Thanksgiving Memories!!!

I am so in love with the new commercial by Publix.  It is about Thanksgiving and family.  It shows how important family is around this holiday - no matter what size your family consists of, such as:  single parent, two of you, just your family or a big family.   It really is a sweet commercial.

I think the commercial really hits home with me because I love Family at Thanksgiving.   To me Thanksgiving is all about Family - no matter what size.  I love having all my family around the table.  The more the merrier.

I have so many fond memories of Thanksgiving at my grandma's.  I LOVE THEM!!  My cousins would come in from Alabama.   I always loved when they came in because we didn't get to see them often - mostly at Thanksgiving and Easter.  It was a time to spend with cousins.  Whether it was seeing who got to sit in the kitchen to eat - that was always a good thing - you were closer to the food.  Or hiding in the bathroom when it came time to clean dishes.  My grandmother didn't have a dishwasher, so we would hid.


As I grew up I got to help my grandma with food preparation.  My memories are flooding back of helping her clean the turkey.  I can hear her laughing at me getting the insides out.  I always thought it was gross - still do.  She would let us grease down the turkey.  I cook mine differently than she does but I still have vivid memories of helping her with the turkey.

I am so thankful that I got to learn how she made dressing.  Now, she made the best dressing!!  I would have put it up against anyone else's.  In fact, I don't eat any other dressing.  My grandma didn't have a written down recipe so it took me years to learn how she made it.  I loved helping her and getting to do the taste testing.  I still make her dressing today.  Over the years, I have made it my own and I look forward to passing down the none written recipe to my daughter or granddaughter.  Maybe they will take pride in it like I have over the years.


Even though my grandma hasn't been with us for going on 17 years, I still miss her.  All we have now are our memories of those days gone by.  They are sweet, sweet memories and I will always cherish them.

What memories do you have about Thanksgiving?  Did you spend it with a big family?  Grandparents house or your own? 

New chapter ....

It has been a long road over the past year.  So many things I wanted to do but just didn't have the energy or mental awareness to get things done.  I really wanted to keep posting on my blog about my journey with my 2nd cancer but I just didn't feel like it.  I know I shouldn't beat myself up for not doing it.  I had to take care of myself for a change.  That I did .... 

I walked away from something that I loved doing.  I quit the ball field from being the President, Treasurer to running the concession stand.  I really never thought that I would totally walk away but I did.  There have been times when I have missed it but I haven't missed the stress.  I knew for my health, that I had to walk away.  I needed to finally take care of myself. 

Other changes I have made is in my eating.  I have been following the Paleo diet for months now.  I love it!!  I have found for me, it isn't just about losing weight, it is about eating for my body.  I have learned that my body can't handle eating certain foods.  Certain foods wreck havoc on my body.  My body swells, hands break out and I will claw myself to death.  So, I am finding out which foods do this and the main one is gluten.  However, I also have found out that I can't necessarily eat foods that are gluten free either.  I am having to just eat cleanly. 

Another change I have made is changing MLM companies.  I have been with a few different companies over the years.  I am not knocking any company and/or their products.  Not every company is for everyone; and their products also.  I have finally found a company for works for me.  I am so in love with their products for weight loss.  I am finally losing weight.  The pounds are just falling off!!!  I have lost of 10 inches all over - 6 of them being in my stomach area. 

This company has more products than weight loss.  They have products for almost every area of your life.  Their motto is:  Living Clean!!  I have tried their shampoo - conditioner - dish soap (love it) - clean wipes and their awesome liquid collagen.  I am loving that these products are NOT TOXIC!!  This to me is so important.  I am currently working on changing some of the other products in my house with what they offer - laundry detergent - dishwasher pods and lotions. 

Not only is this companies products are great so are the comp plans.  This company offers 2 different ways to make money - as a customer and as a social marketer.  You can earn free products and/or money.  I love the group of people that I am aligning myself with from my upline to my crossline.  They are amazing & wonderful people!!! 

