tested for lots of things but never figured it out. Now I only get some pain during changes of weather but not nearly as bad as I did before. I have more energy. I don't mind going up and down the stairs in our house anymore. I don't feel weighed down but crummy stuff going through my body.

We are not gluten free however. We still eat wheat and grains.

If you are thinking you would like to try this way to see how your body does visit www.lifeunlabeled.com Awesome health coach and loves answering your questions!

Now that our 6 weeks is up I will continue to document our life style changes. I do have 3 children so it might not be too often but I will do my best! If you have any questions feel free to ask me too! I am learning how to research things as well. Currently I am working on diet soda and its effects.

Until Next time!

Celebrate Good Times

This last weekend I had a wedding I was in. Not only was I the Matron of Honor but I baked the cupcakes and couples personal cake. I did the bride's makeup and helped with pictures. The hardest part about all this? Not being able to join in eating what they were eating. I know that sounds really weird and maybe even silly but celebrations are important to me and I am so used to just eating like crazy and not caring what I eat. This has also gotten me a few extra pounds every time there is a holiday or celebration.

After this 6 weeks is up then I might be able to join in, in moderation. Right now I have more self control if I don't eat it at all than if I were to just have a little bit. I have to remind myself I am doing this so my body still feels better. Yes eating 3 cupcakes sounds AMAZING but I know my body will be hurting because of it. Yes those club sandwiches with that yummy roast beef look scrumptious but I know that meat will make my hands flare up and I will be back to not being able to zip my kids coats up. Again in the future when I am more disciplined I will be able to eat small portions of this kind of food but until then I must stay strong.

For those who think this diet would be beneficial for your health check out www.lifeunlabeled.com. Its a big change but think if you could cure some aches with just changing food, its easier than you think.

Do you eat grass?

I have had a lot of people ask me "What do you even eat?" I chuckle because I've told several people I take my family to graze in the fields near by.

In all seriousness though, if its not a meat(no not even fish), dairy or processed(not even having much oil) we can eat it! We still have some processed items but those items are still close to a whole food. So very minimal ingredients on it.

I find myself full and satisfied after every meal. I don't feel deprived in any manner. Of course I still have cravings for foods I once ate but I know that this is for the better. Oddly enough I miss cottage cheese the most. No idea why. I have found a love for new foods I never thought to try before. Mangos, dates, watermelon seeds, quinoa, real maple syrup, sweet potatoes(I used to despise), and many of the same fruits and veggies I ate but getting to try them in a whole new light. As the main course not just the after thought or because I have to get my veggies in.

Most importantly through all this- I don't feel so dependent on food itself. Its becoming less of a desire. I go through itches of wanting something so incredibly greasy or salty but I know if I stick with it those feelings will go away eventually.

More to come later. I thought for now short and sweet is good.

Again there are a lot of good posts on this blog of a friend who knows her stuff. Lots of great recipes too! Visit www.lifeunlabeled.com

I know you are all wondering

Now I know you are all wondering. How are your kids doing on it?

Let me start with its a battle but one that wont last too long. For the most part the two older kids do just fine with it. Its my youngest who is VERY stubborn. She just doesn't like anything that isn't familiar. Now don't worry. My kids are not being starved. They get all the calcium, protein and vitamins they need.

We do rice milk now which they don't seem to mind. It was easier than almond milk. They love the smoothies I make. It's almost like a treat to them! Thank you for Costco and their cheaper frozen fruits. I recommend getting frozen pineapple, frozen strawberries and frozen blueberries from them. For a family of 5 on a budget it sure helps.

Another thing you are wondering is "Does it cost more?" After going over all the receipts and dividing it out among the weeks. Not really. Some weeks are less than others and so it equals out to be how much we have spent anyways. We use everything we have. We don't have things laying around that sit in the pantry for weeks. Everything gets used up. I haven't wasted much food which is good.

The best part is you use things you would never have thought to use. All perfectly healthy.

