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!!!!

Olympics 2012 & is that rain?!?!! and 417 Deal redemption info

As I hit the road for a run this morning, it started to rain!  Not nearly enough, but it's still pretty cloudy, so I'm hoping that we get more!  We could definitely use it- I'm hearing about wells drying up, ponds drying up, and way too many local fires.

Yesterday was a busy, but good, day!  I had a good bootcamp & four great personal training sessions!  Today I have this morning off to hang out with my kiddo (who is still asleep- I have a feeling that her & Taylor stayed up WAAAAAAAY too late last night!) and then I work this evening! 

We are all loving the Olympics- although there have been some surprises & controversy!  The post-race interviews in swimming were a little bit awkward (he just lost a race that he was supposed to medal in & you ask him why... or asking Phelps which version of himself would be racing the finals.  I liked his response though!)  The US Men's Gymnastics team had a disappointing finish, and what did you think about Japan filing a complaint and then overtaking the silver?  I don't know enough about the scoring rules to say for sure, but I did feel bad for the team that got knocked out of medal contention...  I was very impressed with Missy Franklin!  She had a phenomenal night & is so poised for a 17 year old!  We are looking forward to women's gymnastics tonight and all of the other great sports that will be on! 

FAITH:
Some days you just have to rely on faith.  Do you ever just have a day where it seems like nothing is going right?  I mean, if there is a good option & a bad option, hold on tight because the bad option is coming your way...  yep, we've all had those type of days.  When we face difficult situations & rough times in our lives, we need to remember to turn to God.  Have faith in His plan, and things will work out how they are supposed to!  This is just as much of a reminder to myself as it is to whoever is reading this!!

I'm still working on the devotional 'Teaching Tolerance'.  It talks about understanding the truth of the gospel, and how non-believer's don't have that ability.  We aren't to judge, rather we are to be respectful & patient regardless of our personal feelings about their choices.  (Read 1 Corinthians 5:12) My reading today was;

"Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."
-Luke 23:34

FAMILY:
We've had a busy few days since Elisabeth made it home!  Here are a few pic's-

Her first cantaloupe!

She started it from a seed (can you tell we woke her up to pick it?!?!!)

Twisted Cheer camp 2012, Day 1 - J2 & J4 (E's on the back row, 3rd from right)

J4 - silly faces! Twisted Cheer Camp, Day 2

FITNESS:



My classes & personal training sessions have been really amazing the past few weeks!  I'm seeing some great results & enthusiasm, despite the crazy hot weather that we've had!  Whatever you're doing, keep it up because it's pretty amazing!!
I have a few new clients starting in the next few weeks- I am so excited about it!  I'm already working on their fitness plans, and I'm excited about their fitness journey that is coming up!

My personal fitness- things are going well!  I've really picked up the pace the past few weeks & started running a lot more.  Okay, like I said before, not a lot compared to some of you marathon runners, but a lot more than I was running before!  Today I got in a good 2 mile run in the cooler temp's, which was nice!  I even got rained on a little bit :)  I've been doing MWF early bootcamp, working out with Elisabeth doing HIIT workouts each day, and running TThS.  Nutrition-wise, I've been pretty hit & miss, but overall I'm doing pretty well with it.  I have slowly added in some dairy (greek yogurt) & bread, and while it's a very low amount, I've been feeling fine with it.  It's not a daily thing, and I still follow the paleo & clean eating ways the rest of the time.  I just wanted to experiment and see how my body reacts to different stuff :) 


417 Deal Redemption:

I ran a 417 Deal yesterday on personal training, and while I sold a few, it was not the success that the bootcamp deal was last month.  I'm still working on perfecting the timing of my marketing deals :) 

I'm looking forward to meeting my new clients!  If you have purchased a deal, make sure that you send me a message (trainingbyjen@hotmail.com) or call/text (839-8186) to get your sessions set up!  Let me know if you prefer morning/afternoon/evening, and what your availability looks like!

July 3rd :)

Happy Tuesday!  The sun is shining & it's going to be a good day :)


Faith-
I keep a prayer journal.  I haven't been very consistent with it, but it's a concept that I recommend!  One of my personal training clients does this, & always talks about how it helps her with prayers & watching how God answers them.  So I decided to give it a shot!  I know so many people right now that are going through rough times- physically, emotionally, financially- and it's easy to feel like everything is going wrong as you feel like you're spiraling out of control.  God is in control, and we have to remember to turn it all over to him.  


Today's verse on my app is Romans 8:18:
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."


It's tough to struggle.  But stay strong, and rely on God.  Surround yourself with family & friends, & pray.  I have noticed with my prayer journal that God always answers.  He answers in His way, and in His time frame!  I'm not the most patient person, so it's been good for me to be able to look back and see how things always work out!


