Spring update...

Wow...have I ever taken a hiatus, eh? Whew! Well, here are a few pics from the precious weeks...

First off...we have decided to move to Memphis. There's much more to that story, but for now I'll just say that we've have a contract on a house, are negotiating inspections, hope to close mid-June and move at the end of July. Whew! Chad did all the house hunting solo, and took Case up with him for a visit with the fam. Yes, he picked out the house and I whole-heartedly approved via pictures. Am I crazy? No, I just know that he knows what we like, has an eye for a bargain, and an eye for detail. I can't wait to see it!

Anyway, here are a few pics from their time in Memphis....

Case buttering up Nana and Pa for something, I'm sure....



Olivia, Eliana, and Case....such dear cousins! He actually told me at the end of his time there that he wanted to stay because he "loved them better". I know it should make my mommy-heart break, but I'm just so stinkin' thankful that he's secure enough in my love to say it and that he loves the rest of his family sOOOO much:)

Back on the homefront, Case's baseball season wrapped up. Chad was a great coach, and despite many league challenges, we had a blast. Of course, the trophy was the highlight for all the kiddos.

Case had a mishap in the backyard while gardening with Poppy. He carelessly (shock. shock.) jumped off a walled-in enclosure surrounding the firewood and literally scraped his legs from bottom to top. We wrapped them to help stop the bleeding and stinging, and gave him a sucker to try and calm down the crying. As you can tell, the sucker did NOT work! Hence the need to pull out the camera (am I sick for doing that?) to capture the dramatic scene! Ha!


This is picture from last night's Shrimp Festival Parade. This right here is why I LOVE living in a small town on an island. EVERYONE was there and it was SOOOO fun! We got lots of candy loot, beads (from the Pirates...a tradition here), and enjoyed a picnic dinner while watching friends march by! Tonight the pirates invade from a ship and there are fireworks. Amazing, right? Then tomorrow and Sunday are an all day festival that I'll kick off with a 5K race. Love this place:)

And to bring you TOTALLY up-to-speed...this is today. Em had pirate day at school, and this was her getup. Isn't she the cutest stinkin' pirate around? Arrrggh!

Weekend plans..

Well, the hubs and I decided to get out of town for a weekend for a belated birthday/anniversary celebration. It was such an amazing time....great B&B, awesome weather, and fun sights. Chad didn't have a ton of success with yummy meals, but we joke that he's always a terrible orderer:) He MIGHT have a slightly high standard when it comes to food too, but don't tell him I said that or I'll be in BIG trouble! Ha!

Anyway, here are few pics from our trip...climbing 219 stairs up the lighthouse, the view from up top, lunch by the fort, and our private balcony view at the B&B!










While we were away, my Dad (Poppy) was kind enough to keep the kiddos. Fortunately the weather was awesome and there was lots of fun kid-friendly stuff going on around the island, so he was set! He apparently told Em and Case what all they were going to do, so Emily....being MY daughter and a girl after my own heart....opted to make a list of their plans! HILARIOUS! Dad said she not only made the list, but also carried it with them and kept them on task. LOVE IT! Here's her list with my translation.....


Farmers market, parade, face painting, jumpy thing, putt putt
Things to do today.
For Poppy.
From Emily.
Sorry Emmalo (her nickname...Case and she have a secret little world in which she's Emilo and he's Caselo, etc...).

U never know

So as I was flipping through eWe's graded school work that came home this week, I discovered a sheet of construction paper. It was folded in the middle and titled, "words with u" on one side and "words with c" on the other. Clearly, they were supposed to cut pictures of out a magazine that met the above stated criteria. So, here is what eWe turned in:



So, you have to imagine that her teachers were thinking...."Umm...how does this have a "u" in it?" Boy? nope, no "u". Man? no. Kid? no again.

Now, eWe is a very bright kiddo and a great student....they would most likely be shocked that she couldn't get this assignment completed correctly. I love that about them by the way...always assume the best! Anyway, so instead of marking it as wrong they simply asked her. Her response? Well, see for yourself....

