tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9656843448754997282024-03-06T00:46:15.728-08:00At His FeetAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-44044972408593645322019-02-04T08:22:00.000-08:002019-02-06T03:52:15.817-08:00The Other Side<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wow, it has been 5 years since my last post! I guess life takes over and some things become more important that others but I still feel it is important to document moments in life that take your breath away. I guess I will start by explaining the title of this post. I am calling it "The Other Side" because I have come across a deep valley and feel like I am finally cresting the hill to the other side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On September 28, 2017 I lost my oldest son David. He was 19, young and beautiful. David was so smart but more than that, he had the biggest heart. His love for others and love for life and excitement often got him into trouble. He tended to go along with whatever his friends wanted to do and at the time of his death, he was facing possible jail time for mistakes he made. David was never one to hide his feelings or his emotions. We all knew he was in trouble but we didn't know how serious it was. The night he took his life, my world came crashing down. All of the guilt and shame for missing it. All of the last conversations, all of the pain of a rough life due to divorce and anger and pushing and pulling lay on my shoulders like a giant weight. It was so much more than I could bear and words could not describe the grief and pain I felt. As I drove the two hours to see my child for the last time, all I could do was play worship music to keep my mind focused on the one thing that I knew would keep me hanging on to that very thin thread. Jesus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just cried and sang as I drove and every few minutes I would reach my hand behind the seat and comfort my youngest son as he cried. It was a horrible, unforgettable night and we never got to see David that night. It would be two days later, on Saturday that we were able to drive back down to Onslow County and I was able to see my baby boy one last time. I almost didn't make it into the room seeing him laid out like that. I remember going back to the hotel room and sitting at the table and crying out to God aloud for him to take this pain and shame and hurt from me. I prayed like that for several minutes and then put my earphones in and walked out on the balcony that overlooked the ocean. As I stared at the sea, a song came on my radio that I had never heard before. It was called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pb_DT0MhY0" target="_blank">Deliverer - Matt Maher</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You see, David did not leave a note so I never knew what his last thoughts and words were but if he could talk to me right there in that moment, I knew that God was giving me this song to remind me that David was His and He has Delivered my son. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Over the next few months, from September to January, I was lost in a haze of alcoholism and fighting God. I was angry and hurt and I could not understand how I was supposed to move forward having experienced my worst fear. I thought if I woke up and let God in, let others in, I would be letting go of my beautiful boy and all that he meant to me. I felt like there was no one else on earth who could understand David the way I did and who I could share with and they understand exactly who he was and how he impacted my life. Thank God for the Holy Spirit who never quit reminding me that He also experienced this pain. He gave up His one and only Son to die for me. He watched His Son be tortured and killed by those He wanted to save. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I went through the grieving process, I believe it was divine appointment that I was also going through a medical program to receive bariatric surgery. Somehow God opened all of the doors for me that could have taken so much longer and my surgery was scheduled for February 20, 2018. Almost exactly five months after losing David. My pre-op diet started January 25, 2018. Part of this clear liquid diet, meant to shrink my liver, also meant I had to give up alcohol. I began to prepare myself mentally and spiritually to finally let this vice go that had been in control of me off and on since I was 21. When the day finally came to start the diet, I went in full force and never looked back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pic from Jan 25, 2018.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To this day, a year later, I do not drink and I pray that the Lord will continue to keep me sober for the rest of my life. In the past, I quit drinking for many reasons, mostly for my loved ones or because I had done something stupid. This time I did not go back after surgery because I realized the impact that this was having on my relationship with God. I can't fully worship God or be in communion with Him if I have another God in my life. For a long time I loved escaping to alcohol more than I loved Jesus. I now know that I cannot live a day without God's peace in my heart. Without Him, I am back to that lost, broken, darkness that almost swallowed me when I lost David. I never ever want to be there again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Without the alcohol to numb me, I began to really go through the process of grief and it was then that I began to study my bible daily. A few days after David's passing, I went to his dad's house and they gave me the Bible that I had sent to David while he was in jail. He had it in the back of his car. That Bible became my lifeline. I read it and mark in it almost every day. I began to see the beautiful story that God has for me in this chapter of my life and my heart became lighter each day just like my body. