How to keep off the 7-10lb weight gain this Holiday Season

Happy Monday, friends!
Did you know that many people gain anywhere from 7-10 lbs over the holidays (from Halloween through New Years)?? I know it’s not hard to believe with all of the treats, multiple parties & get togethers, unhealthy options, stress, traveling/being on the go, and just plain ole overeating.
January is an AWESOME time to reset, and if you’re like me, you WANT to enjoy the holidays. But I DON’T want to gain that weight & push myself back even further from the starting line for January.

So we have a plan!! 

Here are a few products & tips that may help. We also have a FB group with encouragement, accountability, recipes, meal prep ideas, grocery lists, healthy treats, etc. for anyone who decides to join us.

Here are our FAVORITE “holiday helpers.”

• Spark (helps with long-lasting energy & mental focus, sugar free, no crash…you’re just more productive, more focused, & don’t feel tired)
• MNS C (this has your multivitamin & other goodies to fill in nutritional gaps, but also provides sustained release energy & additional appetite control)
• Catalyst (helps preserve & maintain lean muscle, which we WANT)
• Thermoplus (promotes healthy metabolism, helps convert fat into energy)
• Carb Ease Plus (helps reduce the absorption and breakdown of carbohydrates and fat & helps reduce the negative effects of excessive carbohydrate consumption
• FiboTrim (assists in the binding, transport and removal of dietary fats- so think fried foods, high fat foods, etc.)
• Crave Check (6 hours of sustained- release appetite control, so you can take 2x/day to help you walk right past the dessert table)
• Shakes (high protein, balanced & portion controlled meal that fills you up, tastes awesome, is great for on the go, and ensures you’re getting at least one healthy meal throughout the day)
• Slim (supports appetite control & helps fight occasional drowsiness)
• Clear Mood (helps brighten mood, supports sense of well-being, & provides support for relaxation)
• Oasis (helps your body adapt to physical and other sources of stress…hellllllo holiday shopping, travel, & some family get togethers…think if it as a red wine without the alcohol)
• Sleep Works (promotes better sleep by helping you fall asleep, stay asleep, and awaken refreshed)

You can pick & choose out of that list based on your specific needs and budget, or you can get them all as they work extremely well together too. (For example, Carb Ease & Crave Check are a MUST for me with my sweet tooth. I also LOVE Slim for an afternoon pick-me-up and to help with my nighttime snacking. Jon loves Carb-Ease and Fibotrim because he’s a meat and potatoes guy. He is more of a burger & fries than sweets guy. Spark & MNS are a no brainer.)

At the very least I recommend starting with Spark, MNS-C (3 boxes), and Carb-Ease. As a member, that is approximately $5/day for a 42 day supply.
If you want to make it most cost effective, you can become a member for $19.95 + tax & shipping. They will send you 1 boxes of Spark as part of your membership, so you can use those daily & it will get you through Christmas. The membership comes with your own (free) website, so you can log in and order your other goodies for a 20% discount.You’ll see the discount applied in your shopping cart every time you order, and it’ll ship to your door from FedEx in about 2-3 days. And just to clarify, there are NO monthly minimums, quotas, or autoships. You choose what, how often, if, and when you order.

*If you need more specific guidance about which products are best for your needs, we’d be glad to help make some recommendations & coach you through based on your goals.


I know lots of people need a game plan, so here is what our day looks like with those products. It really becomes a daily regimen & is worth it for the awesome results & feeling so good by putting great nutrition into your body. (FYI: You still eat balanced meals & snacks every 3 hours and drink a lot of water. This is not a substitute for healthy eating…they are meant to supplement & HELP.) Also, remember we will add you to our FB group if you decide to give it a shot and there are lots of awesome resources there too.

