Melissa’s Shrimp and Crab Fettuccini
1 pkg fettuccini
1 stick unsalted butter
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small pkg mushrooms, chopped
½ large red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 ½ cups pinot grigio, or other white wine
2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 Tbsp Old Bay
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled
8 oz back fin crab meat
½ cup Grated Gruyere Cheese
½ cup Grated Fontina Cheese
½ cup Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Cook Fettuccini according to package directions, drain and set aside. Melt butter in large Dutch oven. Sautee bell pepper, mushrooms, onion and garlic until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Slowly add wine, whipping cream and Old Bay, stirring constantly. Let simmer for about 4-5 minutes, stirring often. Add shrimp and crab meat, stirring well to combine. Let simmer until the shrimp are pink and done. Add cheeses and stir well. Let simmer 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted, stirring occasionally. Mix in fettuccini. Serve with garlic bread and green salad and a big glass of Pinot Grigio (or whatever wine you cooked with). YUM.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Summertime....
Yay for vacation!!! We just returned from a mini-vacation with some of our very good friends. My sweet friend Becky and I have known each other since 1984 and have been friends ever since. Her husband and my husband went to high school together and were college roommates, and when Richard and I started dating, she and Courtney soon followed suit. We've all been together ever since, they just celebrated their 12th anniversary in April and Richard and I will have our 12th in November. Anywho....we travelled to Lake Cheaha State Park in Alabama's Talladega National Forest. It was breathtakingly beautiful there. God's hands were seriously at work when he created this place. Here's a few pics from the weekend....
Me and my sweet husband...
Me, Sweet Hubs, and Precious Kids...
Father and Son moment...
can't help but love him...
me and my sweet friend...Queens of the Mountain!
this was a little nerve-wracking for me!
So, the weekend was full of fun stuff and of course, lots of yummy food. The men kept us fed with grilled burgers, steaks and chicken each night throughout the weekend and Becky and I took turns cooking breakfast. The first morning, Becky made a fabulous breakfast casserole full of tasty ingredients and the next morning I made pancakes, courtesy of the Pioneer Woman's recipe, always tasty! We did 3 different hiking trails, each a different level of difficulty and with equally amazing views of the area. The kids spent the evenings catching lightening bugs and playing tag. It was really nice to see them let go of the idea of TV and video games for a weekend and really embrace the options. They all got along the entire weekend, which made it even better!
The last afternoon there, we decided to take them out to the lake (which was really just a big pond) to go swimming. It was a nice area with a beach and a marked off swimming area where the water never got higher than waist deep. They had an additional area for swimming that was deeper and there was a floating pier that the braver big kids were jumping off into the water doing all kinds of somersaults that made me nervous. Becky and I were happy our kids didn't go over there. We were just getting ready to start heading back to the cabins when we noticed alot of commotion going on over in that deeper area and there were atleast 15-20 men that kept diving under as if they were looking for something. Quickly we realized they were searching for a person and after about 10 minutes of diving, they found the man and got him up onto one of the paddle boats they had out there. Those 15-20 men swam and pushed that boat over to the pier where a couple of people took turns performing CPR on this man. Tragically, they were unable to revive him. I think I can speak for myself, Richard, Becky and Courtney when I say, this was the last thing we expected to witness over the weekend and certainly was the last thing we wanted our kids to see. When we were finally able to leave the park area (the entrance/exit was blocked with park ranger and emergency worker vehicles), we were heavy-hearted and a little in shock of what we had just seen. We've yet to find out all the facts, but what we gathered from the other bystanders was that they believe the man had a heart attack while swimming. He was 54 years old. The rest of our evening was bittersweet, as we tried to enjoy our last night together as our thoughts kept returning to what we had seen.
All in all, for many reasons, this will be a vacation that we will never forget. We returned home counting our blessings and thankful for the time we'd been given to spend with each other. When we got home, we had to take our son straight to check in for his first time ever at church camp. (Sobs from me...) I can't believe my little man is old enough to be at an overnight camp for a whole week! I can't wait to hear about all of his experiences and friends that he makes this week. I have to admit, I had a hard time leaving my baby there after what we'd seen happen this weekend, but I have no doubt God's protection is around him and each of the campers there.
I hope everyone had a great 4th of July, and took time to be thankful for our independence and for the salvation that we are free to enjoy!
Monday, June 14, 2010
my best friend...today.
