Happy Saturday!

One of our fave coffee shops- Hebrew's Coffee on East Republic Road!

I hope that everyone is enjoying their weekend!  This morning we decided to ride bikes to the Farmer's Market, and then went for breakfast at Hebrew's Coffee!  

Our Farmer's Market finds today- Blueberries, Kale, & peaches:

Have a Happy Saturday!!  I'm going to get some laundry done & figure out some meals for the upcoming week :)  

~Jen

TGIF!!! July 6th

It sure feels like a long week despite being a short week!  The off-day in the middle of the week has thrown off my schedule :)  I'm looking forward to the weekend!

Do you ever notice how some people always seem happy?  The older that I get, the more that I realize that we decide how happy we will be each day!  Everyone has problems.  Everyone has stress.  BUT some people make the best of it and smile through it, and some people dwell on the issues and choose to go through life in an unhappy state.  Choose to be happy!  Try it for a day and just see how much better you feel that evening!  Compliment people, be thankful for what you DO have, smile throughout the day, and try to do something nice for someone- by doing things for other, you will benefit yourself & them!

FAITH-

FAMILY-

Family stuff I'm excited about:

• Only 20 more days until my kiddo is back home!  I'm excited :)
• My nephew will be arriving in a little over a month- I am SO excited to meet him!!

I'm also looking forward to a (hopefully!) relaxing weekend with Pat!  

FITNESS-

What a great week of bootcamp's!  You never know how it's going to go when you have a holiday mid-week, but I had people there & pushing it in every class!  The heat & humidity definitely up the 'sweat factor', but you all rocked every workout!!  *proud trainer moment* :-)

Personally, I'm happy with my progress, but like any other woman I have my own quirks & wish it would go faster :)

Have a great weekend everyone!
Jen

July 5th

I hope that everyone had a safe & fun 4th of July!  We had a great day full of friends, family, & food!  The pic is from the Twin Oaks fireworks show.  We have watched their fireworks for a few years now, and they are nice (& close to home!)

FAITH...

Today I read Proverbs 21.  Click on the link to read it!  

"Those who guard their mouths and their tongues

    keep themselves from calamity." (Proverbs 21:23)

It's a good reminder to be careful with your words!  I know that in moments of frustration and anger, it's easy to just let the words fly out of your mouth.  It's definitely something that I can work on!  

Random fact: I like to use Google.  I like to challenge what I think that I know, and find the verses & the reasoning behind my beliefs.  As I was studying Proverbs, I found a pretty good study that I may do sometime.  It's questions and answers about Proverbs, and I would love to have input from others about it! (Click HERE!)

FAMILY...

I had a great time at my Grandma's house yesterday afternoon!  It's always good to see everyone, and we missed those that couldn't make it this time!  As always, we had lots of laughs, LOTS of food (homemade ice cream- LOVE it!!!), and a good time just hanging out!  After that, Pat & I headed to watch fireworks close to our house!  The only thing missing was our kiddos- I miss them like crazy!!

Lawn chairs + music + fireworks = a great ending to July 4, 2012!

FITNESS...

Yesterday, Pat & I went on a bike ride- it was nice!  We made it out before it got too hot :)  My diet yesterday was NOT great...  everyone made such delicious goodies that I just went for it & tried some of the yumminess!  It was all delicious!  

I "Betty Crocker'd" it & tried out a few Pinterest ideas.  They turned out pretty good!

Firecracker cookies (made from a cake mix)

YUMMO!!  Angel food cake, cool whip/pudding, and fresh berries!

Today is a new day and I'm back on the clean eating bandwagon ;)  I just need to get Pat to take the leftovers to work and get them out of the house!  HA!!  I'm going to be looking up recipes for this weekend's food prep- if anyone has any great Paleo recipes that they recommend, please let me know!

Another idea on the fitness front- I still am interested in doing a Christian fitness class.  I don't really think that is the right way to phrase it, because it would be for everyone!  But it would start with a verse & prayer, then a short class.  If anyone has any thoughts or ideas on making this happen, please talk to me!

