... Finally seeing the results of the professional photos taken of us last month, while visiting The Grand Teton National Park. The backdrop is so spectactular, it almost doesn't look real. Can't wait to share some of my favorite photos with all of you!
... Getting dressed for church this morning and the size 4 skirt that I love actually fitting! All the healthy eating and walking is already paying off!
... Sitting in church this morning listening to the music, holding my handsome husband's hand.
... Preparing a healthy, yummy dinner tonight and watching football.
... Knowing that this week I get to announce to my co-workers that the dreaded government audit I've been preparing the company for, over the last 8 months, has been postponed until sometime next year. Which means, I have even more time to prepare!
... Being grateful for all that I have.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Little Miss Independent
We have one very well-adjusted, confident, independent little girl. Which means, Ian and I have done something right these first few years of Ava's life. I feel good about that.
Ava's Pre-K teacher instructing her students to line up.
Ava following directions! I am so proud. Ha! =)
Still following directions...
Ava loves her new desk with her name on it.
Her schedule for the first half of today.
Our little Ava is growing up too fast.
Parents were permitted to stick around this morning and help their little student with their first art project. Ava asked me to leave. Is she already embarrassed by me? I sure hope not. I think she just wanted to do everything herself today. And I'm okay with that--because I was the same way as a child. I didn't need any ones help.
Ava's Pre-K teacher instructing her students to line up.Ava following directions! I am so proud. Ha! =)Still following directions...Ava loves her new desk with her name on it.Her schedule for the first half of today.Our little Ava is growing up too fast.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Some Helpful Healthy Hints
Think going Organic is too expensive? It doesn't have to be, if you're willing to look a little harder for organic products at grocery stores such as Safeway. I didn't have time today to go to Whole Foods or Trader Joes, so I headed to my local Safeway. They're constantly stocking their shelves with more organic products and expanding their 'Eating Right' products. Here's a few of the items I brought home:
Organic fruit juice--no sugar added. Also in lemonade. Great for school lunches for Ava.
And for Ava's sweet tooth (and maybe mine as well), a little chocolate pudding. Low in fat, and no added high fructose corn syrup.
Again, more treats to put in her lunch that I can feel somewhat good about... this is a much better alternative to Cheetos or other chip.
More choices for beverages in the morning or when Ava gets home from school.
I also picked up this package of string cheese, and was happy to see that 'no added growth hormones' were added. This is how all food packaging should look--clear and concise. Easy to make a decision as a mom.
Organic fruit juice--no sugar added. Also in lemonade. Great for school lunches for Ava.And for Ava's sweet tooth (and maybe mine as well), a little chocolate pudding. Low in fat, and no added high fructose corn syrup.Again, more treats to put in her lunch that I can feel somewhat good about... this is a much better alternative to Cheetos or other chip.More choices for beverages in the morning or when Ava gets home from school. I also picked up this package of string cheese, and was happy to see that 'no added growth hormones' were added. This is how all food packaging should look--clear and concise. Easy to make a decision as a mom.For Ava's lunch tomorrow, I'm packing her a chicken sandwich on whole wheat bread, a container of green, crunchy grapes, a handful of organic graham cookies, and a healthy juice drink. For her mid-morning snack, I'll pack her some organic baby carrots with organic ranch dressing.
Just washed her little school uniform. I'm so excited to take her to school tomorrow morning. Sometimes change can be scary...and sometimes it's just so exciting. A new chapter begins.
Gotta go for my walk now. I got 3 miles ahead of me...and for once in my life, I'm actually not dreading it.
Just washed her little school uniform. I'm so excited to take her to school tomorrow morning. Sometimes change can be scary...and sometimes it's just so exciting. A new chapter begins.
Gotta go for my walk now. I got 3 miles ahead of me...and for once in my life, I'm actually not dreading it.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Decisions....Decisions....