WinCo has the best bulk food. That certainly helps with our budget too!

One more thing to help those who are wondering. My skin complexion seems to be getting better. Clearing up. But I will keep you posted on that one.

Thats all for now. Sorry its a bit scatterbrained.

Making Changes

Recently we decided to make some changes in our health. My husband and I have been up and down with weight and on and off with aches and pains. So we said enough is enough and decided to go Plant based whole foods. Yes thats right. No meat or dairy. "Isn't that vegan though?" Yes but no. Let me explain. Yes its basically vegan but even on a vegan diet you still can eat processed foods. We are getting away from all the processed foods in our culture. So with the help of a friend we are embarking on a whole new way of life. Frankly we are excited about it. We are on our 3rd week of this new lifestyle and let me say I may never go back. Yes my husband has lost 14 pounds and I am down 7 but its more than just losing weight. I have had some pretty bad hand pains for a while now and the doctors have no idea what it was. But their solutions were take ibuprofen. Most of my friends know that I HATE taking pills. I don't like the idea of depending on pills the rest of my life. Since being on this my pains have been lessening by the day. I can zip my kids coats without issues. I can button of shirts or pants and I don't feel like someone is pulling my hands with strings. Now being 3 weeks into it I have the desire to start doing research of my own. I want people with pains and other health issues to really adopt this lifestyle because I know it will help. The food is amazing. Most people ask me "Well what can you even eat?" I being telling them and they never realized how much food there is out there that isn't meat or cheese=) So I think I will start blogging about our journey down this path in hopes someone out there might benefit from it. I don't have all the answers but I have a friend who does have more than I do! Visit her blog at www.lifeunlabeled.com

New Home, New Adventures

Well we are settled in at our new home in Kuna, Idaho. We love it here so far. We have been able to visit the zoo, aquarium, and discovery center. Its a stay at home mom's/home schooling mom's dream!!! Homeschooling you ask? Yes, we have decided this is the route we are going to take in education for our children. I could explain all the reasons why but no need. I am nervous but excited and encouraged by all the programs and things they have these days to do it. I know The Lord is going to help me through this process. I will start pre school with Sam this fall. He has already learned so much so I know its going to be easy. He loves to learn. I know I will have my share of frustrations and days I want to run out the door screaming but it will all be ok. Well I would blog more but time to put kids to bed!

Moving

So we say goodbye to our first house ever. It was a great experience but God has different plans for us. Packing up and moving to Boise in August. Its scary but exciting. Although we have only been in this house for 2 years, it was 2 years of a great learning and growing experience. We are thankful with in 2 days of being on the market we got a full price offer. I hope the next owner takes good care of it and loves it like we did. We will miss our great neighbors and hope to find new ones.

He is my strength when I am weak

Growing up you sing the song in church Jesus Loves Me. Jesus Loves me this I know For the bible tells me so Little ones to Him belong They are weak and He is strong That last line is finally making sense to me. In my weakest points in life is where I have to rely on the Lord's strength to get me through the day. He has also given me a wonderful husband who is also there during my weak times. My pastor once said "When you think you are strongest, that's when you can be the weakest" meaning to be on guard always because even though we think we are strong in the Lord we tend to let our guard down and thats when the enemy attacks us the hardest. Like Job in the bible. I belong to Jesus. Therefore I can be strong when I am weak because Yes Jesus Loves me!!!

Hats

I love to crochet. Here are some things I have done.

Life is Crazy

Well 3 kids is proving to be crazy! But each day is a new day. A gift that I am learning to appreciate. Sam is 3 now. Avery will be 2 in October and Elizabeth(we call her Libby) will be 3 months on Thursday. Where did the time go?! When you become a mom you really learn what it is to be selfless. I fight my selfishness every single day. When I succeed with that I find the joy in it. How much my kids are behaving better or we have just overall had a fun day. Sure the dishes might still be dirty and toys everywhere but that just means I have been so busy playing with the kids than worrying about that stuff. Luckily I have a husband who understands. I have also learned you can love 3 different children all the same. Each one has something so unique that just puts joy in my heart. The Lord has truly blessed me with 3 amazing kids. I am so blessed I am able to stay at home with them. Time goes by so fast. I need to cherish every moment. My mom always tells me "Dishes can wait, your children will not." I am glad when I get that text message because it reminds me of what is important. Thanks mom!