I really pray and hope that I get to be on here more than I have before.  There are so many things I want to do and share with people.  So many projects that I am working on ...  menu planning, getting out of debt and the list goes on and on.  I hope you will join me ....  New chapter .... journey continues

New Year ... New Steps

As with any New Year brings new beginnings.  It is a time for each of us to make goals for things we want to accomplish in the new year.  I don't like to set New Year's Resolutions, but set goals instead.  With all that I have been through in 2016, there are things that I would like to change and to do differently in 2017.

Of course, one of the goals that I have set for this year is to get healthier.  With having Cancer last year, I want to be healthier.  I don't to worry about dieting or losing weight.  I just want to concentrate on getting myself healthier - better food choices, exercising, relaxing and taking my vitamins.   This is a tall order for this kind of list, but I am going to keep it simple.  I want to eat food that is healthy for me.  Food that will benefit my body.  I just need to do some type of exercise - walking is the easiest.   Relaxing might be hard, but it is something that I am going to have to do for myself.  My family will just have to get use to it.  haha 

Now taking my vitamins was always a hard one for me.  It seems to be the easiest on my list but I could never remember to take them.   I use to take a brand name for years and I still like this brand but I was taking more than 20 different products.  I could never remember what I had taken and if I had taken anything.  I was going crazy trying to remember to simply take my vitamins.   I have found the best products/company for me.  It is so simple.  As simple as 1 - 2 - 3.

I have been Thriving for 3 weeks now and I can see a change.  It has given me energy that I haven't been having, but I also have to remember that I will be awhile before I am 100%.  In the meantime, I don't have to feel horrible either.  So, I thought I would give Thrive a chance.  What did I have to lose?  It really is easy as 1-2-3.  First thing in the morning, when your feet hit the floor you take your vitamins, not 20 but 2.  Then within in 30 minutes you drink a shake and put on a patch that stays on for 24 hrs.  You are DONE!!  Nothing else.  It has given me energy and it is helping with my appetite.  I am thankful to cousin for posting on facebook that she was Thriving and how well she was doing.

Some other goals I have set in next post .....

By 2016 ... Hello 2017

As we leave 2016 behind and welcome 2017 it is a good time to reflect on what we have been through in this past year.  I love to take time to see what all I have been through and the changes that have occurred.  Do you do the same thing? 

This has been not a very good year for me and my health.  I haven't felt my best all year.  I knew something was wrong but didn't know what was going on.  I was dealing with some awesome fatigue, weight gain and swelling.  I am not sure how many times I had been to the doctor and he kept saying that nothing was wrong.  He did all kinds of blood work but nothing showed up.  My thyroid numbers were the best they had been in years, if ever.  However, I was feeling horrible.  Then in August I had surgery and found out I had cancer.  I went through radiation and ending the year recovering.  

I personally haven't lost anyone this year, but I know several people that have lost a loved one.  There is a family that lost their daughter in a car crash as she was headed  back to college.  And other families that have lost a loved one in 2016.  I pray for these families - that God will give them comfort and strength.  

In my daily devotion reading this morning, it was really good as I reflect on this year.  It was spot on.  I am currently reading "A Woman's Journey to the Heart of God" by Cynthia Heald.  It is so good.  Recommend it for anyone!!  Today's chapter was called, "Willingness to Endure."  I wish I could tell you every word from it, but I will share some high lights.  

Jeremiah chose endurance because he knew the destination was worth it.  Endurance is that capacity to stay under the load, to remain in the circumstances, without fleeing or seeking the easy way out.  Perseverance is a quality we must exercise on a daily basis. 

God had applied pressure in Paul's life to keep him from being prideful, but along with the affliction God supplied Paul with the grace to endure.  "My grace is enough; it's all you need.  My strength comes into its own in your weakness." We need to let things happen.  Stop focusing on the handicap and begin appreciating the gift.  When God places us in a difficult situation and declines to eliminate the pressure, it is comforting to remember that His grace enables us to keep going when the road is rough.  For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.  

