3 Years and Counting

Tuesday, April 14 was our 3 year anniversary! It has gone by so fast, and it seems like we have been together forever.

S had the day off work; I did not. He got some big "to-do's" checked off the foster care list. He went to CPR and took Ms. Chica to get her shots. Then, he cooked his famous "Date Dinner" for me (salmon, asparagus, and roasted new potatoes with dill). YUM!!!

Year 3 is Leather, and we try to stay with the traditional gifts each year just because it is fun. He got me a Coach Wristlet, and a Coach tote bag! I was not expecting such extravagance!! He says he got them on sale at the outlet, so it wasn't too expensive.

I ordered his gift on Amazon (new kickball cleats), so of course it wasn't here on time. So in lieu of having his real gift, I got him a bag of beef jerky with his card. ---Get it....it's like food leather......

We enjoyed a nice dinner together, then worked on taxes---sooooo romantic

We finally got them done April 15 at 10:00pm. Nothing like waiting until 2 hours to deadline.....

Have a mentioned S is sort of a procrastinator?? :)

During our anniversary dinner, we also had our annual "DTR" (Define the Relationship). This is something I started a long time ago when I was single and dating. We always did it before we got married, and much to S' chagrin I ask we continue the tradition.

Basically, it is an opportunity for us to "check-in" on our feelings about the marriage. We shared this time about if marriage is meeting our expectations, is it close to what we thought it would be or not.

We both agree we are great partners, and we are really good at compromising so we both get our needs/wants met.  We both agree that we do things the other finds annoying, but that there are so many great things it isn't worth getting upset about.

We both talked about how people say marriage is so hard. We are still waiting for that to happen......
Hey- maybe it won't!

Then we talked about our future kiddos, and how being parents might change our marriage. We are both a little nervous about that. And we agreed to make sure we focus on each other when we do get our kids. I just hope we can put it into practice.

I already know what will be our stressors when we have kids. My impatience, and his infinite patience (which sometimes looks like the aforementioned procrastination) and that he doesn't do what I want when I want it. He refuses to let me boss him around! How frustrating! ;)

If he would just do everything I said when I say it everything would be great....Right????

No, no, no. I don't really want that. I have to keep that in check and let him be his own person......I love that outcome, but I have to remind myself that it's better this way!

So here we go. 3 years of marriage, about to have kids for the first time, and we only have
FFFOOORRRREVVEERRRR to go!!!

(Sandlot reference.....we say it almost daily and both wrote it in our cards to each other.)
:)

Shit just got REAL!

We have baby items. In our home. For our baby(ies).

It's surreal that it's real! This is really happening!!

We are just getting some serious basic items we would need for any kiddo from 0-2. I scored some great things (not pictured) used from some facebook groups. Seriously great deals for very gently used or not at all used.

I think we just need cribs, bedding, and car seats and we will be all set.

Those are big items, but we might be able to get my niece's crib, maybe her car seat, and I am meeting someone this week for 1 set of bedding.

And I went to Babies R Us this weekend to decide on car seats, a stroller and a diaper bag. I have made my choices, now I am going to shop around to get the best prices.

Also, I don't think we are going to get a stroller right now. It seems better to wait until we meet our kids and get to know them a little. Also, I don't really want a stroller. I know that seems crazy but I would rather wear them or carry them.

I can see occasions when it would be necessary, but those probably won't happen right away. I hope.....

Phase 2

We graduated from Foster/Adopt Training last night! Phase 1 is OVER!

Phase 2 starts today! I just spent over $300 on our baby and all the safety requirements. I love Amazon. It's a problem. But I compared prices and with Prime free shipping on almost everything, it was worth going online.

I really just got some basics, but I really don't know what we are going to need. It's weird because we have so many unknowns. Like, we could get either 1 or 2 kids at one time. The kid(s) could be from Newborn to 2 years old. We have no idea and won't know until about an hour before they arrive.

I got what I think we will need for any of the above: a pack n' play, wipes, shampoo, body wash, hooded towels, swaddle blankets, thermometer, lotion, changing pad, and "lovies." Then a ton of safety stuff. An Oven lock, cabinet locks, medications lock boxes (yes, we have to have 2. Really, we might need 3 but will start with 2), and outlet covers.

I love our home, it is clearly a custom built house. There are cabinets and drawers EVERYWHERE! I love it because of storage space, but hate it for baby-proofing. So many locks..............

We will have to make a Wal-Mart run after we get "The Call" for diapers, food, clothes, etc. Important things that are really age specific.

All we have left to do is get cribs, car seats, and a glider. Big things yes, but that's about all we need for the first day (I think/Hope).

There we just have to get a Fire Inspection ("Call Chuck"), get our fire extinguishers "tagged" (whatever the hell that means), and online training. Then, the home study and we are ready!!!

