Thursday, December 29, 2011

French Onion Dip

I love chips and dip! My grandma always makes french onion dip every Christmas Eve and it is one of the things I look forward to eating each year.

This year I tried making it the healthy-tasty way and I was not disappointed. I paired it with baked potato chips and it made a tasty treat.

French Onion Dip

16 oz fat free sour cream
1 packet Lipton French onion soup mix

Mix together. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Enjoy!

The best part is that technically this dip is a 0 points plus food. It takes 4 Tablespoons to equal 1 point. Wow! Snack away!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Christmas Break

This week I'm on Christmas break. I'll be popping in from time to time but mostly I'm going to be hanging out with my kids and family, watching Christmas movies I was too busy to watch before Christmas, and just plain resting and relaxing.

I hope your Christmas was wonderful and meaningful and you are able to take a break this week, too!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Our Christmas Tradition ...

by Sara Waltz

My mom used to spend money and time making gift tags for each gift placed under our Christmas tree.  Then one year, the tradition changed and has stuck with our family ever since.  

Each family member has their own Christmas wrapping paper.  This began when my brother and I were younger and has continued on to my children.  

The kids help pick out their wrapping paper, or they help pick out each other's.  This eliminates the need for tags and prevents gift tags from being "lost."  It also helps younger children know which gifts are theirs.  Even when Eliana was a year old, she knew which gifts were hers simply by looking for her "special" wrapping paper.
 
We have continued the tradition at our house as well.  My husband has his own wrapping paper, and Nolan and Eliana have theirs.  Now, if I can just convince my husband to find some fun wrapping paper for me :)

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Eggs Romano

"Eggs Romano is a dish that John’s family has had on Christmas morning for the past several decades. It is delicious. Especially if you like your eggs over easy/poached. YUM!" - Becky Boggio

Eggs Romano

2- 28 ounce cans diced tomatoes
2- 29 ounce cans tomato sauce
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
Grated Cheese (any type – pecorino Romano, Romano, parmesan)
Eggs

Place first four ingredients in Dutch oven. Bring to boil, and then reduce heat to high simmer. Poach eggs in tomato mixture.
Serve eggs on plate and include some of sauce mixture on side. Sprinkle with grated cheese.
Delicious with any breakfast accompaniment – bacon, sausage, toast/bread.


Thanks, Becky, for sharing your recipe and Christmas tradition with us!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Are You Leaving a Residue?

by Becky Boggio

My son asked me the other day why our drinking glasses, although clean, look cloudy? I told him that it was just hard water residue on them. Our water softener exploded several years ago and we never replaced it. The word residue stuck in my head. Residue is defined as “something that remains after a part is removed”. Residue can be good or bad. Cloudy glasses isn’t a bad residue, it just doesn’t look nice. I was thinking that as we raise our children to be followers of God, are we leaving a residue? What are we leaving behind when our children aren’t with us?

They say it takes 27 days to develop a habit but I believe this is a focused change of behavior. As parents I have heard/read that we will say something to our children one million times before it may actually trigger them to do said action (i.e. close the door behind you, chew with your mouth closed, use your manners, etc). Leaving a residue seems easier.

We are leaving a residue with every word or action our children see us say or do. Do you ever overhear your kids say something and immediately know where they heard it? Yep, from my own mouth usually. I cringe when I hear myself say things that my mother said to me. And while on occasion there is evidence of bad residue, I rejoice when I see evidence of good residue, God following residue. I teach my daughter’s Girls Club class at church each week and I love to see or hear her apply the things I am teaching in class to our lives at home. Last week one of the girls brought up something from a unit we studied last year, during the first month of the season. How awesome to find that residue, over a year old.

I believe that as parents we try to guide our children and give them the tools to make their life decisions when they are grown up. This includes their decision to accept Christ as their Savior and living their lives to glorify Him. Let our prayer be, when we speak with our children or they see us doing things, that we are a leaving a residue that glorifies God and is perceived a good residue so when we are removed from our children they will seek God and His direction in their lives.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

What I Ate: Surviving the Holidays

Surviving the Holidays

This is my last What I Ate post for the year. My last chance to be your cheerleader for the holidays. 