-upon rising: drink Spark + Rehydrate combo, MNS “before” pack, 3 Catalyst & 1 Thermoplus
-30 minutes later: eat breakfast & take both “with breakfast or lunch” MNS packs
-2 hours later: healthy snack
-30 minutes before lunch: final MNS pack
-Eat balanced lunch
-2 hours later: either a 2nd Spark or Slim
- 30 mintues before workout (Performance products + 3 Catalyst)
-Healthy Dinner *use Carb-Ease (immediately before high carb meal or cheat) and Fibotrim (10-15 before high fat meal) as needed
- After dinner snack: Muscle Gain shake
- Before bed: 3 Catalyst, Sleep Works 
*Clear Mood (1 capsule 1-3x/day) and Oasis as needed & can be fit in anywhere during the day. Clear Mood is a capsule and Oasis is a drink. Oasis is more for a specifically stressful event- like driving in Atl traffic, going to the airport, holiday shopping, etc, whereas Clear Mood is more for an overall mood brightener.

A few other tips:

• moderate exercise/be active (you don’t HAVE to hit the gym as hard, although of course the more you do, the better…but make an effort to move & be more active. walk your dogs, chase your kids/nieces & nephews – they’ll love it- take the stairs, park far away, etc.)
• eat before you go to parties
• fill up on protein & veggies first
• eat small portions
• don’t drink your calories
• eat breakfast
• eat balanced meals (don’t skip meals to “save room”)
• drink your water
• get enough sleep
• meal prep
• be the one to bring the healthy dish to the get together (I’ve got some yummy healthy treats if you click on my recipes in the label cloud, or you can search through Pinterest for a ton of idea

Happy, HEALTHY holidays!!

What Verses Do You Pray Over Your Children?

Well, I am back and have so much to share that has been on my heart. I miss the blogging community and the amazing people it brought into my life for so many years. So, I am back. Sometimes the hardest part of the journey is just getting started... so here we go! 

Mamas are there specific verses you pray over your children? Boy mamas these two verses I have been praying over my boys. I would love to hear some scripture you are praying over your children!

May our sons be strong and courageous.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

~Joshua 1:9

May our sons do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.
“He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

~Micah 6:8

Truth be told... it's her BIRTHday not mine.

37 years ago today you laid in a hospital bed. I am sure you were scared and felt completely overwhelmed with what being a mom would be like. 37 years ago I am sure you were feeling anxious and clinging to Dad because there was so much you didn't know. 37 years ago I imagine that you sat in your hospital bed, gazing into my eyes and wondering just what this crazy life would hold for me. I wonder if you knew I would be your mini me or that I would have three little boys of my very own who think the world of you. I wonder if you knew that as you held me you would raise a daughter who would think of you as her hero. I wonder if you knew what a great mom you would be. I wonder if you knew that we would be the best shopping partners EVER. I wonder if you knew how as each year passed you would get more and more adorable and fashionable! 37 years ago you had no idea you would have a little girl who would be fighting for her life. 37 years ago you had no idea that as you gave birth to your first daughter she would be swiftly taken away from you and be in for a fight. A fight to see if she would be only minutes/hours/weeks old before having open heart surgery. 37 years ago you had so many people praying. Who knew, that Jesus would answer your cries to him and as the Dr. told you "miraculously" something {someone} opened part of the valve to my heart. 37 years ago they gave you a "miracle baby", one that you would spend hours on end watching to make sure your baby was breathing. One that you would take to many heart doctors for years and years to come. I wonder while the Dr. was telling you that your baby would never be able to have children of her own or play any sports growing up ... I wonder if you looked at him and shook your head because he didn't realize what a mighty GOD you serve. 

The only way I know how to be a mother is by having the very best one to teach me. One who taught me by holding me to a high standard. At the time I didn't get it but years later it all makes perfect sense. One who prayed with me and for me ALL the time. One who taught me by ALWAYS being there for me... always. One who NEVER missed a cheerleading, soccer, softball or basktetball game. One who cheered me on and was my biggest fan. One who bought me my first flute and let me try out piano lessons. One who taught me by always putting my needs before her own. One who taught me by giving so freely of herself, not only to me but everyone around her. One who taught me by doing so much for others. One who taught me by hosting giant birthday parties for me each year. {Yes, I saw the picture of the 10 highchairs set up for me and my toddler girlfriends}.  So much of who I am, Mom, comes from you. You inspire me each day to me a better mom, to pray more and to be thankful for my family. You continue to be my very best friend. I know I have told you this a million times... I couldn't do this life without you. Thanks for bringing me into this world 37 years ago.

