Its Quiet...yet still busy

Declan is visiting his grandmother for a few days. I'm really not sure why I suggested this as I miss him so much! I know he is having a blast and I am enjoying spending time with just Abigail. DH has been home a bit this week, on a nice schedule and we've been enjoying more family time than we're used to in the army. I'm trying to remember to cherish it because it will not always be this way.

Apparently, Declan wears Abigail out, as she has done almost nothing besides sleep since we dropped off Declan. I know she misses him, as she kept pointing to his seat in the car and crying on the way home. But I think she enjoys being the center of attention.

Physical therapy is going well, I'm not quite cleared to run yet, but she did say 2 minutes at a time for 10 minutes total, so that's better than nothing. I like my therapist, she's a reader, as well. Today we discussed books to read and she gave me a few new ones to add to my list. I don't think I'm going to hit 50 this year, but I do have a bit more going on than last year.

The final bit of news is that I have applied to be a vendor in a craft fair in November. Two days of Arbonne, Arbonne, Arbonne for me! I really hope that it goes well and I'm successful in getting my name and business out there. My short-term goal for Arbonne is to be able to pay for half of Declan's preschool. I think it will be doable and fun.

Its not a motivation issue, its a training issue ... I promise!

So, I'm getting really anxious to start running again. I have a list of goals and I see them slipping away with each week I can't run. As much as I love my physical therapist, I wish she was a miracle worker. I'm trying to figure out other things to do, but it all hurts my hip. So, I've been keeping up with my push-up challenge and my physical therapy strength and stretching.

Here's my next race ... mostly so I don't forget.

Septeber 25, 2011 - NYC, Tunnel to Towers 5k

100 Push-up Challenge: Week 3

I redid my initial test and scored 15! I decided that was close enough to 16 to advance. Here's the plan for this week:

Day 1: 10, 12, 7, 7, max (at least 9)
Day 2: 10, 12, 8, 8, max (at least 12)
Day 3: 11, 13, 9, 9, max (at least 13)

Here we go!

Product Review: Arbonne 7-Day Body Cleanse

The day after our wonderful vacation, I started the Cleanse. I loved the idea because it allows me to keep eating! Most of the cleanses out there want you to drink their special stuff and not eat other food. How impractical! I definitely have been watching what I eat, but I am still eating!

The best part about this Cleanse is it forces you to drink water! You add 1 bottle (1 fl.oz.) of the liquid formula and add it to 32 oz of water. That's it! Now, I found the taste to be a little bitter, so I add half of the bottle to my first 32 ounces and the second half to the next 32 ounces. There, that's it!

By day 3, I had lost 2.5 lbs. I felt great! I have been eating my normal calories, drinking Arbonne Protein Shakes, eating some Fit Chews to tide me over until the next meal, and I'm very happy. I feel energized and I haven't been hungry yet.


By day 5, I was down a total of 3.6 lbs. The main ingredients in this formula are various juice powders, senna leaf extract, different types of algea and herbs. Arbonne boasts the Cleanse will prepare the body for a weight management regimen while it gently cleanses your system. It also supports liver and GI health as well as internal antioxidant activity. The formula has 20 calories per serving, with 5 of those being carbs and 2 being sugars.

By day 7, I had lost a grand total of 5 lbs and am back on track for my regular weight loss. This 7-Day Body Cleanse by Arbonne will definitely be a part of my weight loss routine. I plan to use it once every 2 to 3 months, after a vacation where I slide into poor eating habits, or when I hit a plateau and need a boost.

If you made it this far, you've got to be very interested! This product retails for $49. If you contact me for orders here, and use the code: SummerBlog when contacting me, I will sell it to you for $39 +tax. (Local orders will receive Free Shipping.) Boost your health today!

As with all Arbonne products, the cleanse is available directly through me, or on my website.

Cheesy Burgers

Since we had our DirecTV installed on Monday, I've stalking the Food Network. Of course that means we watch Giada. So, when she made hamburgers the other day, I took a mental note, so I'll let you in on the big secret..... shredded cheese mixed into the hamburger.

We tried it last night and it was awesome! I add the spices I usually add and then mixed in some mozzarella cheese. Next time DH wants to add crumbled bacon to the burger.

Herb-Crusted Chuck Roast

Tonight I made this wonderful roast. Yummy!

Combine these ingredients in a small bowl:

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground savory
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

Mix together and rub on the roast. Drizzle a little olive oil in the roast pan (I used my dutch oven) and place the roast in the center. I added some potatoes and onions and about 1 1/2 cup water. Cook for at least 2 hours at 325 with the cover on. 

Birthday Dinner

Husband took me out for an amazing birthday dinner last night. A special thanks to Jenny & Ben for watching the kiddos. We ate at Victoria, a Gastro Pub in Columbia. It came highly recommended by our foodie friend, and it lived up to our expectations. I'm glad we made a reservation, because it was quite busy. Tuesdays, as we found out, are 'Tini Tuesdays, so all martinis were half off. 

