C'mon SPRING!!!!!

I don't know about YOU, but I am really loving these warmer temperature's the past few days! The rain is just going to make for greener grass and more flower blooms in the upcoming weeks! :) We have started on our garden, and I'm positive that this rain is going to make for an awesome crop this year ;) Seeds are started indoors, a few herbs going in the greenhouse, and some spring crops are started in the garden! If you can't tell, I'm pretty excited about it this year! I love being able to pick fresh veggies and fruits from my own back yard- and getting the whole family involved! I'll be sure to update our progress!

We have had so much going on since I last posted on here - balancing it all can be challenging! I'm so thankful that I have an awesome support system to keep me sane! HAHA!! Seriously though, my hubby is so amazing! He is the calm to my crazy :) And my kiddos are pretty stinkin' awesome as well! We all make a great team! We went down to a Home Show last weekend in Florida- I LOVEEEEE it down there! Seriously, I could relocate tomorrow! Me + Sunshine = Happy Jen :) We met some great people, and saw some wonderful products at the show. And we were able to enjoy the beach & pool for a bit as well! #winwin 

FAITH-

I found this cute pic on Pinterest! It is PERFECT for my mind today- I have so many thoughts and ideas and worries and work and family and... STOP IT JEN :) This was my reminder to STOP worrying, and just turn it over to God! No matter what is going on, He has it under control! So even when I can't see what He has planned, I will walk by faith and TRUST His plan! :)

FAMILY-

We are busy! Homeschool, work, babysitting, work, gardening, work, and did I mention WORK?! Ha! #blessed 

We are also in the process of trying to figure out Carter's food allergies- we are on day #7 of Paleo-ish/Whole 30-ish diet to eliminate possible culprits (dairy, soy, msg, and we already know that he can't do gluten) And just because I needed to get my own nutrition under control, I'm doing it with him! :) Pray for us as we get his nutrition figured out- I just want a healthy baby again! 

And we are going to have another addition to the Scott family SOON! My sister-in-law and brother will be adding a baby boy sometime in the next few weeks- and I am super excited to meet him! (My sister is also expecting in June- and they aren't finding out the sex until he or she is born! The suspense is killing me!!!)

FITNESS-

I am really missing my fit classes... but I am thankful that I'm able to keep in touch with so many of you via social media! AND I'm happy to see that so many of you have kept up with your healthier lifestyle! I try to continue posting motivational content, articles, etc. for everyone! It also helps to keep me motivated and healthy! Sharing your journey is a GREAT way to have public accountability! I finished PIYO and have been doing HIIT workouts & strength training- focusing on getting stronger & healthier! I try to post workouts, food ideas, motivation, fitness info and articles, etc. to my IG & FB accounts!

Follow me at @jen.ostergren.cpt on both INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK!!!!

And.... just breathe :)

The title of this post is based on my day today...  

Part 1- Literally, my allergies are so bad today that I can't breathe through my nose. At. All. Ragweed is bad for my body- very, very, very bad!!  When I had allergy tests ran several years ago, the ragweed needle caused a lump like a golf ball- definitely allergic!  The good news is that I went through the allergy shot series, and combining that with Allegra & steroid spray helps a LOT!  The bad news is that I can't take any of that since I'm breastfeeding. The only approved allergy medication is Claritin, which does nothing for me... so I will be wheezing & sneezing for the better of my baby! #truelove #CarterLove

Part 2- Figuratively, it's a "take a deep breath" type of day!  My little Carter has his first cold, and it's a doozy!  He's coughing and congested, which means he is having a hard time eating & sleeping... which means I'm having a hard time sleeping & worrying about him!  At this age, all that I can do is keep him snuggled by the humidifier, and use saline drops & the nose sucker...  We are now on day #3, and I really hope that we are getting close to the end!  He is just not feeling good- despite that, I'm still getting some smiles :)  He's such a happy little guy, even when he feels icky!