I endure because I get up each day to walk with God.  I endure because I love God and I want my life to please Him.  I know that every trial in which I stand firm will add to my maturity.  I know that it will deepen my ability to accept and handle whatever I encounter in life.  His Word sustains me; He stand beside me; His grace is sufficient; He gives perseverance and encouragement.  I want the whole tour; I don't want to miss out on anything the Lord wants to see or do.  It is the only journey in which we do not have to endure alone.  

When through fiery trials they pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be they supply;  The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume and they gold to refine.  

 

In reading this chapter this morning, I realized that I am stronger than I thought.  I have endured this year and I have come out stronger on the other side.  I know that God did not leave me alone.  He was with me each step of the way.  I know that through His grace I can handle anything that comes my way.  I want people to see God through me and my trials.

So if you are going through a trial or some tough times, please know that God is working in you.  He will NOT leave you alone.  Don't give up!!!  Just keep clinging to God and His promises.


I am not sure what 2017 has in store for me or my family.  I pray that whatever it may be that God will give me His grace to get me through it.  I love this journey that I am on and I don't want to miss one thing God has in store for me.

 

 

It continues .....

I went through a bunch of emotions with finding out I had cancer yet again and of course a million questions.  The one that kept coming to mind was, "Why, me?"  then ... "Why, again?"  Did this have anything to do with having thyroid cancer just 15 yrs ago?  What did this mean for me?  Man ...so many questions.  What kind of treatment did this type of cancer mean?

My ENT was great and answered so many of my questions.  He said this type of cancer can't be treated with chemo (I am so thankful for that) and it usually gets treated with radiation.  He said that he wasn't sure if I truly needed it or not.  They did get all the nodule when he did the surgery, so if he did do radiation it would be for precaution measures.

So, my ENT sent me to an Oncologist to get his opinion.  After visiting with Oncologist he felt like it would be in my best interest to get the radiation - every day (except for weekends) for six weeks.  Oh joy!!  I had no idea what  I was in store for with the treatments.  I didn't know what to expect.  I was really hoping that I would have gotten started on the treatments right away, but my insurance had another idea.  For some reason there was an issue - really weird - and they said it had never happened before, to anyone.  It took a couple of weeks to get it all straightened out, but they finally did.

I am not going to lie, the thought of radiation, scared me to death.  The unknown is always scary .. and this one wasn't any different.  For my first visit they had to make a mold/cast that I would wear each time.  It covered my whole face down past my shoulders.  They fasten it down to the table each time.  It kept me from moving.  My very first treatment I had such anxiety before I got there and then before they fasten me to the table.  I prayed and prayed, more than I ever have before.  I prayed for peace and calmness to get through the treatment.  Thank God that he heard my prayer and answered.  There was a calmness that came over me that only could come from God.  This just didn't happen with the one treatment it was with each and every treatment.  A calmness that can only come from God.

The first couple of weeks of treatments went by pretty easily.  No complications or problems.  Then the 3rd & 4th week hit along with all the side effects that go along with radiation and where mine was located came it's own set of side effects.  I am still not sure which one was the worse, the fatigue, sore throat, bad taste in my mouth or the blisters inside my mouth.  None of them was fun.  I had to eat a lot of soft foods and drink a lot of water and/or tea.  Drinking hot (not too hot) tea with lots of honey did help coat my throat.  I had to make sure that I was eating enough to keep up my strength and to not lose a bunch of weight.  So, I allowed myself to eat whatever I wanted without worrying if it was on my diet or not.

My journey will continue ....

Another journey

I have been meaning to post for a couple of months about the new journey that I have been on.  I just haven't had time or really felt like it.

A year ago, I found a knot on my neck, just below my right ear & chin.  I didn't think anything about it, but asked my doctor the next time I went to see him.  He put my on an antibiotic because he thought it was an infection.  It didn't work.  I actually forgot about it for the next few months.  This summer I remembered to ask the doctor about it again, mostly because it was starting to hurt.  He referred me to an Ears, Nose & Throat (ENT) doctor.  Of course, I requested the doctor that had removed my thyroid in 2001.