Remember when you were a little kid, and you could meet someone (and by "meet" I mean start playing with this person without even asking their name) and within 5 minutes you would say they were your best friend? Sunday at church, I went to get Rachel out of her Sunday School class and she hugged this little girl when she was leaving the room. When we were walking off, she said "that girl is my best friend, Mommy", to which I replied, "what's her name, Rachel?". She looked at me and shrugged her shoulders "I don't know, Mommy." Isn't it funny how our relationship with Jesus can be that way? We can say that He is our best friend, and be so close to Him when it's convienient, but we don't really take the time to get to know Him. We don't put the effort in our daily lives to learn about Him and everything He has to offer.
I have lots of "best friends" in my life, but I don't know that I can honestly say that I've dedicated my friendship to Jesus on a level that I have to other people in my daily life. I'm trying, and I'd like to think that when I have a problem or just need to talk to someone, that I would call on Him first, but I know that I have atleast 4 or 5 other people on that list that I think to call on first. How different it might be if I tried talking and listening with Him before I sought advice and wisdom from others. That's not to say that my friends don't offer good advice, I'd like to think that I've surrounded myself with people that also are prayerful and seeking Christ in their lives. I suppose this goes both ways, when someone calls upon me for advice or encouragement, I should take the time to seek Christ before I offer them any words of direction...hmm. Perhaps I need to just start out my day with God and just ask Him to guide my conversations better?
I have lots of "best friends" in my life, but I don't know that I can honestly say that I've dedicated my friendship to Jesus on a level that I have to other people in my daily life. I'm trying, and I'd like to think that when I have a problem or just need to talk to someone, that I would call on Him first, but I know that I have atleast 4 or 5 other people on that list that I think to call on first. How different it might be if I tried talking and listening with Him before I sought advice and wisdom from others. That's not to say that my friends don't offer good advice, I'd like to think that I've surrounded myself with people that also are prayerful and seeking Christ in their lives. I suppose this goes both ways, when someone calls upon me for advice or encouragement, I should take the time to seek Christ before I offer them any words of direction...hmm. Perhaps I need to just start out my day with God and just ask Him to guide my conversations better?
pics of the food from Memorial Day..
Mike's grouper with shrimp and basil cream sauce
My Ruby Red Trout with crabmeat stuffing and crawfish sauce..
This was Richard's Mahi with scallopsSaturday, June 5, 2010
Memorial Day by way of food...
Sigh. I really wish I could/would make the time to get on here more often. Many days, in the middle of my craziness that is going on, I think of things I'd love to blog about, even start writing it out in my head, and then never proceed to getting it out on the keyboard.
We've had such busyness going on the last few weeks...We celebrated Memorial Day with a short trip to New Orleans to stay with Richard's brother. We took the kids to the Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium. We made a short walk through the French Quarter, trying to avoid the spots that might evoke some questions from our dear children that we weren't ready to answer. It was so hot down there, but we enjoyed our trip and really enjoyed the food we got to eat! The first morning there, we ate at the original Broken Egg Cafe. I recently heard of this restaurant because they have opened one in Shreveport, and the owners are friends of my husband's parents. Anyway, when we saw they had one there in Mandeville, we decided to check it out. All I can say is, if the one in Shreveport is a fraction as good as this one was, they will be around for a long time. Richard and I, our 2 kids and our niece went in for breakfast around 9:30. Brian and Tori wanted pancakes, and Rachel ordered French Toast. Very reasonable portions and the price was even better, and on top of that, the food was fabulous! Richard ordered a dish called Crab Covallo which basically was Egg Benedict served on top of crabcakes. It. Was. Awesome. I think I stole a few bites. I had one of their potato skillet dishes with chicken, bell pepper and onion. It was delightful, as well. We will definitely be making a trip to the one over on Pierremont Rd. very soon.
Later that evening, after our long hot day at the zoo, we had reservations at Rips Seafood on the Lakeshore, also in Mandeville. (Richard's brother that we stayed with lives in Mandeville). We had reservations to eat dinner on the front porch, overlooking the lake, however, when we got there a large group had taken up the entire porch and wasn't planning on leaving anytime soon. So, we ended up having to sit in the very back corner of the restaurant. I wasn't excited about that at first, but quickly had my attention diverted by the awesomeness of the food we ate. For an appetizer, we ordered calamari and the stuffed mushrooms. The calamari was good, but nothing too extraordinary. The stuffed mushrooms, on the other hand, were a little piece of heaven. They were stuffed with a crabmeat stuffing and cheese, battered and deep fried and served with a white dipping sauce. They were the size of baseballs, and easily could have been a meal themselves. On to the main courses...Richard ordered the Mahi and Scallops, which he loved. Mike ordered the Grouper with Basil Cream Sauce and Shrimp and pretty much cleaned his plate. I had the Ruby Red Trout with Crabmeat Stuffing and Crawfish sauce that was awesome! I have pictures of each of our dishes, but can't figure out how to put them in my blog...will have to work on that.
