This recipe came from my aunt. She always brings this dip to family gatherings, and it is just SO delicious!!
Cheesy Bacon Dip (S)
(Print this Recipe!)
Ingredients:
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
6 green onions, chopped (just the green parts)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup Mayonnaise
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Keep refrigerated. Serve with on plan tortilla chips, any one of the crispy recipes in the THM cookbook, or chicharrones.
Enjoy!!
Monday, April 24, 2017
Friday, April 21, 2017
Determined to Stay Active
I am resolved. No excuses. I WILL maintain an active pregnancy.
I always say I'm going to keep up with exercises and workouts during my pregnancies...and then promptly use the fatigue, the aches, the pains to excuse my laziness. Well, not this time! I'm currently at my lowest starting pregnancy weight since Fionna (I was 130lbs. when I got pregnant with her...) at 167. I want to keep that, and maybe lower it. At the most, I don't want to gain a ton more. I only gained 7lbs. with Winry so I know it can be done!!
So, what's my plan??
1. I will stick to a healthy diet.
I will mostly stick to a Trim Healthy Mama diet with graces given for times I just slip or knowingly go off plan. I'll be watching calories and counting macros to some degree. I will make sure I'm getting the right amount of protein. I'll be making better choices.
2. I will actually workout.
I've found several pregnancy weightlifting programs that I want to follow. Of course, no super heavy weights, but since I was already doing that prior to getting pregnant, I can still do it during. I also will still be doing my Zumba, PiYo, and RIPPED classes when I can. I thoroughly enjoy jogging in the summer, and cannot wait to start back up soon!
3. I will listen to my body.
With all exercising, you must listen to your body. If it feels uncomfortable, check your form. If it causes issues afterwards, lighten your weights/shorten your reps. Knowing what your body can handle is great for preventing injury. Listening also means, if you're craving something, eat it. It's ok if it's not the healthiest...just have it once. If you crave it all of the time, maybe try finding a healthier alternative. I'm currently craving jalapenos...which are pretty healthy...so that's a plus!
I am determined to remain active and healthy throughout this pregnancy. I enjoy working out, and being active, and that can make a pregnancy pretty enjoyable, too.
I always say I'm going to keep up with exercises and workouts during my pregnancies...and then promptly use the fatigue, the aches, the pains to excuse my laziness. Well, not this time! I'm currently at my lowest starting pregnancy weight since Fionna (I was 130lbs. when I got pregnant with her...) at 167. I want to keep that, and maybe lower it. At the most, I don't want to gain a ton more. I only gained 7lbs. with Winry so I know it can be done!!
So, what's my plan??
1. I will stick to a healthy diet.
I will mostly stick to a Trim Healthy Mama diet with graces given for times I just slip or knowingly go off plan. I'll be watching calories and counting macros to some degree. I will make sure I'm getting the right amount of protein. I'll be making better choices.
2. I will actually workout.
I've found several pregnancy weightlifting programs that I want to follow. Of course, no super heavy weights, but since I was already doing that prior to getting pregnant, I can still do it during. I also will still be doing my Zumba, PiYo, and RIPPED classes when I can. I thoroughly enjoy jogging in the summer, and cannot wait to start back up soon!
3. I will listen to my body.
With all exercising, you must listen to your body. If it feels uncomfortable, check your form. If it causes issues afterwards, lighten your weights/shorten your reps. Knowing what your body can handle is great for preventing injury. Listening also means, if you're craving something, eat it. It's ok if it's not the healthiest...just have it once. If you crave it all of the time, maybe try finding a healthier alternative. I'm currently craving jalapenos...which are pretty healthy...so that's a plus!
I am determined to remain active and healthy throughout this pregnancy. I enjoy working out, and being active, and that can make a pregnancy pretty enjoyable, too.
Monday, April 17, 2017
A Rainbow of Hope...and Fear
After the Great Flood in Genesis, God put a rainbow up in the sky, to show His promise to the earth. Today, whenever we see a rainbow, it reminds us of God's promises, and that He never breaks them. It gives us hope, knowing we are loved by a God who keeps his covenants with His people.