The ENT doctor sent me for a MRI.  The MRI showed that there was a small mass in the nodule that was in my neck.  The doctor told me I had two choices:  one, I could have it removed and second, I could do a biopsy and see what it shows.  Well, like my thyroid, there wasn't a choice.  It was surgery.  I didn't want to take any chances.  I chose the same thing with my thyroid and when they removed it it came back cancer.  I was thankful then that I had chose surgery over biopsy.   So, here again, there wasn't a chose for me.  I scheduled surgery to have the nodule removed.

The surgery went well and recovery only took two weeks.  They sent the nodule off, like they always do, and it came back cancer.  Again?  I made it through this once but why I am going through this again?  I just didn't know what to expect or what this meant.  Did I have to have treatment and if I did, what kind?  My life as I knew it was changing ....

"My Best Yes"

I have just finished reading the most amazing book - "The Best Yes" by Lysa TerKeurst.  It really hit home with me.  The biggest thing for me was learning how to chase your choices.   In the past I haven't been thinking about where my decisions on each choice will lead me. 

One of my biggest area that I need this help in is with food.  I am not overweight because I ate like I was suppose to.  I know that I don't have a Thyroid and that will make my weight issues harder but it isn't the total problem. My lack of making "The Best Yes" to each food decision is where the problem lies.  Have I always thought about each food choice before I eat?  Have I chased the decision to where it will lead me down the road?  NO

That is changing today .... no more just putting something in my mouth with me asking myself, "Is this my Best yes?"  or "Will this food get me to my goal" 

Another area is with my finances.  I have not always made the right choices.  I can look back over the past many years to can see clearly that I did not make The Best Yes decisions.  If I would have done better with them years ago we wouldn't had to file for bankruptcy all those years ago.  Also, we would not be in debt now.  I am working on getting us out, again, but what if I had the right choices to begin with? 

There is no sense in punishing ourselves for choices that are in the past.  We can only learn from them and gain wisdom.  That is what I am going to focus on .... growing wisdom. 

I know too that I can NOT do this on my own.  Look where it got me - overweight and in debt.  I need the Lord' help in making sure that I am making "The Best Yes" decisions.  That I am chasing the decision before I make them.  I want to live so that other people can see Christ through me and I haven't been living this way.  I have been overwhelmed and stressed - all because I haven't been living my best. 

This all changes today ....  I am excited about "My Best Yes" and what the Lord has in store for me. Thank you Lord for bringing this book to me and for bringing to my attention the areas of my life that I need to change. 

Always growing

I think we can never get too old to stop growing.  I know that I always strive to keep learning and striving to be better than I was yesterday.  That is one reason that I love to read and I love to read books on spiritual growth.

I finished my book "Life Interrupted" by Priscilla Shirer - awesome and amazing book.  It is about Jonah and his life in the belly of the whale.  I have always loved this story about Jonah but I have never really dug into the story.  This book does that and it is amazing look into this story.  It is a great read ....  Priscilla is a great writer.  I highly recommend this book. 

The book is about life's interruptions - good or bad.  We all have them.  They're aggravating and sometimes infuriating.  But how we handle interruptions actually tells us more about ourselves.  We, like Jonah, tend to run from interruptions.  When major pains and minor problems cause a hiccup in our carefully calculated plans and goals we head in the opposite direction. 

I wish I could put everything I learned about after reading this book, but I would be writing a new book.  Add it to your must read list ....

Now .. onto my next book.  I didn't think I could top the book I just read but I have done just that ...  "The Best Yes" by Lysa Terkeurst.  Just started it last night but I can't seem to put it down.  OMG!!  Powerful book!! 

"Are you living with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule and aching with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul?"

The first thing that hits me and it is in big letter so I don't miss it.  We must not confuse the command to love with the disease to please.  OMG - this is so me!!  I am always doing this ... Are you?    