As you can see, I haven't been posting as much as I planned on...  I don't know how you momma's keep up that have multiple infants/toddlers!  My house needs a good cleaning, I need to not wear sweats most days & join the "get dresssed up & wear makeup" club again, and sleep will be nice one of these days!  HAHA!!  But I wouldn't trade it for the world- if you're a parent, you totally get what I mean & where I'm coming from.  If you aren't, then someday you will get it!  I would have thought that the author of this were crazy if I read this before having kids :)

So on to my 3-F's...

Faith-
I am putting all worry on the back burner and totally turning myself over to God, through faith. #bigstepsforaworrier... I am a natural worrier- so this is REALLY a tough thing!  I've been praying about our family, our future, work, money... you know, all of the things that we worry about!  I took the 1st step, and felt God leading me to a 'Mom's Group' at our church.  It's a weekly Bible study, and I'm not sure of the reasons but I do know that He wants me there! Step 2-  I'm also trying to turn over more control to my hubby...  I *might* be a wee bit controlling, which goes along perfectly with my usual worrying.  I'm going to trust his decisions, and focus more on being a good wife & mother (and maybe try to get the house cleaned, it's seriously driving me crazy but I'm sooooo tired!)  I'm sure that this whole process of change that I'm feeling is leading us somewhere- I know that God is preparing us for some type of upcoming change, and I want to be ready & willing when He calls us to action!

Family-
Our family is doing pretty good, other than the allergy/cold issues of the past few days!  

My hubby is working hard, and I love him for being such a good provider! I feel bad that he's been so busy, but I am also thankful that God is providing jobs & that Pat is so talented at construction!  The before & after pics that he keeps bringing home from these remodels are pretty awesome!!

Elisabeth got student of the month at her new school (in the 1st month- proud mama moment!!)  I am so proud of her- switching schools was something that I prayed about and stressed over, but I am glad that we made the decision!  All A's, great friends, and it's worked out better for the family as a whole!

Carter is growing- he's almost 2 months old & maturing by the day!  We get lots of smile & laughs now!!


Fitness-
My personal fitness has been on hold for a few days, other than my nutrition!  I'm sticking to mostly-paleo nutrition plan, with a few slip-up's, but overall I'm eating really clean.  I've been running 5-6 mornings per week, and doing strength workouts 3x per week, but had to focus on sleep the past few mornings...  I plan on resting today, and getting back into it tomorrow if I can breathe a little better!  I'm still slowly losing the baby weight, & toning up!  As long as I'm making forward progress, I'm happy (most of the time... some days I get really frustrated with my body, but I think that's mostly hormones! HAHA!)
Work fitness- I'm not back at it yet...  Trying to figure out times to train clients has been difficult with Pat's schedule and a new baby!  I'm dedicating a few evenings per week to schedule clients, and maybe one morning where Pat can stay with Carter, and I'm not starting group classes at this time. I want to be there for my clients, so these personal training sessions will be amazing :-)  I can't wait to start training again- I love seeing people get healthy & happy!  It's amazing how your outlook changes when you're healthy- you just have the ability to enjoy life so much more!  That's the best part of my job!!

Gotta run- Carter is waking up & it's time to sit in the steamy bathroom to help him breathe!
Happy Friday!
Jen

Let your faith be bigger than your fear...

My blog has gone a little off-track over the past 10 months or so!  With the arrival of Carter, and things getting back to normal (or the 'new' normal- sleep deprivation is now normal!) I think it's time to get back to why I started this blog in the first place!  FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS - in that order!!

FAITH-

I can't tell you how much my faith means to me.  I mean, I can try to express it with words, but it's more of a feeling, and I hope that I express it with how I live my life!  Having Carter is a result of faith &of God's timing!  I know, let the jokes begin, but seriously it is!  I didn't think that we could have any kids.  We had tried in the past and it never happened.  So we quit trying and felt led to foster & adopt.  When we pursued that and truly turned it over to God, we found out that we were pregnant.  It was a bit of a surprise but we couldn't have been happier!  Now we are praying for the next step in our lives... and I am ready for wherever He leads us!  Turning it all over to God is scary- it takes out what our human fears and wants are, and only looks at what HIS plans are for our life!  Hence, the quote above...

