Day 27 of the Whole30...Please tell me why I did that?

Day 27....Why did I do that?

Robbie, Haylee and Baby Avery (As Kiley likes to call her...not just Avery, but Baby Avery!) came over for a visit and to have dinner with us.  I asked myself many times today....What will I fix for dinner? Ahh-Hah...Breakfast!

Dinner was easy!  I fixed pancakes, beef sausages and scrambled eggs...for them!  Once that was finished....I fixed myself scrambled eggs with a little diced tomatoes and green chilies. A little splash of hot sauce and I was good!  For dessert, I had a slice of papaya.

Oh yeah - I forgot!  I have to make the World Famous.....Frank's Buffalo Chicken Dip! Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!  I did this to myself by waiting until the last minute.  Have you ever had this?  I believe sometime during the cooking process Frank's little spicy elves transform into something to make it addictive!  Let's scan the ingredients and see if I might be able to have a bite.....

• Frank's Hot Sauce - Maybe...depends on whether it has sugar or not!
• Blue Cheese Dressing - No!
• Shredded cheese (3 cheese blend is what I use!) - Nope!
• Cream cheese - Are you kidding?
• Chicken!  Canned works best - but of course, you know what's coming....A BIG FAT NO! (Looks like I'll be sipping on the jar of Frank's!)

I made it.  It's cooking.  And, why did I do that?  Why did I agree to make that?  I could have brought a yummy fruit bowl and sat there with a spoon and enjoyed it!  Oh!  I would've brought a second bowl for anyone else that cared to dine with me....I'm not rude (eyes rolling!)!

No worries though - I've got this!  Besides, I had to buy a pair of jeans one size smaller!  Chow!

Day 26 of the Whole30........Watermelon is dessert!

Day 26.....Walluhmellun is dessert!

Yeah buddy....I'm loving life right about now (with the exception of the Cowgirls just scoring a touchdown) because I made a watermelon slushie!

Because it's watermelon, it became watery quicker than I could drink it, so it's back in the refrigerator to become more of an Italian Ice......DESSERT!

As kids we all had our own unique way of trying to say watermelon.  Even now as adults we struggle a little because it's so stinkin' good we can wait to indulge into its greatness, that we start severely messing up its pronunciation.

We have proof that my daughter Ashley struggled with it.  There is a video of she and Robbie squatting over newspaper with watermelon juice from ear to ear and I'm guessing they are about five and seven years old.  Ashley says (more than once) with missing front teeth...Grammaw thith ith thum thuicy walluhmellun! I don't know what was funnier, watching her or listening to her.  Both!

I think it's the coldness of the treat more so than it being a dessert.  I usually like my water a little colder than room temperature.  But since starting the Whole30, I'd much rather have it ice cold.  Wonder why that is?

I don't really care as long as I can keep making treats like this.

My only grandson had a treat today too! Levi celebrated his first birthday today in Muncie, Indiana and I so wanted to be there.  Seeing the pictures of him diving into his cake made me laugh and remember his Mom doing the same thing with just about everything.....cake, watermelon, pizza, spaghetti.  Why?  Because GPa taught all of my children at a very early age how to slurp spaghetti, saw down a piece of watermelon and corn on the cob, and who eats pizza with a fork?  Oh, and don't forget the spit balls with the straw?  (Robert Brady you are guilty too for teaching them to shoot toothpicks into the ceiling with your straw!)  

I saw a saying on Pinterest earlier today, "You only have one life!  But, if you live it right, once is enough!"  I guess that's why I'll me teaching my grand-children how to shoot spit balls across the room with a straw!

Peyton, Kiley, Levi and Avery....Grammie loves ya! 

P.S.  For the record,  both Kathy and I have participated in a watermelon seed spittin' contest.  I thought after years of eating and spitting sunflower seeds, I'd be good at it.  The kid down the street won and said to us, "Not too bad for a girl!"  Rematch! 

Days 23 and 24 of the Whole30....Oh heck...let's toss in 25 too!

Days 23,24 and 25!

Between computer issues and just a flat out stressful week....blogging had to take the back seat to sleep!

One of the many draws to me starting the Whole30 challenge, was the claim that your sleep will improve.  What?  A good night's sleep?  Another plus!  And, it wasn't that I was sleeping horrible, but I was waking up at 3:30-4:00am unable to go back to sleep...not good!

The result:  I'm usually in bed by 11pm and up by 5:30am because the alarm tells me to.  I might have to visit the ladies room once during the night, but if I do, I crawl right back in and sound asleep in seconds. 

This past week however, I had one night where the extra energy got the best of me and I was on a roll just doing stuff (same night I had a ton of back-to-school papers to sign).  I didn't go to bed until much later.  I still bounced up at 5:30, but once you add a dose of stress into the day, it's physically and emotionally exhausting.  No-No-No....not today!  I was in bed sound asleep by 9:30 that night!

On the flip side.......I ONLY HAVE FIVE DAYS LEFT!

