Whole Foods Update

Going Whole foods is hard work.It’s worth it.But it is indeed hard work.

Our philosophy is: make it from scratch, Try to make it whole grains, try to cut the sugar in half, use quality ingredients, eat less, and try new things.

So after I (Tina) went crazy and cut out all the sugar and white flour, and everything processed in our house... 

Huston we have a Problem.
1. Everything tasted like Honey, and/or Coconut oil.  So that was not going to work.  Things we enjoyed like Onions, bell peppers, and eggs tasted like Coconut oil. I made homemade Strawberry Jam and it tasted like Honey.  Boo. 

2.  I was spending days in the kitchen making and preparing our food.  (This is good and bad.) Good because I knew my family was eating very healthy and everything from scratch.  

3. Bad because I was getting burned out.  I just got finished making a healthy Breakfast, made and sent a healthy school lunch and I had to start making snacks for the kids and dinner.  I even tried to stock my freezer trying to ease some of the time I spent cooking EVERYTHING from scratch that just made my day longer.  But it did give me a break on days I didn’t want to cook.  

4.We all drink 16oz of Green Smoothie Every Day.

5. I continue to educate myself reading books, articles, and blogs regarding our new lifestyle.

Changes:

1. We use light olive oil for our main oil now, instead of Coconut oil. (Good choice)  We still try to use Coconut oil in all our baked goods.  I actually love the taste of coconut oil in our baked goods.  Jeremy makes a Kettle corn with Coconut oil that is so YUMMY!!!

2. We did add a little sugar back into our diet.  (Not a lot but some.)

3. We have “Meatless” meals twice a week.   This has been kind of fun.  We have never done this before so It’s fun trying some new meals.  So far everything we have tried has been delicious. 

4. We eat Seafood twice a week. Brooklyn and Tina are still struggling with these nights.  But it’s a work in progress.
5. I (Tina) have taken some short cuts in the kitchen (to avoid burn out).  I buy good quality bread, tortillas, and pasta’s.  This helps ease some of the burden of making EVERYTHING from scratch. 

6. I continue to make and freeze food so I can have the night off.

7. We are still trying to figure out “ORGANIC  food” Jeremy and I believe- Just because it says organic does not mean it is Healthy  or Healthier for you.  You can buy an “Organic Twinkie”. We think it’s better to stay away from highly processed food.  That included “ORGANIC” Processed Food.

 8. However, We do try to buy Non GMO Foods, and still trying to stick with the 5 ingredient rule.

 9. Sometimes you have to use white flour.  Sorry, some things just do not work with Whole Wheat. 

10.  It's okay to have a special day every now and then (Eat something you don't normally Eat.)  The kids really love these days.  

Our Baby Girl just turned "10"

I love all of these bright colors for Brooklyn.  

Here is the Birthday table.  Traditions are fun.

Jeremy and I created a Balloon avalanche. (Thanks to Pintrest)  Jeremy cut and taped the kitchen bags to the door frame. We filled over 50 Balloons with air. (Thanks to our Rainbow) After we made the avalanche I got really  nervous.  Brooklyn gets scared really easy. I was nervous she would wake up, open her door, and be hit with 50 balloons. That may not be the best way to start her "Happy Day" So I second guess my pintrests brilliant idea.  However, when Brooklyn woke up and opened her door she was so happy she laughed and just loved all the balloons.  Yeah!! it was a huge hit.  She spent the rest of the day talking about her Balloon Avalanche.    

Here is our beautiful, brilliant, amazing birthday girl Brooklyn. She wanted  Green smoothies with little German Pancakes, homemade berry sauce and whipped cream.  It was very yummy!!!

I just love this picture.  I think we look alike.  What do you think?

Jeremy had the day off so he got to come and help handout treats.  Brooklyn, was soooo excited.

Brooklyn, wanted to make "Eyeball" cake pops.  They turned out so cute.  She wanted red velvet cake. We could only used M&M's that resembled "real" eye colors.  These cake pops were really awesome.  When you bit into them they were all red and creepy.  They were a huge hit.

One eyed Brooklyn.

Brooklyn, sharing her treats with her class.

I love this picture of our "Baby Girl"

This was Kayden's gift to Brooklyn,  I have to say I am really impressed Kayden found this gift without any help from Brooklyn or me.  He remembered that Brooklyn loved Orbeez.  He used his own hard earned money and Brooklyn loved it.  Way to go Kayden.  It make me so happy sometimes these two do NOT get along. So to see Kayden work so hard to make Brooklyn happy, is just cool.

I love Brooklyn's face.  I don't think you could wipe that grin off her face.

A camera, Brooklyn got a Camera.  Like mother like Daughter.  I think we are going to see some great photos in our future.

                                                       For Dinner Brooklyn wanted Crepes.  We had meat ones, and dessert ones.  YUMMY!!!!

Daddy, helping Brooklyn set her camera up. Very fun!!!

Say Cheese!!!