Oh, of course....why didn't I think of that? What????? I'm not sure whether I should be proud for her unique mind, creativity and intelligence or be appalled by the length that she might have went to make a picture fit the criteria so that she could be finished. Okay, I'm going with proud but I'm still laughing at it! This one is going to be a keeper:)

Mohawks are so....yesterday.....

Well, that didn't last long:)

I told Lil' C to go get his sweatshirt on this morning as we were preparing to leave for the Y. He came out of his room calling, "Mom, I don't want this on!" I replied, "Buddy, it's cold outside. You HAVE to wear it." And then he came around the corner and said, "No, Mom. Not my sweatshirt, my mohawk." Ha!

Well, I needed to leave like 5 minutes ago, but the Hubs walked in as we were discussing cutting it off later and said, "I'll do it right now. It will take like 3 seconds." And he did it and we were on our way.

Yes, he does look a bit skinned...but before we know it we'll be lining him up for another haircut:)

Lil' Dude

So the other night I asked the hubs to cut Lil' C's hair...you know, just trim it up. As C was headed into the Woelke Barber Shop, his sister chimed in with her fashion suggestion....a mohawk. Well, Lil' C is so "go with the flow" and he idolizes his sissy so here's what we ended up with....




He had haircut remorse the next morning as he thought through all the attention he might receive at the Y (he's not one for attention, good or bad). But, in the end he actually liked the attention. So, we'll let him keep it for a week or so before trimming it off and returning him to the preppy little guy that his Nana loves (she did NOT like the new do...thought we'd fallen off our rockers to have cut it as such...HA!).

Spring Watch Week

eWe's dance studio has a "watch week" where parents and grandparents can come to class. It was fun to see eWe's progress from the Fall's Watch Week. Dance hasn't been her favorite thing lately. She takes a Ballet, Tap, and Tumble combo class and I think that the Spring has been mostly Ballet and Tap as they prepare for the Showcase in May. Unfortunately, Tumble has proven to be eWe's favorite. I'm guessing gymnastics might be in our near future???

Anyway, here are some fun shots of her doing her thing...

My favorite action shot.....

Nice, eWe, nice! Ha!

Firsts.....

eWe's new "big girl" haircut





"first missing tooth" smile:)



Lil' C's first baseball uniform! Daddy is co-coaching and Mommy is the Team Mom (a.k.a. Biggest sucker around). Go REDS!

You say potatoe, I say pah-ta-to

So, apparently misusing similar words must be genetic? I still get ridiculed by my immediately family for misreading the word, "pedestrian" as "presbyterian". It was quite humorous since we were playing a game and I was asking a question about a "Presbyterian crossing the road". Ha!

The other night at dinner, this was our conversation....

eWe: Hey, Poppy...I'm doing an enrichment program at school.

Poppy: Oh wow! Who is teaching/running it?

Me: Well, the old librarian used to do it, but she left. Now a group of parents took it on.

Poppy: Karen, they don't call them "Librarians" anymore. It's "Media Specialist".

Me: Oh geez. Gimme a break. Hey eWe, what do you call Ms. Belle (the old librarian).

eWe: What do you mean?

Me: You know, what does she DO?

eWe: Well, she doesn't do anything any more. She left. Ya know, she's too tired.

Me: Ha! You mean RETIRED? Hahahahahhaahaha.

Well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, eh? Besides, the way I see it Ms. Belle might have actually left because she WAS too tired. I would be if I was a LIBRARIAN (not Media Specialist) in an elementary school.

Weave it to me.

So, eWe is sporting her new dress from Nicaragua that Poppy brought home for her. It is so precious. He took a few full length pictures of her that I'll try to post later. She is also doing one of my most favorite activities from childhood...weaving potholders. Seriously, I might have to do one of my own one night after she's in bed:) Ha!

She got this from Nana and Pa for Valentine's Day, so she's already decided that they will be the lucky recipients of her first masterpiece!

