Monday, April 24, 2017

THM Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Dip (S)

This recipe came from my aunt.  She always brings this dip to family gatherings, and it is just SO delicious!!

Cheesy Bacon Dip (S)
(Print this Recipe!)

Ingredients:

6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
6 green onions, chopped (just the green parts)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup Mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.  Keep refrigerated.  Serve with on plan tortilla chips, any one of the crispy recipes in the THM cookbook, or chicharrones.

Enjoy!!

Friday, April 21, 2017

Determined to Stay Active

I am resolved.  No excuses.  I WILL maintain an active pregnancy.

I always say I'm going to keep up with exercises and workouts during my pregnancies...and then promptly use the fatigue, the aches, the pains to excuse my laziness.  Well, not this time!  I'm currently at my lowest starting pregnancy weight since Fionna (I was 130lbs. when I got pregnant with her...)  at 167.  I want to keep that, and maybe lower it.  At the most, I don't want to gain a ton more.  I only gained 7lbs. with Winry so I know it can be done!!

So, what's my plan??

1.  I will stick to a healthy diet.

I will mostly stick to a Trim Healthy Mama diet with graces given for times I just slip or knowingly go off plan.  I'll be watching calories and counting macros to some degree.  I will make sure I'm getting the right amount of protein.  I'll be making better choices.


2.  I will actually workout.

I've found several pregnancy weightlifting programs that I want to follow.  Of course, no super heavy weights, but since I was already doing that prior to getting pregnant, I can still do it during.  I also will still be doing my Zumba, PiYo, and RIPPED classes when I can.  I thoroughly enjoy jogging in the summer, and cannot wait to start back up soon!


3.  I will listen to my body.

With all exercising, you must listen to your body.  If it feels uncomfortable, check your form.  If it causes issues afterwards, lighten your weights/shorten your reps.  Knowing what your body can handle is great for preventing injury.  Listening also means, if you're craving something, eat it.  It's ok if it's not the healthiest...just have it once.  If you crave it all of the time, maybe try finding a healthier alternative.  I'm currently craving jalapenos...which are pretty healthy...so that's a plus!


I am determined to remain active and healthy throughout this pregnancy.  I enjoy working out, and being active, and that can make a pregnancy pretty enjoyable, too.   

Monday, April 17, 2017

A Rainbow of Hope...and Fear

After the Great Flood in Genesis, God put a rainbow up in the sky, to show His promise to the earth.  Today, whenever we see a rainbow, it reminds us of God's promises, and that He never breaks them.  It gives us hope, knowing we are loved by a God who keeps his covenants with His people.

A miscarriage is one of the biggest storms a family can go through.  It has dark, dark days.  The sun never seems to shine.  All is despairing and gloomy.  And sometimes God sends a rainbow.  A Rainbow Baby is a baby conceived after a loss...whether that loss is a miscarriage, still birth, or newborn death.  It is the beauty after the storm.

Last week, during our flu escapade that lasted 5 days, we found out we are expecting again.  Seeing those 2 pink lines gave me such mixed emotions!  I was elated, excited, and surprised.  And with that came the fear. 
"What if I lose this one, too?"

God is in control over all things.  And He loves and cares for me and my children both living and in heaven.  If He chooses to take this child to be with Him in heaven, then that is His will.  I have comfort and joy knowing that I will see my children again in heaven someday.  And if He mercifully allows this child to remain on this earth, we will love and cherish him and raise him up to love the Lord. 

Everyday brings joy knowing there's a little life inside of me.  Some days I have mini panic attacks that wash over me like a wave.  I have to calm myself down.  Pray.  Beg God to give me His peace.  I know it's normal to be hyper-aware of every twinge, every cramp, every strange feeling after a miscarriage.  I am trying my best to trust in the Lord and give my cares, my baby, into His loving arms.

So, here we go again!

 Baby Sortwell #8 is on it's way!


Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Partially Doing THM

Well, this is a post that I have been thinking about for a while.  So...here goes!

I've decided to do THM 50% of the time;  or less.

There, it's out! 

WHY?

Because it is just too difficult to keep doing it 100% with our lifestyle/work schedule/church schedules.  We are in the nearby city for church-related things 3-4 times per week.  That is 1 hour of driving time, and roughly 1 1/2-4 hours there.  That doesn't leave a lot of time to be worrying about how many hours have passed, what fuel I'm needing/eating next, if something I'm getting from the fast food place is on plan...etc.  We live a busy, hectic life, and our eating schedules need to be flexible;  and THM is very difficult to do flexibly. (is that a word??)

We love the dinners, and will still be making/eating them!  I will try my best to separate fuel types, and eat healthy foods.  I like to make the crockpot meals on nights I'm exercising.  My husband needs potatoes in his life...I'm serious!!  He is the epitome of a "steak and potatoes" guy! 

We will be watching our portions, and still eating clean and healthy foods.  Some of it may not be on plan. 

So, what does this mean for my blog??

Well, nothing, really.  I'll still post recipe round ups, single recipes, awesome websites, and other such THM-related posts.  I love what I've learned about and through THM.  Some things I disagree with, but most of it I do agree with.  But, I may, occasionally, post about foods or recipes that are NOT on plan.  I will make sure to specify that in the post, and will NOT share them in the THM groups.

Also, PLEASE, PLEASE, I BEG YOU...do NOT flood my post with hate comments about how I'm obviously not doing things right, or that I am a bad person to not be 100%...I ask that because it won't do anything.  I have thought this through for a while, and have full support from my husband.  Yes, THM does wonders for hundreds of women, but it is difficult and hard for me.  I've been doing it for about 3 years now, and have only lost 35lbs. with 1.5 pregnancies in between.  I've seen so many women posting about how they lost 30lbs. in 2 months without exercising...so that in itself is super frustrating.  (props to them, though!  that's awesome!) 

So, that was just something I had to get off my chest. 



Saturday, April 1, 2017

Major News Ahead!!



Well, I have a post I'm working on right now that is HUGE!! 

It's about THM.

Most of you will probably be surprised.

I'm kind of nervous to post it, but I have to.

So, stay tuned...and NO, this is NOT an April Fool's Day prank!!!!