Soup for breakfast!

At 8am this morning, I wanted soup. Not canned soup, but a big pot of steamy, delicious, creamy soup! So I took a gander at what I had on hand and this is what I came up with:

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
2 tsp minced garlic
1 10oz package frozen spinach
1 1.6oz package McCormick's Sweet Basil and Oregano Bruschetta Chicken seasoning mix
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
28oz water or chicken broth
1 20oz package refridgerated herb chicken tortellini
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups heavy whipping cream

In large stockpot, melt butter. Saute onion, bell pepper and garlic 4-5 minutes, until tender. Add spinach and seasoning. Stir over medium heat for a few minutes until spinach loosens (if you don't have time to let it thaw beforehand). Add crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Bring to a simmer and add tortellini and Parmesan. Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until tortellini is cooked. Turn off heat and add whipping cream, stirring well. Serve with some beautiful crusty bread! So easy and delicious!

Beachbody? I just want a Fit-body......

Piyo. 
Have you heard about it?? It's Chalene Johnson's newest program, all low impact, that combines yoga and pilates for an intense strength building workout. It's amazing!! I am loving my results, and they are being noticed! 

I signed up as an Independent Beachbody coach about 7 weeks ago, initially to get the discount, with zero intention of ever trying to grow it as a business. Then I got the Piyo program and started it, along with Shakeology, their meal replacement program. And I'm loving it! 

A little background on me- aside from my marriage, my career, (and that one year shopping fast I did a couple years ago) I really stink at starting something and keeping it up. But Piyo has been different for me. I really think part of it has to do with the fact that I also was studying Proverbs at the same time that I started, and all these scriptures on self discipline, self control, and seeking wisdom jumped out at me, and then of course I got to chapter 31, which is all about the way a wife/mother is supposed to be and the part about being clothed in strength and dignity really jumped out at me. I know strength is not just physical, but I do believe that the physical health of a wife and mother is extremely important and taking care of myself has not always been a top priority. Which is part of why I've started multiple workout programs and not stuck with them, I didn't make them a priority. I didn't make my health a priority. But now I am seeing that by making my health and fitness a priority, I am not only setting an example for my family, but I'm making an investment in my future health so that I can be around longer to be a part of my children's lives, and hopefully their children one day. Piyo has me feeling stronger, and leaner. The Shakeology is amazing, and so full of nutrients. My hair and nails are looking awesome. My scripture encouragement through all of this is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

So, I decided that by "going public" as a coach, I would be keeping myself accountable. People know I'm doing this, either because they've noticed the physical change in me and asked what I'm doing, or because they've heard me talking about it. They know I've made a commitment. A commitment that I'm taking as seriously as my vows, as my job as a mother, and as my career. I run a business full time from home that takes up a ton of my time, and it wears me down. I need the endurance and stamina that I'm getting from working out and eating right to be the best wife, mother, and business owner that I can be. To be the best ME that I can be. Maybe I'll feel confident enough to post some before/after pictures soon. 

What about you? Can I help you be a better, stronger you physically? Check out all the programs that Beachbody has to offer by going to my website, www.beachbodycoach.com/rmbmajor. They really have something for everyone, from the beginner to the more advanced. Maybe you've just had a baby, and want to get back your pre-pregnancy figure. Or maybe you just want to hit your forties in the best shape you've ever been in (my personal goal!) Either way, I would love to help you find the right fit for your lifestyle, and help you make your health and fitness a priority in your life! 

A letter to my son on his 13th birthday....

My sweet boy, I can't believe you are turning 13! I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. The labor pains began and did not stop! It took forever for you to be born, I was exhausted and to the point of giving up. I found the energy to try to push one more time and finally you were born. All 8lbs 14oz of you! As exhausted as I was, all of that faded away the moment I laid eyes on you, my beautiful son. You had wild hair and the biggest brown eyes. The most precious thing I had ever seen. And now you are turning 13! You are taller than me and turning into such a handsome young man. As you begin this journey through your teenage years, I feel I need to tell you a few things.

(all photos featured in this post are by https://www.facebook.com/DiaWorlingPhotography)

#1-Daddy and I love you so very much! There are going to be times that you think we must hate you, but please remember that we are your parents first and that sometimes we have to make difficult decisions that make it seem otherwise. I promise, our love for you is always our motivation in every prayer-filled decision. When we say no to things others your age are getting to do, there is a good reason.

#2-Friends are going to come and go, but your family is always going to be constant. In your 13 years, you have lived in 2 countries, 3 states, and lots of houses! You've gone to 4 different schools. You have had so many friends, but the one thing that has remained the same is the people in the place you come home to each day. We will always be here for you.

#3-Being a teenager is going to suck. There will be days that life is going to be awesome, but there will be many that it seems the world is against you. In those days, I want you to remember, Daddy and I are on your team. Always. No matter what. Take it slow, you don't have to grow up overnight.

#4-Pray and read your Bible. Please, start and end and live your days in prayer. Make your decisions through prayer. Know that you are going to make mistakes (we all do!), but if you start out in prayer, there will be fewer of those mistakes. Ask God for wisdom and protection, and know that Daddy and I are praying for these things for you as well. Study your Bible, use it as the guide to life. Stay involved in church and youth group.

#5-Choose your friends wisely, but most important, be a great friend to others. Be the person that others know they can count on and trust. Give everyone a chance, and treat people with respect.

#6-Girls. As much as I'm not ready for this, there's going to be girls in your life. Choose the ones that are special to you wisely. Pray for them. Treat them with respect, and respect yourself. Respect the wife that you are going to have one day, even though you may not know her yet. Respect the fact that the girl you might date could be someone else's wife one day, and until then she belongs to the Lord, not to you. Treat every girl as God's property. **Treat yourself as God's property!** Know that you can trust your parents when they give you advice in this area.

#7-Be a good big brother. Your little sister looks up to you, and you have a big responsibility as her brother. Set a good example, admit when you make mistakes, and be a friend to her. She is going to be someone that you will go to when you can't come to me and Daddy. Treasure that relationship and protect it.

#8-Be responsible. Study and do your chores. Work hard for the things you want. Life doesn't hand you anything, you have to earn it and being responsible is the first step to reaching your goals.

There are so many things that we will encounter over your journey through your teenage years. We are so proud of you, and love you so much!! I can't believe we are here at 13!