Family-
R is coming over tonight!  We haven't seen him for over a week, so we're excited!  And I'm missing E like crazy- going to the gym and seeing all of her friends while I'm teaching bootcamp's is tough!!  Pat has been busy with work, and our garden!  I am SOOOO happy that he is good at gardening- it provides lots of veggies for us!  The rain we had was much-needed!  E's garden section is growing like crazy!  She has a cantalope growing- it may be ready before she gets back to Missouri!

Baby cantalope!!

Fitness-

It's been hot!  And sticky, and muggy, and just plain old HOT!!  I'm so proud of my clients that are keeping up with their workouts!  It's hard when the weather isn't perfect- on a 70 degree day it's a lot easier to go for a run then on a muggy 90 degree day (at least it is for me!)  Your body will thank you for not slacking off!  As long as you are being safe & staying hydrated, you're doing a positive thing for your health!

My personal fitness- I met my goal with the water consumption yesterday!  I'm already starting it today- I like measuring it out, at least until I am confident that I'm drinking enough!  Paleo is still going pretty well- I've had a few non-paleo foods (bad, bad!!) but overall I'm making smart food choices.  I haven't worked out today- I'm still debating if I need a rest day or not.  My body says yes (sore knee, burnt foot) but my mind says to quit being a slacker!  It's hard to meet my goals if I'm not pushing it - the great mental debate :)

Have a wonderful day, and have a great 4th of July!!

It's July 1st! Happy Sunday!!

Happy Sunday!  


Faith:


I was wide awake at 7am today- not by choice (thank you Lola!  I love when the dogs don't understand that it's the weekend!) and opened up my online Bible.  I use the YouVersion app- it has lots of options!  You can pick different translations, reading plans, etc.  Today's reading was Proverbs 4, and I would recommend any and everyone to read it! (No Bible or phone/tablet handy?  No problem!!  Click here ---> Proverbs 4 NIV) 


It talks about getting wisdom at any cost, and avoiding the path of evil.  In today's world, that is very important both for us as adults & for us to teach our kids!   We need to work hard to learn and educate ourselves.  We will be able to make smart decisions and not have to rely on the input of other people in order to make a decision.  We have talked about this in my small group before- in reference to the Bible.  If we know the verses and their meanings, we will have that knowledge not only for our own lives but we will be able to help others when they need it.  The other part of this reading that touched me was to avoid the path of evil.  I know that it's hard to stay on the right path and not to get caught-up in worldly things.  Like many others, I've made mistakes in the past and started down that wrong path.  The good thing is that God forgives us!  He is amazing and despite the mistakes we make, He is always there waiting on us!  






Family:


This weekend has been a lot of Q.T. for me and the hubby!  It's nice to take the time to just BE...  yesterday we went to the farmer's market, and he got a lot of work done with the garden.  I got a lot of food prep and cooking done.  I even baked him a blackberry/blueberry crisp!  I haven't tried it, but I hear it's pretty tasty!   It's nice to just take a little time to just hang out- watch a movie, eat dinner, etc.  


I tried a new recipe this morning that I saw on Pinterest - I seriously LOVE this website!!  It's so addictive but you can find so many ideas for food, exercise, crafty stuff, etc.  This is the link to all of my boards: Jen's Pinterest boards :)  I made cinnamon roll waffles for Pat!  It's super easy & quick, and would be a good treat for the kids once in awhile! (totally not healthy, but Pat said they were tasty!  You can get the recipe here)

Cinnamon Roll waffles with cream cheese frosting

This afternoon we are heading out to my parents house- it's our Sunday tradition!  In the summer there is usually Cardinal's baseball on, and the rest of the year is split up between basketball and football (Pat is a Vikings fan!)

Fitness:

I went for a run this morning, twisting around my neighborhood and the back streets and ending up at the Y. I ran a mile there and did hill sprints.  That just equaled exhaustion!  And I twisted my knee, so it was a LONG walk home!  Word to the wise- take your phone with you when you run alone!  That way you don't have to hobble home :)  It's feeling better after ice & ibuprofen, but it just stinks getting older!  Between my foot burn yesterday (stepped in burning coals- melted the skin right off my left foot- OUCH!) and my knee today, I'm frustrated!  

I haven't had any food yet today...  it's time for some eggs & avocado!  I've had a few questions about supplements from friends & clients & FB friends- I don't always take them, but I try to listen to my body.  I may soon be selling a fabulous brand of supplements- news on that to come soon!  But right now I'm taking a multi-vitamin, probiotic, fish oil, and sometimes pre-workout energy and post-workout protein.  Today I'm home so I am eating my protein rather than drinking it.  (This is not fully Paleo- if you're following paleo 100% then you wouldn't be taking these.)

Have a blessed day with the ones you love!! Get some exercise in & your body will thank you!  

And if you're on Facebook, make sure you add me as a friend!  Jen's Facebook account!