If we are to be Best Yes Girls, we have to long for unbroken companionship with God.  The one who obeys God's instruction for today will develop a keen awareness of His direction for tomorrow.  

I am going to be sharing some of the things I am learning as I read through this book.  I am also going to do the Bible Study that goes with it.  I will do it after I get finished reading the book.  I hope in my sharing what I learn and my stories ... I can help someone else.   

July 6

Another holiday has come and gone.  I like the 4th of July is such a fun holiday.  I like celebrating the birth of America.  With all the wonderful cook out food - fireworks and of course spending time with family.  This was a rainy year but we still made the most of the day. 

With being on a low carb diet it can be hard to eat how you should at cook-outs, especially if you go to someone else house.  I am learning that it doesn't have to be that hard.  If you are too shy to ask what they are having to eat or if you can bring something; then you just have to do the best you can.  Eat a burger and/or hotdog without the bun.  I have gotten to where I just take me a small bowl with a salad in it.  I just go ahead and prepare it with the dressing on the side.  I don't make a big deal about eating it.  I just get a plate and get a burger and/or hotdog and then have my salad.  I have actually gotten to taking me a salad just about anywhere I go, this way I am sure I always have something to eat. 

Eating Low Carb can be challenging at times but it doesn't have to be.  It has it's moments when it can be hard, but if you slip then you just pick yourself back up and get back on plan.   After awhile it does get easier, especially when you put your mind to doing this for life.  It just isn't a fad diet ... it is for life. 

In my lifestyle of eating low carb I have decided to start sharing some of my recipes.  I have been searching all over for different ones.  I am especially going to post the ones that I love the most ... I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.  I am not an expert on Low Carb eating but I finding my way.   I hope that while finding my way I can help someone else find their way. 

Here's to finding out way through Low Carb eating .... as a way of life.

It is about the journey

I am so excited and proud of myself.  I am not one that likes to toot my own horn.  In fact, if you know me at all you know that I don't like to brag on me.  This just isn't me.  However, I think it is good from time to time to toot away.  I am giving myself permission to pat myself on the back. 

I know that I am not where I want to be yet, but I know for sure that I am on the right path.  For once in my life and I am on the path to better health and fitness.   I have started this journey so many times to just give up and quit.  Especially when things got tough or the scale didn't seem to move fast enough for me.  Then there are the times that it got stuck or went upwards.  I would just throw in the towel and my hands and quit.  NOT THIS TIME!!!

When I first started doing any exercises at all, I could barely do 5 girl push ups.  Last night I did two sets of 25 push ups.  Still doing the girl ones but that is ok too.  I did two sets of 50 sit ups - that is 100 sit ups - that is awesome!!!  I also did - two sets of 20 jump squats, 15 squats, and 20 lunges.   After I got through last night I just sat and cried.  Not because of the pain from pushing through but for the progress that I have made in the journey.  I am proud of myself!!! 

I am down 22 pounds and really close to being down another 2 sizes.  I am going to take my measurements this weekend and see how many inches I have lost.  I did a sneak peak a week ago and I have lost 4 1/2 inches in my waist. 

I know what people mean about it isnt' about the number on the scale.  Because sometimes it will stay the same or it will go up and down, but what matters is how you feel in your clothes and about yourself.  It really is about the journey ..... about pushing yourself to do one more push up or sit up or making the right food choice at that meal.  Each time you so "NO" to something bad to eat or make the right food choice for your meals that is an accomplishments. 

It is about taking that first step to just get started.  If you can only do one sit-up or one push up - then do that one and be excited.  Then the next time add another to it.  Or take that first step to eat healthy - can't let go of everyone at one time.  Then take that first step to cut out one thing at a time and take one meal at a time.  Set your goals and keep taking the steps on that path towards your goals.  If I can do this ... so can you. 

May 12

I always have good intentions on writing more on my blog.  I get busy and think I will do it tomorrow and before I know it a few weeks have passed. 

I have been so busy for the month of April and so far into May.  This is always my busy time of year.  I am the manager of the concession stand at the ball fields and this is the busiest time.  I try to find someone to work so I don't have to but then it never works out that way. 