The Life of an Army Family.

 

Jeremy just came down on assignment to Korea. He is suppose to serve a one year "Hardship Tour". We are trying to get command sponsored meaning - the family can go with him. If we get command sponsored, we will be stationed in Korea for three years. Let me tell you the process of getting command sponsored. First, everyone has to get current medical physicals for EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program)Screening. Then, you send your physicals along with DA Form 4787, DA Form 7246, DA Form 5121 to your loosing stations. Which for us is Ft. Knox because Jeremy is a recruiter. ****That adds another level of craziness****. At the losing station, they fill out DA 5888. Then, your packet goes to their doctors to clear you of any Real big medical problems. Korea has medical facilities but not for everything. After you have been cleared of any big Medical issues, your packet is sent to Yongsan Korea headquarters where they verify that your packet is complete - having all required documents and forms. If there were problems, they send it back to your losing station. If everything is correct, you get a Control #. This number will allow you to track your packet through the process. Then, your packet goes to G-1 (Personnel) where they will forward it to your gaining unit for approval. We are going to the 1SIG BDE. They will then send the packet to the second EFMP screening to make sure they have the doctors and facilities to help your family. After they approve your packet, it is then sent to the DOD Schools to see if they have room for your school age children. After that approval, you then go to housing to determine if they have government quarters available. After that has been approved, your packet is returned to Yongson where it will be processed and orders will be amended to Command Sponsored with Concurrent travel. That is a long crazy process. Our packet has been at the loosing station since Sept.19th today is Sept 24th. Boo.   

 

****The next fun adventure**** Jeremy put in for the Physician Assistant Program.  We have been waiting for results for a long time.  They were  finally released last Friday Sept 21.  Jeremy made the list as an "Alternate".  This is good and bad. Good because he made the list.  Yeah!! There were people that did not make the list.  Bad, because we do not know if we are going to be attending PA school which would be in San Antonio, TX or going to Korea?  There were 131 seats for this year 2012 class. 89 of those seats have something missing.  If the selected person does not submit the correct paper work, the board will open the slot to one of the Alternates.  There are 146 Alternates.  It all depends on what Jeremy's seqence number is.  We of course do not know his Sequence number.  The Board will let Jeremy know by Dec 31st if he has a school date.  It is possible that we ship our car and house-hold goods to Korea and then the Board send Jermey to TX.  Oh the fun!!!Jeremy has a medical waiver because of his Spine Surgery. Go here for that story. We have to get an MRI and a Current Ortho or Neurosurgeon note.  So I have been on the phone all morning trying to set up those appointments.  Just to add a little adventure aka stress, Jeremy leaves for SLC or E-7 school Oct 20th.  So, No pressure right?

So to sum up. Life has been a little  a lot stressful.  We have been military for 14 years 10 of them Active Duty.  This has been hands down the hardest move.  Just moving is stressful then you add the element of Recruiting and not knowing if we will be going to Korea with Jeremy or be apart for a year.  Jer in Korea and the kids and I living in Vernal with Jeremy's Parents.  Or will Jeremy be given a school date for the PA program and we move to San Antonio TX while Jeremy attends PA School?  Not to mention having to do the entire move without an "Army Base" (We do not have all the resources and help because of where we live.) On top of all of this Jeremy leaves for SLC E-7 school headed back to Ft. Gordon from the middle of October to the end of November.  He is going to miss Kayden's Birthday, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. Then he will come home Dec 1st and we will pack up and move.  ***Somewhere***.  It's all  CRAZY!!!  I think I am going CRAZY!!!  I have had a couple melt downs.  Really!  Have you heard the song 'Just let me Cry"  by Hilary Weeks? It kind of sums up my melt down. And I quote, "Just let me cry, I know it's hard to see but the pain I feel isn't going away today so just let me cry until every tear has fallen don't ask when and don't ask why just let me cry." Sometime you just need a good cry.  And it's okay.  I have been praying so hard to know what is the best path for our family.  What the Lord would have us do.  I have not received an answer, yet.  I have not been told what the Lord would have us do.  But I know he has a plan and he loves us.  I know that when we turn our life over to our Heavenly Father it is then that He can bless our lives.  I have had to surrender my will to the Lord's.  It has been really hard because I am a planner.  It's hard to sit back 2 1/2 half months not knowing where we are going or how it's going to work.  But, I do have faith that with God all things are possible. Even going to Korea with Jeremy or getting in the PA program.  And I do know things will work out the way the Lord wants them too.  Even if we are apart for a year.  I want you all to know that no matter how hard your life is or your trials; keep the Lord close. Pray, study your scriptures and listen.  The Lord will talk with you and He will let you know what He will have you do.  Remember, when we do it the Lords way, it doesn't turn out how we thought it would; it turns out better.  We all have trials this is how we become teachable. I want you to know I love and trust our Heavenly Father.  I am here to tell you all will be okay.