In reality though, this has changed my outlook on what food I allow to go into my body.  Do I want a Cheese Shop sandwich?  Yes ma'am I do but it's weird because instead of wanting it because I've been deprived of such awesomeness, I want one to see how I'll feel after eating the bread, cheese, sauce, etc.

Yesterday, I went out to lunch with Steph and when I ordered a mushroom burger (no bun) and steamed broccoli, the waitress said, "Girl, you are really being good!  I would have ordered extra-cheese, with extra mayo, forget the broccoli....I want fries.....and don't even think about bringing me a whole-wheat bun. Good for you!"  Her humorous feedback made me feel good because most of the time the feedback I get is a roll of the eyes and the question...."Is that it?"  With my best smile and batting of my eyelashes...."Why yes, I think that will be plenty....and could I have a box too please?"  You know...as rude as they can be sometimes one still has to be careful what you say BEFORE your food arrives! 

I'll continue with the change in my diet for several reasons:

• I feel great!
• I've noticed a difference in my skin!
• I put on a pair of jeans yesterday and after buttoning them up, I could take them off WITHOUT unbuttoning them.

I don't know how much weight I've lost, because that's a requirement with the challenge.....Hide your scale for 30 days!  But at this point, I know I'm making healthier decisions and I'm not consuming the toxins that cause the BLAH feelings....so I know the weight loss will follow.  I'm happy with that!

Thanks Whole30!

Day 22.....Portsmouth didn't have a chance!

I knew this trip was coming when I decided to start the Whole30 Challenge.  I debated back and forth....start now or later?  I decided there will always be something as an excuse ...weddings, showers, family gatherings, etc.  So, I started when I had a few days off so I wouldn't be tempted by the many No-No's at work.

Nan was able to pick anywhere she wanted to go (as long as we could make a weekend trip out of it)...Portsmouth!  Yes, you read that correct...Portsmouth!

This was decided in late June and she's been packed since early July!

Cindy and I picked her up @ 8:15 am sharp and off we went.

First stop:  Lunch with Joyce, Beverly and Martha Rae.  Friends from Cradock that used to cruise those streets of Mayberry with Nancy, Dad, and more!

We arrived at Cracker Barrel (Great!  Home of the biscuits!) and of course Nan and I needed to visit the ladies room.  It didn't take long to realize this CB had its bathrooms reversed.  Too late!  She was already in motion and taking care of business.  Me:  Ummmm...Nan hurry up, we are in the men's bathroom!  Nan:  What'd you say?  Me:  I could barely speak, I was laughing so hard.  I'm 49 years old and delivered 3 babies - so I couldn't laugh but so hard (TMI I know!)  When I shuffled her outside free from being caught, I told her what happened and asked her to please wait while I slipped into the right restroom.  Nan:  You should have to go in the men's too!

Great conversation starter for the table and no, I'm not out of the dog house yet!  There were lots of stories shared about old times and in between Nan managed to clean her plate of hamburger steak with whirped potatoes (spelled just like she says it!).

Next on the agenda - Travel the roads and back roads of Cradock to see where life took place so many years ago.  We saw their old house in Brentwood, dilapidated Cradock High School, old hang out spots, fire house, Pap's old employer (Suburban Propane) and so many more.  Thanks Bev for tagging along as our tour guide.  GPS is nice, but having a native of the town with you....priceless!

Home of the Bailey Family!





Cradock football field and concession stand



We checked into the hotel and Nan asked what we were going to do until dinner?  Plotting out our next plan of attack on old P-town!  I told her we were going to color her hair.  Nan:  "Illbedernifatso" When I pulled out the box of Lorea'l her eyes were big as saucers!  Nobody panic - I brought it just in case I decided to color my own hair...but knew I could get her going over it! (I guess I really am like my Dad!)

Formerly known as the local hot dog joint

Dinner with another Bailey family.  Bonny & Eddie, Dad and Nancy's cousins.  You can always count on a laugh when with them and this visit was no different.  Eddie gave Nan a hard time....Nan dished it back...this has been going on for years...longer than I've been alive!  Love it!

Cradock High School

We were able to see their two daughters, Stacey & Heidi, and their families too.  Great fellowship, a ton of memories and stories being told too.  Nan had a blast just being there!

You know Cindy and I scoped out the local hot spots.....Not the local Headlights GoGo joint....but the local thrift stores! We all got bargains and loaded up Cin's van like the Beverly Hillbillies.

Did we laugh?  Yes we did!  Did we enjoy our stay...In Portsmouth?  Yes!  In the hotel...not so much thanks to the horrible cleaning solution odor and the shower didn't work!  Their solution......We had to schlep our stuff up to the 3rd floor to take a shower. Our solution......schlep our stuff up to the 3rd floor AND have a full refund on the room!  Thanks Cin for making that happen!

Great weekend with two of my favorite ladies in the whole entire world.  Kathy was missed, but she was attending the Griffin's memorial service being held at the Naval Academy.  Nan is already planning another trip, so she can join us.