So here goes:

 Ok.
 
Give me a U ...

YOU can do it! YOU can make it through the holidays without eating yourself sick. Concentrate on what the holidays mean and are for, instead of the food. 

God sent His son as a baby for YOU! Because He loves YOU! Because YOU're worth it. YOU are worth the sacrifice. The sacrifice of His only son. The sacrifice YOU are making with YOUr new eating habits. YOU are worth it!

It's ok to enjoy food. It's ok to consume food. It's not ok to let food consume you. 

That's what I did for years. Food was on my mind a lot. I was always thinking of what my next meal was going to be. I was thinking of what food was going to cheer me up when I was sad or lonely, relieve my stressed day, celebrate my happiness. The sad thing was that my emotions were still there after I ate. The food did not take them away. 

Sorry, I got off on a tangent ... 

Give me a P ...

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, make a plan. Go into your day knowing what choices you are going to make. Make your plan as specific or generic as you want. Try not to rely on spur of the moment decisions - they'll almost always steer you wrong. 

Give me a B ...

Bring food with you, if you can. Either something healthy to share with everyone or something of your own to eat. Having that little bit of control will help you make healthy choices. 

Give me an H ...

Have fun! Food does not equal fun. Don't make the food the focus of your celebrations. Focus on your family, your friends, your blessings ... 

Play games, watch movies, make crafts, have fun!! 

What does that spell? ... Well, nothing, but hopefully it will be the cheer that gets you through the next couple of weeks! You can do it. I have faith in you. Every small healthy decision you make is a big step toward a new, healthy you!!

Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and healthy New Year!!

Friday, December 16, 2011

January Playdates

Our first playdate in January will be Friday, January 13 at Sarah H's home. I will send out an email with her address and directions to everyone interested in attending.

The second playdate will be Monday, January 30 at 9:30 am. We will be meeting at Kids in Motion 14135 W Greenfield Ave New Berlin, Wi 53151. The cost is $6.00 per child. *Parents and children under a year are free. It is a socks only facility for parents and children in the winter.

Check out their website for more information : http://kidsinmotionwi.com/

It looks like a fun time!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This is seriously the best soup you will ever eat. (We are planning on serving it at REFRESH - yum!)

I wasn't feeling well a couple of years ago and my dear friend, Stephanie, blessed my family with a meal of this soup. She blessed my life further by giving me the recipe. (Thanks, Stephanie!)

I was a little scared to figure out the points for this recipe. Anything that tastes this good, must be awful for you, I thought.

Well, I am happy to say that I lightened the recipe up a little and found out that it is not high in points at all!! Even better, it is just as delicious the healthier way as the original was.

Make it, try it, LOVE it, too!

Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

6 cups chicken broth (I used Swanson's)
2 cups water
9 oz cooked, boneless chicken breasts, small cubes
1 1/2 cup chopped carrots
1 small onion, chopped
1 6 oz package Uncle Ben's quick cooking long grain and wild rice with seasoning packet
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup flour
1/2 cup light butter (Land O Lakes makes it in sticks)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cup whole milk

1. Open rice, pull out seasoning packet and set aside.

2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and flour. Set aside.

3. In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth, water, chicken, carrots, and onion. Bring just to boiling, then stir in rice. Cover and remove from heat.
4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir contents of seasoning packet until mixture is bubbly. Reduce heat to low, then stir in flour mixture by tablespoons, to form a roux (it will be very dry).

5. Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, 5 minutes.

6. Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes.

8 oz = 5 points plus


-photo courtesy of Kelly :)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

REFRESH 2012


Join us for Refresh 2012: A Day of Renewal for Moms!
January 28 2012, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Located in the Higher Grounds Cafe at WFA
 
Are you an exhausted mom? Are you constantly taking care of others and are in need of refreshing yourself?

This day is set aside just for you! There will be time for fun, laughs, crafts, and connection - both with other moms and with our Heavenly Father. God yearns for us to be still and wait upon Him. As a mom of a busy household, quiet time is a rare and precious gift. We want to provide this opportunity for you to rejuvenate and renew your strength.

Please come to this unforgettable day of renewal and refreshing! You deserve it!

The cost is $20.00 which includes a welcome bag, morning snacks, lunch, and a craft to take home.
 