"Let your faith be bigger than your fear"

FAMILY-

My family rocks! And so do my friends & clients!! The amount of love and kindness that we have been shown this past month has been amazing!  As our family grew to include Carter, life has been hectic!  

My amazing hubby has been working extra hard to keep the household running smoothly- being self-employed rocks until you don't get a paid maternity leave :)  So he has been working hard & taking on extra projects- did I mention how amazing he is?!  You should check out his projects at facebook.com/patostergrenconstruction Or click right here! There are some fabulous before/after home renovation pictures!

Carter staring at his dad!!

Aside from work, he is an amazing dad!  Carter sure loves his daddy!! And he is the best dad to Elisabeth as well- being a step-parent is not an easy job but he sure is great at it!

Elisabeth is awesome as well- with the new baby arriving and crazy life, we decided it was best to switch her to a different middle school this year.  I was pretty nervous about it, but after loads of praying we did it, and it has been the best decision ever!  I continue to pray about it- I don't think life is ever easy for a middle school student!  She is still rocking it at cheerleading- I love her team this year!  There are some great kids & coaches (& momma's!!)  And she is an amazing big sister- such a big help!  I miss her being here during the day while she's at school!

First day of 7th grade!!

Sis & Carter!

Carter catching some zzzzz's

And Carter is growing by the minute!  He is healthy, happy, and such a fun little dude!  We are starting to see smiles, he's rolling over, and not sleeping nearly enough at night :)  HAHA!!  He recognizes voices now, he is eating really well (like really often, really well!  I think his 2 month appointment will show a huge growth spurt!)  He's very snuggly, and loves to be on his tummy!

The rest of our family is doing great too- my nephew just turned 1 (where has the past year gone?!?!!) and had a rockin' birthday party last weekend!  My bro & sis-in-law are great!  

Happy Birthday Graysen!

My parents are loving having more grandkids!  My sis is out of the country on another MSF trip.  Pat's sis & the kids got to visit for awhile this summer which was awesome- and got to meet Carter!  His parents are doing well and we went to visit his mom yesterday afternoon :)

FITNESS-

I've been asked several times when and if I'm going to start training again...  the when is still up in the air, but I DO plan on training again!  Trying to find the time to schedule classes is a bit more difficult than I had anticipated- once I am getting more sleep it will be a little more do-able.  For now I am only taking on virtual clients, and I am so proud of each & every one of them!  A lot of my bootcamp clients have switched to virtual training while I have been out, and have continued with their healthy lifestyle and working out!  You guys ROCK!!!  Having to be held accountable to me via texts, phone calls, Facebook, etc. might have been a pain in the you-know-what, but it works!  I'm super-duper proud of you !!!  I am still taking new clients as well- since it's 'virtual', you can be located anywhere!!  Talk to me about getting healthy!

My personal fitness journey is still that... a journey!  Trying to figure out what works around a newborn's schedule is pretty much a guessing game!  I've been working out at home, occasionally at the gym with Pat & Elisabeth, and going on walks/hikes with Carter!  I'm prepping meals ahead of time and eating pretty clean (mostly paleo, but with some grains still) and I'm seeing results!  Slowly but surely! I still have a LONG way to go, but I know that I'll get there eventually!  I had someone tell me that I'm 'not bouncing back very fast' - yep, seriously!  I guess we aren't all celebrities that bounce back in a week!  I'll get there, just give me some time!  My main health priority is a healthy & happy little dude at the moment!

Me & the birthday boy, last weekend!!!

Blog update- Baby, family, life, work... :)

I haven't posted for a bit, so I thought that I would do an update!