I'm a very decisive person. Some people would probably call me stubborn. Whatever you call it, I like the fact that once I've made up my mind, it's difficult to sway me into another direction. It's not that I always think I'm right--it's just that when I have to make a decision, I weigh all options and look at the pros and cons. And of course I discuss all of this with Ian and Ava. So once we've come to an agreement, I know it's the best decision and I don't look back.
This week we made one of those decisions regarding this next year of Ava's life. After re-evaluating the program, tuition costs, and environment at her current Pre-School-Tutor Time, we decided to enroll Ava into a different Pre-K program at a new school. As a result, Friday was her last day at Tutor Time. Ava said good-bye to her teacher and friends and walked out like it was no big deal. I only got teary-eyed when I saw Ava say good-bye and hug her best buddy at school, Kennedy. Kennedy had no idea she would no longer be seeing Ava again every day at school. It was difficult, but I knew we had made the right decision for Ava's future.
Monday is her first day at a new Private Christian school. And Ava is so excited to meet new friends and experience a new school. Today, we have to get her sized for her new school uniforms. Yep--little Ava has to wear a uniform every day. Which is definitely going to take some getting used to. However, not being able to wear her favorite outfits to school is a small sacrifice to make considering how much she'll learn at this new school. We believe the program and the Christian based curriculum at this new school will better prepare Ava for Kindergarten and all of life's challenges that may come her way.
Here she is trying on her new uniform!
This is the look of "I'm not so sure about this whole uniform thing..."
This week we made one of those decisions regarding this next year of Ava's life. After re-evaluating the program, tuition costs, and environment at her current Pre-School-Tutor Time, we decided to enroll Ava into a different Pre-K program at a new school. As a result, Friday was her last day at Tutor Time. Ava said good-bye to her teacher and friends and walked out like it was no big deal. I only got teary-eyed when I saw Ava say good-bye and hug her best buddy at school, Kennedy. Kennedy had no idea she would no longer be seeing Ava again every day at school. It was difficult, but I knew we had made the right decision for Ava's future.
Monday is her first day at a new Private Christian school. And Ava is so excited to meet new friends and experience a new school. Today, we have to get her sized for her new school uniforms. Yep--little Ava has to wear a uniform every day. Which is definitely going to take some getting used to. However, not being able to wear her favorite outfits to school is a small sacrifice to make considering how much she'll learn at this new school. We believe the program and the Christian based curriculum at this new school will better prepare Ava for Kindergarten and all of life's challenges that may come her way.
Here she is trying on her new uniform!
This is the look of "I'm not so sure about this whole uniform thing..."
Monday, August 17, 2009
Enlightened
(Posted on Sat. 22nd, 2009)
I love Saturdays. I love the feeling when I wake up and realize that I don't have to log in for work or call into a conference call. The only thing on my agenda this morning was to get a cup of coffee, feed the dogs, and get Ava a bowl of Cheerios. And today, I know I had a lot of blogging to do. I know I was MIA all week--it was a very busy week. Work has become insane as we get closer to being audited by the Federal Government. But I'll save those details for another day because I have far too many other things to write about today.
I was also very preoccupied this week with cooking. Last weekend the Flynn family took a little field trip to Whole Foods and stocked up on some very healthy ingredients for some very healthy and yummy meals.
I finished the book: 'The Unhealthy Truth' in about 2 days, and boy, have I learned a lot about the food industry, agriculture and government politics! It's a fascinating, scary read that has definitely helped to open my eyes. I don't think I'll ever be able to look at food the same way.
Some key points from the book I'll share:
1. When reading statistics or results from studies regarding the safety of food products, always look to see who conducted the research and who funded the study. Many times it's the food manufacturer companies (Kraft, etc) that fund the studies, hire the scientists and oversee the results of the studies. Not a very objective point of view. These big corporations have a BIG invested interest to ensure the results of any study support their objectives (which is usually their bottom line $$$).
2. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is corrupt and is bought by big corporations. It's unbelievable to me how many individuals who have worked for food manufacturers and now work for the FDA. It's incestuous really.