Good times!

Day 21 of the Whole30.....A Word from the Minister

Day 21.....A Word from the Minister

Back to school....Back to God's Word!

Thankfully, I had a great day Whole30 wise and if avoiding artificial sweeteners, sugar, SODAS, etc. is the reason for all this extra energy....I'm in!

Andrew's first day of school was a success.  Does anyone else have a pile of paper's to sign?  Oh, and on top of this, I need $15 for my Engineer and Design class. I'll get out my checkbook, but right now I'm on signature #14!

After a day of wonder.....I wonder how some people sleep at night? A day of disappointment, but hope! I came home to the monthly newsletter from Cowan Christian Church, located in Muncie, Indiana. You see, I just so happen to know the Minister and he sends the newsletter for my reading pleasure!

Today, the scripture jumps off the page...."I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 11:19

The Minister, aka my son-in-law, aka Timmy, aka Sissy around Spiders....also wrote the following message that was meant just for me today (and maybe you too!).....

"Sometimes it's just not easy to love people.  It's a humiliating but necessary realization how very conditional and limited our love is.

Jesus sums up the whole law with love:  Love for God and love for our neighbor fulfill the law.  It transcends everything and without it, all other things are empty.  God is love,  In His triune being He was love even before He created the world.  In some mysterious way, He invites us to become part of that trinity.  Us in Him, Him in us, beautifully bound together in love.  And yet I sometimes feel so deeply that my heart really is made of stone.

I cannot love like I should.  And I don't.  Sometimes it just takes too much energy to relate to people.  My heart of stone doesn't engage in others, it doesn't really care about anything except myself.  Maybe you feel this way also?

The promise of this verse from Ezekiel inspires me to get down on my knees and cry out to God to remove my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh.  Father, give me a heart that can love!

On our own we cannot love; separated from God our hearts freeze to ice, but when we remain in Him and He remains in us, we as the branches and He as the true vine.  He can break our heart of stone and then heal our broken heart so His divine love, that is limitless, can flow in our veins."

Not much else I can say...other than Thank You Tim for mailing me the message I needed to hear today.  A day when it's been very hard to love everyone!  I remember a bumper sticker I saw many many years ago....God loves you, and I'm trying!

credits:  Timothy Cyphers, Cowan Christian Church (www.cowanchurch.com)

Day 20 of the Whole30....What were we thinking?

Day 20.....Walmart....on a holiday?  What were we thinking?

Let's just run into Walmart.  We only need a few things....Yeah right!

First item on the list....pick up a prescription!  CLOSED!

The next few items were on the same side of the store and actually not too crowded.  Then we hit the grocery aisles......Zoo Central has hit Williamsburg, Virginia on Labor Day!

This is where Whole30 came in to save the day......I didn't have to shop up and down each of the rows.  We hit the drink aisle for Stephen's Coke Zero and made it out safely.  The rest was in the meat section and produce.  Thank you Whole30!!!

I'm not sure where are the people were coming from.  It appeared some were still vacationing at Great Wolf Lodge and we did see a few locals...but just a mob of people.  And hot!  It's always hot in Walmart! (I always have my own little summertime while I'm in there and all that does is make my face glow and my hair curly!)

Have a wonderful first day of school tomorrow...whether you are a teacher, student or parents of students.......here we go!

Day 19 of the Whole30....Potato salad, baked beans and pound cake...Oh my!

Day 19....Potato salad, baked beans and pound cake...Oh my!

Great day today and time with family is always special!

When I knew what Joyce had on the menu, I jumped at the chance to cut up a watermelon.  Especially since everything she makes is yummy.  She cooks for at least two days and gives us a true feast!  She even has homemade relish for the hot dawgs!

• We interrupt this blog post for a funny hot dawg story....We were with Mom and Dad in Smithfield for a funeral and of course we were early.  Dad swings into Hardee's to grab a little something to eat.  He rattles off everyone's order to the drive-thru speaker and wraps up the order with his selection.....a hot dog!  Drive-thru girl:  Does that complete your order?  Dad:  Yep!  DTG:  Well, whatchu want on dat haut dawg?.....(You know he couldn't let that pass)....Dad:  What do I want on my haut dawg?  Isa wantin me sum chili, unyuns and mustud on my haut dawg and that duz complete my order.  We pulled up and she was waiting for him with a smile!

I didn't really feel deprived today until everyone started eating her homemade pound cake topped with ice cream.  What is it about ice cream?  We don't keep it in the house....because we'll eat it!  We occasionally go out to Sweet Frog or Honey Bee's.....maybe once a month.  Daggon' if that's not something I've been craving!

I just kept telling myself....Weigh it out.....How will I feel later if I have some?  How will I feel having to start the 30 days all over again?  Nope....y'all enjoy your cake!  (I came home and made more of my banana-sunflower butter 'ice cream' and waiting for it for freeze!)

And, in case you were wondering....the watermelon was FANTASTIC!  It really was, and continues to be, a very tasty treat!