It's a Beautiful Thing

Garbage, that is. Sometimes. These 9 bags all came from my pantry--never used wedding presents, boxes and bags that weren't being used, medicine that expired and non-perishables that, for lack of a better word, perished.

 The spring cleaning is going amazing. I'm getting more done than I thought, and amazingly, I'm keeping up with the rest of the house as well. I'm happy, the kids are happy and of course my husband is happy. ;)

The best part is, because of the very limited internet use I've allowed myself this week, I'm able to spend a lot more time with my children. I'm taking on extra projects and enjoying my babies all at the same time. I'm one blessed Mama!

Nate's gone tonight, so my in-laws are taking me and the kids out for dinner to one of my favorite places--Jason's Deli. Hope you all enjoy your weekend. Happy Friday!

Spring Cleaning

It's almost March and that means spring cleaning time around here. Today I completed 3 out of 5 areas that I wanted to get done--and kept up with normal housework and tried a new recipe for dinner tonight! It feels so good to be accomplishing so much! 

 I'm doing this by taking an internet break for a while. I'll be on occasionally at night after things are calmed down (like now) and I'm too tired to do anything else, but for the most part I'll be hibernating from Facebook, photography forums, blogs and craigslist. Coincidently, my phone is broken right now, so I'm not doing much talking or texting. It's still usable but has to be sitting flat while being used--not exactly the best situation for a busy Mom. 

  I'm excited to get every nook and cranny of the 2600 square feet that is my "domain" de-cluttered and spotless! I'm also going to be working on decorating the upstairs of my house. I already sent in some pictures to get developed for Brookie's room after we organized her closet this morning. 

 I'll be back soon--probably with the new recipe I tried tonight. It was very simple, quick and easy to make, nutritious and the kids loved it! That's a keeper in my book. 

 And because every post is better with a picture...here's my little guy happily enjoying his Valentine's cookie the other day. :)

Healthy Living Tips, #1: Rearranging the Refrigerator

I'm so excited to bring you my first entry of "Healthy Living Tips"! I've always been very conscious of my weight, tried to eat healthy and work out almost every day, but in the past 3.5 months I had gained about 15 pounds. I spent a lot of time with my family (almost 2 out of the 3 months) and when I'm with them I'm very happy--therefore, I eat. I still work out but I eat more than I burn. Not good.

  It really bugged me that I had gained that much and not been able to take it off--instead, I just added on about 5 more over the holidays and my birthday.

  Anyways, I felt that I needed a little extra motivation because obviously what I was doing was not working. My husband surprised me with a weight watchers membership--because I had been talking and asking about it-- for my birthday and I couldn't have been more thrilled. Not only have I lost 9 pounds in a month, I am learning so much in the meetings each week that help me stay motivated and encouraged.

"Hi, my name is Jenna and I have a problem with FOOD..."

Anyways, I thought that I would share what I learn with you all when I can, thus my first installment of "Healthy Living Tips".

 This week we learned about how to arrange your refrigerator and pantry. You come home at 4pm, you're tired and ravenous. You open the fridge or pantry and what's the first thing you see? If it's last night's take out,  the kids leftover macaroni and cheese, chips or cookies? Chances are, you're gonna grab whatever is easiest to get your hands on and stuff in your mouth. All 8 cookies that are left. Or at least that's what I would do. Which is why I packed on the pounds in the first place!

 So, arrange your fridge so that healthy foods are easily accessible. Take some time at the beginning of the week to chop up some fruit and veggies and place them in clear containers and baggies so you see them as soon as the afternoon munchies sink in. 

 Here's how I arranged mine--strawberries, grapes, celery, peppers and carrots are what I see when I first open it. The kids homemade leftover macaroni and cheese is in the back.

Or I guess I could eat this little guy... ;)

The chopped up fruits were perfect and easy to throw in cereal...

...or to give my crazy little kiddos a mid-morning snack when they are dying of hunger at 10:30 am. 

Needless to say, we have been eating a lot more fruits and veggies around here, simply because they were chopped, ready to go and in clear view! 

I hope these tips will help you all and I'll be sharing more of what I learn with you soon. Please let me know if what I write is helpful to you! :)

Sharing the Love

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentines Day, no matter what your lot in life right now. I love to take time on this day to thank God for my family and friends and give everyone hugs if I can. What better day than Valentines Day to show extra love to those around us?

Here are pictures of my kiddos wishing you a Happy Valentines. Joe is eating a pink frosted sugar cookie. ;)

Couple's Retreat, 2011

This year we were so blessed, once again, to be able to attend our church's 2nd annual couple retreat! This year we got away for 2 night's instead of just 1 and it was Heavenly!

Our cool Asian like hotel we stayed at the first night before heading out to the resort. It had a huge shower/tub room with 2 huge shower heads--it was like a sauna! 

No date night would be complete without Starbucks. ;) Lately I've been getting into coffee more and love Americano's! I get them with 3 splenda's and a little bit of skim milk--perfect!

The following morning we woke up to a winter wonderland! In TX this is very, very, very rare. The snow actually lasted well into the afternoon which was also a miracle. :)

When we arrived at the resort where the retreat was held, we were given a packet with different relationship activities to do if we wanted. We did a few and it was awesome! So nice to spend time learning more about our likes, dislikes, needs and wants.

Of course no getaway would be complete without a few pictures of us.... ;)

Friday evening after the service, (which was awesome by the way--fun games, lots of laughs, amazing speaker!) we went to the bakery where Nate bought me this salted caramel chocolate tart. Anyone who knows me well knows I have a weakness for all things salted and caramel, not to mention chocolate. It was amazing.

 The resort is amazing. On Saturday, we walked around for quite a bit, talking and laughing and having a great time.

                                        

Of course, we were very happy to get back to our kiddos on Saturday evening. :) We bought them chocolate rock candy that they loved!

   

It looked like real rocks, so cool!

It was an awesome weekend. I'm so happy we got to go and I'm already looking forward to next year :)