I am feeling confident we can meet our Mid-May self-imposed deadline and finally meet our babies!

I did a really cool thing

Today I testified in a Texas State Senate Committee hearing. It was so rad!

I only found out about the hearing on Monday, e-mailed and connected to the person in charge Tuesday, and went Wednesday morning. The bill is about a loan repayment program for counselor's who work with Medicaid, CHIP, and correctional facilities. Basically, I just told them what I know and have seen the past 8 years working "in the systems."

I had 3 minutes to say my peace. My coworkers helped me refine my speech after I wrote it, timed me practicing, and encouraged me all day Tuesday. It was really great to have everyone enthusiastic and supportive of what I was doing.

Then, I totally nailed the speech! I was perfectly timed, at 2 minutes, 45 seconds. I said everything clearly and without stumble. I made good eye contact with all 8 Senators on the committee, and many of their aids (who do a ton of the work). One Senator asked me a question about my speech, to clarify a point he didn't understand thoroughly. I answered expertly and succinctly. Out of the 4 people testifying at the same time, I totally did the best. Not that I am biased....

The woman who connected me is the Executive Director of the Texas Counseling Association. She enthusiastically said what a great job I did, and e-mailed my old professor telling her how helpful and great I was. What an EGO BOOST! I was so High afterward, it was a great rush! I want to do it again!

I also managed to get my TB test read this morning, all before 1pm. I snuck in the doctor visit before going back to work. One more thing scratched off the Baby To-Do List.

S and I have been rocking the list this week! I have crossed off 1-2 things everyday last week and this week. He was able to go get several things done even while working a ton. I'm so proud of us!

I hope to be able to turn in all the paperwork on Monday, which is the last day of training. Only a few more things to do before then!

I feel super "nest-y." Like I want to organize, re-arrange, paint, buy stuff, etc. We estimate to be able to be "open" to a kid by mid-May so I guess that technically makes me about 8 months Paper Pregnant. WOW that's a big thing I never thought would happen to me/us.

Good things are happening..........................

WE MADE IT!!!!

We did it! We successfully completed the 28-Day Clean Eating Challenge!




Rachel:

Starting Weight 140.4

Finishing Weight 135.6

=5 POUNDS!



Skie:

Starting Weight 196

Finishing Weight 186

=10 POUNDS!!


This is more weight loss than I really anticipated. I am so impressed with us!

To be totally honest, Saturday we both went a little half-assed at eating clean too. We went to a friend's house for his birthday and they had Pizza Hut. We did each have 2 small slices of pizza. It was the first cheese either of us had in the whole month. It was pretty good in the moment, but you know I could have lived without it.


And eating pizza like that isn't normal for us at anytime, but it was there and it was served for dinner so we did it. We probably won't have pizza like that again for a LONG TIME. We do make homemade pizza, and sometimes will have a Newman's Own thin crust. Both are much better than a pizza hut pizza.


OK, So I want to write a full price breakdown and review.


The products came out to $9 a day for each of us. Then, we spent $168 on groceries. That's $3 a day each.


For a total of $12 on food. That's so cheap! We did have some things already at home, so that cut down on the costs. We started with some frozen meat, but did buy some chicken, fish, and beef during the month. Also, what made it less was Thanksgiving. We didn't include the Thanksgiving meal or really even that whole weekend of food. So if you want to know how much it will cost you, add 3 days into our grocery budget.


We saved a ton of money on: alcohol, coffee, creamer, junk food, eating out, and cigarettes. The cleanse is cheaper for us than regular months. We should probably make some changes going forward.......


Both of us decided to not drink coffee daily. I love it so I will have it on the weekends, and have tea during the week. I didn't like the Arbonne Detox Tea flavor, so I am using Tazo now. S likes the Detox Tea, so he is going to continue drinking it daily.


We both agreed having the shake in the morning is a positive, easy thing to do. I bought more chocolate powder so we can do that every morning for breakfast. S told me he is really bad at eating breakfast usually and he feels SO MUCH when he has something in the morning. He just doesn't always have time to eat, which is why drinking the shake is perfect for him!


Major changes for me are going to include NO CARBS for dinner. We had healthy sloppy joe sliders for dinner last night, and the bread, while delicious, wiped me out! I fell asleep on the couch at 8:30. I haven't fallen asleep on the couch after dinner in over a month. (Not a coincidence!) I think they just make me super sleepy, and rundown feeling at night. It's probably ok during the day in limited quantities but for sure none at dinner time.


We both had some really big challenges during the 28-days, but it feels so good to overcome them! We both feel proud of ourselves and much healthier!


I am going to miss some things about being on the challenge. I will miss the planning we had to do, and having 2 meals already made first thing in the morning. I will also miss the Facebook page. When you sign up for the challenge, you get added to a closed Facebook group and the leader of the group posts multiple times a day with encouragement, suggestions, reasons to stay focused and not cheat, etc. It was a great way to know we weren't alone, and to get motivation! Sometimes I would want to snack on something at work, and would see a post on the group. It really reminded me daily why we committed to this.