For more information you can pick up a brochure in our lobby or download it here.
 

More information about REFRESH is now available on the Waukesha First Assembly website.

Check it out at: www.waukeshafirst.org

Hope to see you there!

Preparing My Heart

I thought this post that I read on the Chosen Families blog was so appropriate for how I was feeling and thought you might benefit from it also.

Preparing My Heart
December 11, 2011 By Lynn at Chosen Families

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given….he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

Recently, the truth of “let every heart prepare Him room” from “Joy to the World” penetrated my heart, soul and spirit.

I love Christmas and celebrating the birth of our Savior, but not necessarily everything that comes with it.  Those of us caring for loved ones who are not neuro-typical are often overwhelmed by daily life and sometimes Christmas just feels like adding MORE to my already stretched life.

I don’t think it is uncommon for Christians, affected by a hidden disability or not, to be extra stressed during this season. It is ironic though, while we are celebrating the arrival of the Prince of Peace.

I struggle each Christmas with worry and anxiety over our finances and buying presents for friends, family, teachers and members of my daughter’s therapeutic team.  Every year the list of whom I wish to express my gratitude grows and my finances remain the same at best.  So I try to be creative and find meaningful, less expensive or even homemade gifts, but that tends to only increase my stress!
A few years ago, while in the process of finding a new church following a move, we started the tradition of making an advent wreath.  We found advent readings online to read each Sunday and used the advent Daily Bread for daily readings.  We printed out coloring pages for my daughter to color while we read and made a children’s nativity set available for play. It was the first year that I felt I had truly prepared my heart to more fully celebrate the birth of Jesus.  My husband and I both agreed it was such a meaningful Christmas and pledged to continue the tradition.

We were a few days late making our advent wreath, readings and coloring pages this year and I was already in full worry mode.  But that first night we gathered around the table to light the candle and pray, “Come, Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with hope,” I felt the stress and worry melt away.

Of course the battle to remain focused on Jesus continues as the calendar is full with special Christmas events and extra items on my to-do-list, but I can honestly say that as we take time to focus on the true meaning of this sacred season, I experience the peace and joy that we as followers of Christ are meant to experience in the midst of our busy lives.  It takes some work and intentional planning, but it is such a blessing.

May you and your family find practical ways to “prepare Him room” this Christmas season so that you are filled with the peace and joy that comes from knowing and being in the presence of the Prince of Peace Himself.

In His peace,
~Lynn
 
http://chosenfamilies.org/blog/

Saturday, December 10, 2011

What I Ate: Holiday Party Edition

Holiday Party Edition

This one month is probably the most difficult time of the year to be watching what you eat. There are SO many delicious foods brought out in December.

There are lots of parties to go to and what is at these parties? Food, food, and more food. 

We need a plan. What are we going to do? Avoid the parties? And miss out on the fun? No way. Eat to our heart's content? No, that's not an option, either. 

What to do ... 

First, do a self-evaluation. You know if you are the type of person who can eat before you go and be ok with choosing one small snack or dessert to eat at the party. Or maybe, you know that you are unable to resist partaking of the party food and should eat lightly all day in order to compensate for the slight indulgence later. 

As long as you stick to your points, you can do what you want. You can choose the plan that works best for YOU!

But please, make a plan! You have a better chance of sticking to your plan if you actually have one, right?

If nothing else, make better choices this year than you did last year. It's all about the journey. Even baby steps will get you there eventually. 

Set your mind on victory! Focus on the people and activities of the party. 

Try to avoid your typical pitfalls you fall into. Don't stand by the food table while you're talking if you are a muncher. Pop a piece of gum into your mouth as soon as you've finished your plate if you normally head for seconds.

You can do it! Make it a game. Reward yourself with a non-food reward if you make it through the party and stick to your plan. A bubble bath before bed, yes please!

There will always be more parties. If not this year, then next year they'll all be back. This will not be the last time you'll ever get a chance to eat a piece of fudge or fruitcake. Skip it this year, you'll never miss it. 

I know how it feels to have food call your name! Don't listen! Thinner feels way better than a bite of any food on the planet. A taste lasts all of maybe 15 seconds; thinner lasts a lot longer. 