Portrait II

Okay, so here's Lil' C's painting of me. He wanted to be sure that I understood that I had a dress on. I'm okay with that, but where are my stinkin' legs? Okay, okay I could complain but do you see that circle above my head? I can only assume that he intended for that to be a halo b/c he thinks I'm a precious angel of a mommy, right? Let's put it this way...if you disagree, keep it to yourself! Ha!

Portrait

So, you never know how others view you, right? Well, recently eWe learned how to draw girl people from her friend at school. She was excited to show me her version of me. What do you think? Lil' C also painted me recently. I'll have to take a picture of that and post it as well.

Another year...

So yesterday was my 34th birthday! Whew! On one hand, I LOVE birthdays. It's a day to feel extra special and do fun things with people you love. On the other hand, I struggle with turning older. Ugh!

At any rate, it was a really great day. We were traveling and had spent the night with the hub's Aunt Jan (a.k.a Nitty) and cousin, Morgan. I got to sleep in a bit, and then Nitty made me an awesome breakfast omelet. After that Morgan and I logged some miles running up to meet the rest of the group on the main street through town.....which has shopping, eats, etc. We strolled for a bit and then I ran home, grabbed a shower, and we headed to Pei Wei for lunch....one of my FAVS!!!! Afterwords, Morgan treated me to the best replacement-for-a-birthday cake ever...Gurtzberry's. Have you ever had it? Oh my...it is AMAZING natural frozen yogurt. I had raspberry mixed with green tea and original and then topped it with granola, mango, and kiwi. Heaven!!! I totally recommend trying it out!

So, then we headed home via the local running store so that I could get fitted for a new pair of shoes. This was a new experience for me, and it was interesting to learn about the way that I am balanced, striking, running, etc. I got a pair of shoes, and will be interested to see how they work for me as my training progresses. I'll keep you posted.

Anyway, for the past several years my b.i.l, Brian (a.k.a Bdog) has come up with themes or mottos for our age, since he and I are the same age (okay, okay, he's a few months younger). I think it started with "twenty-fine" for 29! Ha! So, what should this year's motto be? Last year was "33, being free!, being me!" What rhymes with 34? bore, core, door, floor, gore, lure, more, pour, poor, roar, soar store, sure, tour, tore, your, whore (kidding).....no really, what should it be? I'll be thinking of it, but if you have any suggestions give me a shout...especially you, Bdog (Erin will have to ask you since I'm sure you don't read this ridiculous blog).

So, once I have my motto then I can begin thinking through my new goals for the year.....I don't know if I can come up with 34, but I'd like to try. Any suggestions?

Okay, so you have your homework....help!

One of my favorites....

Okay moms.....

Easter is coming and so is warmer weather! If you are looking for some PRECIOUS outfits for your toddler girls, please check out my friend Marilyn's clothing line called "Oh, Hannah!" . You will NOT be disappointed.

Here are a few pictures of her newer items! Happy shopping...

The Simpsons

Well, I just got back from an awesome visit with my sister and her family. The winter storm made travel a bit precarious, but I got there and back without a glitch. My oldest nephew, Jack, and my niece Ella-Kathryn both had a snow day on Friday too, so we had extra fun time together with the whole family.

Mel and I spent Thursday alone together, thanks to Jeff. We had lunch, shopped a bit, and grabbed coffee. If I haven't said this before...I LOVE MY SISTER! She is so real, so precious-hearted, and hilarious as all get out. I love being with her:)

The rest of our time was spent eating too much junk and candy, watching Tim Hawkins comedy, playing Band Hero (so addictive, especially the drums for me), watching movies, playing games, and just hanging out. It was great. I was so sad to have to leave!

Here are a few pics...

This one is my precious nephew Ryan! It's the first time I actually got to meet him face-to-face and hold him. He is quite a miracle. What a chunk-a-munk. He is also one of the happiest babies ever. If you even glance in his general direction, he's ALL smiles. He's got a laugh that would melt your heart. I could just eat him up!