I know we will continue down the path of clean eating!

Day 7

Happy to report Day 7 was easy. No cravings, no problems, just feeling good.
I noticed I had more energy in the evening when I got home from work, which was nice since we have so much to do before Thursday-Thanksgiving!!!

Also, my birthday is Wednesday. I keep forgetting and having to remind myself. The b-day is not a big deal to me usually but at least I remember......

This should be a good excuse to fall back on if I forget anyone else's birthday. I can't even remember my own, much less anyone else's!!!

Dinner last night was particularly tasty. We discovered awhile back this brand called Red Fork that makes pouches of sauce. We like the Sloppy Joe version. Then we found a sauce for asparagus, and chicken!  So last night we had:
 Red Fork Lemon Herb Asparagus Seasoning Sauce on Asparagus
Red Fork Tomato Olive Skillet Sauce on Chicken

So good, so easy, and other than having more sodium than we usually eat they are very "Clean" products! Check them out!

Weekend 1- Days 4-6

Well you win some and you lose some. We have been doing so good eating exactly on the plan and only what's on the plan. In fact, a couple of days I didn't even make it to 1200 calories and didn't really feel hungry.

Last night (Sunday) was the first weigh in. I lost 1 lb. (then it was back Monday morning) and S has lost 2 lbs. That's it. I really don't feel upset or disappointed by that. I am loving eating all the clean food, staying away from all the processed crap and drinking 2 meals a day. I actually like it.

But. What happened was.........we decided to have a little cheat day on Saturday night. We drank some beers. And maybe had a couple cigarettes. I know, I know. We shouldn't have.

It was so easy to rationalize the choice, and we were both miserable after working all week, not smoking, and not eating any junk food. My brain was PISSED! I could feel it, my dopamine and serotonin levels were at an all time low, I was just an addict without their drug. Unfortunately, after the first cigarette I felt all the way back to "normal." It's bad. I'm an addict (nicotine, not the beer). I didn't "need" a beer the way I "needed" the smoke.

I know I can quit though. I have done it before, and I can do it again. I just have to be strong. We got right back on track Sunday, and don't plan on smoking again. It's just back to keeping focused on the goal.

I am terrible at blogging over the weekends. I don't really have a computer at home, just a tablet. The blog doesn't work well on it. So I also did not succeed in my goal to blog for 30 days straight. But hey-No one is perfect. Right???

We have had some great dinners though. I want to write them down here so next time we do this I will remember!

Friday Dinner- Spaghetti Squash with Organic Red Sauce and grilled onions and garlic. YUMMY!!!

Saturday Dinner- Baked Cauliflower and leftover spaghetti squash. The Cauliflower was awesome! We bought 2 more at the store yesterday, we liked it so much!

Sunday Dinner/Lunch- We only had one protein shake Sunday because we were out most of the day. We ate a Chipolte. It was pretty good. We both had the salad bowl, with grilled veggies, meat, red salsa, and guacamole. And halfway through the bowl we were full! So we had dinner too! On diet-and delicious, and cheap!

I Hit a Wall- Also Known as Day 3.

Day 3-Wednesday.

Why is it not Thursday (the end of my work week)??????
I just want to be in my bed.......
I hate this......it's stupid/I'm quitting/and every variation of that sentiment

Those were my thoughts most of Day 3. By far THE WORST DAY! I was so miserable all day. For several reasons.

First, I am tired. My body had become quite accustomed to the arsenal of stimulants I provided regularly. Coffee, Cigarettes, Sugar on regular dosing intervals. I was never without a stimulant.

Now I have NONE. And my body continues to let me know via headaches, grumpiness, general un-comfortableness, and tiredness.

Second, I am constipated.
(Disclaimer: This paragraph is going to be full of TMI. Skip if you can't handle it)
I am open about talking about my poop, and other people's for that matter. It's an important part of our functioning health. Anyways, I haven't had a legitimate #2 since Sunday!  It has been incredibly painful. My stomach is very loud, letting me and everyone else know what's up.
We both drank some Traditional Medicinals Smooth Moves Tea  (if you are ever constipated or just not regular, this stuff is amazing!!)Tuesday night. It worked for S (of course) but not for me.

Third, I have cravings! For coffee, sugar, and nicotine! All the time! The cigarette craving was particularly strong. For about 12 hours. It was rough. Luckily the Husband is a rock, and helped me through it!

I took a bath after work to help me relax, and it helped.

Dinner was pretty good, or I was just happy to be eating solid food....
Baked chicken with garlic and onion
Romaine Lettuce
Black Beans
Brown Rice
Salsa
Mix it all together for a yummy salad bowl a la Chipolte.

