Kate's graduation announcements came yesterday in the mail. They are so great! One more thing to check off the list. Cap and Gown money is due this week and Kate is busy with friends finalizing prom plans. We all had a tough week adjusting from our beach trip. Joe had early morning workouts Monday and Thursday. Good thing he's a runner b/c I think they did a lot of sprints. He said he threw up on Thursday. Poor guy. I was able to get back to the Bikram studio yesterday. I'm definitely sore this morning and I can feel where I worked hard. It felt good to get back. I ran five miles on Thursday. I think I'm really going to enjoy being home Thursday and Friday. It's been years since I"ve had those two days off in a row. I will have to be disciplined and do my bootcamp work out by myself. Maybe I can convince Rick to do it. I just don't think I'll be able to rush to the highschool after work to work out. I'm not sure I get to leave at exactly 4:30. I will be sad to not see my work out friends.

Today, Jack is helping a friend complete his eagle scout project and then he has a golf lesson. Not sure what the rest of family is doing. I know I'll be outside pulling weeds as we have a lot of work to do around here before everyone comes for graduation!

It's Okay

It's Okay

it's okay to use purple text color because it is Lent! 

it's okay to take a little time and actually post on this blog. I don't have to work today so I have a few min.

it's okay that Kate didn't want the ten picture graduation announcement. the ones' we ordered from Etsy are going to be fabulous!

it's okay to let Jack stay home today, I mean he has to have a needle stuck in his throat this afternoon. Poor guy..

it's okay to buy all my dresses for summer and Hawaii off ebay. They're all awesome and I'm saving tons of cash!

it's okay to laugh at the prom drama. I love that this is the last one and Kate is in such a great place!

it's okay to block people on twitter. no stalking for you!

it's okay to be a little sassy sometimes...refer to previous it's okay.

Prayer for Wed.

Lord, You know me better than I know myself. I was reminded last night to consult you in my plans, all plans. I ask that you guide me through this day with the love and grace only you know. Please help me not to judge others as you know my heart can be a little grouchy at times. When I'm feeling overwhelmed and restless, remind me that you too felt that way during this time before palm Sunday and out of your death came something so wonderful. Bless my family and friends and I pray that they are all safe and protected. I know you will provide me with everything I need. Help me listen to you. Thank you for every single blessing in my life!

Amen!

 

Last nights bible study was really really good! God knows everything, He loves all of us, and that to me is so overwhelming and huge! We can have maybe 2 best friends, God has billions! But, he loves every one of us and He really does want us to consult Him before we do anything. I don't have time to blog about everything, hopefully, I can write it down later. Scripture is important. My goal is to really learn it. It won't be easy but I will try!

My Favorite Irish Blessing!

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Maui Hotels - Grand Wailea Resort- Maui Resorts, Reservations, Vacations, Getaways

Maui Hotels - Grand Wailea Resort- Maui Resorts, Reservations, Vacations, Getaways

One thing we've learned over the years of being blessed with incentive trips is it's best to go a couple days early! I remember when we went to Paris, Joe was 4 months old, we had Kate and Jack and at home and we had no money so we couldn't go early and wow, it was rough. The jet lag makes it tough to jump right into a jam packed trip. So, last year we went to Kona a couple days early and it was so great to ease into the trip. This year, we are doing the same thing. Rick booked us two nights at the Waldorf Astoria on Maui. This place looks amazing! I will be parking my self by one of the beautiful pools!

Another Gold Cup!

Found out last night, Rick and four reps of his qualified for the Maui trip! The only trip his company offers. NO other manager in Alabama has done this, qualified two years in a row! Yay! So excited. I'm not doing any zip linging, snorkeling, hiking...You'll find me at the spa every single day! Cannot wait! Here are some pics of the Four Season Maui. I love the Four Seasons! Last year we were on Kona, which is on the other side of that mountain. I'm excited to see what Maui has to offer!

Oh Goodness...Hollywood

I finished reading the book Full Service by Scotty Bowers. I was thumbing through a People magazine and saw it in there. I thought, oh goodness, this is such a crazy trashy book I have to read it. I bought it and downloaded on my Kindle. Well, yep, it is has some super crazy wild trashy stories in it. I mean, really ridiculous but I have to say, this guy, the author was actually a very caring guy. In a strange way, he was loyal to his loved ones til the end. But, wow, makes me really wonder what goes on in Hollywood where everyone out there knows everything but the rest of us don't. I don't think I want to know but I'm sure in 30 years or so someone will write a book telling all about all today's celebs. Anyway, I'm way too conservative to agree with any of his behavior. It's not necessary and honestly its not healthy but it was interesting. I have to finish my other book, What America was like in 1776, that's a little more my speed however the older I get the more I learn that there is always some kind of craziness going on and there always has been.