A miscarriage is one of the biggest storms a family can go through. It has dark, dark days. The sun never seems to shine. All is despairing and gloomy. And sometimes God sends a rainbow. A Rainbow Baby is a baby conceived after a loss...whether that loss is a miscarriage, still birth, or newborn death. It is the beauty after the storm.
Last week, during our flu escapade that lasted 5 days, we found out we are expecting again. Seeing those 2 pink lines gave me such mixed emotions! I was elated, excited, and surprised. And with that came the fear.
"What if I lose this one, too?"
God is in control over all things. And He loves and cares for me and my children both living and in heaven. If He chooses to take this child to be with Him in heaven, then that is His will. I have comfort and joy knowing that I will see my children again in heaven someday. And if He mercifully allows this child to remain on this earth, we will love and cherish him and raise him up to love the Lord.
Everyday brings joy knowing there's a little life inside of me. Some days I have mini panic attacks that wash over me like a wave. I have to calm myself down. Pray. Beg God to give me His peace. I know it's normal to be hyper-aware of every twinge, every cramp, every strange feeling after a miscarriage. I am trying my best to trust in the Lord and give my cares, my baby, into His loving arms.
So, here we go again!
Baby Sortwell #8 is on it's way!
A miscarriage is one of the biggest storms a family can go through. It has dark, dark days. The sun never seems to shine. All is despairing and gloomy. And sometimes God sends a rainbow. A Rainbow Baby is a baby conceived after a loss...whether that loss is a miscarriage, still birth, or newborn death. It is the beauty after the storm.
Last week, during our flu escapade that lasted 5 days, we found out we are expecting again. Seeing those 2 pink lines gave me such mixed emotions! I was elated, excited, and surprised. And with that came the fear.
"What if I lose this one, too?"
God is in control over all things. And He loves and cares for me and my children both living and in heaven. If He chooses to take this child to be with Him in heaven, then that is His will. I have comfort and joy knowing that I will see my children again in heaven someday. And if He mercifully allows this child to remain on this earth, we will love and cherish him and raise him up to love the Lord.
Everyday brings joy knowing there's a little life inside of me. Some days I have mini panic attacks that wash over me like a wave. I have to calm myself down. Pray. Beg God to give me His peace. I know it's normal to be hyper-aware of every twinge, every cramp, every strange feeling after a miscarriage. I am trying my best to trust in the Lord and give my cares, my baby, into His loving arms.
So, here we go again!
Baby Sortwell #8 is on it's way!
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Partially Doing THM
Well, this is a post that I have been thinking about for a while. So...here goes!
I've decided to do THM 50% of the time; or less.
There, it's out!
WHY?
Because it is just too difficult to keep doing it 100% with our lifestyle/work schedule/church schedules. We are in the nearby city for church-related things 3-4 times per week. That is 1 hour of driving time, and roughly 1 1/2-4 hours there. That doesn't leave a lot of time to be worrying about how many hours have passed, what fuel I'm needing/eating next, if something I'm getting from the fast food place is on plan...etc. We live a busy, hectic life, and our eating schedules need to be flexible; and THM is very difficult to do flexibly. (is that a word??)
We love the dinners, and will still be making/eating them! I will try my best to separate fuel types, and eat healthy foods. I like to make the crockpot meals on nights I'm exercising. My husband needs potatoes in his life...I'm serious!! He is the epitome of a "steak and potatoes" guy!
We will be watching our portions, and still eating clean and healthy foods. Some of it may not be on plan.
So, what does this mean for my blog??
Well, nothing, really. I'll still post recipe round ups, single recipes, awesome websites, and other such THM-related posts. I love what I've learned about and through THM. Some things I disagree with, but most of it I do agree with. But, I may, occasionally, post about foods or recipes that are NOT on plan. I will make sure to specify that in the post, and will NOT share them in the THM groups.