Foods that are your best bet at a party:
Fruit (yeah, baby)
Veggies (another obvious one)
Shrimp cocktail
Gingersnaps
Salsa with baked tortilla chips
Baked potato chips with dip made from fat free sour cream

Contribute to the food table to ensure that you have one healthier option to eat. 

Party on!  

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Christmas Cookie Exchange

Today is our Mommy Years Christmas cookie exchange! I am posting my favorite Christmas cookie recipe, Sandtart Cutout Cookies.

Please add your recipe as a comment. If you are unable to post comments, email me with your recipe and I'll post it for you.

I can't wait to see all of your favorite cookie recipes!!


Sandtart Cutout Cookies

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 Tbl buttermilk
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour

Cream sugar and butter. Add egg. Add buttermilk and baking soda (mixed together). Add the rest of the ingredients.
Roll thin.

Bake 375 for 6-10 minutes.

Buttercream Frosting

1/3 cup crisco
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 tsp vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
1 Tbl + 1 tsp whole milk

Cream crisco, butter, and vanilla. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Add milk and beat on high speed (scraping sides of bowl occasionally) until light and fluffy.

Frost cookies and enjoy! Oh, yum!!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Story of St. Nicholas

Hundreds of years ago, Nicholas lived in a seaside town named Myra, which is in the country we now call Turkey. Ever since he was a small child, Nicholas loved God more than anything. He studied hard, prayed often, and followed Jesus by helping the poor.

The people of Myra loved Nicholas so much that when their old bishop died, they immediately elected Nicholas to replace him. He served them well for a long time.

Nicholas was loved for one reason. He loved. He loved God and God's people so much that he would do anything for them.

Here is a story about Nicholas that has been passed down through many generations.

There was a man living in Myra who was very poor. This man had no wife, but he had three grown daughters who lived with him.

In those days, when a young woman got married, she had to bring money or property with her into the marriage. This is called a dowry. If a woman didn't have a dowry, she would never marry.

This man was so poor that he had no money for his daughters' dowries. And he didn't have enough money to support them either. He had, he believed, only one choice: to sell his daughters into slavery. Nicholas heard about this terrible situation. Late one night, Nicholas crept to the man's home and threw something through the window. It was a bag of gold—enough to pay the dowry for his oldest daughter.

The man was overjoyed, and his daughter was too. She married, but her father was still left with a problem. Two, to be exact. What about the two younger daughters? Sadly, he prepared to send them away.

Nicholas returned one night and again threw a bag of gold through the window. The father rejoiced. But he wondered who was helping him and why.

Of course, Nicholas didn't want the man to know. He knew that it's best to help others without letting them know we're helping them. If we help others in this way, we help because we truly want to and not because people will praise us for it.

But the father was determined. He had one daughter left and no money for a dowry. He certainly hoped he would be helped again, especially because he wanted to find out who was doing it. So he locked the windows and watched out the door.

Nicholas still wanted to help, but he didn't want to be seen. So, in the back of the house, far from the father's sight, he dropped the bag of gold for the third daughter right down the chimney!

The bags of gold are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. 

-taken from http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/st-nicholas-welborn/

Monday, December 5, 2011

A Work in Progress ...

I started typing out our usual Monday devotion and realized it was a devotion written for husbands.  I decided to skip that devotion and was going to move on to the next one. However, God gave me something else instead to share with you. Next week will be business as usual. 


As I was doing my enormous (I'm not even kidding) mountain of laundry, I thought, Will I ever catch up on this? It's a work in progress.
 
Then I got to thinking and discovered my whole life is a work in progress.
 
The state of my home? A work in progress. 
The training of my children? A work in progress.
My weight loss? A work in progress. 
My quest to be more like Jesus? A work in progress.
 
Do I have anything completely together? Nope. I can honestly say I have not perfected one area of my life.

Is this frustrating to me? Sure. I always think, Well, I'll do that once this is done or Once I'm finished with this, I'll have time for that. I've noticed however that I'm never really finished. If it's not one thing, it's another. I'm never caught up ... It just keeps going. I'm a work in progress.   