Trying new foods! Well, new recipes at least.

I'm finally using some of the recipes I've saved over the past several months. This morning I made the french toast muffins. I found it more of a pain with the way my kitchen is set up than anything to make these. But just when I think, "ugh, I wish I had a really huge kitchen with a great working flow", I think of people who don't have what I have and people who might have less than that. So, I made the muffins, they are really yummy. I ended up freezing most of them for the week but that's okay. They'll be really good in the microwave with butter and syrup on them for breakfast. Also, I am making the crock pot mashed potatoes. They're going to be so yummy on the hamburger casserole we're having tonight.

Yesterday was beautiful. I ended up running in the afternoon and even got some sun while doing it. Honestly, I think the Bikram yoga is really helping with my stamina and running. Lord knows I'm not a natural runner but I can manage hills and run for a good 45 min. w/o being tired. Hot and sweaty, yes but tired no. So, I probably should look into increasing my distance. I managed to get the grocery shopping out of the way after my run. I went to PUblix armed and ready to buy all the bogo's I wanted and I had my weekly menu with my list in hand which always makes it so much easier for me. I spent a lot less money that way too. Jack had a great day on the golf course. The sun kissed him too. He was exhausted when he came home from the Highlands. Joe had fun hanging with Cherryn and her family. Kate was home fairly early. Joe is back with Cherryn and family, Jack is rummaging through the pantry and Kate is shopping for spring break stuff with Alex! We are eager to get our toes in the sand. We're praying for sunny warm days in Destin!

Gabbing like a Girl

I'm so excited because it is beautiful outside today! Mid week the weather people were saying rain on Friday and Sunday but not its nice and its going to warm up a little which is fabulous! Speaking of warm, I went to my usual class at Bikram Yoga yesterday. Holy hot yoga, it was sooo warm in there. I mean, yes, it is hot yoga and I know that and I love that but it was extra warm. I usually don't have issue with the heat but I did yesterday. I saw a couple of stars at one point after a back bend. I made it through the whole class but it was a tough one. Rick took me to lunch and then I took the kids to their prospective get togethers, came home and I chilled in the man cave with Rick. We watched Gold Rush and he watched mud cats. Ugh, that show just grosses me out. Seriously, what is so fun about submerging yourself in gross river water and catching a cat fish. I don't get it. Blech! So, I went upstairs and read my incredibley trashy book called Full Service. I saw it in People magazine and I was intrigued simply because I cannot imagine living a lifestyle like Scotty did. He really had no morals, it baffles me. And, it is amazing that even back in the 30's and 40's and 50's hollywood was pretty much the same way. So, today Jack is golfing at the highlands, Kate is going to be home later, not sure what she is doing and Joe is going to Gadsden to watch Cherryn ice skate. I'm going to run and work out and hopefully get some things done around here. I need to go to the grocery store too. Spring break is coming up! I'm getting excited for JJ and Lauren to be here. Yay!!

Favorite's on Friday

First of all, Friday is just fabulous all by itself which makes it the perfect day to reflect on some of my favorites from the week! Maybe you too will find some inspiration in my favorites.

Love,

Tracy

Two super cute kids!

Need I say more? I don't think so!

I'm thinking I need to make this for our beach trip. Maybe add some aloe for soothing our sensitive skin.

TmL Designs on the farm youth set. One of my fav's.

"Do you have a hard time believing in God's miracles? The fact that you are in existance is proof of one."

Robert Ripper

Favorite quote of the day.

I love reading about how America used to be. It's really neat for me to see how we got to where we are today!

It's Okay Thursday

It's okay to ditch the diet and go to Beef O'bradys tonight. I"ve done so great all week long!

It's okay that I didn't run before spin today. I can run tomorrow before yoga.

It's okay that Kate spent the extra money on over night shipping from JCrew for her swim suits because they fit great!

It's okay to be super sad that the sweet neighbors across the street are selling their house. I will miss them.