3. Most corn products, diary etc. is genetically modified and filled with hormones, antibiotics, and other bad stuff like utter pus; and little studies have actually been done to see the affects of this food to our bodies. Genetically Modified food is prohibited in other countries, but not in the US. Very scary...
- If you drink milk make sure it's rBGH-free (rBGH is a growth hormone). That also applies to yogurt, cheese, etc.
- Make sure to only buy Organic chicken, and other meats to ensure you're not ingesting hormones, antibiotics, or other chemicals that the animals are given and/or ingest.
- Stay away from anything artificial (sweeteners, coloring, etc). Yellow mac n' cheese powder is all chemicals. And I used to eat that all the time!
- Buy organic fruit--otherwise too much pesticides on and in the fruit.
- Soy products are horrible for our system--yet is almost found in everything we eat. Soy has been genetically modified so much as well as peanuts, which is why so many children have peanut allergies. Again, little research has been done on the actual long-term affects to our bodies, thanks to big lobbyists from big companies. Companies refuse to actual admit publicly the real risks we take by eating so much soy.
- High fructose corn syrup--bad news. This I already knew. But it's in everything it seems...
I know it can be overwhelming to read all of that...after reading the book I certainly asked myself "so what is there left to eat?" Surprisingly, cutting out all the chemicals is pretty simple--if you're willing to carefully read labels. In other countries, their governments regulate packaging of food to include warnings regarding genetically modified foods--but not in the U.S. We're forced to have to try to understand ingredients we can't even pronounce, must less understand what they mean or how these artificial ingredients, chemicals, antibiotics affect our bodies and minds.
Having said that though--the reality is, I do have a 4 year-old that loves sweets. And I'm not going to deny her these goodies. However, these "treats" are going to be more the exception, rather than the rule. I am going to be a little more strict with what I allow her to eat because I don't want her to ingest chemicals and other stuff that could be harmful to her health.
In case you're curious, here's what we ate for dinner this past week.
Last Sunday- Grilled Pineapple and Scallops Teriyaki with rice
Monday- Organic Greens with Organic Buffalo Chicken with Blue Cheese
Tuesday- Mushroom and Swiss Patty Melt (Organic Ground Turkey) with Peas
Wednesday- Grilled Halibut Salad
Thursday- Sweet Italian Sausage (made with Organic Chicken) with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Last night- Red Brick Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza (Yeah, I needed to have something bad this week)!
All recipes listed above can be found on the Whole Food website.
I mentioned in one of my last posts, that I had set a goal for myself to walk at least 10 miles per week around my neighborhood. Not only did I meet that goal, I surpassed it with walking closer to 14 miles!!! And I have to say, I'm already feeling so much better. By exercising, I have slept better this week and have been able to concentrate more at work. I think the combination of eating better and exercising is really making a difference. Now the true test will be whether or not I can keep it all up!
I love Saturdays. I love the feeling when I wake up and realize that I don't have to log in for work or call into a conference call. The only thing on my agenda this morning was to get a cup of coffee, feed the dogs, and get Ava a bowl of Cheerios. And today, I know I had a lot of blogging to do. I know I was MIA all week--it was a very busy week. Work has become insane as we get closer to being audited by the Federal Government. But I'll save those details for another day because I have far too many other things to write about today.
I was also very preoccupied this week with cooking. Last weekend the Flynn family took a little field trip to Whole Foods and stocked up on some very healthy ingredients for some very healthy and yummy meals.
I finished the book: 'The Unhealthy Truth' in about 2 days, and boy, have I learned a lot about the food industry, agriculture and government politics! It's a fascinating, scary read that has definitely helped to open my eyes. I don't think I'll ever be able to look at food the same way.
Some key points from the book I'll share:
1. When reading statistics or results from studies regarding the safety of food products, always look to see who conducted the research and who funded the study. Many times it's the food manufacturer companies (Kraft, etc) that fund the studies, hire the scientists and oversee the results of the studies. Not a very objective point of view. These big corporations have a BIG invested interest to ensure the results of any study support their objectives (which is usually their bottom line $$$).
2. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is corrupt and is bought by big corporations. It's unbelievable to me how many individuals who have worked for food manufacturers and now work for the FDA. It's incestuous really.
3. Most corn products, diary etc. is genetically modified and filled with hormones, antibiotics, and other bad stuff like utter pus; and little studies have actually been done to see the affects of this food to our bodies. Genetically Modified food is prohibited in other countries, but not in the US. Very scary...
- If you drink milk make sure it's rBGH-free (rBGH is a growth hormone). That also applies to yogurt, cheese, etc.
- Make sure to only buy Organic chicken, and other meats to ensure you're not ingesting hormones, antibiotics, or other chemicals that the animals are given and/or ingest.
- Stay away from anything artificial (sweeteners, coloring, etc). Yellow mac n' cheese powder is all chemicals. And I used to eat that all the time!
- Buy organic fruit--otherwise too much pesticides on and in the fruit.
- Soy products are horrible for our system--yet is almost found in everything we eat. Soy has been genetically modified so much as well as peanuts, which is why so many children have peanut allergies. Again, little research has been done on the actual long-term affects to our bodies, thanks to big lobbyists from big companies. Companies refuse to actual admit publicly the real risks we take by eating so much soy.
- High fructose corn syrup--bad news. This I already knew. But it's in everything it seems...
I know it can be overwhelming to read all of that...after reading the book I certainly asked myself "so what is there left to eat?" Surprisingly, cutting out all the chemicals is pretty simple--if you're willing to carefully read labels. In other countries, their governments regulate packaging of food to include warnings regarding genetically modified foods--but not in the U.S. We're forced to have to try to understand ingredients we can't even pronounce, must less understand what they mean or how these artificial ingredients, chemicals, antibiotics affect our bodies and minds.
Having said that though--the reality is, I do have a 4 year-old that loves sweets. And I'm not going to deny her these goodies. However, these "treats" are going to be more the exception, rather than the rule. I am going to be a little more strict with what I allow her to eat because I don't want her to ingest chemicals and other stuff that could be harmful to her health.
In case you're curious, here's what we ate for dinner this past week.
Last Sunday- Grilled Pineapple and Scallops Teriyaki with rice
Monday- Organic Greens with Organic Buffalo Chicken with Blue Cheese
Tuesday- Mushroom and Swiss Patty Melt (Organic Ground Turkey) with Peas
Wednesday- Grilled Halibut Salad
Thursday- Sweet Italian Sausage (made with Organic Chicken) with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Last night- Red Brick Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza (Yeah, I needed to have something bad this week)!
All recipes listed above can be found on the Whole Food website.
I mentioned in one of my last posts, that I had set a goal for myself to walk at least 10 miles per week around my neighborhood. Not only did I meet that goal, I surpassed it with walking closer to 14 miles!!! And I have to say, I'm already feeling so much better. By exercising, I have slept better this week and have been able to concentrate more at work. I think the combination of eating better and exercising is really making a difference. Now the true test will be whether or not I can keep it all up!
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Power of Knowledge
As part of my journey to get healthy, I'm educating myself on food. I'm re-evaluating how I look at food and the choices I make everyday for myself and my family. What am I putting into my body and how does it affect me? And more importantly- what am I feeding Ava that could possibly be making her sick or have an impact on her health later in life?
I love researching, reading, analyzing...it's what I do for a living. I like to become the expert and educate others. But what I've come to realize about knowledge is that sometimes what I learn creates more anxiety within me, makes me more fearful of the world around me...
Ignorance is bliss at times. On the other hand, ignorance does not help me, protect me or those around me, whom I love very much.
My crusade for knowledge begins with reading The Unhealthy Truth: How our food is making us sick and what we can do about it, by Robyn O'Brien.
I've just started to read this book, but already sirens are going off in my head. I already want to run to our pantry and throw everything out and start fresh. Do you have Goldfish crackers in your pantry? Throw them out. Do you have boxes of Mac n' Cheese? Throw it out! Too many chemicals in these foods--chemicals that our bodies have no idea how to digest. And this is just the beginning.