• I'm 27 weeks along now and getting bigger each day- our little man is growing quickly!  
• I had an OB appointment on Tuesday and I'm measuring a little big, so he has definitely hit a growth spurt!  I start 2 week appointments now- time is flying!
• I also have gained (pounds) at this point what I wanted to gain in the whole pregnancy...  kind of frustrating!  I eat healthy and still workout pretty intensely.  I guess this guy just needs more space to grow!  I'm just hoping that my healthy eating & exercise pay off after he arrives!
• I failed my 1 hour glucose test.  Talk about surprised!!  After doing some research, I found that a lot of ladies that follow a paleo-type eating plan fail it.  So I'm hoping that I pass the 3 hour test on Monday and I don't have to take any precautions for Gestational Diabetes!  I'm definitely not looking forward to sitting there for 3 hours on Monday morning...  I'm going through some book recommendations today to help pass the time!
• They didn't find kidney stones!  I have had some major back/kidney pain...  I'm pretty good with pain, since I'm used to pushing my body to the limit with workouts.  But this pain makes me stop & catch my breath.  IT SUCKS!  I'm very glad that it isn't kidney stones, but I wish it would go away!  Driving or sitting for awhile (even through a meal) is a challenge!
• I went to a chiropractor for the first time this week as well!  I'm hoping that she can help with the back issues.  She is also a natural doctor, so it was nice to talk to someone that is on the same wavelength as I am as regarding nutrition & exercise!  I am back to all-paleo diet (except I can have steel cut oats, which I haven't tried yet) instead of part paleo with the occasional ice cream indulgence!  If this helps then I will definitely keep it up!!  It just stinks that it coincides with the opening of my favorite place- Pineapple Whip :)  If you aren't from around here, you should visit in the summer just to try it out!
• Baby boy still doesn't have a name.  We do have a list made but it isn't narrowed down yet :)
• He is VERY active these days!  Right now, as I'm typing this, there is some type of kung-fu going on in my belly!
• He has a bed and the room is starting to come together!
• I'm still working out- once I got past the "sick phase" of the pregnancy the workouts were MUCH easier!  Despite the big belly, I can still do most of the exercises and lifts.  Running is getting more difficult- I need to try out one of the prego support bands to see if it helps!  If you are prego & your doc okay's it, I HIGHLY recommend keeping up with your exercise routine!!
• I made a lot of paleo foods yesterday.  I know myself- if it's prepped and ready to go, I will eat it!  So I cooked chicken & beef, boiled eggs, made some goodies that are paleo-approved, and went shopping for meat & fruits/veggies/nuts for easy, portable snacks!

Other than baby/prego updates, we have just been busy like normal!  Pat has been blessed with business growing & great clients these past few months.  Elisabeth is finishing up with this season of competitive cheerleading.  Her last competition is this weekend!  We had one a few weeks ago in St. Louis and it was a great weekend!  We spent the weekend with part of her team & went shopping, to dinner, to City Museum (I skipped this!), the zoo...  a great weekend full of memories!  Here are a few pic's:

Elisabeth, Laekyn, Kylinn, & Chesnee

My 2 loves <3 at the zoo!

The hubby & the prego :)

My awesome daughter & me (& the little guy!)

J4- some awesome kids!

Work update- my clients are just amazing!  My bootcamp's have been awesome & clients are getting results!  I've also had an increase in virtual training clients.  Not only are they getting good results, but they are getting REALLY good results!  The personalized training plans are really working well for everyone and I am so glad to see that they are doing the work & taking the nutrition tips and applying them!  Not only are they losing weight & inches, but they are feeling better and are able to enjoy life a little bit more!  

I LOVE helping people get healthier & get their 'happy' back!

Time to log off, I hear my nephew waking up!  Happy Thursday friends!

~Jen

Happy Monday!

It is COLD outside this morning!  I didn't expect to head out to bootcamp at 5am and be greeted with a frozen car, snow, & freezing temp's!  Where, oh where, did that warm spring weather go?!!

FAITH:

I didn't make it to church yesterday... I woke up after Sunday School  had started!  I'm going to look for a new devo book or plan online today since I finished the last one- any awesome suggestions?!  Maybe something about being prego or being a momma...