This is my niece, Ella-Kathryn. She informed me that she now wants to be called "EK", but if your family you can still call her Ella-Kathryn. Hilarious! She is so dear. We played checkers, she read to me, she showed me her how she gives her horse a bath, and did a puzzle for me.




This is my HUGE nephew Jack. He's the first kiddo to make me an aunt:) I can't believe how tall he is. I am so proud of him, too. He's continues to mature, and I can see his faith coming out in his actions. I watched as he tolerated his "annoying" littler siblings, put them first often, was quick to make right any wrong behavior towards his parents, and just was simply engaging with me which I loved. We played checkers, watch a comedian while snuggling and laughing, and he showed me all his cool stuff like his knife from Poppy and his new bow and arrow (from us). He's such a creative one....truly thinks outside of the box. I am loving watching the Lord take him and mold him. He's into hunting, motorcross, and pretty much anything his Daddy is into. Here he is getting ready to go out and play in the snow.





Last, but certainly NOT least is Will! This is his attempt to smile for "K.K." as he now calls me. I suppose that's better than "Aunt Chewy" (which is the name of their dog! Ha!). He is ALL personality ALL the time. Like Mel said, he's either hot or cold. The hot side of him is loveable, cuddly, and HA-Larious! He'll say things like, "aww, shoot", "man", "dude", and other precious expressions. He keeps me rollin'. But boy, when he's cold...watch out! He's a screamer and is going through a bit of a "me" phase. He's been known to attack his siblings with any means necessary. It makes me laugh, but that's just because I'm not his mama...I get to just be Aunt K.K:)




And here is my band! We had them jammin' out to music and Band Hero. I was also dressed accordingly, but I'll spare you that picture. I taught them all my moves...hammer, roger rabbit, the cabbage patch, sprinkler, etc. Yea, you know your jealous! Ha! They are SOOOO fun and funny.



Thanks, Simpsons....I love you all so much! Missing you already!

I'm BAAAACCCCKKKK....

Boy have I been absent. Not just from here, but from my life. I came down with bronchitis that was borderline pnemonia and I have been OUT OF COMMISSION for about 2 1/2 weeks now. UGH!

Anyway, I'll hopefully get back in the game now. I'll just share one little "Wee Woelke Words of Wisdom". It came out of the mouth of my very mature and tender-hearted 5 year old daughter....

eWe: "Mom, thanks for all the great things you do for us!"

Me: "Geez, eWe, you're welcome. What an encouraging thing to say. Thank you for that encouragement"

eWe: "Well, you're welcome, but it wasn't encouragement. It was a compliment."

I stand corrected! But seriously...I don't think I had the selflessness to thank my parents until I was in college. Sweet eWe.

Tangents....

I'm not sure how to explain my absence. Not that any of you really probably even noticed or lost sleep over it. Maybe you just assumed it was the holidays. But in reality it's just that I get to this point in my blogging mind where there is so much I want to say, but none of it connects so it would mean blogging like 100 posts in a matter of days and well, you all do NOT deserve that type of torture. I also tend to dream and think while running, and since I'm currently training for a 1/2 I have a lot more time to dream and think.

At any rate, I read my sister's blog the other day where she did a post of tangents....I suppose that's as good a way as any to put all my randomness into one post. Thanks, Mel! So here goes...

Tangent 1: We had a fabulous Christmas. We went down to Ft. Lauderdale to be with the hub's side of the family. The hubs was sick most of the week, which was a bummer, but other than that we so enjoyed the activities, the weather, and most of all the family.