11 Years down, a Lifetime to go! I wanna grow old with you...

11 years ago today I was a young, crazy excited, nervous bride. I wanted the day to be perfect. I wanted it to be perfect... for YOU! I knew my life would forever be changed. I knew YOU were the one that would forever change me. I put on my white strapless wedding dress and my long white gloves and walked down an aisle with my dad, who gave me to YOU. Today, I would put that dress back on and meet you at the end of the aisle. Without hesitation. I would be there. 

Waiting for YOU. My Groom.

 We together have dug deeper, prayed harder, and loved stronger this past year than any other year. This journey that we are on...you know the one...the one where we support, fail, encourage, laugh and just get each other. No words need to be said. This journey. Our journey. With tears, frustration, laughter, and joy that only we experience. A journey of loving on our boys and figuring out how this parenting and marriage thing works. A journey that makes us both laugh out loud and scares us to death. This journey, I really couldn't do it without you.
I wouldn't want to do it without you. 
You are part of me. You are the glue that holds me together. You are my glass-half-full-everythings-gonna-be-alright guy. You are just what I need. You are my balance in life. You are loyal. You are a man of strong character. You are who you are when people are around and when it's just us. You are a giver to our boys and to everyone around you. You are rich in that you never need more than what you have. You are the calm whisper in my ear. You are the soft touch to my skin. You are the ONE. It's an honor to be your bride. Thank you for loving me and making me a better woman.  

I love you. 

Happy 7th Birthday, My Sweet Boy!

 

 

Seven years ago you, my sweet boy, forever changed my life. When I sit back and think about how fast this time with you has gone by it brings me to tears. Nana was right when she said, "you will blink and 10 years will have gone by."

Well, it might not be 10 yet but goodness buddy, you are 7!

 

 

 To know you is to know joy.
To know you is to know that you are pee your pants funny.
You make everyone around you smile.

To know you my sweet boy is to know that you give 110% in everything you do.
You always and I mean always want to win.

To know you is to know that you are the first to help anyone else out who is struggling.

To know you is to know your love for soccer and basketball.

To know you is to know you are a Daddy's boy.
He can do no wrong in your eyes right now.

 

 

 

To know you is to that you have a charisma about you

that makes other people want to be around you.

To know you, my sweet boy is to know you have no filter on that

cute little mouth of yours. You say what you mean and you mean what you say.

To know you is to know you are a boys boy right now.

 

To know you is to know your heart for Jesus. To know you is to know that you

are wanting to get baptized. You brought it up to us all on your own.

To know you is to know that you have a smile that lights up a room, your blonde curls that melt my heart and this ridiculous charm that cracks me up.

You are my heart.

 

Your best buddies are Alec, Matthew and Nate.
You aren't a huge fan of girls. You said they

talk a lot. You are so young and so smart, my sweet boy.

To know you is to know you love your brothers.

 You look up to Brady so much.

You try and do EVERYTHING he does.

You wouldn't admit it but you do.
You teach Cole so many things. Some good some well, not so good.
You aren't a fan of pants. In fact, you would live in Under Armor and KD gym shoes if I would let you.

 

As we celebrate you today, my hearts desire is that you will feel loved.

This world is so crazy and I pray for you everyday that as each year passes

that you will know how much Jesus loves you and how much we love you. I am so proud of the young man that you are becoming. You are sunshine on a cloudy day, my love. I love you more than words can say and I am so thankful that Jesus saw fit for me to be your mom. I love you and hope you have the best birthday ever.

 

Happy Birthday To You, My Blue-eyed Love,

Mom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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If you knew me...

You would know...

... I have been saved by grace ...
... it has taken me 33 years to realize I can't please everyone ...
... I love to decorate ...
... I want to grow old with my man ...

... I go to Target almost every day ...
... I feel like I have been given far more than what I deserve ...
... I love to watch people ...
... I hate to try on clothes ...

... I adore my sweet little boys ...

... I am afraid I will fail them as a mom ...

... I am finally over my Diet Coke addiction ...

... I am a Spark addict ...

... I love a good, hard work out ...

... I have never been the "skinny" girl ...
... I have to work my @#$ off to stay somewhat in shape ...
... I bite my nails ...