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pic from Feb. 2, 2019</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God has not only restored my relationship with Him, He has restored my relationship with my children, my husband, my church family and countless others. Things are not perfect. I still have days where I cry out of the blue for my son. I still fail God. The difference is that when I fail, I fall into the arms of my loving Father and ask Him to help me instead of running. My goal now is to reach other mom's who have lost children and share with them a sense of hope. Even if they haven't lost a child, a person who is running from God is not hard to spot and I just want to love them. God has placed in me a love for others that was never fully there before. If it was, I was always quick to put a wall up before I allowed myself to get hurt. I want to learn to love with abandon. No matter what, God is in control and He will fight the battle. It is not on me to "save" or change anyone, I can just be there to love them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span>I miss David every single day. I wanted to share with those of you that feel like you will never come out of the darkness of loss, that there is hope. We recently celebrated David's 21st birthday at the beach. His brothers and sister and my husband came with me and we just spent a weekend together. We can ta<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">lk about him now. We can laugh at some of the memories. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">Here is my Facebook post from his birthday, January 20, 2019. Love and peace to you all.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="background-color: white;"><b>Last year on David James Steen's Birthday we left your ashes in the sea. This year and from now on, I will carry home beautiful broken pieces found in that very sea to remind me of you. Thank you Lord for my broken pieces and for how beautiful they become when tossed in the sea.... Amen</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It has only been a little over a year so I am sure I have much to learn as the days pass. I hope I will be more faithful to share in the journey here on my blog but no promises. One day at a time is all I do now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Much love and peace to all of you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~ Kelley</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-4069341564949868302014-05-12T11:25:00.003-07:002014-05-12T11:25:57.938-07:002.5 and still rolling onHey friends,<br />
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Well it has been a while since I have posted so I thought I would catch everyone up on how things are going. I am 2.5 months in to this new way of eating and I have lost 40 lbs! Amazing huh? I have been running for two years and I could not understand how I could not only not seem to lose weight but I kept gaining and my running of course never improved. Since quitting grains and sugar, I have so much energy and I love the foods that I eat. I have gone from barely running 2 miles to running 5.1 miles as of this past Saturday!! I still have around 60 pounds to lose and I want to complete a 5k with NO WALKING and then a 10k so the goals are still there and I am really enjoying the journey.<br />
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One thing I have really been working on is my relationship with God. I want to glorify Him in this journey so I spend some of my work out time praying for others and just asking God to bless and use this journey as another testimony for Him. I love the Lord above all else, and I so want to please Him in all that I do. If you do not know this amazing God who changed me so very much.. please ask me about Him! I used to be addicted to drugs and alcohol, not a good wife, mother or friend and the Lord took all of that and made me who I am today. I am truly amazed at His power in my life.<br />
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Another thing I noticed is that as I continue to eat this way, I am more comfortable tweaking my diet to make sure I am eating in the best way for me to burn calories and still get enough nutrients to be strong and healthy. For example, at first I really relied heavily on bread substitutes like socca (chickpea flat bread), plantain crackers, and things like that. After the 6-7th week I found that my weight loss had kind of stalled so I removed those items which are high in carbs and immediately began to see results again. I am thankful I had those things in the beginning though because it really made a difference in the transition from grains. Both my husband and I have really cut down on fruits as well. We still eat a lot of berries but we steer clear of the higher sugar fruits like bananas, apples, grapes, and pineapple.<br />
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Also, I am trying to adjust my brain to accept that FAT is GOOD FOR YOU. This is difficult because I have had low fat, low cal pressed into my brain since birth. What I now know for a fact is that when I eat healthy fats such as coconut oils, meats, avocados, etc. I not only stay full longer but I lose weight faster. It is all about trial and error for me. I do not follow a specific plan completely. I steal what works for me from all of them and go with it!<br />
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Anyway... that is my story and I am sticken' to it! I hope this inspires you to really think about what you eat. Nobody needs to eat processed foods but not everyone needs to cut out as much as I have. Just know that if you are feeling sick and unhealthy the first place to start is your diet.<br />
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Many blessings and love...<br />
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Kelley aka Gypsy<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-4932888435186769492014-04-03T05:26:00.000-07:002014-04-03T05:28:22.574-07:00Pure JoyHey everyone! I am just so happy today. I am learning more and more everyday about good nutrition and healthy lifestyles! I had to praise God this morning for bringing me to this place in my life and finally allowing me to see some victory in this lifelong battle! I know some people can't stand a morning person so I am sorry if this is a little much at 8:30 AM.. haha!<br />
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As much as I love this healthy eating life (ooh.. new bumper sticker? NAH), I have found that it can be very expensive so I am working on ways to reduce our grocery budget. One of those things is going to be an attempt to grow a few of my own vegetables this year. If that goes well, I may try a REAL garden next year! I have never had a green thumb but you never know.. God may be ready to let me win that battle too! :)<br />
