Thank you, Jenny!

Last weekend, Coach and Clint went fishing and left Jenny

and I, with nothing to do but have fun. So, we did. After a

leisurely morning and my favorite juice to date, we

took off. First stop, Woodhouse Spa. It was our first

visit to this charming place in downtown Belton.

Everything was lovely. Located near the Cotton Gin,

in a historic building. I was smitten with the ambiance.

From the moment we walked in the door, I couldn’t get

over how comfortable and relaxed I felt. I loved every

minute of my luxurious facial. Which, Jenny so generous

treated me to. Thank you, so much! What a great idea!

We both enjoyed it very much and would highly recommend it

for you next spa day. When they offer you a beverage, ask for

the hot cinnamon tea. The combination was rejuvenating and

refreshing. It made me look years younger as you can see

in the picture below or at least I feel like her

Then we were off the Waco for a little shopping a Spice

Village, Bloom and Bee Swanky and Sironia’s.

We found several ‘treasures’ and even caught a 10 lb..

bass!

Jenny and I had a fun day together! One I’ll never forget.

I really enjoyed our conversations and felt like I got to

know her even better. I admire so many things

about Jenny. Her soft spoken manner, head full

of knowledge, heart full of passion and quiet disposition.

Quite different, than the loud, rowdy family she married

into. This morning, I’m reminded of how challenging it

is to be thrown into a melting pot of a new family. I

remember and cringe at the thought of which of how

difficult we have been for her to adjust to. The truth is,

each family has it’s own unique flavor, so to speak, that

is comfortable and tasty to it’s members. Yet, others

may find it rather unpalatable. I’m laughing at the thought

of a conversation I had recently with my best friend Leslie.

Who was reminiscing about her first visit with Laynce’s

extended family in Arkansas. They are country people

that lived way back in the woods. The grow and hunt their

own food, tan animal hides, make soap and cook on a wood

burning stove.  Anyway, at mealtime the family got into

a big discussion about which meat was there favorite;

Rabbit, Squirrel or Possum. She listened to the ‘round table’

discussion, hearing more than she wanted to know and

feeling certain she was filming an upcoming episode

of the Twilight Zone.

Yes, becoming a family can be tricky and takes a little time but

when everyone exercises the ‘golden rule’ and treats each

other with love and respect. Extending grace, with the ‘long

arms of God’, we’ll find ourselves apart of something

amazing.  A little taste of heaven, here on earth.

 

 

I love our daughter –in-love! She is beautifully unique and

brings a lot to the table. Her petite stature is power packed

with good things this family needed. She posted the above on

instagram this morning. Her focus, discipline and dedication,

are unmatched. While following her dreams, she generously

encourages others along the way. Jenny is a champion.

We are so grateful for our grown children...all six of them!

They are enriching our lives.

Day 48 - Juice Parfait

After spending hours in the flower beds yesterday

it almost felt like spring. That is until a major artic

blast blew in, bringing 14 inches of snow in the

Texas panhandle and  very cold 30 mph. winds

here in Central Texas. We’re sitting around the

fireplace tonight! But Spring is definitely around

the corner and so is the end of my 60 day juice reboot.

Last week, with the end in sight, Kim cautiously

suggested, I consider adding a healthy protein

powder. Then last Saturday, Jenny and I spent a

fun, wonderful day together. Appointments at the

Woodhouse Spa, shopping in Waco and an informative

walk through Natural Grocers.  I asked Jenny lot’s

of questions through the day, and she too, suggested

that I begin to add back protein. She explained the

the benefits and after discussing this with Coach, yesterday,

I decided to eat 2 eggs, 1 turkey sausage patty and

1/2 c. of old fashioned oats with blueberries and cinnamon.

I enjoyed every bite.

 

So, officially my veggie juice fast ends on day 47. Wow!

What an accomplishment! As I reflect back over the

past 6 weeks, my eyes fill with tears as began to realize

what I’ve done. Not only have I saturated my body with

nutritious vegetables and fruit, cleansing and restoring.

I’ve also broken 100 bad habits as well. I’m so excited!!!

I am so grateful. So much has changed. Don’t

worry! Though, my fast has come to an end. My healthy

future, is just beginning. I will continue, to make thoughtful

decisions. Adding lean proteins and increasing daily work

outs to included T3 Boot Camp and begin lifting

weights. As of today, I’ve lost 28 lbs. and I am almost

halfway to my 60 lb. goal. I celebrate and resolve to

continue this journey. Determined to lose 35 more by

my birthday on May 14th! I believe this is realistic and

I know now more than ever, I can do this!

Day 48 – 28lbs. gone forever! I’m 35 lbs. from my goal!

The adventure continues!

Oh! The juice above was SUPER TART! Kind of like

sour gummies. I did manage to drink it but I wouldn’t

recommend it but today, I did juice up a fabulous concoction

which I’ll share in the next day or so. It was awesome!