Want more information now? Visit the AllergyKids website.
I'm lucky, Ava doesn't have any known allergies. But that doesn't mean I'm off the hook as a mother. As I learn more, I will share with all of you as to how changes in our diet changes our life.
And I'm curious--Have any of you already read 'The Unhealthy Truth?' What did you think? How did it change your life?
I love researching, reading, analyzing...it's what I do for a living. I like to become the expert and educate others. But what I've come to realize about knowledge is that sometimes what I learn creates more anxiety within me, makes me more fearful of the world around me...
Ignorance is bliss at times. On the other hand, ignorance does not help me, protect me or those around me, whom I love very much.
My crusade for knowledge begins with reading The Unhealthy Truth: How our food is making us sick and what we can do about it, by Robyn O'Brien.
I've just started to read this book, but already sirens are going off in my head. I already want to run to our pantry and throw everything out and start fresh. Do you have Goldfish crackers in your pantry? Throw them out. Do you have boxes of Mac n' Cheese? Throw it out! Too many chemicals in these foods--chemicals that our bodies have no idea how to digest. And this is just the beginning.
Want more information now? Visit the AllergyKids website.
I'm lucky, Ava doesn't have any known allergies. But that doesn't mean I'm off the hook as a mother. As I learn more, I will share with all of you as to how changes in our diet changes our life.
And I'm curious--Have any of you already read 'The Unhealthy Truth?' What did you think? How did it change your life?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Follow Me
Hey- if you read my blog, click on the icon located on the left side of my blog and "follow me". I can't guarantee it will be an exciting read all the time, but I'd sure like to know who's out there!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Random
(photo courtesy of Ian, taken on one of his walks with the dogs last week) I'm finally able to upload pictures to the blog again. Still haven't figured out what the problem was...but like most things in life, I guess it just worked itself out.
This week is flying by. I've been busy working, cooking, eating healthy and walking. Yeah me!
Last night I walked almost 4 miles around my neighborhood. No music from the iPod blaring in my ears, just the sound of my shoes hitting the pavement and my own crazy thoughts. A storm was brewing on the horizon as I walked, and with each lap I could feel it moving closer and closer, the wind swirling all around me. It was therapeutic. At one point in the walk, I actually began to run...and it felt good. I had almost forgotten the amazing feeling of my endorphins kicking in--such a natural high. I just may have to try it again tonight.
The house sits quiet now. Ian is back at work and Ava is at Preschool. The pooches sleep. I love peace and quiet.
This morning, Ava screamed at me that I didn't do her hair "right". This has been happening all too often these days. She said she wanted a ponytail, but when I gave her a ponytail, she decided it wasn't the "right" ponytail. My bad. Third time around I finally got it right. This is going to get old FAST.
Some random pics to share with you.
Those spooky eyes are Lucky's. Ian took the picture last week on their walk. I think it's so cool that dogs have built-in night vision goggles. 
Our cactus in our front yard shaped like a heart.
Lucky. Such a beauty and so sweet. Since she's been on thyroid meds, she's lost about 8 pounds. She acts like a puppy again and that makes me very happy!
Mean Jean. Still mean at times (she bit me last week), but getting sweeter all the time. Eventually our kisses, hugs, walks, food, and stability has to change her pitt-bull ways, right? Monday, August 10, 2009
Getting Healthy
I'm officially fed up with myself and all of my excuses to postpone changing my ways. All day I sit in front of the computer and feel the rolls on my stomach. Last week I even went so far as to wear a sports bra and shorts while I worked, so I could be reminded why I need to take better care of myself. I did eat a little less that day, but still reached for some Doritos. (I love Doritos!) I try on clothes that I wore last summer--NOTHING fits. It's enough to send me over the edge...
So, I cleaned out our fridge yesterday, which was gross enough to prevent me from eating for a few hours.