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One of the amazing finds for vegetables and fruits is a store called Aldi. Some of you may have shopped there but I really hadn't paid it any mind in the past. Almost all of their fruits and vegetables are half or less than what you pay in another store! For example - BIG box of strawberries.. $1.19!! Score!<br />
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Here are a couple of fun easy dishes I made this week!<br />
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Sausage stir fry -<br />
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l pound ground sausage - (2 if you want some the next day!)<br />
cabbage<br />
onions<br />
snow peas<br />
carrots<br />
garlic<br />
broccoli<br />
red pepper flakes<br />
mixed spices<br />
zucchini<br />
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Brown the sausage, drain, throw in all the vegetables and let them soften! YUM.. oh my, we had this for breakfast the next day too!<br />
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This one makes me VERY happy! Zucchini or squash chips! </div>
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Slice the vegetable, put it in a plastic bag with a tablespoon of Olive oil, throw in some spices red pepper, Mrs. Dash, whatever you like. Shake the bag really well. Lay out the veges on a baking sheet and bake until crispy!</div>
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So that is my story for today! I am so happy and enjoying sharing my story with all of you! Blessing and peace as you complete this week!</div>
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~ Kelley</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-4284012337526625962014-03-31T10:32:00.000-07:002014-03-31T10:32:27.333-07:00A day in the life....I have had so many people ask what exactly I DO eat so I decided to do a post with a whole days worth of my food.<br />
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So right after I wake up, I have started drinking a serving of Spark. This has replaced my morning coffee and it wakes me up so FAST!!<br />
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Then we go to the gym and do our work out or I go for a run. As soon as I get home I make us a protein shake. I like to make it in the blender with almond milk and I add about 10 strawberries. 2 scoops of protein since Pat and I are both having one. Occasionally I will add a banana but I try not to have too many of those because of sugar content.<br />
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After my shake I take my morning vitamins. Vitamin D because I don't do dairy, super cleanse to keep me regular and I love Spirulina and Digestive Enzymes (not pictured) after each meal! These all keep my body zipping right along!!</div>
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Once I get to work I like to have 2 hard boiled eggs. I usually finish them by around 9:30 and that carries me to lunch at 12.</div>
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For lunch I either have a chicken socca sandwich with spinach on it or I like a spinach salad with strawberries, almond slivers and chicken salad. </div>
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I use 1 cup of Bob's Red Mill garbanzo bean flour, 1 cup of water and 1.5 Tblsp of Olive oil with whatever spices I feel like throwing in to make Socca. Cook it just like a pancake. This makes 6 pieces in my small frying pan. Then I mix up a can of chunk chicken in water (I know... better if I cook it myself) with Earth Balance "mayo" and stone ground mustard. </div>
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Comes out wonderful!! </div>
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Between lunch and dinner I no longer get hungry so if I want something besides water, I will have another bottle of Spark. Spark is wonderful for a quick burst of energy. </div>
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Dinner is always some sort of meat, quinoa and a vegetable. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32XrilAYNTLQqzl0BjsKFza3gvtnthLPZfTbBg03lmci5a2fdpAl6setPEPFozhg4lC2WijDrvJfsArNXKpYTxP4KdvpOSqFPoy_rSKlTtNjY9O0fOsMrL5bxcU70Wu_zethV7lnCP1jo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32XrilAYNTLQqzl0BjsKFza3gvtnthLPZfTbBg03lmci5a2fdpAl6setPEPFozhg4lC2WijDrvJfsArNXKpYTxP4KdvpOSqFPoy_rSKlTtNjY9O0fOsMrL5bxcU70Wu_zethV7lnCP1jo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a> ~Turkey Meatballs</div>
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I don't really snack anymore but if I am wanting something sweet, I either have a protein shake with fruit or some SoDelicious Almond milk ice cream. I am trying to keep the ice cream down to once a week! </div>
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Before bed I take 2 more Super Cleanse and get some GOOD sleep! :)</div>
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Well that's my day.. I hope this helps answer some of the questions. Just so you know, I pray every day that the Lord will use this journey to draw people to Him in whatever way is His will. I am so glad to answer questions and help any of you on your own path! Be blessed and have a wonderful week!!!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-2975843502302342722014-03-16T15:47:00.003-07:002014-03-16T15:51:38.218-07:00Trying new things!!!<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello!! Happy Sunday! I hope your day was awesome despite the chilly rain!! I used the time this afternoon to try some new things and I would love to share them with you!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First off, Kale Chips! Yummo! So easy to make and they really do taste like potato chips. I know you don't believe it! Try me!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 bunch of kale</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">wash and dry Kale. Make sure you dry it really good with a salad spinner or paper towels. My first batch was not as great because they were still damp. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cut the leaves away from the thick stock, spray with olive oil and toss with sea salt. Bake at 400 for 15 mins. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">EAT!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocB_x-s3zCooNE0bm7_Z_4vGL5ElTUFW5tH4YoPe2HeyFnNEGKFdrTBaLEoj4OxXbpIgGH39rq9D7i8uKmYwB8kHAuL39Lyp-PH4O7ajY1W2cDrj62ezbSo2e0uwTx9uan5GtVDBiNCqY/s1600/IMG_1093%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocB_x-s3zCooNE0bm7_Z_4vGL5ElTUFW5tH4YoPe2HeyFnNEGKFdrTBaLEoj4OxXbpIgGH39rq9D7i8uKmYwB8kHAuL39Lyp-PH4O7ajY1W2cDrj62ezbSo2e0uwTx9uan5GtVDBiNCqY/s1600/IMG_1093%255B1%255D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also LOVE stuffed mushrooms so I made some today using sausage, green chilies, onions and I traded the traditional cheese for a little hummus salad dressing. Wonderful!