On top of being the manager of the concession stand I am also the President of our local recreation.  I am loving it but it is keeping me busy too.  I am sure that I need to delegate more, but I have such a hard time doing it.  I am going to have to learn to do this because if I don't I am going to get burned out really quickly.   I believe though that this is where God has me and He gives me the grace to do the job.  Thank goodness for His grace. 

I am still doing well with my journey of losing weight.  I am now down 21 pounds!!  I am down 4 sizes since last year.  This is a wonderful thing BUT this means I don't have any clothes to wear this summer.   I am so excited!! I am loving where I am headed.  I am exercising and loving it.  I have never been that way before.  Making the right food choices are getting easier.  There are time it is still hard but it does seems to be a little easier. 

I am going to get a new picture taken and I will post a before and new picture.  I will try to make sure it isn't a month ..... 

Still learning ....

I don't think on this journey I will ever NOT be learning something.  Should we ever stop learning?  I don't think so.  Why would you? 

I really thought I was doing good on my low/no carb eating plan.  BUT I have been slipping and it was all because I was slipping on reading labels.  I know that I have to read labels but I have been slipping on some of them.  So, when I was at the store yesterday I made sure I read ALL labels, even though I might had already read it on that product.  Well .... I found out yesterday that I have been eating things that are NOT within my low/no carb guide.  A couple of them was way off.  So, back to making sure that I read labels so that I can stay within my range. 

When reading labels it amazes me at the difference between - regular, light, no sugar, reduced fat and fat free.  No, I am not an expert, by no means; however, it shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out.   For example - I was reading the label on JIF peanut butter.  I grabbed a jar without really looking what it said - (I read carbs) well this one jar had a large amount of carbs.  I was upset because I had been eating a very small amount but it was still way out of line for me.  Well, I turned it over and noticed that it said Reduced Fat.  So, I compared it to regular peanut butter.  There was a really large difference.  If you are counting carbs it is so much better to NOT eat reduced fat or fat free. 

 I wonder why we think that just because a label says reduced fat or fat free that we can consume it and a lot of time in large amounts.  No wonder I gained weight over the years.  I really thought this was the way to go.  However, they add so many other ingredients to make it taste good that it is going the other way. 

This was a hugh lesson for me.  I know that I have to take the time to read labels.  Don't just assume that it will be ok - sometimes it is and a lot of times it is not.  This lifestyle change is something that I really can't let my guard down ...  I have to pay attention to each thing that goes in my mouth.  

On this journey of losing weight and getting healthy I am still learning ....

Low/No Carb

I use to think that it was impossible to eat low/no carb.  When I did this eating plan before I got so bored with the few things that I was eating.  So, I ended up quitting it.  As I have stated before I have went back to eating low/no carbs a few weeks ago.  I am being more creative in my meals and they are so good.  Trying new foods that I have never tried before and really liking them.  The other night I cooked Asparagus and it was good.  It is something that I will definitely cook again and it is on the NO carb list - I can have as much as I want to eat.  That is always a good thing.  

Something I have found that I am really liking and I can make it under my 5mg of carbs so I don't have to count them.  It is pizzas made on the low carb wraps.  Make sure they are the Carb Balance - whole wheat ones - they are 3 net carbs per one.  You can put almost anything on these pizzas.  I have even make grilled ham & cheese.   Here is a picture of my lunch from today - less than 5 net carbs.  Grilled cheese on low carb wraps with sliced tomatoes & crumbled up bacon.  I also have a small amount of Jicama as my fries.  They are really good and as long as you eat less than a cup it is NO carbs.  I am stuffed!!!! (The ketchup is Reduced Sugar 1g carbs for 1 Tbsp)

Here is another pizza that my daughter and I made .... it has jar marinara sauce, cheese, scrambled hamburger meat and sliced tomatoes.  Cook in the oven on 450 until lightly brown and bubbly.  Enjoy!!