Then, I made a list of ingredients to prepare healthy meals all week long. And I headed to Safeway...alone. Ian tried to convince me that if him and Ava tagged along, he would stay out of my way and watch Ava. Yeah, I've heard that one before...Nope, I needed full concentration on my grocery list.
Last night on the menu: Baked Salmon with steamed baby red potatoes, and asparagus. Great start, huh? All night I dreamed of ice cream. That's how much my body hates healthy food.
For lunch today I'm having crab salad and avocado. For snacks I have grapes, nectarines, celery, etc. My fridge is stocked with healthy choices, but let's see what I choose...
Another goal this week: Walk at least 10 miles. (One time around the inside perimeter of our gated neighborhood is 1 mile). I walked 3 laps last night. Yeah me! Only 7 more miles to go!
So, I cleaned out our fridge yesterday, which was gross enough to prevent me from eating for a few hours.
Then, I made a list of ingredients to prepare healthy meals all week long. And I headed to Safeway...alone. Ian tried to convince me that if him and Ava tagged along, he would stay out of my way and watch Ava. Yeah, I've heard that one before...Nope, I needed full concentration on my grocery list.
Last night on the menu: Baked Salmon with steamed baby red potatoes, and asparagus. Great start, huh? All night I dreamed of ice cream. That's how much my body hates healthy food.
For lunch today I'm having crab salad and avocado. For snacks I have grapes, nectarines, celery, etc. My fridge is stocked with healthy choices, but let's see what I choose...
Another goal this week: Walk at least 10 miles. (One time around the inside perimeter of our gated neighborhood is 1 mile). I walked 3 laps last night. Yeah me! Only 7 more miles to go!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Technical Difficulties
I keep trying to upload pictures from our trip and for some reason it's not working... and since I'm not very tech savvy, I don't know what to do to fix this problem. I hope to spend some time this weekend working on the problem. Maybe by Monday you'll get to see some pictures. I've posted some on Facebook already.
I'm still trying to get caught up at work after being away from my computer for 8 days. The company I work for is e-mail crazy so I returned home to find 400+ e-mails. Not all deserved a response, but most at least required me to read. But I still don't regret my decision to not bring my laptop with me on our trip. It's healthy and necessary to "unplug" ourselves and be engaged with those around us.
This past weekend I joined my friend Amy and a bunch of her friends for a girls night out, and we stayed at the AZ Biltmore Resort & Spa Sat. night. I also took the opportunity to book a massage appointment, which was much needed. Even though I'm not very comfortable hanging out and talking to people I don't know very well, I had a nice time hanging out by the pool with everyone and going to dinner. When I get this blog thing working again properly, I'll post a picture.
Ian heads back to work as a teacher next week (finally) and soon we'll be back to our normal, crazy routine. Ava's going to be in for a rude awakening when she has to get out of bed before 8:30 am. She's gotten pretty accustomed to staying up later and waking up when she feels like it. And I'm going to miss my quiet mornings working while everyone else is sleeping.
I'm still trying to get caught up at work after being away from my computer for 8 days. The company I work for is e-mail crazy so I returned home to find 400+ e-mails. Not all deserved a response, but most at least required me to read. But I still don't regret my decision to not bring my laptop with me on our trip. It's healthy and necessary to "unplug" ourselves and be engaged with those around us.
This past weekend I joined my friend Amy and a bunch of her friends for a girls night out, and we stayed at the AZ Biltmore Resort & Spa Sat. night. I also took the opportunity to book a massage appointment, which was much needed. Even though I'm not very comfortable hanging out and talking to people I don't know very well, I had a nice time hanging out by the pool with everyone and going to dinner. When I get this blog thing working again properly, I'll post a picture.
Ian heads back to work as a teacher next week (finally) and soon we'll be back to our normal, crazy routine. Ava's going to be in for a rude awakening when she has to get out of bed before 8:30 am. She's gotten pretty accustomed to staying up later and waking up when she feels like it. And I'm going to miss my quiet mornings working while everyone else is sleeping.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