Also, PLEASE, PLEASE, I BEG YOU...do NOT flood my post with hate comments about how I'm obviously not doing things right, or that I am a bad person to not be 100%...I ask that because it won't do anything. I have thought this through for a while, and have full support from my husband. Yes, THM does wonders for hundreds of women, but it is difficult and hard for me. I've been doing it for about 3 years now, and have only lost 35lbs. with 1.5 pregnancies in between. I've seen so many women posting about how they lost 30lbs. in 2 months without exercising...so that in itself is super frustrating. (props to them, though! that's awesome!)
So, that was just something I had to get off my chest.
I've decided to do THM 50% of the time; or less.
There, it's out!
WHY?
Because it is just too difficult to keep doing it 100% with our lifestyle/work schedule/church schedules. We are in the nearby city for church-related things 3-4 times per week. That is 1 hour of driving time, and roughly 1 1/2-4 hours there. That doesn't leave a lot of time to be worrying about how many hours have passed, what fuel I'm needing/eating next, if something I'm getting from the fast food place is on plan...etc. We live a busy, hectic life, and our eating schedules need to be flexible; and THM is very difficult to do flexibly. (is that a word??)
We love the dinners, and will still be making/eating them! I will try my best to separate fuel types, and eat healthy foods. I like to make the crockpot meals on nights I'm exercising. My husband needs potatoes in his life...I'm serious!! He is the epitome of a "steak and potatoes" guy!
We will be watching our portions, and still eating clean and healthy foods. Some of it may not be on plan.
So, what does this mean for my blog??
Well, nothing, really. I'll still post recipe round ups, single recipes, awesome websites, and other such THM-related posts. I love what I've learned about and through THM. Some things I disagree with, but most of it I do agree with. But, I may, occasionally, post about foods or recipes that are NOT on plan. I will make sure to specify that in the post, and will NOT share them in the THM groups.
Also, PLEASE, PLEASE, I BEG YOU...do NOT flood my post with hate comments about how I'm obviously not doing things right, or that I am a bad person to not be 100%...I ask that because it won't do anything. I have thought this through for a while, and have full support from my husband. Yes, THM does wonders for hundreds of women, but it is difficult and hard for me. I've been doing it for about 3 years now, and have only lost 35lbs. with 1.5 pregnancies in between. I've seen so many women posting about how they lost 30lbs. in 2 months without exercising...so that in itself is super frustrating. (props to them, though! that's awesome!)
So, that was just something I had to get off my chest.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Major News Ahead!!
Well, I have a post I'm working on right now that is HUGE!!
It's about THM.
Most of you will probably be surprised.
I'm kind of nervous to post it, but I have to.
So, stay tuned...and NO, this is NOT an April Fool's Day prank!!!!
Monday, March 13, 2017
5 Quick and Easy THM-approved Lunches
I've been thinking and planning out some quick, easy THM lunches that I can make for myself lately. I usually make my kids sandwiches, mac n cheese, or pizza rolls for their lunches. Those are not on plan. I don't want to have to use a ton of dishes and take 30 minutes to make my lunch on top of theirs, so here are 5 Quick and Easy THM Lunch ideas I came up with.
1. Turkey Roll-ups ~ (S)
Take an on-plan tortilla (Mission Carb Smart, 1/2 Joseph's Lavish), spread mayonnaise all over it. Cover with pepperoni. Cover with cheese. Cover with lettuce/spinach. Add sliced deli turkey (or meat of your choice). Roll up, and slice into 1in. thick rolls.
It is seriously SO easy, and delicious!! I split one tortilla into 2 lunches with 2 hard boiled eggs.
2. Honey Mustard Chicken Salad (S)
Rip up a head of lettuce (you can stretch this into 2 lunches by using only a half.). Chop up an already baked chicken (or turkey) breast, and put it over lettuce. Add chopped tomatoes (or whatever other veggies you'd like.). You could add hard boiled egg slices, too. Drizzle Honey Mustard Dressing (from the cookbook) on top. ENJOY!