... I have a sick addiction to reality t.v. ...
... I love to laugh ...
... I hate to cry ...
... I wish I would of believed in myself more when I was younger ...

... I am a clean freak ...

.... if I could do anything I would want to be a sports caster, interior decorator or dancer ...

... I am indecisive (see above answer) ...
... I am super competitive ...
... I was born with a heart condition and told I would never have kids or play sports ...
... I haven't been able to go back to my dads grave since his funeral ... 

... I love to dance ...

... I get hives really easy...

... I hate my freckles ...
... I am a perfectionist ...

... my dad was addicted to pain killers most of my life ...

... I bite my nails ...

... I love all things candy ...

... I wish I was still coaching ...
... I want to make a difference in peoples lives ...
... for over 3 years I had to talk to my dad through a jail cell ... 

... I don't show emotion ...
... I can make my butt look like golf ball (cellulite rules) ...

... I have always wanted to eat a quarter pounder but never have ...

... I always want my house spotless ...

... my favorite thing I own is a hooded sweatshirt ...

... I want my boys to know Jesus more than anything else ...
... I am extremely stubborn ...
.... I tend to always think I am right (i usually am) ...
... It makes me sick to see animals and babies in pain ...
... I want to love my boys with as much love as my mom has shown me and my sister ...
... I wish I was a millionaire so I could give tons of money away ...
... I have cried on every episode of the biggest loser ...
... I almost made it on Deal or No Deal ...
... I tend to exaggerate ...
... I can't see at all without my contacts ...
... I love all things modern ...
... I have been on 2 mission trips to Mexico ...

... I don't like to cook (at all) ...
... I am impatient ...
... I am not afraid of dying ...
... I am desperately afraid of someone close to me dying ...
... I pray everyday my boys will stay close to me when they are older ...
... I would give up anything to put my boys needs ahead of my own ...
... I pray when my time on earth is done and I see Jesus, my prayer is He will be pleased with what I have done with the time he has given me...

What if you actually went out of your comfort zone for a few minutes and let people in to see who YOU really are; the good, the bad and the ugly. Do you think our friendships/relationships/families would be different?
 I do.

Why AdvoCare?

I decided I was going to keep this blog about family times/raising boys/motherhood but I thought I would address this question I keep getting over and over again. 

As many of you know Chris and I joined AdvoCare about 6 months ago.  I was in need of energy and my husband has always been in shape but wanted to tone up even more. He went on to lose 15 lbs and add a ton of muscle. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to do this as a couple hours a week business but what I didn't know is the impact it would have on me.  I am amazed at what this company stands for and the impact it has had on our family in such a short time. Not only is it the best nutrition you can put in your body BUT it has replaced the income that will be taken away due to Chris' upcoming furlough in a month.  It has allowed us to not have to worry and stress over what all needs to be cut from our budget. What I love most about all of this is that we get to meet and help people get healthy and add income to their families. I am just so thankful that a friend told me about this great company and although I will admit I was a little skeptical {my husband way more than me} I am so glad we made the leap of faith. 

This past week I received a Rookie Bonus {Top 7  New Distributors in the company get one each pay period. There are thousands upon thousands of new distributors and I was #6. I know, right?} Now I am not trying to be boastful at all I just want people to realize that this can be YOU. Heck, if I did it ANYONE can do it.

So, there you have it. That is why, for our family, AdvoCare is changing our little life. Our desire is to help others get physically healthy and to help those who need the ability to breathe and have some financial relief. Whether that is making a car payment, house payment or school tuition we really are committed to making that happen for other families/college students and AdvoCare is the vehicle we have been blessed with. 

If you are interested in joining us on this journey we would feel blessed and welcome you and your family with open arms. Life is done better with people around you who can encourage you and support you {...and we have the best team ever}. YOU will succeed with us. YOU will change other peoples lives and in turn yours will change as well! 

Sometimes all we need is someone to believe in us before we believe in ourselves and as cheesy as that sounds, we believe in YOU! 

xoxo,

Today I Spoke His Language...