FAMILY:

We had a pretty awesome weekend!  Saturday we got stuff done around the house, I got grocery shopping done & dessert made, and we went to my Grandma's house for an early Easter get-together (hence the dessert!)  Sunday was a pretty lazy day- E went to a cheer clinic & I was lazy most of the day :)

Baby O is doing well!  He is moving around quite frequently now!!  He still doesn't have a name, but he did get a few new clothes this weekend.  We went to the Rhea Lana resale event in Springfield, and found some cute baby clothes!  I still need to register, plan out the nursery, etc... but at least I got a few things accomplished!


FITNESS:

Workouts are going well!  I've been keeping up with my workouts, usually 5 days a week... not as intense as they used to be, but I'm keeping up with the weight & just taking it a tad bit slower!  This mornings workout was pretty awesome- I felt good afterwards!  

Nutrition- going MUCH better now that I'm farther along!  I definitely didn't eat very clean at the Easter dinner (who can pass up the yummy homemade foods that my family makes?!) but otherwise I'm doing pretty well!  Example- breakfast today was 2 organic eggs, 1/2 avocado, and 2 slices of nitrate-free bacon (and a cup of coffee!)  and I've already had a huge glass of water...  fellow pregos- hang in there!  Do what you can to be healthy for both yourself & the little one!

I like these little quotes- reasons to be healthy & exercise!

Being an example for my family, friends, & clients is a great reason to be healthy!!

Winter blast!

I was a little bit surprised that SPS had classes today- but E made it there safe & sound!  I'm just hoping that the next snow blast holds off until AFTER I have to pick her up :)  Despite all of the downfalls to winter weather, it is absolutely beautiful outside today!  Click on this link from our local news channel to see some of the awesome beauty that is out there!  KY3 Winter Pictures, February 26, 2013


FAITH:
We have been going to a new church for several months now, and are all really enjoying it!  Great people and a wonderful environment for our family!  God has been so amazing to our family, and has blessed us beyond belief!

FAMILY:
Our family is doing well!  Pat has been blessed with plenty of work and my clients have remained amazing!  Elisabeth is still liking her new school & has made a great adjustment to middle school!  She is looking forward to her spring break trip to DC with her classmates!  Ryan is continuing to improve with his health, and we love to have him over as often as we can!  We are ALL looking forward to the arrival of the new baby :)

Today I'm hanging out with my awesome little nephew- he is already 6 months old!  We have been having lots of fun on the days that he gets to hang out with me.  I can't wait until the weather is nicer so we can be outside!!

This was from last week- he is rolling all over the place now!

FITNESS:

My workouts have been pretty amazing for a pregnant chick :)  Nothing new to report, but I'm staying consistent with the workouts and trying to stay as healthy as I can for the wee one!  Yesterday morning I had a great workout- and felt really good!  I am glad that I'm starting to get a little bit of energy back in this 2nd tri!

My bootcamp & personal training clients continue to amaze me!  I won't call them out personally, but the results that are coming in are pretty awesome!  I'm also doing a corporate weight loss challenge with a local corporation and they are doing an amazing job!  The weight loss is continuing at a great pace, and we still have several weeks left!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Approaching 3,000 views!

WOW!  I am so excited that people are reading my blog!  Now I just need to make sure that I am on here more to update it :) 

So here is an update on my crazy life!

Things have been busy- and not necessarily all in a fantastic way!  It's the holiday season, so there are bound to be challenges that come up!  (Like my hubby's work truck breaking down...  like "ca-put it's done for and needs to be replaced" kind of breaking down...  nice timing!) It's been an overall challenging 2012 for us, but I keep telling myself that we are putting God in control and that He has a plan! (& that He won't give me more than I can handle- I repeat that one quite often!!) 

On the postitive side, Pat has stayed busy with work & my clients are the best clients in the world :) :)  I am seeing such amazing results with them, and their hard work & nutrition changes are making a huge difference!  Not only appearance-wise, but also in their overall energy and lifestyle!  I love hearing that they can fit into a smaller size, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE when they tell me that they are off of some med's and able to play ball with their kids or grandkid's!!  I want them to be happy & healthy & to enjoy their life!

