Lifestyle Change

The more I read and research,
The more I'm aware,
The more I adjust the food I buy for my family.

Some think I've gone "Amish."
Some think I've gone crazy.
Some are very interested

But I like to think of it as helping our family for the future.
Developing healthy habits for us.
Preparing our bodies with a strong immune system.

Because I HAVE seen a difference in my body from changing my diet.

A better mood.
Less bloating.
Stronger, more energy.
More patience (crazy I know).
Less sickness--headaches, nausea, colds.
Overall, a much better mind, body, and soul.

Because of FOOD.

Which proves even more how important it is to seriously look at the food you are eating and how it effects your body.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect. 

The jelly beans I ate by the handfuls today (70% off at Target--I bought one bag to limit my intake).
And I do allow splurges out.
But I know the effects it will do on my body.
And for me--GLUTEN is not worth it.
The other sensitivities--not so bad.

My husband and kids still eat a little differently than me.
My gluten free, dairy free, peanut free, soy free, tomato free diet doesn't totally entice them:o)

But I choose wiser choices for them and create meals that are healthier and catered to me.
And almost everything is HOMEMADE now.

I've noticed a difference in our kids too.

More attention.
More energy (if that's possible!).
Less moodiness.

Overall, this whole eye-opening experience has benefited me immensely and I am extremely proud to talk or share it with anyone who is willing to listen.

Which brings me to the next step?
I've had a request to blog about my daily meals...
To me, this seems like too much work.
I've thought about opening another Facebook account--posting recipes, substitutes, etc.
But I'm not sure that is the right move for me.
Any thoughts?  Ideas? 

This is not a fad that I am going through.
This is a lifestyle change.

Top 10 for the week:

10.  Water IN the House.  Yeah, so early this week I had the great idea of putting water in the water table INSIDE the house.  Kids loved it.  It was a bit messy...but totally worth it.  Would do it again in a heartbeat.  Just wish it would have kept them a bit more entertained than it did.  I think having it outside will really do it.  Excited to have it.

9.  Productive Sunday.  Jay chopped wood this morning while the kids and I headed to Target in Kalamazoo.  In the afternoon, we started/finished a few projects around the house.  Felt great to be outside and to get a few much-needed things done.  Too bad it has to rain for a few days now!!

8.  Christmas Music.  Accidentally pressed the Christmas music CD in my car this week.  Was a HUGE hit with the kiddos...and I have to say it wasn't that bad for me either.  We've listened to it EVERY time we've gotten into my car.  Kids start dancing and singing along.  In fact Mal even commented on how one of the songs was from Mary's point of view.  She is an extremely spiritual (or interested in faith) 4 year old.  And sometimes it is hard to answer her questions.  But I find her innocence and curiosity so reassuring.  To the point that it's even helped me in my faith. 

7. Go BLUE.  Michigan won.  My husband is extremely happy.  Which makes me happy:o)

6.  Totally Awesome Tuesday.  Tuesday was busy for us, but we had a ton of fun.  I had a chiropractor appointment early, took the kids to Bounce Land (which they LOVED), and met a friend for lunch at Olive Garden (which we all LOVE--and I avoided the bread sticks IF you can believe that!  I still can't!).  My kids were good--for the most part:o)  It was nice to get out and to be able to experience new things with the kiddos. 

5.  OUTSIDE.  What a great week.  Yes, it was a bit chilly this week.  But towards the end it was GREAT!  I enjoyed playing with our kids outside and using another space than inside!  We finally took the kids' scooters outside.  I'm a bit sad about this...because this means they won't be back inside.  Clay freaks me out going down our BIG hill in our driveway.  Seriously.

4.  Malloryisms.  Mal's spring break was this week.  It went SO fast.  And I can say that I enjoyed having her home (it helped not having to rush in the morning and driving to and from Paw Paw every other day).  After getting out so much on Tuesday, Mallory requested herself to stay home JUST us on Wednesday.  It was nice to have a chill out day.  Alone.  And it helps with her attitude.  Which she has been having some.  Testing the waters I guess you could say.  But IF I'm smart about it (which I've been a few times) I'm able to talk or reason her out of it.  To the point where she apologizes and goes along with what I have planned.  There was an incident in the car this week--which was going bad--but I luckily pulled a fast one on her and she came around:o)  Let's just see if I can keep that up!  A few cute sayings:  "Don't worry Mommy" (referring to the sandbox sand that has rocks in it.  She doesn't seem to mind).  "I'm tickling myself.  I have a hole in my pocket and I can tickle my leg." (Was even more hilarious in person).  "I can't wait to meet Mary.  Mom, are you excited to meet Mary?"  (Jesus' Mom:o)).

3.  Clayisms.  He can open the fridge.  BIG problem.  He LOVES to eat.  Fruit.  All the time.  Tonight, he grabbed strawberries (which were washed) and an orange.  He likes to do everything on his own now, which means peeling the orange (or banana).  Unfortunately, he has to bite it first to get it to start to peel:o)  Such a clever little kid.  This week he's also decided to potty train himself.  Every time I head to use the bathroom, he follows, pulling his pants down.  Thank goodness.  I thought I missed my chance in November when he was willing and I had a kidney stone.  But it seems he's ready!  Which is perfect!  Too bad he's still scared of his poop in the potty:o)  I also took Clay with me to my haircut.  He was such a good little boy.  Sat in the chair next to me and just watched.  Then played with a few bottles and that was it.  I was shocked and extremely proud.  He's finally getting the whole out-in-public thing!!

2.  Mallory & Mommy Date.  One of my greatest friends, suggested taking our girls to a pottery painting store.  We had SO much fun.  And it was great to be able to spend some quality time with Miss Mallory.  She just eats that up so much!! And acts SO great afterwards.  It's amazing what a little extra attention does to kids.  Met the boys out for dinner afterwards.  A great time had by all.  It's crazy how big our kids are getting.

1.  Spring Break.  Mal's spring break was this past week (and would have been mine too, IF I was teaching).  BTW:  Met up with some lovely teacher friends for dinner--another GREAT time and makes me feel connected to my old job.  It was great to have her home...we did a few things that we wouldn't have done normally.  Lots of outdoors.  Lots of laughs.  Lots of just plain enjoying each other.  And of course a few fights.  But still makes me excited for summer:o)

That's a wrap.
I'm ready to go veg on the couch!

Have a great week back my teacher friends.

Until next week,
Mrs. Newell