But God chose to give this work in progress a BIG idea. Was it because I was the smartest? The hardest worker? The most qualified? No way!!

Maybe it was because I listened. I was willing. I chose to obey.
 
Has God given me other ideas that I chose to ignore. I'm most certainly sure. Do I regret that? Definitely! It was my loss. God's plan was still accomplished, just not by me. If I'm not willing, He'll find someone else.

I've been feeling overwhelmed lately with the work involved with REFRESH. I've been overwhelmed with the thought that God has entrusted me with this big event and see it to completion.  In my mind, this whole thing is out of my league and much more than my meager abilities can handle. Thankfully, I don't need to depend on my abilities to accomplish this. God will compensate for my shortcomings and create the event He wants. 

I honestly don't know why He chose me, but I do know that I want to see His will done. I'm thankful for this opportunity to reach out to other moms and I will work to the best of my ability to make it happen.  

God has big plans for ALL of us. He wants to do amazing things through each and every one of us. You don't have to be perfect or capable. You don't have to know everything or have it all together. God will use a work in progress. 

Just listen for God's voice. He'll tell you what to do. He loves you and has a plan for your life. He wants to lead and guide you, let Him. 

Be willing. Be willing to do what God tells you to do. Tune out the voice of the enemy filling your head with doubts. God wouldn't ask you to do it, if He didn't plan to take you each step of the way. 

Choose to obey. Make the choice to follow through with God's plan despite your feelings of inadequacy. No one is truly adequate enough to fulfill God's plans but that doesn't matter to God.  Look at David and Goliath, the odds were clearly against David but he was victorious in the name of the Lord.    

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."   1 Samuel 16:7

Listen.  Be willing.  Choose to obey.   

Sunday, December 4, 2011

My Life as a Mom Dealing With Postpartum Depression

Today, I am happy to introduce my friend, Sara, as our guest blogger. Sara is a great mom and a great friend. Her story today was a difficult one for her to write but I know that healing will come from it - for her and others struggling as well.

*******************************************
As one of the older "mommies," you feel an unfounded responsibility to have some tidbit of "wisdom" to share with those around you. Then one day you wake up and realize that you are all in the same boat, traveling down the stream of "mommy" life together. There is no instruction manual, no "how to be a mommy in 3 days or less" type of book to quickly skim through while changing diapers. But as we look around us, there is so much to be shared, so much to be learned from our fellow friends, moms, grandmas, and even those who mentor us through this season of our lives.

On May 21st, Jeff and I welcomed our first baby into our family. Eliana Marie was born at 0704 am (after a night of no sleep) and weighed in at a whopping 9 lb 9 oz. We were so excited to be parents! What could be better? Well, two and a half years later we welcomed a second little one into our family. Hello Mr. Nolan Charles! I thought that Eliana was big at birth; I was so NOT prepared for the 10 lb baby boy that entered our family. What fun to have one of each. What two TOTALLY different children!

After the birth of both our children, I entered a season of life that I was not prepared for. This season of life threw both my husband and I for a bit of a surprise. You read all about postpartum depression and you think to yourself: I know all the symptoms, I will know what to watch for, and I will know how to handle this. What a shock! My depression after Eliana was mild and stemmed from one main factor: she was one poky eater! I could sit and feed her for an hour and a half and then, because she was losing weight, Jeff would give her formula. She would consume 4-6 oz of formula within minutes and then be hungry again an hour later. What frustration, what disappointment. I had such high hopes of feeding my baby and now she was a "starving" baby to my way of thinking. There were nights of little sleep and many tears. There were many happy memories and time spent enjoying her. I must admit that things became easier once she turned six months and was able to start on cereal and baby food. The pressure was off and I felt that life was back to "normal." I still had my ups and downs, but was on the mend. This season of my life was behind me. When we found out that we were pregnant with Nolan, I remember asking for prayer regarding my time postpartum. I know that people prayed for me, but I also know that I was not prepared. I can honestly say that I did not pray about it. Well, it seems that boys and postpartum depression are a bit different! I experienced awful mood swings. I felt overwhelmed with the simplest tasks. It was a season of life that was one I wish had not visited me. I am not saying that every day was bad, but I can say that there were more bad days than good days. I am sad to say that the only person who probably knew about it was my husband. I did not tell anyone about it, even though I am sure that some may have guessed. I was so disappointed in myself for not being strong enough to overcome this. But through it all my husband was extremely supportive and I love him more for it knowing what he had to endure during those months. But for as much as my husband supported me, I wish that I had talked it out with a friend, a fellow woman, and a fellow mom. I never realized how many moms struggle with this. Whether it is mild or severe, postpartum depression can be a season of life that leaves you feeling alone and disappointed. You are not alone in this! Find a fellow mom, friend, or sister who you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Have a talk with your doctor; medicine can help. I am convinced that God is with you during this time in your life. He is struggling with you, loving you, and holding you close to His heart during this time. I am convinced that I would not have made it through this season of life if others had not been praying for me. I am so thankful that this season of my life has slowly faded from view.