I have time open throughout the week to add in some group or corporate fitness classes- ideas would be a group of co-worker's meeting 2x a week for 30-60 minutes, having personal training at the company gym, etc.  If you are interested, email me at trainingbyjen@hotmail.com

I'm looking forward to some great training later today, bootcamp, and then girls night with Bri!  WOOHOO!!  

Have a great Thursday everyone- you are almost to the weekend!!

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

I hope that everyone is able to enjoy their day today!  Our 4th of July celebration started last night when we went to the Branson Landing fireworks display with some friends!  Despite the thousands of people there, it was great!  Great food (Cantina Laredo- yum!), a Journey tribute band, great friends (old & new!), & a beautiful night for fireworks!  

FAITH-

Today I am thankful that I live in a free country.  I think that no matter where you live, there are people that aren't happy with the way that the government is running or choices that are being made.  This is something that has happened throughout time, and there are always going to be people who agree & disagree.  Despite the things that I may not agree with, I am still thankful that I live here.  God gave us freedom- so what are we doing with it?

Today's reading for me was Romans 8.  To me, it's full of hope!  If we accept Jesus then we have nothing to fear!  Also, it talks about our present sufferings, which is something that has weighed heavy on my mind lately.  It says, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)  How reassuring is that?!  This entire chapter is worth re-reading, and really it's worth posting, but I'll just put a link to it HERE!!  It ends with:

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died —more than that, who was raised to life —is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”^[j]

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[k] neither the present nor the future,nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

FAMILY-

I'm looking forward to a July 4th celebration with my family this evening!  Now, I just need to figure out what to make :)  Pat & I are both off of work today for the holiday, but no kiddos to share it with :(  I did, however, get to Skype with Elisabeth yesterday!  I just love that technology can make a great distance seem much smaller!!  It was good to see her crazy, smiling, laughing self for a few hours!

FITNESS:

Last night's bootcamp was killer!  (in a good way!!!) We did some strong sets of heavy weights (my butt & legs are feeling those squats!)  Today will just be cardio for me- I'm thinking about a bike ride this morning before it gets too hot!  

My water intake & my nutrition are going well!

Here are a few pic's from last night:

Fireworks!

More fireworks!! (My phone didn't do them justice- they were beautiful!)

Katie & me - enjoying the beautiful evening!

Have a wonderful 4th of July! Be safe (don't burn anything down!) & enjoy your day!

Want to get ahold of Jen?  Questions on fitness??  Email trainingbyjen@hotmail.com

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!!

Just another manic Monday... :)

FAITH

Happy Monday!  It's July 2nd, and the week is off to a busy start!  

  

We had a few new blooms in the back yard (VERY thankful for the rain last night!)

I had a great bootcamp class this morning- I'm lucky, I have some very determined people doing the classes this session!  I love to see people push past their comfort zone and past their old goals!


FAMILY
Yesterday we got some farm fresh egg's (Thanks, Mom!)  They are so much healthier and tastier than the store bought version!  It's going to be an egg, avocado, & turkey (Pat smoked it on Saturday- YUMMO!) breakfast!  Here's a pic of the egg's- lots of color variety!  You can get them at your local farmer's market, or there are several places locally that you can drop by & get them!  Our's came from a family north of Springfield!

FITNESS

Today's goal is to 1) rest my leg, and 2) to work on getting enough water.  I always drink water, but I haven't been tracking it at all.  I have a feeling I'm coming up short, and that's not safe with this heat!  If you're doing my classes and working out in the heat & humidity, you REALLY need to be on top of your hydration.  I got this water bottle to help me out-

On the lid it has a helpful little tool- you just click it over each time you refill your bottle- my goal is to finish off 6 today!  They have lots of different versions of water bottles that will help remind you- or, if you're a DIY-er, just use a sharpie & mark off the cups/liters/etc!  Do what it takes to make sure you're staying hydrated!

Check out THIS link to find out what the Mayo Clinic has to say about hydration!

Have a wonderful Monday!!

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!  

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