Our Day 3 Smoothie- 
(Tip: Keep the smoothies simple, Day 2's smoothie just had too much going on to be good!)
8 scoops (4 "meals") Arbonne Chocolate protein powder
2 scoops fiber
2 scoops Greens Balance
Coconut milk
Water
Ice

Snacks-
S: Avocado, unsalted mixed nuts
R: Carrots/Hummus (I should have had more calories today, but didn't because my stomach hurt so bad)

2 Down- 26 to go!!

Still going strong more than halfway into day 2!

Eventful Notes about last night:
A friend of mine got a job yesterday, and wanted me to meet her at the bar to celebrate. I had a moment of weakness, texted S to see if he was in, and then thought better of it. S was not pleased. He was pretty grumpy in general yesterday, so that just really pissed him off. OOPS......

And my friend apologized for tempting me, after of course she begged me to go! "Support" people- learn what it means :)

Last Night's Dinner:
Baked Mahi Mahi- 15min. with lemon and dill
Steamed broccoli- with lemon and pepper
Raw Spinach- with olive oil, lemon, and pepper dressing

S got his plate, looked down, looked up at me dramatically and said "Great, it's all green with lemon."
I laughed.
Couldn't help it. He was so downtrodden and sad looking and so dang dramatic!
He was really actually grumpy though, so I stifled the laugh and said something encouraging/supportive.

I liked dinner, thought it wasn't that far off from other meals we eat.

I had a surprising amount of energy too. I did dishes, cleaned up around the house, and didn't watch too much TV before heading to bed.

So far today (it's 4:37pm):
I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired earlier this afternoon. I started falling asleep reading a book on my computer at work. though it could have been because Tuesday's are the sloooowwwwwest days ever at work. Either way- I was tired. But I went "to lunch" with some coworkers, we went shopping and I perked right back up.

Tuesday Smoothie (b-fast and lunch)-
Vanilla protein powder
Fiber powder
Green Balance
Spinach
Frozen blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
Unsweetened coconut milk

Reviews: Not super good. I say it tastes too powder-y. S says it's too berry-ie.
Tomorrow's plan: Straight up protein powder and either coconut milk or water.

I'll keep you posted, I'm sure everyone is on the edge of their seat waiting for the news..................
:)

Day 1

Day 1 of the 28-Day Arbonne Clean Eating Challenge is here!!!! And I'm halfway through the day already!

I think the hardest part of this challenge is going to be getting up at 6am to make S' smoothies! I usually don't wake up until 7:30, but he really needs help getting out of the house so early so I have agreed to make our breakfast and lunch shakes at 6 am! Today I went back to sleep, but tomorrow the goal is to actually utilize the time being awake to workout!

I feel confused on where to start with a new exercise plan. I am a "Class" kind of exerciser. I used to love going to Body Pump, Yoga, and the Kickboxing class at the gym. My current schedule  and living in the country doesn't really work with the gym's schedule. Then, I was running/walking around the neighborhood which was perfect. But it is way, way too cold for that!

Now what do I do? I will try to find a You Tube video (though I haven't had success with that in the past.....) and/or lift weights in the Man Cave. We will just have to wait and see how it goes.....

But back to today......
This morning I made S and I smoothies for breakfast and lunch! The recipe is so easy.....
4 scoops Chocolate protein powder
2 scoops Fiber powder
2 scoops Greens Balance
Coconut Milk (unsweetened)
3 spoonful's Almond Butter
1 banana (should have added another banana.....)
Ice

That's it.......

Now it's 1pm and I am having a Digestion Plus and Fizz Stick in my water, with a handful of mixed unsalted nuts (almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, pecans, pistachios). And I am not hungry!

Surprisingly, I haven't had an cigarette cravings either. Usually by this time of the day I have already had 2 and getting ready for 2 more on my lunch break. But I'm good.
Fingers Crossed this feeling continuities!

For Lunch (at 2:30) I am going to have an avocado, and the same protein shake I had for breakfast.

If I need a snack before my 6:30 counseling group, I will have either more nuts or an apple.

For Dinner (at 9:30pm) :( We will have baked Mahi-Mahi on a bed of spinach, onion, tomato, and bell peppers with olive oil and lemon dressing. Sounds yumm to me! And it isn't that different from a "normal" meal for us. We would have just used store bought salad dressing instead of olive oil and lemon.

A note about prepping: I went to Costco Friday to stock up. I spent $150! That's so cheap for 2 of us, and it will last 2 weeks! And I bought 3 bottles of wine for Thanksgiving! Then, I spent $20 on grass-fed beef and some organic Kale at the local store. I have to go to the grocery store today for a few things, and it will likely cost me $20. Not spending any more on groceries than usual, and saving money on booze and junk food!
Last night we also weighed ourselves and took some measurements. Not either of our proudest moments.......We *might* share when this is over............