Seasons come and seasons go, but our God is faithful; He will never leave you or forsake you.

***************************************************

Amen! Thank you for sharing that with us, Sara! I pray that lives are touched by your story.

Sara will be leading a craft workshop at REFRESH next month. Look for her there!

Christmas Tree Coloring Sheet



http://christmas-coloring.com/pages/tree/003-christmas-tree-kids.html

Saturday, December 3, 2011

What I Ate: Breakfast Edition

Breakfast edition

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - we've all heard it. 

There are some days when breakfast does not happen for me until 9:30 or 10:00 am. I try to eat as soon as I can, though, to get my body (and metabolism) going. 

I've mentioned before that I typically eat a 4 points plus meal for breakfast. That number just seems to work for me. Everyone's different, though, so I suggest finding what works best for your lifestyle and going with it. 

Here are my most favorite breakfasts:
-1 cup plain Cheerios with banana and strawberries and 1/2 cup skim milk (4)
-Walmart brand regular yogurt with fresh fruit (4)
-1 package instant oatmeal (pretty much any kind) made with water (4)
-3/4 cup Life cereal and 1/2 cup skim milk (4)
-2 frozen waffles with fresh fruit and a squirt (or 2) of light whipped cream (5)

These are my go-to breakfasts. But there are so many other options: egg white omelet, toast using light bread, pancakes, the list goes on and on. 

Figure out what you love, what you have time for, and what makes sense. My small list is perfect for me. They are all easy to fix, I enjoy eating them, and I usually have the ingredients on hand. 

That's not to say that every once in a while I don't partake in a yummy, delicious bowl of Cocoa Puffs or Frosted Flakes to spice things up ... But the beauty is - I can. It's all about choices. Will I get more cereal if I pick plain Cheerios? You betcha. Do I sometimes just need to be adventurous and have a bowl of Fruit Loops? Oh, yeah.

Keep it real, people. It's the only way to stick with it. If I told myself I would never again eat ___________ (fill in the blank), I would go crazy and start obsessing about that one thing I couldn't have. When I tell myself, it's ok, I could have it if I really want it, there is no obsessing. 

It's weird, but it works. 

Happy breakfasting!! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JdfiJ60DNg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Newsboys "Breakfast Song"
It's a crazy song but here's a piece of trivia for you: at the end of the song, when there is a crowd of people singing, I was in that crowd. They taped that at a concert I was at many, many years ago ... Could you hear me? ;)  

Friday, December 2, 2011

Mommy Years Cookie Exchange

Next Thursday, December 8th I will be hosting a cookie exchange here on The Mommy Years.

I will post a recipe for my favorite Christmas cookie. It will definitely not be healthy-tasty. ;)

In the comments, please post your favorite Christmas cookie recipe, too!

If you are unable to leave comments, email your recipe to me and I will post it for you!

This will be so much fun!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Sparkling Christmas Punch

Trop50 makes great juice that is only 1 point plus for 8 oz. I recently bought a new flavor - pineapple mango orange juice. That's when my inspiration struck - this would make an awesome (healthy) punch! 

Sparkling Christmas Punch

2 liter Diet cranberry splash Sierra Mist
1.75 L Trop50 pineapple mango orange juice
Frozen fruit (I used strawberries)

Pour soda and juice into a punch bowl. Float fruit on top. 
Enjoy!

16 oz = 1 point plus