This is a lifestyle change for me.  I am so enjoying discovering new foods.  It isn't always easy but it is so worth it.  It is worth how much better I am feeling and watching the pounds come off.  I am down 14 pounds!!!  And the journey continues ....

Wed. March 11th

It is funny how some things in life can throw you off and make you have a really bad day.  It is our choice to how we want to let circumstances control our attitude.   But I decided today that I wasn't going to let things make me have a bad day ... NOT today!!

First, one of the kids on my bus decided he wanted to poke a hole in my brand new bus seats.  I was furious.  I really don't understand what makes kids or people in general want to destroy someone else's property.  Why? 

Then I realized that I had put a bag of dirty towels, my nephews, in the garbage can at the road.  I really did think it was a bag of trash.  Thank Jesus the trash people had not ran yet.  So, I went to the road and pulled them out. Of course, my neighbor happened to see me.  I bet I looked funny pulling a big bag of garbage from the can.  He didn't know that it was a bag of towels. 

On my way the doctor, I dropped my keys in the mud and my pocket book in a water puddle when I was getting out.  It was then that I decided how I was going to handle my day.  Before I would have gotten so mad at all that was going on.  However, today I decided to tell the Devil ... nice try, but it isn't  going to work on me. 

I have to say ... it worked!!!  I had a great report from the doctor.  Everything checked out!!  The best part of my visit with my doctor - I HAVE LOST 12 POUNDS!!!!  That is so exciting!!  I have tried so many times to lose weight and this has been a very long journey.  I know this may not sound like a lot to some people but every pound is exciting. 

Even better than the pounds gone is the way that I feel.  I am feeling SO GREAT!!!  I have a lot more energy than before.  My clothes are loose on me.  I just feel GOOD!!! My daughter told me the other day that I just look better.  I knew what she meant.  Fighting with thyroid issues you fight so many different things every single day - depression, low energy, irritability and the list goes on and on.  I haven't been feeling these in the past week or two.  It is all because I am eating a low carb diet.  I / my body just cant' handle the effects of carbs.  It isn't easy to eat as low as you can with carbs, but it is so worth it at the moment.  Thank you Jesus for helping me do this ....  I know that I CAN NOT do it without His help. 

You just have to start .... one bite at a time.  Make the decision that you are tired of being the say old way. It just takes that one step ... and then another ... and then another.  Whatever you do ... DO NOT QUIT!!!!

Friday March 6th

It has been a crazy couple of weeks.  We have had snow and have missed quite a few days of school.  It has been fun and relaxing it.  I have taken that time for some much needed down time.  Took some time to read and really just relax.  It was nice. 

I have been doing good with the low carb.  I can not lie and say that it has been 100% easy and painless, but it is getting better day by day.  A lot of my cravings are decreasing.  My sweet tooth is even getting a little better.  I am finding more and more things that I am liking to cook and they taste really good too.  Each time that I think about falling off the wagon I just ask myself, "Is it worth it?"  Here lately it has been "NO!"  The scales are going down and it is a great feeling.  I am down another size in blue jeans - now that is an awesome feeling. 

Something I have learned through this journey is this is we do have choices.  We can chose to eat healthy or not.  I know that there are time when it is really hard to make the right choice, but it is still a choice.   I know for me, there were times when I would eat and not even think about it - mindless eating.  I have been paying more and more attention to what actually goes in my mouth.  You have to when you are counting carbs and as closely as I am too.   It is hard at first but I am making a choice to change my lifestyle. 

Journey to continue ......

Feb 18, 2015

It has been a crazy couple of days.  We have been out of school for what they called a winter break.  We were out Friday, Monday and Tuesday.  Well, we are now out today because of snow and the cold temperatures.  It is suppose to be colder in the morning and tomorrow.  In the south, we are just not use to this really cold weather.  bbbrrrrrrrr .....

In having some time home I have been working on one of my goals for 2015 - to declutter.  I have worked on this for a couple of days.   It is nice to see things changing and getting cleaner.  Of course though it is always a bigger mess while you are trying to de-clutter.  I am excited to see the changes that are being made ... one small step at a time.