FAITH:
We have been visiting High Street Baptist Church for the past few weeks & we are really enjoying it!  When you go somewhere that makes you want to be involved & gets people excited to serve and do His will, then it's a positive thing!  We are still praying about it, and trusting that God is guiding us where we need to be!  Trust is a major part of faith- and lately it's a huge part of our lives!  We are leaving it in God's hands as to where we get involved or what happens, but please pray for us!  I am excited/scared/worried all at the same time, and relying on FAITH & TRUST :)

FAMILY:
Family life is going well!  Here are a few pic's of the last few weeks- enjoy!

Elisabeth & I ran the Bass Pro 5k race last week- she ran almost the whole way, and I am SOOOO proud of her!  Overall time was 35:50, a big improvement from the 42 minutes last Thanksgiving!

Pat & Elisabeth, perfecting their handshake!  This was a fun evening of bowling :)

My handsome nephew spent the day with me last week & got to come to the gym!  He will be my little helper on days that I get to babysit :)

My daughter cheering at a middle school basketball game :)  Go Reed!!

Cheer competition last weekend! 

Holding her baby cousin before they performed!

OH YEAH!!  Champions!  'Jungle Cats' :)

My girl :)  Love her!!

FITNESS:

Like I mentioned above, my classes & personal training sessions are really going fantastic!  God has blessed me with some awesome clients!  They are working hard, trying to implement my nutrition suggestions, and getting some really good results!  

Send me a message at trainingbyjen@hotmail.com and we will chat :)

~Jen

Thankfulness Day 1! And October follow-up!

October was a whirlwind of business!  Here are a few updates!

October 30 Day Nutrition Challenge:
It went pretty well!  I lost 7 pounds, 1" in my waist, 0.75" in my hips, 1" in my thighs, and 1" in my arms...  and while all of that was awesome (!) the main improvement has been with my energy level & overall feeling of wellness!  I feel good, and not dragging or lacking energy all of the time like I had been!  I do think that eating right makes a huge difference in your body!  I think that I have found a good combination for my body to function & perform better!  My lifts are heavier, and my strength is improving!  Overall, the challenge was a success- I am back on track!

FAITH:
Last week we went to my brother & sister-in-law's church to see my nephew's baby dedication!  It was awesome!!  I got a little teary eyed when the pastor spoke about how awesome God is - Graysen is a good example of that!  He was healed completely of his heart issue :)  When things get tough- when they seem out of control, just remember that HE is in control!  Things don't always happen in a way that we want or understand, but they always work out perfectly in the end!

Happy little guy!

FAMILY:

Here are a few pic's of the family from the past week!

Nerd day!

Sleepy little giraffe!

Pumpkin carving contest at my mom's!

Me, Elisabeth & Teresa!  Rutledge Wilson Farm :)

My little zombie- Trick or Treat!!

Rutledge Wilson Farm 2012 - The fam (minus Pat!)

Checking out the pumpkin patch

She found one!

Me & my brother & Graysen!

FITNESS:

Like I mentioned before, fitness & nutrition are going pretty good!  I survived the 30 day challenge & got some good results!  I did have some candy last night :)  (for those that think I never eat anything bad- I had a mini-Snicker's bar & it was yummy!)

I'm going to start a 'Thankful List' for each day before Thanksgiving- I'm never good at posting on here daily, so I'll either post it on here or on my Facebook page so make sure you're following my page!  www.facebook.com/trainingbyjen :)

November 1, 2012 - I am thankful for a loving God!  Because without Him, none of the rest of it would matter!  He makes everything else awesome, and definitely helps out my family and guides us in times of STRESS :)  All of the rest of the things that I am thankful for pale in comparison!

26 Days of paleo, plus a few pics :)

Well, I've made it 26 days!   (October Nutrition Challenge - woohoo!  It's almost done!)  I've stuck to the plan about 98% of the time, and I'm feeling pretty good!  My workouts are definitely improving- today I beat my record for dead hang pull-up's (which is still too low to post my results & keep my chin up, but at least it's improving!) 