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, I told you yesterday I am not crazy about cooking meats but today I dove in to another area where I am not really comfortable... fish! We found some wild caught Sole at Trader Joe's today. We also found some tri-color quinoa and decided to cook these together. For the fish Pat coated with lemon juice and a little olive oil and then added curry spice and seasonings. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was fabulous! I am liking this "new thing" thing. LOL!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally, my darling hubby has been craving something sweet! So I found a cookie recipe and traded out flour for almond flour, sugar for stevia, and egg for flax and water... He LOVES them. I also used vegan butter instead of shortening but I wont do that again. It came out a little too greasy. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ginger Molasses Cookies</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, I am exhausted! I hope you all have a wonderful evening!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><3 Kelley</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-815965264853209732014-03-15T18:09:00.002-07:002014-03-15T18:09:58.649-07:00Time Marches On!<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, it has been a little over 2 weeks since I started this journey to healthy eating and I am still loving it. I am learning more and more about food every day! I love knowing that the things I am eating are healthy and are making me stronger instead of making me sicker and fatter. 12 lbs down so far and more importantly, I feel better and sleep better than ever! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today's recipe was a challenge for me! I am one of those people who really do not like to cook meat. I get the eebie jeebies with the bones and all so I pretty much try to avoid it. I learned this week though that bone in meat is a heck of a lot cheaper and is usually a lot less processed. So.. I decided to try. Lunch came out great and my meat eating hubby LOVED being able to chew on the bones.. haha, gross huh!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This recipe is from Real Simple:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/roasted-chicken-asparagus-00100000078535/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/roasted-chicken-asparagus-00100000078535/</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can barely see my asparagus but it is there and it was yummy! I used coconut oil for this dish.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also decided to put some rhyme and reason into my strength training routines. I try to lift on my off-run days but I have been kind of sporadic and not really focused. I found this workout and started Friday..it literally kicked my butt! I am sooo sore!! But I love it!! :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sadly, I am going to have to take a week or so off of running. I LOVE to run and I feel great while doing it but my right heel kills me for a day or two after running. So, I will do the elliptical and be happy and try to heal my poor heel! :( </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway.. awesome week, sorry I didn't post more but I have been making variations of the same meals this week. Pat and I went to the farmers market today and got some Kale so I will see what kind of yumminess I can do with that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love you all.. .be blessed!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-74973520356083525362014-03-10T17:08:00.000-07:002014-03-10T17:36:03.756-07:002 New Clean RecipesI had fun cooking up a storm this weekend! I ventured out to try some new stuff and this is what we got!<br>
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Last nights dinner was: Vegetable Stir fry and chicken with quinoa<br>
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2 sliced yellow squash<br>
2 sliced zucchini<br>
1 sliced red onion<br>
Throw it all in a pan with a little olive oil, a tbl sp of garlic and some Mrs Dash - stir fry it until squash and zucchini are soft.<br>
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Remove veggies from pan, add a couple spoons of coconut oil. Sprinkle chicken with salt pepper and a little Mrs Dash and cook for about 4 minutes on each side in the coconut oil. Serve with veggies and quinoa!! Yum!!!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhQvjLhETCb4jd9P2Km1qjaaeoO0KpA-kDdLziv85GJCC1Wsw8DiNDBwJLrmq3ypmnNcqEneHsLx1-cvpdTnDN7BadsfIj91prK8mQKVtE_Bt0GTqOK3m6bxH1whZ1siQouL_7mqoJmC6/s640/blogger-image--1483803993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhQvjLhETCb4jd9P2Km1qjaaeoO0KpA-kDdLziv85GJCC1Wsw8DiNDBwJLrmq3ypmnNcqEneHsLx1-cvpdTnDN7BadsfIj91prK8mQKVtE_Bt0GTqOK3m6bxH1whZ1siQouL_7mqoJmC6/s640/blogger-image--1483803993.jpg"></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was feeling pretty good about this dish and the music was playing so I went ahead and made tonight's dinner as well! I call it Trick Spaghetti because I used to trick my boys all the time into eating it !! :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 Large Spaghetti Squash</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 jar of sugar free/gluten free spaghetti sauce (I used pizza sauce)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 lb ground turkey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 tbl spoon of garlic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 can of Rotel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_tzerFfIbGl5nkuIoyXdLCqwnYANKN9d5P9yfyM7D_JSvcQ7aJo_zzN6d4i0TCIuO5TqED_iXKegQBWPwKLakeJmUKpWWapF02sKRPD38FdVYQBxZXgtMovKVlwpwo_zRza96PdeZnwz/s640/blogger-image--988720124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_tzerFfIbGl5nkuIoyXdLCqwnYANKN9d5P9yfyM7D_JSvcQ7aJo_zzN6d4i0TCIuO5TqED_iXKegQBWPwKLakeJmUKpWWapF02sKRPD38FdVYQBxZXgtMovKVlwpwo_zRza96PdeZnwz/s640/blogger-image--988720124.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cut the squash in half and then clean out the center. Place in boiling water for 20 minutes. Scrape the squash out with a fork. It makes "noodles"!