3. Turkey Spinach Sandwich ~ (E)
Take 2 slices on plan sprouted bread. Spread mayonnaise and mustard on one slice. Add turkey. Add spinach. (I add jalapenos, too.) Add tomato slice if you want. Put together and EAT!!
4. Cinnamon & "Sugar" Toast ~ (XO)
Toast 2 slices on-plan, sprouted bread. Spread butter while still hot. Sprinkle cinnamon and sweetener on top (I use Truvia). ENJOY!
5. Chips & Salsa (E)
If you can find on-plan corn chips, YAY!! You can eat them with on-plan salsa for a yummy, quick lunch. I love spicy food, so this is one of my favorites.
Do you have any quick, easy lunch ideas? Please share in the comments below!
Thursday, March 9, 2017
The Friendship of Moms
This past year (2016) we made the tough decision to leave the church we had been members of for 7 years. Our children were born and baptized in that church. We still visit occasionally, and remain friends with most of the members today.
We began attending the church our brother and sister attend, and we are close to becoming members. Even though we are not members yet, we feel that we are already part of it. My kids have been going to their Pioneer Club for 3 years now. We went to 2 years of VBS. Last summer, we did the weekly Moms in the Park. Our kids have lots of friends, and I have friendships with many of the moms.
That friendship the moms of this church actively cultivate is beyond amazing! During the summer, we meet weekly at a local park for a playdate/talk time. In the fall/winter/spring months we meet once a month and have a book discussion. I know that the friendships I had with the moms helped me get through the depressing days after my miscarriage. Several of them have had miscarriages of their own, and offered love, prayer, and support. If there is anything we need prayer for, everyone feels free to post in our Facebook group, and all of the moms pray and ask for updates. It's so encouraging!!
As you readers know, I posted that I was going through some health issues lately. I had pregnancy symptoms, and a faint positive in February. After the faint positive, I took several more tests, but they were super faint, to negative. I was still having symptoms, though. I got an hcg blood test done (2, actually), and it was negative. I waited another week, and then started bleeding (like a period...just 2 weeks late). My midwife thinks I was pregnant, but that it "failed" shortly after implantation. I had the faint positive while the hcg was still in my system. But she is not 100% positive of it, as there are other explanations. So, we are just not dwelling on that, but leaving it in God's hands. We will know for sure when we get to heaven. I am feeling pretty much normal now, so I am thanking God for that!
I was able to ask the moms for prayers as we went through this confusing "am I pregnant, or not" situation. It was amazing to have love and support! Having other moms to go to when I need help is really wonderful!
We began attending the church our brother and sister attend, and we are close to becoming members. Even though we are not members yet, we feel that we are already part of it. My kids have been going to their Pioneer Club for 3 years now. We went to 2 years of VBS. Last summer, we did the weekly Moms in the Park. Our kids have lots of friends, and I have friendships with many of the moms.
That friendship the moms of this church actively cultivate is beyond amazing! During the summer, we meet weekly at a local park for a playdate/talk time. In the fall/winter/spring months we meet once a month and have a book discussion. I know that the friendships I had with the moms helped me get through the depressing days after my miscarriage. Several of them have had miscarriages of their own, and offered love, prayer, and support. If there is anything we need prayer for, everyone feels free to post in our Facebook group, and all of the moms pray and ask for updates. It's so encouraging!!
As you readers know, I posted that I was going through some health issues lately. I had pregnancy symptoms, and a faint positive in February. After the faint positive, I took several more tests, but they were super faint, to negative. I was still having symptoms, though. I got an hcg blood test done (2, actually), and it was negative. I waited another week, and then started bleeding (like a period...just 2 weeks late). My midwife thinks I was pregnant, but that it "failed" shortly after implantation. I had the faint positive while the hcg was still in my system. But she is not 100% positive of it, as there are other explanations. So, we are just not dwelling on that, but leaving it in God's hands. We will know for sure when we get to heaven. I am feeling pretty much normal now, so I am thanking God for that!
I was able to ask the moms for prayers as we went through this confusing "am I pregnant, or not" situation. It was amazing to have love and support! Having other moms to go to when I need help is really wonderful!
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