Tangent 2: Running. It's not something I ever thought I'd be able to do or even like. I was telling a friend the other day, though, that for some reason I really think of running as a hallmark of health and fitness. So, it was important for me to try it out as I journey to become the fittest me I can be. I can remember a little over a year ago not even being able to run to the corner of the block...seriously. I hated every step too. But, I was determined to continue trying. The iPod helped...just being able to focus elsewhere took my mind off the mental challenge to some degree. I also knew that the only way to get better at running was to run. So, I'd fit in a little here or there and before I knew it I was running a mile (one loop in the neighborhood). Then one day I decided to try for a second loop. I didn't make it at first, but I kept trying. Then I added another little loop. Now, I know that most people ramp up their running by doing the run/walk method. Totally professional. I'm just too stubborn. I won't give myself credit if I walk and well....I was determined each time to run further than I had the previous time. By the time November rolled around I was running over 3 miles on a typical day. So, when I heard about the 10K I thought it would be a stretch, but a good challenge. I tried running 5 and did it! It hurt, but I knew that if I could do it I would be able to run the race. I joined our running group and did the last long run with them, and then did the race. Yea! The running group was going to continue to train for an upcoming 15K and I thought...what the heck. Unfortunately it falls on a date that I'll be out of town. So, I opted to push a little further and do a 1/2. Who would have thunk it? So, here's what I have to say to all of you who where me a year ago.....1.) Running isn't a hallmark of health. You can do many other things that may even be better for your body in the long run. But, if it's important to you to try...then do it. It is one of the most challenging, and thus rewarding things you can strive for. 2.) If I can run, so can you. I would reccomend ramping up with the run/walk method rather than what I did (I'm so hard headed), but before you know it you'll be setting new goals. 3.) If I can enjoy running, so can you. That's not to say that I have days where it is harder than others to grind it out, but for the most part I really enjoy that time. I always run outside...no matter how rainy or cold. I just like the scenery. I also always run with music. It SERIOUSLY helps! It is actually such a worshipful time for me. The other day I was running down a back street, fortunately, with my arms raised praising the Lord as I went. Ha! Okay, so if you are out there wanting to run....let me know how I can help or encourage you to get started with a plan.

Tangent 3: Clean eating. I've not really update much since I began, I don't think. But, it does work. I know because of the scale. I know because I wake up hungry ready to eat break-fast, which is how it should be. I know because I'm never really left craving anything in the evenings which used to be my time of biggest temptation (that's AMAZING). I know because I'm regular (T.M.I? Sorry.). I know because when I allowed myself to venture out and eat "other" foods I felt sick, bloated, and instantly regretted the decision. I've not been as strict as the book would recommend, but I follow the principles. Here they are once again in case you are interested:
1. Eat 6 smaller meals/day
2. Each meal needs to consist of a lean protein and a complex carbohydrate
3. Portion size is VITAL.
4. Elimate all processed food....i.e. no lunchmeats, no store bought dressings, etc. It can be done!
5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 16 ozs in b/f you eat anything in the a.m., and then keeping pumping the water ALL day until dinner in done.

I've fallen off the wagon some with the holidays and then with PMS to follow (Ha!), but I'm tightening the reins once again, so I'll let you know more as I go.

Tangent 4: I've been trying out some new recipes on the fam. Fortunately I have a very supporting husband who doesn't demand meat and potatos at every meal. I also have kiddos who are willing to try new things and like a lot of healthy foods. They mostly have a hard time with meats, and for that there is always ranch to use as dip:)

So, one of the new recipes I thought I might pass on is from Real Simple , the January eddition. It was called coucous-stuffed peppers.

Brown 1/2 lb. ground beef (I used lean ground turkey). Cook 1/2 C. couscous according to the package directions (you can also use bulgar wheat blends for a healthier choice). Mix the meat, couscous, 4 scallions (I omitted on the hubs b/c he doesn't like onions), 1 C. crumbled Feta (I used Light Lauging Cow cheese, garlic and herb, b/c it's all I had...but I think reduced fat Feta would have been better), and 1/2 C. chopped dried apricots (I omitted b/c I didn't have it and couldn't imagine really like that...maybe next time?). Season with salt and pepper. Stuff into 4 hollowed-out bell peppers and bake at 400 , covered, until tender, 45-50 minutes.