Been A While

So, Life with 3 kids is a lot more work. Its been a while since blogging but I guess I have a good reason. A 3 year old, 21 month old and a 2 month old now. AH! Elizabeth Sue was born on June 20th at 7:02am. She has been a great addition to our family. She is easy and adorable. Big brother Sam has been helpful. Big Sister Avery has been a little jealous but loving. Staying at home is teaching me quite a bit. For one how to be a multi-tasker. I wish I had about 2 more hands though. Its teaching patience and self control. I dont get much sleep but I am learning that its ok. I need to focus on bringing up my children. And that each day is a gift thats been given to me. The Lord has really blessed us and I cant wait to see where this journey goes. I feel like I am some what back to my normal self and ready to get moving! Here goes!

10000 Reasons

By Matt Redman

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

[Chorus x2]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name


I love this song. 10,000 reasons.

When you Least expect it

We have a lab/german shepard mix. Her name is Sadie. She is about a year and a half and a very lovable dog. I've shared her background shortly in my last post. I will share it more in depth now.

We found her on craiglist and the owner was saying they were going to take her to the pound if no one got her by a certain day. She looked like such a sweet dog I had to go check her out. We were moving in to our new house soon so we were wanting to get a dog. She happened to be in Rathdrum the same town we were moving to. We showed up at the people's house. A young couple, super nice. The wife was pregnant and both were working so they didn't have much time for the dog. We learned she was an outside dog. Never came inside. We first entered the backyard and she at first barked and seemed a little scared. We slowly approached her and she warmed up really fast. She loved the kids instantly. Didn't bark at them and as soon as we threw a ball she was our best friend. We decided to take her. We had to come back for her since we didn't have the keys yet to our house.

When we first brought her home, she was afraid to walk on the floor. Its the fake hardwood stuff. She was very timid at first about everything in the new surroundings. Over time she warmed up and now this is her territory and she would rather be inside snuggled up than out in the yard unless we are throwing the ball of course.

Now I will admit I have had my issues with the dog. With her being needy and me trying to keep up with the kids, I have had my share of frustrations. I have felt like lately all she cares about is food food food. Constantly at our feet while we are eating. Now I know she is still learning and she is getting better. But I have to remember she isn't trying to upset me at all. She just wants food. She also is full of love to give. Always wanting to lick your face and lay down next to you. She is never wanting to annoy me. She isn't a bad dog at all. In reality she is a very good dog and just needs some love. I know we are a good family for that.

Well recently Avery has been feeding her food to Sadie. Sadie of course would gladly accept. While I keep telling Avery that this is a no no, Sadie learned that as well in the process. So today Avery was holding her food out to her and Sadie kept turning her head. You can tell it was pure torture but she didn't give in. Not that time anyways. AND OF COURSE this got me to thinking about temptation and how we will always have the temptation sticking in our face sometimes and its whether we choose to obey and not do it. This time anyways. Its amazing how much self discipline a dog can develop as it grows yet we being sinful by nature can give in easily.

Made me think of things I give in to easily instead of listening to the Lord and obeying Him. Thank you Lord for showing me through this even if it was through our dog. You have blessed this family with a loving dog who tolerates toddlers.

Sadie is warming up to me. I know as we grow together she will become my companion through the years of being a stay at home mom.

Tantrums

Let me start with telling of my day on Tuesday...