It's okay that I'm not buying anything new to wear this year for spring break. Who really looks at me anyway!

It's okay that I'm really happiest when we're in a drought. I hate rain! I probably should live in the desert.

Kale Chips are all the rage!

Lauren had been making these for a while before I tried them. I was skeptical. I am not a huge kale fan but I am sort of a health nut and I'm always up for a new fun healthy snack so I finally made kale chips. I couldn't find the bunch of kale in the produce but Publix has a huge bag of it next to the collard greens. I made them when I got home today and I really liked them. I even put them on top of my sweet potato. My Pampered Chef olive oil spray thingy is so great for this too. Let me know what you think. You can play around with the seasoning too. I used sea salt. You can probably do whatever you want, maybe even add some Parmesan.

 •3-4 bunches of kale ripped into pieces. If you buy the kale in the bag, you don't need to rip the kale.



•wash and dry. drizzle with olive oil and salt and mix with your hands to coat.


•lay on cookie sheet with space in between each piece and sprinkle a little more salt.


•bake at 300°F for around 15-20 minutes until crispy. The drier you get them the better.


Enjoy!

Big Announcement: The FoodLife Project

Big Announcement: The FoodLife Project

My Bikram and Twitter friend has some very exciting news on her site! check it out. It might be something you're interested in. She is truly inspiring!

Prayer for Hump Day

I know your love is abundant,


For it surrounds me on all sides,

Why am I not able to see or feel that love,

... Why do I have so many doubts,

Unable to place my trust in You or anyone?

Lord, open my eyes so I may see,

Strengthen me with your grace to overcome my fears,

Help me to let go and take that step of faith,

So I humbly kneel before you, seeking your forgiveness,

Lead me in all things, Amen
 
Tom Seibert

Pork and Snap Pea Lo Mein

Made this tonight! It was soo good. Kate said it tasted like real Asian cuisine. That's a huge compliment. I used brown rice instead of pasta. Quinioa would be good too. I loved that I was able to make the rice in my rice maker while I was at yoga. I will definitely make this again!

4 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each




Active Time: 30 minutes



Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Diabetes appropriate
Healthy weight
Heart healthy
High fiber
Low calorie
Low cholesterol
Low saturated fat




View Our Nutrition Guidelines » Ingredients

8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti

1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 cups snap peas, trimmed

12 ounces boneless pork loin chops or tenderloin, trimmed, cut into thin strips

3 cloves garlic, minced

3-4 scallions, sliced







More Healthy Recipe Ideas

Healthy Italian Pasta Recipes

Easy Edamame Recipes

Easy Shrimp Recipes

Healthy Spaghetti Recipes

Healthy Potato Salad and Pasta Salad Recipes

You Might Also Like

Sugar Snap Pea & Cherry Tomato Pasta Salad

Smoky Pea & Artichoke Pasta

Pasta with Creamy Mushroom-Pea Sauce

Edamame Lo Mein

Sugar Snap Pea & Shrimp Curry

Preparation

1.Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain.

2.Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch and sugar in a small bowl.

3.Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add snap peas and cook, stirring frequently, until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add pork and cook, stirring, until no longer pink on the outside, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir the soy sauce mixture, pour into the pan and cook, stirring, until thickened, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Add the pasta to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Serve topped with scallions.

Nutrition

Spicy PopCorn Chicken

I recently read an article on how commercial popcorn chicken and other store bought prepackaged chicken pieces are prepared. It is horrifying. I'm not going into detail about that now, you can google it. So, I was very excited when I found this yummy recipe in my new Eating Well magazine this weekend. I read over the ingredients, I usually turn the page if there are more than three ingredients I can't pronounce but this one looked promising. I had a lot of the items already in my pantry and the chicken was easy enough to prepare. The test would be if Joe and Rick liked it. They are my tough ones. They're always critical and picky. So, I put it together and baked the chicken. I'm happy to report that it was fabulous! Joe loved it and ate all of it, Rick asked for more. I think these would be great for football Saturdays too!!

The Recipe is as follows:

three quarter cup bread crumbs. I actually had Italian one's on hand. They were great!