8+ years of parenting little men and I am still amazed 

that the Lord thought I could do this! I am thankful for the ways each one of my boys continues to open my heart bigger and fill it more than I ever thought imaginable. Today, I decided to not worry about the laundry or the fact that I have a lot of people coming over to my house in a few days. I wanted to take time to speak this little boys love language and thats just what we did. 

He dressed up and we had quite the super hero fight. This boy is something else. There is just something about him that I can't get enough of. He had me laughing to tears as we jumped around and sword fought our way to victory. 

Today, was a great reminder that this is what it's all about.

 Slowing down, soaking in these sweet moments with my little boy. 

Embrace this time with your kids. There will come a day when your house will be still and you will only have these sweet memories that you are making right now with them! 

Happy 1st day of March, friends!!

This Boy...

Makes a Friday family game night... 

Adorable... 

Hilarious...

and

everything in between

He has a way about him that you just can't help but love. Seriously, you just want to eat him up. The things that come out of this boys mouth are hilarious. He brings a light heartedness, say-whatcha-think, unedited awesomeness to our family that we so need. 

Tonight, as all of us were sitting in a circle with those silly cards on all of our heads

I couldn't help but be amazed at the way the Lord has given me three boys all with different styles and personalities. Yet, they are all perfect for our family.

Enjoy your families this weekend. Spend time playing games, being silly and just loving on each other. That's what life is all about, right?!

Happy Friday, Friends!

Gettin Lit {Sorta}

While most of you were out watching football, at basketball games or doing whatever most people without three children do, I was at home getting ready to start my 2013 cleaning adventure. My mom called and asked me if I wanted to deep clean the house since the older boys and hubby were at the UD game and it would just be Cole and I. If you know me at all, you would now I immediately said, "booyah". Actually, Cole said that but I agreed with him.

So, my mom and I are doing work on my house laughing, talking, listening to Barney. You know, a typical crazy Saturday night at the Woodall home. I come up with a genius idea to light our new candles that I got from the boys for Christmas. My mom looked at me and said, "I wouldn't light a candle while we're still cleaning". I kindly say "oh stop, it's fine."

I have the WORST memory ever. So, of course, I forgot that a my sugar cookie candle is burning. Mom and I are talking and cleaning the sink when I start smelling something burning.  All of a sudden I realize my hair is on fire. Like flames on fire. I start running in place smacking my head trying to get the fire out.

Side note: if you know my mom you know she is the funniest, kindest, most generous woman you will ever meet BUT she is the worst to have with you if a crisis (like your hair catching on fire) should occur.

Keep in mind we are in the bathroom by the sink and all we have to do is pour water on my head. She starts running in place cussing. What? Why is she cussing? Why is she running in place? I have no idea. Between me screaming and trying to save my hair, my mom doing whatever she was doing and Cole in his rain boots with a sword yelling. "save the world" it was pretty much a freak show.

The good news is only a little chunk of my hair was singed off my head. It could have been so much worse. Oh mercy my mom and I laughed until we were crying. I have looked in the mirror about 50 times tonight to make sure I am not bald and I have seen my mom laugh the most I have seen her laugh in a long time. So, I guess it was worth it.

Moral of the story: Whether you are 3 or 32 listen to your mother. She's always right!!!

What's your word for 2013?

What will your word be for 2013? Sometimes a single word can change everything. When I learned about the concept of " Word of the Year", I took it to heart. I am not one to make resolutions because I tend to break them within 24 hours. So, this would be good for me. One single word that would be my theme for 2013. 

 My word for 2013 is GRACE. Why, you ask? I want to give myself more of it. I want to pour it out on my boys and husband. I want to learn to rest in it, admitting that I am not good enough, trusting that His grace covers the rest. 

Grace is what Christ gives us- and what we, in turn, can give each other. It's kindness, hope, opti

mism, humility, forgiveness, beauty, respect and love. It's what Christ shows me moment to moment. This year will be the year I take hold of and exercise it in every area of my life. 

What will your word be for 2013?