I can't wait to use some of Clever Container products to help me get better organized.  I have a list of products that I am wanting to purchase or get for free is better.  My kitchen and office are getting the biggest de-cluttering.  There are some great products for both of these rooms.  I will take some pictures and share when I get them done. 

Now to get back to work .....

Tues Feb. 10, 2015

Exciting things going on.  The scale is moving DOWNWARD!!!  YEA!!  The low/no carb is working for me.  I knew that it would but it is hard giving up the things you like the most - pasta, bread and of course sweets.  I haven't been 100% faithful to the low carb.  I have had a few cheat times, but I have paid for it in the long run.  I won't have anymore total cheat meals.  I will only take a few bites of something that I truly want.  My body just cant' take the totally giving in to carbs.  I am so miserable afterwards. 

I have started my new business with Clever Container.  I am so excited about this company and I love the products that they have for organizing.  I cant' wait to use them in my own house.  I am just not sure what area I want to start on first - my whole house needs organizing.  It is like with anything in life - you just have to find a starting point and get started!!   The opportunity is really big with this company.  I am getting started on the ground floor with them.  There is only one other consultant in my area and NO directors in the state of GA.  I would love to be one the first ones.  That would be awesome.   Here is a picture of some of the top sellers

 

 

 

And right now the company has the start up kids on SALE!!  That is just crazy.  They are such a good deal at the regular price.  Now is a good time to get signed up .....  You can go to my site and get more information.  www.mycleverbiz.com/lisagray



 

 

 

 

Can't wait to see where the Lord is going to take me now ....  step by step. 

Loving this journey I am on .....

I tried this today and it was quite good.  I wish I had more some more.  It got gone pretty quickly.  This is a recipe from Doctor Oz's Total 10 day plan. 

Total 10 Cauliflower Kettle Corn

Ingredients

• 1 small/medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, liquid
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, stir together cauliflower, oil and spices.

Transfer to a baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Make sure the cauliflower pieces aren't too crowded on the baking sheet or they will steam instead of roasting.

Roast, stir or shake once or twice midway through cooking, until golden brown or tender, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.

New Chapter!!!

I am so excited to be starting a new chapter in my life.  As always, it is scary to venture down a different road, but exciting all at the same time. 

I am starting on a new business venture.  I am going with a new direct sales company.  They are a newer company and are not in my area.  This could be a big opportunity for me. I do realize that just won't fall into my lap, I will have to work.  Time to get busy .... 

The company's name is Clever Container.  It has all kinds of things to help you get organized.  Now, who doesn't need help organizing?  I know every room in my house needs organizing and then there is my car.  I am so excited to use these products in my house to get myself organized.  This is one of my goals for 2015 - get my life organized. 

I am working on getting my website up and running for Clever Container.  I will post a link on here as soon as I get it going.  Make sure you follow to see how things are going ......

Low Carb Strawberry jello cheesecake

This is so good and yummy!!  You will have a hard time not eating the whole thing at one setting. 

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/8 tsp caramel flavoring or your favorite flavoring (I used sugar free caramel ice cream topping)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/16 stevia powder (I just used 1 tsp of regular sugar)
1 cup finely chopped pecans
box of jello of your favorite flavor

Mix box of jello as directed on the box of jello.  Place in container and let cool in fridge. 

After it has set, then mix the cheesecake.  With paddle attachment beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and flavoring until well blended.

Switch to the whips and add the cream.  Whip until the consistency is thick, dense, and creamy.

Add the sugar or other sweetener and adjust until its the way you like it

Carefully spoon the cream cheese over top the jello. Then sprinkle with chopped pecans.  Chill. 


**  You can delete the jello all together.  ** 

Melt 2 tbsp. of unsalted butter.  Mix with chopped pecans and a pinch of salt.  Layer it in the bottom of a dish then top with cream cheese mixture.  Sprinkle a few pecans on top.