I paired it with a mixed green salad that had toasted almonds, fresh cilantro, and then a homemade dressing made of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic. YUM! It was a hit with all of the them! The kids especially thought it was SO cool that the pepper was like a bowl. eWe actually helped me cook this one too by doing the mixing and stuffing. Okay, so below it a picture of the results in case you are visual! Enjoy!



I still have a bunch more posts rolling around in my brain, but I've got to get going for now. More later! By the way...if there are health and fitness questions that you'd like to see address, please let me know. I'm sure you aren't the only one and I'd like to try to supply you all with answers, even if I have to ask elsewhere:)

Father and Son

Lil' C is such a tender-hearted little guy. Yes, he's more readily known as a clown...but he's got such a sweet spirit about him. The people in his life are very important to him. He wants to know where everyone is whether its Daddy or Poppy, or Miss Leslie at the Y. He will greet you like he's not seen you in a year, each and every morning. I just love this little guy!

When I tuck him in he always asks me for a kiss, a hug, and then he wants to kiss each hand and hug my arms. Who knows? But it is our little routine and so it's precious to me! He also says the same thing as you leave the room, "Goodnite, see you in the morning, I love you." If you don't say anything back to him, he'll say it all over again:)

Well, he is a bit of a mama's boy....not in that he's not tough and into all boy things, because nothing could be more true. But more so that he prefers me over any other person in this world. Normal, no?

But, my sweet hubs is such an amazing Daddy! He puts so much into his relationship with Lil' C...all in an attempt to build a bond between father and son. I love it!

On that note, one of the things the little guy asks for consistently is for Daddy to come in and "sleep" with him. He's not afraid or too awake to fall asleep....he just knows deep down that its a special thing and so he asks for that time with his daddy.

Often, much time will pass and I'll wonder where the hubs is before realizing he has actually fallen asleep in there! I recently went looking for him on just such a night and this is what I found. I just had to take a picture. They looked like they were mirror images. I love both of them so much...my big-hearted guys all tuckered out!

Happy Birthday, Jesus....a wee bit early....

Today we are celebrating Christmas with our family, including Poppy, before we all head in different directions for holiday visits to other family. So in case I don't get back on here before we return....


MERRY CHRISTMAS.....

...AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.....

Ready to run.....

So on this journey of health and fitness, I decided I needed some goals. First came my teaching certification. Check. Next I decided to run a race longer than I had before, and this past weekend afforded me with that opportunity. It was the Reindeer Run here on the island...a 10K. All I knew was that I wanted to finish and I wanted to do it in one hour and 10 minutes. Well, check.

Here is a picture of our running group from the Y. Les and I actually jumped in on the running group at the last minute, but they were gracious to receive us as their own:) Les is the one down in front of me on the end, and Pattee is the one next to her with Reindeer antlers. Pattee is my instructor for Flexx it and Step, and the one who encouraged me to get certified. She's an AWESOME teacher, a great encourager and motivator, and I'm proud to call her a friend!



Here is a picture that Pattee snapped on her iPhone of me while I was running! Ha!


So, if all continues to go well with my old foot injury, I'd like to prepare to run another race in March that is a 15K. That's the next "goal". I'll keep you posted:)

Coming clean

Okay so back to food.....

I mentioned in previous posts that I've been trying to make changes slowly so that they would stick. The best example is drinking my coffee black rather than loaded down with sugar (artificial or real) and creamer. I know, I know...I probably should give up the java all together, but I'm not quite there (and not sure I'll ever be).

My diet for the past year has been quite consistently the following...

Breakfast: coffee, one egg, and either 2 whole grain low fat waffles OR 1 alternative bagel with 1/3 less fat cream cheese. Sometimes I'd vary and make an egg, cheese, and bagel sandwich...but you get the idea.

Lunch: veggies (peppers, mushrooms) on a Joseph's pita, on a alternative bagel, maybe with cheese OR soup OR salad with some tuna.