We also made the traditional stop for beignets at Cafe Du Monde and also ate lunch at a nice little restaurant in the French Quarter called River Edge (I think). I had a wonderful shrimp po-boy there and shared some corn and crab bisque with my hubby. It was delicious.
Then on Sunday we travelled up to Carencro to Richard's younger brother, Chris's house. We spent the evening relaxing and talking while Chris and Richard hovered over the grill preparing a feast of grilled meats to include chicken, ribs, sausage, stuffed mushrooms...it was so good! Chris had bought all of these things at Don's Specialty Meats Market, which we made a stop by on our way out of town the next morning and spent over $100 on different meats to bring home. I can't wait to cook some of them.
Anyway, so most of our weekend was about eating, but we did take time to remember why we celebrate Memorial Day. I felt very blessed to be sharing it with my soldier, recently returned home from Afghanistan, when so many are separated from their loved ones this holiday. Also, in the area, last weekend was a funeral for a local soldier that was killed by a roadside bomb. What our country would be without the sacrifices so many have made. So many go and fight for our country, without hesitation. And they don't even know me, or you. Very similar to the Ultimate Sacrifice that our Lord made for each of us, giving up His Son so that we could live a life of freedom in salvation. So take some time, and remember who and what you are thankful for...and give thanks to them.
We've had such busyness going on the last few weeks...We celebrated Memorial Day with a short trip to New Orleans to stay with Richard's brother. We took the kids to the Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium. We made a short walk through the French Quarter, trying to avoid the spots that might evoke some questions from our dear children that we weren't ready to answer. It was so hot down there, but we enjoyed our trip and really enjoyed the food we got to eat! The first morning there, we ate at the original Broken Egg Cafe. I recently heard of this restaurant because they have opened one in Shreveport, and the owners are friends of my husband's parents. Anyway, when we saw they had one there in Mandeville, we decided to check it out. All I can say is, if the one in Shreveport is a fraction as good as this one was, they will be around for a long time. Richard and I, our 2 kids and our niece went in for breakfast around 9:30. Brian and Tori wanted pancakes, and Rachel ordered French Toast. Very reasonable portions and the price was even better, and on top of that, the food was fabulous! Richard ordered a dish called Crab Covallo which basically was Egg Benedict served on top of crabcakes. It. Was. Awesome. I think I stole a few bites. I had one of their potato skillet dishes with chicken, bell pepper and onion. It was delightful, as well. We will definitely be making a trip to the one over on Pierremont Rd. very soon.
Later that evening, after our long hot day at the zoo, we had reservations at Rips Seafood on the Lakeshore, also in Mandeville. (Richard's brother that we stayed with lives in Mandeville). We had reservations to eat dinner on the front porch, overlooking the lake, however, when we got there a large group had taken up the entire porch and wasn't planning on leaving anytime soon. So, we ended up having to sit in the very back corner of the restaurant. I wasn't excited about that at first, but quickly had my attention diverted by the awesomeness of the food we ate. For an appetizer, we ordered calamari and the stuffed mushrooms. The calamari was good, but nothing too extraordinary. The stuffed mushrooms, on the other hand, were a little piece of heaven. They were stuffed with a crabmeat stuffing and cheese, battered and deep fried and served with a white dipping sauce. They were the size of baseballs, and easily could have been a meal themselves. On to the main courses...Richard ordered the Mahi and Scallops, which he loved. Mike ordered the Grouper with Basil Cream Sauce and Shrimp and pretty much cleaned his plate. I had the Ruby Red Trout with Crabmeat Stuffing and Crawfish sauce that was awesome! I have pictures of each of our dishes, but can't figure out how to put them in my blog...will have to work on that.
We also made the traditional stop for beignets at Cafe Du Monde and also ate lunch at a nice little restaurant in the French Quarter called River Edge (I think). I had a wonderful shrimp po-boy there and shared some corn and crab bisque with my hubby. It was delicious.