Army Instructor Training Course

Here I am in  Las Vegas again! It seems to be my second home. However flying into Vegas this trip was an adventure.  We had a lot of turbulence and had to circle in the air for 1-1/2 hours. Las Vegas had a huge rain storm and it stopped all flights coming and going.  It turns out September 11, 2012 was the Wettest September day on Record. With more than 1.75 inch of rain. It caused a couple floods. It was crazy trying to drive with all the water, and traffic.  I tried to get some pictures but Alas the pictures didn't turn out. It's a good thing I had my I Phone because I was listening to Hilary Weeks.  She helped my keep calm and relax.  It was a little scary!!!

I was asked to attend the Army Instructors Training Course.  I was so excited to be given this opportunity.  The training was a lot of fun.  I made some great new friends.  I had to give a 10 minute presentation.  The topic I was given was Family Financial Readiness.  I was so excited.  I can talk about budgets no problem.  We had to make visual aids and hand outs for our presentation.  I was like wait I am not at home.  I do not have my cricut or all my paper supplies.  I wanted to make it really nice.  However, they had some supplies and I made it work.  We had to write an outline and then the class objectives. I was the first to give my presentation.  I got some really  nice feed back from Dana (One of the instructors).  She said, "I was a Natural! very confident which engages your class. She loved my use of visual aids. Said I was Well organized and made natural transitions and my presentation was nicely paced and had good volume." How nice was that?  I am now certified to teach any Army Community Service course.  Sweet!!!! My new goal is to become a Master Trainer

We stayed at the Spring Hills Suites.  The rooms were beautiful with lots of room and a refrigerator and Microwave. Which made eating lunch and snacks a breeze.

Here are my girls.  Our SFA Kelly Parson's and Birgitt Newlands

Out to dinner with the girls at one of Kelly's favorite restaurants in Terribles. Patzy Rubio, Lisset Jumenez, me, Kelly Parsons, and Birgitt Newlands.

Our first day of class.  Birgitt, Tina, and Lisset.

I love all our conference being in Las Vegas because I get to see My Brother Chad and his family.  Here I am with Blake and Aleah. 

Here I am getting my Certificate which now certifies me to teach all the Army Community Services classes.  AWESOME!

What are the odds that Kelly and I would have the same shirt?  Got to love Christopher & Banks.

I got to eat at one of my favorite Restaurants.  I love this place.

Here is our Group!

Our Instructors Kathy, Dana,Joe,and Cindy

This guy was amazing.  This picture of 9-11 was done using only Spray paint.  It was unbelievable.  We stayed and watched him paint 3-4 pictures.  Birgitt purchased this art.  Talk about fascinating.

These street performers were awesome.  This guy is so strong. Here he is holding them up with only one arm.

Now they added another person.  Still holding with only one arm

Now look no arms.  He is holding them up with his ABS.  CRAZY!!!

AFAP in LAS Vegas

Jeremy and I were invited to attend this years Army Family Action Plan. (AFAP) What is The Army Family Action Plan? Family member, soldiers, and civilians  submit different issues. It is  a process that lets Soldiers and Families say what's working, and what isn't - AND what they think will fix it. We brief the command regarding our issues and/ or area of concern. That give the command an opportunity to fix the issues.

We got to spend the entire week in beautiful Las Vegas. Grandma and Grandpa Smith kept Brooklyn and Chandler.  Kayden, was suppose to go on a Boy Scout Camp but ended up having surgery.  Go here for that story. So he stayed with Uncle Casey and Aunt Elisabeth.

Aunt Becky and Aleah came to pick us up from the airport.  Aleah made this cute sign for us.  AWEEEE

We stayed at the brand New Aliante Station. The conference was so much fun.  We made a lot of new friends and really enjoyed being a part of this years AFAP. 

Here is cute Blake.  This is the nephew I blog about all the time.

Blake was showing us his moves. 

Here is Beautiful, Smart, funny Aleah.  I heart her.

She has some serious dance moves as well.

Becky took us to Fire house sub.  We were starving.  This restaurant had the most amazing drink dispenser.  It has anything you wanted with several different add in options.  You could have a strawberry, cherry, lime, peach lemon-aid.  Your Pepsi could have vanilla,etc.  It was awesome!!!! 

We have never been to a real Las Vegas show we were not sure which one to go see.  We decided on  Le Reve The Dream at the Wynn hotel.  It was AMAZING!

Here we are Becky, Chad, Tina, and Jermey. 

I love this picture of Jer and I.  We had so much fun with The Smith's

This is one of my favorite pictures of Becky and Chad. AWEEEE

Here we are at Maggiano's Italian Restaurant.  It was super yummy. I don't think there was anything we ate that we didn't love.  So yummy!!!!

Tina and Becky.  Beautiful ladies.

What a cute couple.

This pictures kind of sums up the whole trip.

This was the end of La Reve.  Beautiful, amazing wonderful

If you are in Las Vegas go to this show you will not be disappointed.  It was worth every penny.