There is an extensive drink menu. Beers from all over the world, including some that are $55 a bottle. And wine lists galore. I chose a German dunkel and DH had a Flying Dog Whit Beer. We were both pleased. We added some duck fat fries as an appetizer. Before you wrinkle your nose, they were amazing! Fried in duck fat and served with a nice dipping sauce, they were amazing.

For our main course, I had American Dip, a French Dip but with American beef and Vermont Cheddar Cheese. It was to die for. From the first bite, DH could tell I loved it. I opted for a baby spinach salad instead of fries, since we already had some of those. Husband had the Fish and Chips, which was served with a crab romulade dip. He thought it was great and I agreed. For desert we shared a Coconut Creme Brule that had a hint of pineapple. I topped it off with a Smore's Martini - hey, it was my birthday!

Overall, this restaurant was excellent. We will definitely be going back. Price wise, it could get a little steep, but if you skipped the alcohol, its very doable.

Hundred Push-ups Week 2

The Plan:
Day 1: 4, 6, 4, 4, max (at least 6)
Day 2: 5, 6, 4, 4, max (at least 7)
Day 3: 5, 7, 5, 5, max ( at least 8)

At the end of Week 2, I retest to see where I am. The minimum to move on to Week 3 is 16. Looks like I have my work cut out for me!

Look what I made!

I remember my younger years when I learned to sew under the tutelage of my Grandmother and my Aunt Sue. I had a sense of deja vu this week as I hunkered down behind the sewing machine with Aunt Sue as she taught me to make this dress for Abigail. (Pattern found here.)

So I spent last night scouring the internet for more easy patterns of things to make for Abigail and her girlfriends. Time to break out the sewing machine at home and find a place to work. 

Relaxing Vacation

Declan playing on the tractor.

Learning to jump off a stump.

My kiddos exploring the countryside.

After a fun-filled weekend in VA, we loaded up the car and headed to NE PA. What a gorgeous place to relax! We've played outside, lazed about inside, already completed one puzzle and have plans for more .... nothing. DH has enjoyed a nice kayak adventure and is now off golfing.

Fourth of July Pictures

Mommy and Abi

Abigail waiting for the parade to start.

Declan pointing out the fire trucks.

Daddy and Declan anticipating the parade.

A few pictures of our wonderful Independence Day Celebration!

The Push-Up Challenge: Initial Test & Week One

DH has decided to do this with me. I know I was asking for trouble when I inquired if he was interested, but at least we aren't competing against each other, right?

Initial Test: Do as many good-form push-ups as possible without stopping.
DH - 80
Me - 5 (See, I told you it wasn't a competition!)
So, DH stars on Week 3 and I start on Week 1.


My Week One:
Day One: 2, 3, 2, 2, max (at least 3) with 60 second rest)
Day Two: 3,4, 2, 3, max (at least 4) with 90 second rest
Day Three: 4, 5, 4, 4, max (at least 5), with 120 second rest

His Week One:
Day One: 14, 18, 14, 14, max (at least 20), with 60 second rest

Day Two: 20, 25, 15, 15, max (at least 25) with 90 second rest

Day Three: 22, 30, 20, 20, max (at least 28), with 120 second rest

Learning about Cows

Today when returning from church, we passed several herds of cows. The following converstaion followed:

Mom: What do cows say?
Declan: Moooo
Mom: How do you spell cow?
Declan (and Mom): C - O - W (with appropriate sign language)
Mom: What do we get from cows?
Declan: Cowboys!

California Club Pizza

I made some pizzas this week for dinner with a friend and brought the leftovers to another friend. She loved it and wanted the recipe, so I thought I'd share with all of you. 

Pizza Dough (I use my friend Rachel's recipe, but any will do)

Add cooked, diced chicken. I used a can of Tyson's, but I've also used 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded. Top with Mexican blend of cheese, about 2 cups. Bake until crust is done and cheese is melted.

While pizza is baking. Chop up 1 avocado, 2 plum tomatoes (or equivalent of grape tomatoes), 1/2 red onion, and two tablespoons of lemon juice and a dash of salt. 

I also use bacon sometimes, cooked and crumbled.

Remove pizza, top with avocado mix, add bacon and serve. 

3D Date Night

Last night, my awesome sister and her boyfriend watched Declan and Abigail so husband and I could go to the movies. My wonderful mother, drove us back and forth so we could fully enjoy the evening. We went to the Alamo Drafthouse and Cinema in Winchester, VA to see Transformers in 3D. The Alamo is one of those wonderful theaters where you can order food, real food! And, it has a very well stocked bar.

We were able to enjoy good food, good beer, and a great movie. We used our LivingSocial deal with Fandango, and got what should have been $25 tickets (for both of us) for only $9! We had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend the Alamo to all!

The first of my July Challenges

My kids love to go to church. Well, Abigail loves going just about anywhere, but I really think she lives being the "big kid" in the nursery. Declan loves Sunday School. Last week he made a necklace out of macaroni and a pendant that reminds him to love and honor his mother and father. And you all know how much they both love Veggie Tales.

So, this month, we've decided we are going to do a little Veggie Tales Devotional with them before bed time. I found a book on Kindness and it has 30 Devos. We'll start with that. Hopefully all four of us learn some valuable lessons.