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brown the turkey with the garlic. Drain. Add can of Rotel and sauce and cook on med heat for 5-7 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I served mine with socca (chick pea flat bread)... We really enjoyed it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0uK3iRwahxd5YdWsk5tHAJ-TLJjs2nvXaeo-H1v9JuBNIPbHsKqV2s6g7QVvjr6xyRY1Meg6Cl5ZD_usXniqicCR0ieJHJgw4mK4Ebm3iA4MxPDB7IRhYJ6EWEQlWyFTnJsuQR69wMXA/s640/blogger-image--1213290993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0uK3iRwahxd5YdWsk5tHAJ-TLJjs2nvXaeo-H1v9JuBNIPbHsKqV2s6g7QVvjr6xyRY1Meg6Cl5ZD_usXniqicCR0ieJHJgw4mK4Ebm3iA4MxPDB7IRhYJ6EWEQlWyFTnJsuQR69wMXA/s640/blogger-image--1213290993.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sorry I am not regaling you all with my tales of the day but it was a long one and I am just glad to be home! Love you all! God bless!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">~ Kelley </div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-4144828677771804662014-03-09T13:29:00.000-07:002014-03-09T13:34:33.652-07:00Weekends were supposed to be hard?<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I always thought when starting a new lifestyle that weekends were the hardest because we are home with our families and doing what we normally do just seems to be easier but I have found that I love feeling good physically, mentally and spiritually so much that I really don't mind <u>not</u> vegging out on the couch and eating potato chips until I go into a coma. Seriously.. that was like a favorite past time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So anyways... Friday night we came home and made some AWESOME spinach meatballs! I put it together with quinoa and fresh green beans... yum!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The meatball recipe came from my friend Beth and you can find lots of awesome recipes on her site...</span><br />
<a href="http://www.primal-bytes.com/"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">http://www.primal-bytes.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Quinoa is Ancient Harvest brand.. pretty good except it came out a little hard. I cooked it in my Tupperware rice cooker so I am going to try stove top tonight!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowhQEcYIw-dB5zdFpNj3WHPycc67vCMYZkabvZ4oU60TpXQ2zDl9tMUTe3vj3ZxJItaOnKrYHrMRgTT_EWvsktPSwtS5t2XA0CSne9j4WsBCH3I5ZZNs6mNJboJ4bkkfFL9D0KtDkSh_i/s1600/shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowhQEcYIw-dB5zdFpNj3WHPycc67vCMYZkabvZ4oU60TpXQ2zDl9tMUTe3vj3ZxJItaOnKrYHrMRgTT_EWvsktPSwtS5t2XA0CSne9j4WsBCH3I5ZZNs6mNJboJ4bkkfFL9D0KtDkSh_i/s1600/shopping.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What a gorgeous weekend this has been! I was blessed to spend the day yesterday with my sweet daughter, hanging out at the thrift store, home and going to our church The Revolution <a href="http://www.revolutionraleigh.com/">http://www.revolutionraleigh.com</a>/ in the evening. We had a blast! I got my new supplement Spark! in the mail and I love it! I have tons of energy and Issy and I even went for a 3 mile run/walk (she on her bike) in the afternoon yesterday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Me and my Spark.. message me if you want to know about this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have a love/hate relationship with running.. more love than hate, especially when I am done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last night Pat and I stayed up crazy late (for us) because Pat was putting grommets on my Bikers For Christ vest and he did an excellent job! We were watching TV while he worked and needed a snack, so we went with rice crackers and hummus. I don't go over the recommended serving of the crackers and amazingly I never want to anymore! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These are our favorites! I am working on getting a food processor and a dehydrator so I can make our own crackers and hummus! Can't wait!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Then Pat and I rode to Freedom Biker Church in Fayetteville (<a href="http://www.freedombikerchurchfayetteville.com/">http://www.freedombikerchurchfayetteville.com</a>/) today and decided to stop for lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant El Charro. Yes! We can still eat out! We got the lunch fajitas no cheese, no rice and no tortillas. The poor little waitress had to come back 3 times and make sure she got that right! LOL but it was a delicious treat and I could not even finish! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7Z8a-lDQL4fsvzfaV4Yzy7tGdQKq__N228gWRnGovKREjGDN9NeQ_crJf4i5_aTFoaxy28oBoSO1BNlpMbZLvRUx6CyiEGrBvNDy0ix_qGm3OnQyHr6s15_IIheOvYcA8ohoj_11PBye/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7Z8a-lDQL4fsvzfaV4Yzy7tGdQKq__N228gWRnGovKREjGDN9NeQ_crJf4i5_aTFoaxy28oBoSO1BNlpMbZLvRUx6CyiEGrBvNDy0ix_qGm3OnQyHr6s15_IIheOvYcA8ohoj_11PBye/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, that is my adventures for the weekend! More to come!!! Love you all and God bless!! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-64644393427610149292014-03-07T05:41:00.002-08:002014-03-07T05:41:59.171-08:00I am not ashamed.<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">As I was working out this morning, I was listening to my favorite music Lecrae and I was hit with a total realization that God has to be first in my life or none of this matters. I have had so many people show interest in my new lifestyle and as excited as I am to share my trials and success with all of that, I really want you all to know about the One who makes it possible. This is not a new concept to me but just like with all of you, I get sidetracked by my own will and my own desire and I forget to completely lean on the Holy Spirit and give all of my praises to Jesus. Romans 1:16 states "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to EVERYONE who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." So before I tell you about my food diary or how awesome I feel, I need you to know that it is not by my strength that I am able to run, to go to school, to work, to be a mom and a wife, or to eat healthy. It is all by the power of Christ in me because I believe. I praise His name for allowing me a life I never could have dreamed of. I thank Him for each of you, friends and supporters, prayer warrior, and family. The Lord has given me "a people" and that is YOU. Thank you and may you be blessed!!