Greg left for out of town on Monday for a couple days. Naturally kids become more whiney and the days are super long. Tuesday morning Avery woke up with a swollen eye. Great! So I called the doctor and scheduled an appt. Sam was in this mood where he decided to talk back to me every chance he got. As the day went on the more and more frustrated I became. I had to send Sam to his room several times because I needed a break from his attitude. Avery was just fine considering she couldnt really see out of one eye. Well I got the kids ready, warmed up the car which took forever due to ice, and needed to make a stop first before the doctor. I brought the dog with us too because I didnt have time to clean up all the toys and I didnt want to risk her chewing something.

We pull in to Target. I thought I would treat myself and the kids to something from the cafe place. Kids got popcorn and juice boxes and I got myself a pretzel with cheese. My favorite! Well I didnt have much time to eat my pretzel in store so I decided I would wait until we got in the car. We got the things we needed and Sam did great in the store. Popcorn helped. So we went out the the car. I loaded the stuff in the car and Sam says"mommy I have to go potty!" so I tucked my purse away(it at my pretzel in it) and ran with the kids back in the store to the bathroom. We get back to the car and Sadie(our dog) was acting weird. So I started to put kids in car seat and saw her reach in to my purse again and finish the rest of the pretzel she had already been eating!!! I was furious. This was the last straw of the already frustrating morning I was having. I just screamed out of pure anger. A $3 pretzel my dog got to enjoy. I couldnt even look at her. We went to the doctor and Avery just had a stye. Thank goodness it wasnt pink eye. We go home and I just put the dog outside. I couldnt stand to be around her. I just had a bad attitude the rest of the day.

Let me explain one thing, Our dog is great but she is still kind of a puppy being only 1 year old and we got her back in June and she had no training what so ever and was left out in the back yard all the time. So she is a VERY needy dog to say the least. So when I get on the floor to play with kids she is in my face licking it and then lays down on top of everything which then makes Sam go into whine mode. She is getting better though every day. Slowly learning.

Anyways so later that night the kids are in bed, I finally fall asleep around 10. With in the next 2 hours I was up at least 4 times with the kids. It was a battle. Each time I woke up I was more and more irritated. Being pregnant and sleep deprived is not a good thing. The last time I got up and prayed the Lord would change my heart towards my kids so that I could comfort them. Finally they went to sleep the rest of the night. Sam ended up in my bed.

I just realized I can throw just as much as a tantrum as my 2 1/2 year old can. I was so ashamed looking back on Tuesday and how I reacted. I made sure I gave the dog attention because I know it wasnt her fault for my bad day. She is a dog and two things are usually on their mind- Food and Ball. Ok well on Sadie's mind. I am sure the Lord was just saying Melissa come to me, I will help you through the day. But instead of listening I threw myself the biggest pity party.

I have to remember I need the Lord's help to get through the day. This reminds me of Psalm 61:1-2. Towards the end of that scripture it says Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Motivation

Time obviously flies by because its been quite some time since I have written on here. Well lets hope I can keep going in a regular basis again. I like to write about what the Lord is teaching me in my life and how he is teaching me.

Sunday mornings at church we have been going through Genesis which has been amazing. Our pastor was teaching at another church this last Sunday so a gentlemen who usually speaks when he is gone, spoke on Sunday. Talking about then new year and how we all want to make resolutions but after a couple months we lose motivation and quit. We are always looking for something to motivate us. Whether its a friend to work out with or the newest workout video we can do at home. Anything to get us in the mood. Clayton, the gentleman speaking, reminded us as believers in Christ we have all the motivation we need to be doing things. Specially serving the Lord. He died on the cross for our sins. He loves us unconditionally. He gives us eternal life. We are only on this earth for a short time and then we will get to dwell with the almighty for eternity. HOW IS THAT NOT MOTIVATION?

This got me to thinking about how lazy I can be as a stay at home mom. I worry so much about getting cleaning stuff done or when I will get to rest. I want to be a Godly mother and wife. I want to raise my children up knowing who Jesus is. The Lord has blessed us with me being able to stay home with our children. This is where I am serving right now and I am not doing a very good job at it. Timothy in the bible was a great servant of the Lord and very knowledgable of Jesus. It gives credit to his mother and grandmother. Bringing him up in the Lord. I want to do this as well. My motivation? Jesus, his grace, and wanting my children to be servants for the Lord willingly and not because I forced them to.