Afternoon snack: typically 5 ak-mak crackers with a Diet Coke

Dinner: usually a grilled meat, a salad, and a hot veggie (green beans, eggplant, asparagus, califlower, broccoli). Sometimes I'd sub in another side like couscous, red potatoes baked like fries, baked potato, sweet potato fries, whole grain rice, etc. And I usually have a glass (or two) of wine with dinner or while preparing.

After dinner snack: bag of 94% FF popcorn OR baked tostidos and salsa

From what I've encountered, most people would say I'm a healthy eater, right? But, I feel like I could still make a TON of changes. I need to be eating "cleaner". I need to be eating on a different schedule (i.e. more frequently and having breakfast be my biggest meal). I need to stop snacking after dinner. I need to cut out soda (even though it's diet) and wine. And on, and on, and on.....

So, I've decided to ramp up and make some more changes. I need to because I've really hit a plateau on the scale. I'm sure that I'm still losing inches and changing unseeable things like BMI, but I need and want to see more progress on the scale too.

I had my body composition done the other day and I chatted with the fitness director afterwords. She suggested/reccommeded reading "The Eat-Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno. I went out and bought it and have made it through 3 chapters so far. Most of what she's covering is not new to me, and in theory it's what I've been trying to accomplish in this past year. But, she ramps it up a bit and so it is helping me see some areas in which I can make subtle changes.

So far this is what I'm gathering:

• 6 smaller meals/day (each consisting of lean protein and complex carbs, ever 2-3 hours)
• make breakfast your biggest meal, and never skip it
  
• drink more water and be sure to start the day with 16 oz. before eating
• eat only "clean" foods....nothing that man has had a hand in making other than to plant or slaughter (sorry, maybe too graphic for some of you).

And as a result here are the changes to my diet so far:

Breakfast: 16 oz. H2O first. Then coffee, 2 egg whites (sometimes with veggies if scrambled) and a bowl of oatmeal with fruit in it. This is actually equivalent to what I was having before in terms of points/calories, but it is "cleaner"....less fat, cholestrol, and processing (like what happens with the bagels and waffles when they are made). It's adding more fiber (which satiates better), leaner protein (without the added fat of the egg yolk), and complex carbs from the fruit.

Mid-late a.m.: Water. Joseph's pita with lettuce, slice of turkey, and cucumbers OR apple with 1/2 Tbsp. of almond butter. I still need to investigate turkey's "cleanness" in terms of lunchmeat. I also need to investigate Joseph's pitas vs. Ezekial products, which are what Tosca reccommends. In addition, since I just started I don't have EVERYTHING I want to use in the pantry and am making due...I'd like to get flaxseed and wheatgerm to add to the oatmeal at bfast and almonds for a snack. I'm sure I'll keep figuring out new things to add in as time continues.

"Lunch": Water. Since I'm trying to eat more often, lunch is more aptly named meal 3 because it doesn't happen exactly at the "normal" lunch time. I've been doing salad with tuna, and soups that have veggies and lean meats. I'm going to have to figure out adding the protein in more...maybe doing a protein smoothie (which is something she reccommends...as long as there aren't alot of other additives).

Afternoon: Water. carrots (or other veggie), fruit, and almonds, OR yogurt (which can contain protein). Again, I have to work on this. And I'm going to have to work on giving up diet coke...ugh. I really LOVE that one/day, but I know that I would be SO much better off without the artificial sweetner and since it's proven to make you crave more sweets I really need to ditch it.

Dinner: Water. since we eat dinner so early (due to the kiddos) I feel like I can fit one more small meal in by the end of the day. Dinner will mostly likely stay the same but maybe watch portions a little more and try to cut down or out the wine.

After dinner: stop the water so I don't have to get up ALL night:) I've yet to figure this one out...maybe it will help to keep reading the book, eh?

Okay, so that's just to give you an update, maybe help you see someone else's day, and more importantly put it out there so that some of you can give me some input on other ideas and changes...help!

I'll have to let you know how it goes!