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Here is a snippet of LeCrae's song "Background" which rings so true for me... over and over... </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Lecrae: Background</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="text-align: center;">I had a dream that I was captain of my soul</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">I was master of my fate, lost control, and then I sank</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">So I don't want to take the lead, 'cause I'm prone to make mistakes</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">All these folks who follow me, gon' end up in the wrong place</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">So let me just shadow you, let me trace your lines</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Matter of fact, just take my pen, here, you create my rhymes</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">'Cause if I do this by myself, I'm scared that I'll succeed</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">And no longer trust in you, 'cause I only trust in me</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">And see, that's how you end up headed to destruction</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Paving a road to nowhere, pour your life out for nothing</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">You pulled my card, I'm bluffing, You know what's in my hand</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Me, I just roll and trust you, You cause the dice to land</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">I'm in control of nothing, follow you at any cost</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Some call it sovereign will, all I know is you the boss</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">Man, I'm so at ease, I'm so content</span><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="text-align: center;">I'll play the background, like it's an instrument</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; text-align: center;">If you need some music to get you pumped for God.. .download Lecrae.. wow.. awesome!</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; text-align: center;"><b>OK... Food Time!</b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>So this past couple of weeks eating clean has been amazing. I have had my days where I felt like I was coming off of some hard core drugs but the fog has lifted and I am feeling really amazing today. My headache is finally gone and I have so much energy! Praise God!!!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I am really just an average cook but I believe God has given me a real desire to experiment with natural foods and make things from scratch! I am still trying to stick with less than 8 ingredients because I get nervous but so far all of the food has been wonderful! If I had to eat cold salad with tuna and chicken every day for the rest of my life I think I would just choose to remain overweight and forget my fitness goals! Thank God, we can cook those salads a million different ways and prepare meats that are not completely boring!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><u>Props to a few of my new favorite blog chefs!!! </u></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Beth Dunnavant</b> </span><span style="color: purple;">- </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrimalBytes" style="color: purple;">https://www.facebook.com/PrimalBytes</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Lori and Michelle</span></b><span style="color: purple;"> - </span><a href="http://www.purelytwins.com/" style="color: purple;">http://www.purelytwins.com/</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Elana</span></b><span style="color: purple;"> - </span><a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/" style="color: purple;">http://www.elanaspantry.com/</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Check them out!!!</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">So far, chicken salad made with gluten free mayo and served on Socca (recipe by purelytwins) is our favorite lunch!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">We have also learned that mixing spinach in your pan for just a minute or so after cooking meat and onions makes everything taste better! :) </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Right now I am still drinking a protein shake once or twice a day but hopefully someday I will get savvy enough to combine my foods in such a way that I wont need to do that. All proteins shakes are NOT created Equal so make sure you watch for sugars and other unwanted things. I love Jay Robb's shakes. They are Gluten free and are only sweetened with Stevia! Yum!!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA_9H6WetC88w4U1W707oHwa7BhUhavGKh4BCzWRqxDYi9yj2aXPS5N2xJehpN4HUR-Ec8z7FLVCeQIfSgDMQt-tP__rVbqS4VN3lKP_1Yt3TrLCnO_Kr6Gr3CgoWbW_CbaxhQjgjFFh0/s1600/IMG_3924%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA_9H6WetC88w4U1W707oHwa7BhUhavGKh4BCzWRqxDYi9yj2aXPS5N2xJehpN4HUR-Ec8z7FLVCeQIfSgDMQt-tP__rVbqS4VN3lKP_1Yt3TrLCnO_Kr6Gr3CgoWbW_CbaxhQjgjFFh0/s1600/IMG_3924%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Anyway... As I try new things I will keep posting and hopefully some of you will share your story as well! I am an ALL IN kind of girl, so if I like something I pretty much go all the way so your journey may be less intolerant than mine... COOL! Do what works for you but most importantly, remember to pray, to Thank God that we have so many options and to be grateful for where He has us now. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-45428283725143286842012-04-25T05:03:00.000-07:002012-04-25T05:03:10.175-07:00My Very Own Love Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amazing how things change in such a short time....after 6 years of peaceful and
content singleness, I decided to begin dating last year. I met some really
awesome people but for whatever reason, it just did not fit. Until one day when
this aquaintance of mine commented on one of my facebook posts. I honestly was
not sure I really wanted to step out again, I had tried to date and it just
didn't work out. He came to my church every Sunday to see me and I basically
ignored him because I was afraid. So over time as we began to talk, I continued
to avoid him when he wanted to get together. Then a very wise friend and sister
of mine told me that I needed to stop shutting people out and let down my guard.