Eight.

photo credit

Eight years ago you my sweet boy changed my entire world. I never knew my heart could love another person as much as I love you. I also never realized all the responsibility and selflessness it would bring. Scared to tears I sat in the hospital with so many family friends for over 30 hours. Just waiting for you.  Eight years later I can remember laying you down in front of me on the hospital bed. I just sat and stared at you. You were mine. I wanted to watch your every move, your every coo, your every wiggle, your every yawn, your every cry. I didn't want to miss a single second.

photo credit

Eight years later, once again you have taught me what it's like to stretch my heart even more. I continue to feel so blessed that Jesus saw fit to have me be your mom. You are so caring and have such a pure heart.  Over the last year I have seen you grow into this little man. It makes me sad but at the same time I am seeing you grow in so many areas of your life. You are such a great big brother. I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am that you are the example that your little brothers see. You are kind hearted, you are full of character, you have this way about you that makes you stand out. You give 110% in everything you do. It is challenging and humbling to watch. You are crazy athletic. You still don't have a clue of how talented you are. Your brothers adore you and do everything they can to be just like you. I know that it can be hard having two younger brothers- you sweet boy are such a great example to them. The Lord knew just how good you would be at teaching and leading your younger brothers.  

photo credit 

 I am praying that as you continue to get older that you will continue to love Jesus with all your heart. That you will look to Him before anything or anyone else. That you will continue to be a leader to not only your brothers but to your friends. I am so proud of you and so thankful to call you my son. You bring a joy to our family that is unexplainable. I am holding tight to this short time I have with you before you venture out into this crazy world. For now, I will soak in every second and love on you as much as I can! 

 I love you to the moon and back!

Happy Birthday my sweet boy! 

Happy Halloween

As so many suffer on the east coast today, I am extra thankful that my boys are healthy and that we have a roof over our heads. It's  funny to me how we make such a big deal {me included} about it not being ideal conditions. Yes, its freezing and snowing. Yes, I would like for it to be sunny and 70 like last week. Like I said last night, I am sure there are many families out there who would love to be running around with their kids all dressed up with not a care in the world. It makes complaining about the weather a little silly. Today I am thankful. From our family to yours....

Happy Halloween

A Rite of Passage

One of my greatest memories of my childhood was looking out our big bay window in our family room. I would sit on the couch and look out that window everyday. Our family would all sit on that couch and open up Christmas presents each year. I have a lot of memories there. The anniversary of my dad's death always brings up unexpected emotion. It's one thing to think about him but it's another to know that the anniversary of the day when you said your last good bye is quickly approaching. 

I find myself trying to occupy my mind so it doesn't go there. This weekend I was taken back to when I was sitting on that couch doubled over laughing at my dad. In school my sister and I had some really good girlfriends and some really good (but pranksters) guy friends. If you knew my dad, you pretty much loved him. He didn't know a stranger. The first time we got toilet papered my dad chased the guys down the street in his boxers. Seriously, who does this? I remember going to school and they guys thought it was the best thing ever. My dad would joke with them all the time and tell them he would get them. So, of course, they would do it again. He chased them again {yep, in his boxers}. 

Which brings me to this weekend. I decided to go to bed really early {yes, I was acting like I was 90 years old} I was in mid dream, drooling and all when I hear "get up, quick... get up." Well, let me stop just to say I thought we were being robbed or something terrible had happened. I am blind as a bat so I ran to the bathroom to put in my contacts. I ran downstairs and saw my husband running out of the house and jumping into his car. He goes on a chase. I realize someone had snuck up and smashed our pumpkin. {Side note: Seriously, is it really that fun?} I was SO mad because it was Brady's pumpkin he took to school earlier in the week. He wrote a story about every detail of that pumpkin and there it was, smashed in the road. I am cheering Chris on to catch the 'punks' who did this. As mad as I was I immediately couldn't stop laughing. I felt like a kid again when my dad went chasing the HS boys. I mean lets get real, if you catch them what are you going to do? Plus, the fact that it was my husband {who is the nicest guy EVER} going after the 'punks' makes me laugh even harder. 

That night I talked to my sister and we laughed about old memories of my dad. He would have been so proud to see Chris go after the boys. He would have camped out and hid in the bushes with my sister and I just to see if they would come back.

 I miss him. 

I told Chris that I'm pretty sure this is a rite of passage for every dad. He told me stories of his dad doing the same thing. We laughed a lot that night. I can't wait to hear the stories from my boys of the first time they go chasing after the 'punks'.