Here we go with the latest update in my crazy life :)



FAITH:
We've been visiting a new church the past few weeks, and it's good to see a different point of view and perspective from some amazing peep's!  The lessons have been applicable and the people are pretty amazing!  I'm just waiting to see what the 'Big Guy' has planned for our family :)  I have faith that God will lead us exactly where He wants us to go!

FAMILY:
We are getting ready to have a great family-filled weekend!  My sister, her new puppy, and her friend Jill are coming up to visit for the weekend!  Lot's of family get-together's will be occuring, including the baby dedication of Graysen this Sunday!  Here are a few pic's of the last week or so-

Spirit Week at Reed Academy!  This is after the dance :)

My little nerd :)  Today was another dress-up day for the middle school!  We also went and had a 'coffee breakfast' at her school bright & early!

This was from October 11th, at Bri & Drew's wedding - I LOVE this candid shot!!

Woohoo~!  It's complete!  This is a dresser that we sanded down & re-stained, and added new hardware.  It is like a brand new dresser now!  Re-furb'g furniture may be a new hobby of mine!

Yep, all A's!  We are super proud of my kiddo!

Obviously taken BEFORE the Cardinal's blew the series (note: we were still smiling!)

Pat built this frame - how amazing is he?!  The painting is from my sister, from Papua New Guinea!

FITNESS:
Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, it's going pretty darn good!  I would love to say that I dropped oodle's of pounds & I am super cut with a 6 pack, but...  that hasn't quite happened yet! :)  However, I'm lifting much heavier and running is (I should say "was", until I hurt my foot- GRRR!) much better & easier!  My pull-up's are finally improving.  The dead-hang, not kipping or flailing legs versions :)  Although those are probably not-so-awkward-looking these days, too! 

Nutrition really ties into getting good results.  I know that we read it & see all of the funny pin's on pinterest, but it's really true.  They are both pieces of the health puzzle.  If you want to have definition and lose weight, you have to eat clean AND workout.  If you ask any one of the people in fitness magazines what their routine is to get those lean lines & cut ab's, it will include clean eating.  Start with small changes- you do not have to do paleo!  I like paleo because it's easy & cut-and-dry, and I will do it.  But do eat cleaner.  Cut out the processed foods.  If you eat clean 80% of the time, you will see changes.  For myself, it's probably not going to happen 100% :)  But if you choose to do it 100%, go for it!  Your results will be awesome!




Have a wonderful Friday! I'm off to ice down my foot again & then get this house cleaned up!
xoxo, Jen :)

It's Friday!! Nutrition, wedding, and FAITH!

It's Day #12 of the October Nutrition Challenge!  I'm happy to say that I made it through a wedding last night without breaking my 'rules' for the month!  The only cheat is that I got on the scale- happy to say that I'm down 4 pounds in 12 days- but the main thing is the muscle tone!  It's very improved!!  Clean eating is a good thing!  I'm feeling good, energy levels are up, and I can tell that I'm past the tough part of the challenge (detoxing from sugar- HAHA!)



Last night we attended the wedding of one of my good friends- it was such a special night!  They had a beautiful wedding, & I am so happy that I was able to be a part of their special day!  

Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Green (& Connor! & Addyson!!!)

Me, Elisabeth & Bri at the end of the night!

Me & Pat

Me & Elisabeth

Here comes the bride!!!  With her dad & son :)

There goes Brae!  She was running, but the cutest flower girl ever :)  This picture makes me smile!!

Pat & Elisabeth dancing :)

The wedding definitely had me thinking about FAITH!  When I met Briana, we were both in rotten places in our personal lives.  Despite all of that, we have both moved forward in life & are truly happy now!  We used to say that we would be 80 year old bitter women hanging out together...  now that has changed!  We will still be great friends, but now we will get old together with Drew & Pat, watching our grandkids running around!  

I know that my faith in God has got me to the place where I am now.  Thankfully, He is a forgiving God & He loves us unconditionally!  We all make mistakes- being young certainly is not an excuse, but for those of us that had rough times when we were younger, it's never too late to turn your life around!  Pray about it, and make changes!  If you need to change the people that you spend time with, then do it.  Find happiness & don't give up until you do <3