I prayed about it and then I asked him out to lunch. We met at a local fast food
resturaunt and we talked the entire hour. He was so kind to me and it was like
he saw me for the person I always wanted to be but was never really sure I could
be. I began to get excited about seeing him and we continued to date, going to
dinner with the kids, movies and church. Eventually he became a part of my
family. It happened so naturally, no forcing it just like he was meant to be
there. We began to get together at 5:00 am to pray and study the bible together.
These moments have become so vital to our relationship. Today he is my best
friend, my partner, the love I never thought I would have. I am so thankful
every single day that God saw fit to give me another chance to love. I pray that
by loving someone else, I can glorify my Lord and grow in my faith. This
relationship is not perfect, we have our ups and downs but one thing my time
alone taught me is that all relationships take work, committment and a decision
that you are going to stick it out, no matter what. Life is good today...I am
looking so forward to the future and whatever God has in store for this family.</span></em></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-91859671992625418132011-02-01T16:22:00.000-08:002011-02-01T16:22:40.416-08:00A new day...<em>Well I have not blogged in almost a week but it is amazing how quickly things can change!! The Lord has been drawing my heart into a deeper relationship with Him and this has prompted me to look really hard at my daily schedules and the things I do, think, and say. Immediately I knew I needed to start filtering the media that comes into my home. My children have already been exposed to too much violence and sex on television, games and the computer but I could not continue to allow things to stay the same just because that is what we have always done. The boys had a really hard time understanding why they had to give up some of their games and movies but I knew the decision was right for our family so I am sticking with it. After a week of shouting matches, long talks and prayers we are settling into the new way of life. </em><br />
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<em>Removing the offensive media was not the only thing that changed, I also decided to make a real effort to cook more often and sit together at the table. This has been wonderful and I am finding out alot more about what is going on in the boys lives at school and with their friends. Dinner together is one of those things that I always knew was important but I allowed slide because we were all so busy and so tired and any other excuse. I now know that I cannot afford not to take this time with my kids, they need it and they enjoy it. Sitting at the table together naturally opened the door for us to start playing cards together and turning off the tv and turning on some music. </em><br />
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<em>God is so good, by allowing Him to change one small aspect of my home and taking that step, He has transformed my little family into a happier unit who is becoming more in tune with eachother every day. </em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-90703025748396611572011-01-20T03:04:00.000-08:002011-01-20T03:09:03.715-08:00David is 13 today!<em><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here I am sitting in my living room all dressed up to go spend the day with my oldest son David. It takes me back 13 years when I was so anxious to meet him! I walked and walked trying to get things going so I could finally hold the child I had wanted since I was a little girl. I remember thinking how hansome he was when I first saw him, his facial features all perfectly aligned and his dark hair sticking up all over his head! I was in love!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Over the years David was my deeply sweet child who loved being close to me. He bounced off the walls most of time, being silly and either bringing laughter or complete chaos to the home. My David who could not get away with a lie no matter how hard he tried!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think back over all the mistakes I made and how tough it must be to be the guinny pig when it comes to discipline. I wish I knew then all the things I know now and I wish I had slowed down and enjoyed David just as he was instead of trying to get him to fit into my expectations of him.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now, even though he lives with his dad, I will never stop being his mom. I will fight to see him and let him know how much I love him. I will fight the urge to shower him with gifts and shower him with my love and my steadfast presence in his life. I cannot go back and change all the mistakes I have made but I can continue to be a changed child of God and keep teaching David by actions and not words. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lord I pray your protection over my son. I hand him over to you Lord, knowing that the seeds that have been planted over the years will be kept alive by Your Holy Spirit until the time comes that they are allowed to grow. Lord I pray that you would keep David's heart soft towards you no matter how hard it becomes towards me. I pray that one day David lives his life for You and seeks to know Your word and a deep relationship with You. God thank you so much for every moment You give me with my child. Please help me to see him as You see him and let him be himself. In Jesus Holy name, Amen.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love you Lord...I love you David...Happy Birthday!</span></em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-59906417146729732232011-01-18T17:10:00.000-08:002011-01-18T18:33:15.570-08:00growing pains<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Dear Lord,</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>I just come to you now and I lift up to You my children. Lord please melt their hearts where they have become hard. Please guide me to raise them to be the people You desire them to be. Lord You knew them before me, they are Your creations, help me to know them without smothering them, love them while giving them room to fall, stand back while still being close enough to catch them. God You know the pain of my heart. Please God help me endure these times with a silent strength that comforts my children. Close my mouth when I want to guilt them into talking to me. God please be my sounding board, be my Rock. Lord, please let me know deep inside that they will come through this and You are with them, never leaving their side. God I give you my boys and I ask You to make them Your men. Thank you for the time I had to be their mommy, please keep them close to me always. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>I love you so much Lord.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Thank you</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>In Jesus Holy Name,</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Amen</em></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-18062500476386266662011-01-17T12:27:00.000-08:002011-01-17T12:27:27.169-08:00For the love of tappy shoes<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>This is a memory I always said I needed to write down for Issy when she gets older...</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>So, Isabelle and I were out yard sailing, typical Saturday morning in June 2010. My sweet four year old daughter found a lady who was selling a Cinderella dress costume. This was no normal costume though, it actually had lights sewn into the skirt so that a little girl could switch the button and suddenly be transformed into a real fairytale princess! Of course, we bought the dress. Isabelle is no fashion dud though so she knew immediatly that she would need shoes. She went to the next table and searched and sure enough came up with a pair of white mary janes with little heels on them. They were only a size too big so we got the shoes too and Issy left the yard sale fully outfitted in Cinderella attire despite the 100 degree heat. </em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>The next stop for the day was Wal-Mart. I was already hot and sweaty from the yard sale shopping so I did not even listen as Isabelle begged me to let her walk by herself in the store. I put her in the child seat in front of cart and told her not to give me a hard time. Amazingly she stayed put without too much complaint!</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>When we reached the shoe section I found some tennis shoes on sale that would fit Isabelle so I took off her new little white "tappy shoes" as she called them to try on the tennis shoes. That was when she asked me the question that melted my heart right then and there while at the same time making me roll with laughter at the innocence of a four year old girl....</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Issy looked at me with her huge blue eyes and just as serious as she could said, "Mommy, before you put my tappy shoes back on can you please just slap them on the floor a little so I can hear the sound they make?" </em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Even now I have a happy tear thinking of how important this small thing was to my little girl. All she wanted to do that day was walk through Wal-Mart in her new-used tappy shoes and listen to the sound they made on the floor. Can you imagine feeling that way just one more time in your life? With all of my busy-ness and sweat and rushing I had failed to see the most simple beautiful thing that could make my child smile....and to think the whole experience cost less than two dollars!</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>So today as my daughter stands beside me while I type, tying a scarf around my head so that I can look like Mary mother of Jesus, I pray that the Lord will always remind me to slow down and listen to sound of the tappy shoes on the ground...</em></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965684344875499728.post-32387507903882121372011-01-17T07:35:00.000-08:002011-01-17T07:35:34.556-08:00My First Blog<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Well, I came across this site after adding a parent of one of my children's church students to my Facebook. I was impressed by her willingness to publish her thoughts and I thought it was a wonderful way to connect and communicate who you really are to other people. I am often in a whirl wind of activity so getting to know the real me can be difficult at best. So who am I?? I am Kelley Steen, God's child and servant. I am in love with the Lord and although I spend most of time picking myself up from my stumbling, He still loves me and even now I can feel His presence in my soul.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>I am also Mom. I have four of the most awesome and unique kids in the world. David is my oldest, he will turn 13 this week. He is living with his dad now at his request because he just felt like something was missing in his life. David has always been my mirror, I saw myself in him so many times, and it was usually the best parts of me. His compassion for people, deep emotional attachments and his strength in adversity are gifts that the Lord has given our little family in abundance. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>My beautiful middle boy is Adam. Poor Adam has had it rough from the beginning. Being a middle child and looking completely different from anyone in the family with his blond hair and striking blue eyes, he always felt a bit like an outsider. Thankfully, I am a middle child too and I can relate to his feelings and calm him down quicker than anyone. Unfortunately most people mistake his cautiousness and insecurity as brattiness and disrespect so he has had a hard time forming relationships with other adults. The Lord has been working on Adam though and over the past year I have seen him becoming a young man with confidence and self respect. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>My youngest boy John has always been the baby of the family, that is until his little sister Isabelle arrived. John still claims his role as the youngest male and fights for his right to be a little spoiled. It is not hard with his good looks and sweet eyes. John too has grown in his knowledge of the Lord and I can see a real man of God coming up in Him.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Last but not at all least is Princess Isabelle. I thank the Lord everyday for giving me a little girl. She is strong willed, demanding and LOUD but she is also sweet, caring, smart and loves nothing more than hugging her mama. At a time in my life when I deserved less than nothing, God presented me with a gift more precious than rubies or gold. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Well, this is my family. We are broken, sinners stuggling everyday to come closer to the Lord. I thought that if I am going to start blogging, I better introduce the characters in the story. I pray that as you read you will see the hand of God over a family who is truly living to serve Him.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>happy reading...be blessed.</em></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05531690770770802173noreply@blogger.com2