Also,  I wanted to mention thank you for your thought’s,

prayers and comments. It’s really helped and encouraged me

along the way. And for the nice person who left an

anonymous comment a few days ago. I found that my favorite

way to wash and store veggies, was to wash them in a sink of

water as soon as I get home from the store. Some I store in

Ziploc’s but I also enjoy using a very large lidded Tupperware.

I’m thinking about how to put all the juice recipes together.

Feel free to make suggestions.

 

Always Changing!

 

 

Which do prefer? Change or no change? A few days ago my bff Leslie was here and we were looking at magazines and brain storming about our homes. BTW this is something I do rather continually, for I love change. At some point I heard Leslie say, nothing ever changes at her house and that everything stays in the same place.

 

So which one do you prefer?

I think I’ve mentioned it before, that we’ve lived in 16 different houses. I guess it’s good I like change, huh? Coach, is usually responds to my latest “change” with, “Have you just about got things like you want them?” Which ruffles my feathers a bit because I assume (not always a good thing) he means ‘Stop moving things around’!

Here is the latest change. After painting the old stereo cabinet two weeks ago and having so much fun with the easy to use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and wax, I took on this plate rack I bought last month for $40. Of course, I’ve already told you that ASCP cost $40 a quart but I barely made a dent in the can of paint. This color is called French Linen. Like the last project, there is no prep and no priming necessary, just start painting like a wild child. That’s right. Slap it on quickly and apply a second coat if needed. Finish up with wax and steel wool to rub off the edges for that distressed, well loved look.

Can you tell how much fun I had filling it up with old treasures that were tucked away? I smile every time I walk by. I’m so excited and I’ve also figured out a perfect response just in case Coach asks me THE question.

I’ve got my answer ready. It’s simple really. Here it goes…. (don’t expect too much here)…..The answer is “No. Truth is, I’ll probably never stop changing  things around. Because, just like your football program, I’m always thinking of new and better ways to improve things. I love tweaking our home to make it more comfortable, livable, efficient and attractive. Trust me, if and when I get it right, I’ll be glad to stop, but until then. Bear with me. It makes me happy. It’s one of the ways I say, “I love you”.

Isn't that the truth? Using our gifts, brings us joy. Although, others may find it annoying. However, when they realize there are good intentions woven into the craziness, I think it will may a difference. Change the way they see things.

I know he will completely understand the analogy…because he is constantly looking for ways to improve and perfect his program/team. Or at least I think he will. I’ll let you know:)

San Antonio!

Like the busy weekend we spent in San Antonio, my head is spinning! While Coach was speaking at a football clinic, I hung out with my girls and bff, Leslie. Friday night we cooked out at Beth and Nate’s.  Don’t worry, I juiced and ate salad. It was Laynce and Leslie’s first time to see the Saxton’s new digs. I was great spending time together, catching up and seeing all the g-girls new tumbling tricks. With a quick demo by Aunt Kim, headstands (against the wall :/….sorry about any footprints, Beth) became to new thing. Grilling in the backyard and visiting around the pool, was an amazing way to spend the evening.

Saturday, we all met near downtown at the Pearl Brewery. What a cool place! The farmers market offered beautiful veggies, grass fed beef, lovely crepes, baked goods and much more. Too bad no one was juicing! It’s at times like these that I miss eating. I mean, I am eating some vegetables and fruits, even a few almonds, even a spoonful of good peanut butter on celery or apple, every once in a while. But that morning, I missed having a bite of this and a taste of that. Which is okay, I know it sounds harsh but really it’s good for me. I'm one of those people that in the past has exercised little restraint. It's apart of  learning to think right about food and make good decisions. Be happy for me. It’s a good thing….but I do think it would be awesome for someone to juice those beautiful veggies and sell fresh juice. Which reminds me. I recently purchased my first glass of juice from a Jamba Juice. After weighing my options, I ordered 12 oz. of carrot and orange juice. Plus, a shot of wheat grass. My first. The carrot/orange juice was great but the wheat grass was tough. With hind sight, I should have combined the three. Nutritionally, it seemed like a good choice but I was a bit surprised that it cost over $9. That’s expensive!

Juicing, your own vegetables is a much better value. Even though I’m spending  a lot more money on produce, mostly organic, I’m not spending much at Starbucks (Refresh tea) and Chikfila (garden salad- no dressing), anymore. Even though there are healthy options at both, you get my drift? And I can’t help but imagine that a family that makes nutrition a priority, will spend less money on medical and dental bills. It’s something to think about. ‘I’d rather put my paycheck in the crisper than the medicine cabinet. Sadly, most Americans load up those shelves with expensive “magic bullets”. Truth is, ‘your crisper holds the real medicine.’ Kris Carr

Still juicing and celebrating the loss of 25 pounds, I’ve cleaned out my closet. Over half of my wardrobe is too big! Though the loss of pounds seems to have slowed down, I’m shifting me focus onto health and nutrition…and exercise. It’s a new way.

 

 

One of my favorite juices!

1 pineapple, peeled

1 bundle of cilantro

6 Swiss chard leaves

6 kale leaves

3 broccoli stalks

1 green bell pepper

1 romaine heart

1 English cucumber