.5cup pecans

2Tbsp chili powder

.25tsp salt

1 egg white. (I needed 2)

1Tbsp water

1lb boneless skinless chicken breast

1.preheat oven to 450, spray cooking sheet with cooking spray

2.combine breadcrumbs, pecans, chilli powder and salt in a food processor. process until fine. transfer mixture to a shallow dish

3. mix egg white and water, wisk together. add chicken, turn coat and dredge through pecan mix. shake off excess. place on prepared sheet.

4. bake chicken until no longer pink. I baked it about 20 min.

I made a yogurt ranch dressing which was so yummy. I put several cut up pieces on a salad and ate it that way!

Eating well says thre are 291 calories per serving; 14grams of fat

Manic Monday

It's sunny and bright outside which helps make this Monday a lot easier to deal with. This begins my no added sugar to the diet. I'm usually very good with my diet and exercise and its hard to be so good all the time and I've definitely been in a slump the past couple of weeks. But, spring break is in two weeks and now is the time to get it together and be diligient about food and workouts! I'm going to make kale chips. Everyone is talking about them and I hear they're yummy so tonight for my bachelor snack, I'm making them.

I didn't make it to Bikram yesterday which is such a bummer because I love it so. I worked in the nursery and then had to go to the store and then I was just tired. So, I read my book, did laundry and just hung out at home. I don't have spin tomorrow so I can hopefully squeeze in a yoga class. But I just remembered I have bible study so now, I'm not sure.

Tonight, Courtney will be on the bachelor with all the girls. I really hope she cries! Ugh! This is the dumbest season in recent memory with this show.

Going out to The Boot tonight!

A local partner committed to hospitality and fresh experiences.


The Boot at Preserve Village is a new dining experience that emphasizes modern flavors and exceptional hospitality. Our menu is made fresh and simple with healthy options and quality ingredients. At The Boot you will instantly feel at home while you casually dine in a cool, comfortable atmosphere.



Enjoy our slow cooked Meyer Ranch beef brisket sandwich with a great craft beer while kicked back near the hearth burning a fire of pecan wood, and you'll fall in love with the fast-casual concept of The Boot at Preserve Village.

"This Boot was a lone house of public entertainment... several people drinking there, and great merriment going on."

-- Charles Dickens, Barnaby Rudge

Weekend Inspiration: Recipes, Decor, Yoga

Weekend Inspiration: Recipes, Decor, Yoga

Check out the fun inspirations on this blog!!

Friday Favorites!!

http://m.ihigh.com/hoover/article_110524.html  Go Bucs!! Two Senior Baseball Bucs made the list!

First time in Hoover history that the basketball teams have made it to the final four! Girls and Boys are both playing at the BJCC today!

My mom and dad are visiting St. Thomas today. I put a request in for a larimar pendant. The one I bought several years ago is too small. I love this one!!

My favorite flower, the rannuculous! I can't grow it to save my life but I do love it. It is so papery and delicate. Woud make a fabulous addition to any bridal bouquet.

I made this no bake cheesecake last weekend. It was so good! And, it was easy breezy too. 8oz low fat cream cheese, .25cup sugar, mix in the mixer, add a package of prepared dreamwhip, fold in, pour into pie crust and chill. I added chocolate sprinkles instead of strawberries and it was delish!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. I did this craft with my two's on Tuesday. It turned out super cute!

Today I get to go and sweat buckets and twist my spine and push my felxibilty beyond its comfort zone....Love me some Bikram!

And finally, one of my Friday favs is this pic of Francine and Ben. hahaha. I'm so ready for this bachelor season to be over! He is so dumb!

Happy Friday Y'all!!

It's Okay Thursday

Okay, I've seen this on several of my friend's blogs and I think it is super cute. I wish I could have thought of it myself but alas, I did not so there. I can't take credit for the idea but I can take credit for what's okay.

It's okay to run a mile before work, 2.5 miles after work and then go to spin for 40 min. It's really sweaty but it's okay.

It's okay to let your 17 year old daughter drive your big Suburban to visit her boyfriend at college because her car has a headlight out.

It's okay to eat cereal for an afternoon snack. People who eat cereal are thinner than those who don't.

It's okay to already be thinking about what I'm going to wear out to dinner tomorrow!

It's okay that my senior daughter is choosing not to go to the final four basketball games tomorrow. She is so done with high school!

It's okay that my 12 year old son has a cute little girlfriend. The innocence of this age is precious.

It's okay that my very handsome 15 year old son is asking for a new pair of khaki's and an argyle sweater vest. It's okay because its for golf.