I have to be in His word daily and in prayer to accomplish any of this. I need to be disciplined and also willing to let God work through me. I cant do it on my own at all.

Thank you Lord for motivating me to serve you. I am so undeserving of your love!

Trust and Obey

Psalm 46

God the Refuge of His People.

For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to Alamoth. A Song.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.
Selah.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Selah.

This was the passage we went through today at church. The Lord really has been speaking to me this last month or so. Just telling me to trust him and obey him. To be faithful. As a believer in Christ this should come easy but it doesnt. I need to believe and trust his promises.

There is difference though between believing in the Lord and trusting him. The Lord has been putting on my heart to serve other moms. To me this is really uncomfortable because well I have worked with Jr. High girls most of my life. Now being a mom I know how much it means when someone prays for you and listens to you. How much we need encouragement and to be praying for our children in a world like it is today.

Thank you Lord for each day and your promises!

Strength in The Lord

Today I went to the doctor and I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. My first thought was this is just great! I have 2 kids at home. I hope it doesnt get worse to where I need surgery. Right now its not looking like it.

Of course it got me thinking after my doctor said sometime people get it because the way the Lord created them. At first I thought why would the Lord want me to have this? It hurts to use my hands! I do everything with my hands. What good could possibly come of this? Well who knows but I do know its in the Lord's hands. Funny huh? But how true is it? I always pray to the Lord to guide me and that my life is in His hands. Made me think of how much I try to do things on my own even though I tell the Lord my life is in His hands. I obviously cant rely on mine because they hurt. I need the Lord and his strength to get through the day. I need the Lord to guide me and use me. I cant rely on myself or others.

This always makes me think of when I do get to heaven nothing will hurt ever again. Its only while I am here in this body that I will have aches and pains but when The Lord welcomes me home my back wont hurt, my head wont hurt and my hands wont either. What an amazing gift of eternal life. Not only do we get to dwell with the Lord forever but we get to be pain free. Makes me that much stronger and more excited to serve the Lord.

Love for My Children

Recently my son went on a 10 day camping trip with his grandparents. Let me say this was the hardest 10 days ever. Being away from your child for that long is very hard. My heart literally ached when I thought about him. Not being able to be there when he gets hurt or when he does something for the first time is tough. It got to the point when I wanted to cry when people asked about him. Finally the day came where he came home to me. I anxiously waited. Looking out the window for my in-laws truck. Pacing back and forth. Cleaning. Anticipating our hug and the smile on his face. When they pulled up I saw him through the window and he was crying for me. I ran and just held him tight. Told him over and over I loved him and how much I missed him. My heart was complete again. Even though we have our rough days, I wouldnt trade it for anything. I would rather have all rough days with him by my side then have him not there at all.

And of course this got me thinking. I think the Lord loves us like this. Waiting anxiously for us to spend time with Him everyday. Waiting for the embrace. Ready to express His love for us through His word or through prayer. I think he would rather have those rough days with us than none at all. He wants us to cry out to him. Depend on Him and believe His promises. He will never forsake us. He will ALWAYS love us no matter what. He is there to help us grow closer to Him.

I love when the Lord shows me things through situations in my own life. I love when he convicts my heart and reminds me who my Savior is. Thank you Lord.

New House

Greg and I made a huge decision. We bought a house! At first it was scary but with lots of looking and praying we finally found one that is perfect for us. Getting settled in takes a lot though but we are almost done.

One of our cats Lucy got herself stuck in a tree. Not just a small tree other. A pine. Not a huge pine but even this smaller one is big. I know she can get down but just wont. She sits up there and meows and meows. What good will this do? I always say she isnt the brightest cat ever. It's been 2 days. Hoping she realizes how easy it is to get down.

Cant think of anything else to blog at the moment. More to come!