Day 3 & 4

Day's 3 & 4-


Yesterday ended up being a busy day & I didn't get my blog done- so today is a 2-4-1 :)


We just got home from the Farmer's Market- I just LOVE that place!  It's already hot, but the vendor's are always smiling & friendly, and they have some great healthy (& local!!  I'm 100% in favor of supporting local businesses!) food choices!  I got some yummy blueberries, blackberries, zucchini, tomatoes, & peaches!  Pat is craving some baked goodies, so I'll have to see what I can come up with from this selection (probably zucchini bread- I'm thinking there is not a good way to 'paleo-ify' it so it will be all his!)


Today I am determined to get prepped for the upcoming week's food choices- I know that when I have stuff ready in advance, I'm less likely to screw up :)  I have a list made, and I'll be cooking & portioning stuff today and/or tomorrow!  I'm going to make paleo mayo for the first time today- wish me luck!




Faith-


This verse came to my mind today while having some quiet time-

Philippians 4:4-9

New International Version (NIV)

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I think that God is telling me (& possibly you, too!) to relax & be happy, and to turn over my worries to him.  Honestly, I know that I tend to worry too much.  About everything!  I worry about what's happening, then start to think of what could happen, and my brain goes crazy from there!  It's not healthy to be stressed out.  I've been working hard at turning it over to God & saving my body from the effects of stress!  And it turn, it saves everyone around my from having to deal with a stressed out Jen :-)

Family-

I'm going to go off to a different side of family today, and hopefully it reaches many people.  When you have a child with someone, whether you're married to them or not, you will have them in your life forever.  I think a lot of people don't realize this, and it just makes for a tough situation for everyone (mainly their kids!)  I have been very fortunate in this situation- E's dad married a great lady!  We get along & have a very open line of communication- I am thankful for her, and I am so glad that E has her & her kids in her life!  In today's society, there are many different forms of mixed families.  I'm not here to debate ethics or parenting styles, but I do think that the needs of the children need to come first.  There is no such thing as a perfect parent, and we all make mistakes, but do the best that you can!  If you've failed in the past, it's never too late to make an effort!

Proverbs 22:6

Fitness-

Yesterday I had a 5:30am bootcamp, and my allergies were not good!  I had a headache, stuffy nose, and upset stomach...  ugh!  I pushed through it (& my clients did AWESOME!!!  I am super proud of everyone- the effort that you are putting forth is inspiring!) but I knew that I had not done anywhere near 100%.  I was lucky if that was a 70% workout, because I felt awful...  well after some rest & letting my medicine kick in, I got in a good workout in the afternoon :)  I always feel better afterwards!  

Paleo is going okay- not 100% (only myself to blame!) but probably about 85% successful!  The main thing is that I'm making smarter choices and going for non-processed stuff!

Today I have done nothing productive on the fitness front (unless you count buying produce at the Farmer's Market!)  I'll be getting in a workout sometime today!

Next week is going to be a busier week- we are off on Wednesday for July 4th, so I'm scheduling all of the classes & training's within the 4 days!  I'm excited to watch it grow, and even more excited to watch everyone progress!

Have a great weekend- remember, prep your meals for next week!
God first, family 2nd, and life after that

Our little garden :)

Isaiah 58:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ 

The Lord will guide you always;

    he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land 

    and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden, 

    like a spring whose waters never fail.

I am by no means a gardener.  But I sure have fun trying :) Each year our garden gets better- Pat is always trying new ideas & this year things are doing pretty well!!  I like this verse in Isaiah- He always guides us, & we are like a well-watered garden when we follow His lead! (& this heat is making it feel like a sun-scorched land- it's HOT outside!)

(My husband is now an official "Master Gardener Intern"- woohoo!!  I would highly recommend that course to anyone interested in learning more!) 

Me after an early bootcamp- enjoying my coffee & the back yard!  Maybe next time I'll wear some makeup before attempting the ever-popular self photo via iPhone :)

Since I'm into being healthy, and he's a great gardener, we have been growing lots of our own veggie's & fruit's this year!  Not only does it save lots of money, but it guarantee's you that your produce is safe & organic!  We freeze what we don't use & then have it for winter!  If you don't have the space or don't have a yard, you can grow lots of stuff in simple containers!!  Try different herb's- they are awesome to use with cooking!  I throw mint into my green tea sometimes- YUM!!

Here are a few peek's into our backyard:

Pear tree- the squirrel's haven't got them all as of yet!

Lots of tomatoes!!

Green peppers

Marigolds (I love all flowers!!)

Sugar Snap Peas

Yellow Summer Squash

Lettuce (part of my lunch today!)

Corn

A view from the side!

My favorite section!  Smells awesome!!  Lavendar, Rosemary, Oregano, and mint in the basket!

More mint

Yellow mum & a tomato plant

Banana Tree :)  no bananas :( 

Yard ornament (aka: Ray, awesome puppy!)

Another side view, the closest section is my daughter's- pumpkin, watermelon, & cantelope!  I think getting your kids involved in things outdoors (& away from the computer/tv/etc) is a GREAT idea!!!