So I've been thinking

I just finished watching "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" on my DVR. It really had me thinking. I learned that chocolate milk has more sugar than a can of soda. CRAZY! Good thing, Brianna rarely gets any.

My mission: Try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. I took a look at what was in my pantry and the ingredients that were in some of the stuff and I was blown away by all the words I couldn't pronounce. So we are going to try to get rid of those and cook fresh. Yes it will take longer, but if I plan well then I think we should do okay. Most of you know that I LIVE by planning so it shouldn't be to difficult. Don't worry, we will still have an occasional box of Hamburger Helper! I don't want to be a food SNOB!!!

There are a few books that I want to read that will help me achieve this goal for my family.

Here's my list:


Jamie’s Food Revolution: Rediscover How to Cook Simple, Delicious, Affordable Meals

Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual

In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto

I'm not saying that we will cut out all processed foods, we don't eat a ton of them already, but I already know where I want to start and what I want to cut out of our family's food.

The other thing I want to do is plant a garden. I mean a full out garden so if anyone is a pro and wants to come help me, that would be FABULOUS!!

So what do I hope to achieve by cutting out processed foods, better health. And hopefully a good recipe for homemade yogurt. Anyone know any good recipes for that?

I do LOVE to cook so this is going to be fun. I am definitely going to have to plan my meals better. We do eat a good variety of fruits and veggies. Brianna loves ARTICHOKES and ASPARAGUS. I'm pretty proud of that! How many 4 1/2 year olds do? It seems pretty uncommon.

What do you guys do to try to make healthy recipes for you and/or your family?

This really touched me --I AM THE CHILD

A saw this on one of my friend's Facebook Page. I really wanted to share this. You might want Kleenex nearby.


I AM THE CHILD

I am the child who cannot talk. You often pity me, I see it in your eyes. You wonder how much I am aware of -- I see that as well. I am aware of much -- whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if you are just doing your duty by me. I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater, for I cannot express myself or my needs as you do.

You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times. I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated. I do not give you answers to your everyday questions, responses over my well-being, sharing my needs, or comments about the world about me. I do not give you rewards as defined by the world's standards -- great strides in development that you can credit yourself; I do not give you understanding as you know it.

What I give you is so much more valuable -- I give you instead opportunities. Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine; the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities; the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible. I drive you further than you would ever go on your own, working harder, seeking answers to your many questions with no answers. I am the child who cannot talk.

I am the child who cannot walk. The world seems to pass me by. You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair, to run and play like other children. There is much you take for granted. I want the toys on the shelf, I need to go to the bathroom, oh I've dropped my fork again. I am dependant on you in these ways. My gift to you is to make you more aware of your great fortune, your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself. Sometimes people appear not to notice me; I always notice them. I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright, to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent. I give you awareness. I am the child who cannot walk.

I am the child who is mentally impaired. I don't learn easily, if you judge me by the world's measuring stick, what I do know is infinite joy in simple things. I am not burdened as you are with the strifes and conflicts of a more complicated life. My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child, to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love. I give you the gift of simplicity. I am the child who is mentally impaired.

I am the disabled child. I am your teacher. If you allow me, I will teach you what is really important in life. I will give you and teach you unconditional love. I gift you with my innocent trust, my dependency upon you. I teach you about how precious this life is and about not taking things for granted. I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams. I teach you giving. Most of all I teach you hope and faith. I am the disabled child.

- Author Unknown -

This is how I feel

Good thing my hair is getting done later today. Then I can take out my frustration during my spin class tonight. Not sure how much more I can take!

Trying something new

Since I hurt my leg running. I have to do other exercises. My brother really wants me to do P90X. He's had great results. I have all the stuff to start that program but it seems so intimidating. So at the moment, Dylan's teacher and I are doing a spin class, weight lifting, Zumba, turbo kickboxing and then the elliptical. Of course this isn't all in one day. It's nice having a workout buddy. It's helping me stay motivated!! The ab work at the end of kickboxing is killing me. Too many Zigzags:)

I'm so not this happy while I'm kickboxing!!!!

I LOVE this things!!!!:)