Then on Sunday we travelled up to Carencro to Richard's younger brother, Chris's house. We spent the evening relaxing and talking while Chris and Richard hovered over the grill preparing a feast of grilled meats to include chicken, ribs, sausage, stuffed mushrooms...it was so good! Chris had bought all of these things at Don's Specialty Meats Market, which we made a stop by on our way out of town the next morning and spent over $100 on different meats to bring home. I can't wait to cook some of them.
Anyway, so most of our weekend was about eating, but we did take time to remember why we celebrate Memorial Day. I felt very blessed to be sharing it with my soldier, recently returned home from Afghanistan, when so many are separated from their loved ones this holiday. Also, in the area, last weekend was a funeral for a local soldier that was killed by a roadside bomb. What our country would be without the sacrifices so many have made. So many go and fight for our country, without hesitation. And they don't even know me, or you. Very similar to the Ultimate Sacrifice that our Lord made for each of us, giving up His Son so that we could live a life of freedom in salvation. So take some time, and remember who and what you are thankful for...and give thanks to them.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Much about alot...
So...we're coming up on Week 3 of our work out that we've done really well at, and the last 4 days I've been unable to do anything due to a nasty stomach bug I can't seem to shake. Although, I think I've lost more weight in the last 4 days than in the last 3 weeks...hmm.
These last few weeks have been wonderful because my husband has been home, but crummy because I have been sick most of that time with either a upper respiratory infection and now this stomach virus. I'm preparing to have my 4th ear procedure this coming Friday, and as long as there are no unexpected findings (aka, another tumor), it should be a quick procedure with no real operation needed. The dr will reconstruct my hearing bone and I am expected to come out of it with almost perfect hearing. I'm excited about that!! However, he did tell me at my last appointment that he would not be surprised if he finds another tumor, which kind of disappointed me, but I'm hoping he was just trying to prepare me for the worst case scenario. As much as I'd like to do this procedure and be done with it, I know this is something I'll have to deal with forever, and am trying to embrace it as something God has given me for a reason. I'd never heard of a cholesteatoma until I had it, and since then, I have had the opportunity in the most random of places to meet a few different women that have also had this and those have been blessings. It's always nice to know you aren't the only one to deal with something, but also to see how they have managed and vice versa. Not to mention, it is a way for me to share about my faith and how God has carried me and my family through the last few years of dealing with this. I know that this could be something much more serious, and that it's not, I'm thankful. Neither of my children seem to have the issues that I had at their ages with my ears, and I'm thankful for that as well. The fact that there are surgeons that know how to correct this problem and restore my hearing, I'm just in awe. God is good, isn't He?
Next week, my baby girl is going to "graduate" from kindergarten. I can't believe so much time has passed that she will be going into first grade. Brian will be starting 4th grade next year. How did they get this old? How did I get this old? I pray that I don't miss all the little things that matter. I often find myself frustrated when I'm trying to finish up my day of work in the afternoon right after they get home from school, and feeling torn between them and work. I try to take a few minutes away from my desk and give them full attention, getting them started on homework and a snack, so I can get finished around the same time they do. They are both such blessings to my life, each with their own personality and characteristics that make them unique and special. Brian has entered that age of goofiness that all boys seem to go through at this age, and is ever the entertainer. Rachel is all girl, but enjoys the outdoors as well, and is testing the waters of sassiness each day. The challenges of teaching them how to not only behave and be respectful, but to be young Christians as well, is ever present and the battle to teach them how to recognize the difference between wordly things and Godly things is a tough one. But nevertheless, it is a battle that Richard and I are committed to fighting, and prayerful about.
Richard returned to work today for the first time since he got back from his deployment. He'll have to take off for a few things over the next few weeks, but I think he was kind of ready to get back into a routine. He was able to spend a few quality days fishing last week, and was happy about that. We are still waiting to get our date night alone. We were supposed to go this past Friday night, but my stomach bug had different plans. So, hopefully in a few weeks after my surgery, after the "men in the family" fishing trip, after this, after that...we'll get to have a date night. Those have always been important to us and we've always tried to make them a priority in our marriage. We did get to go to lunch and movie on his birthday last week, and that was a nice treat, as we hardly ever do daytime dates. It was actually less expensive than a normal date, because the kids were at school, we didn't have to pay a babysitter, we were able to order off the lunch menu (cheaper prices) and we paid for a matinee movie. I love that man, and I'm so happy to have him back home safe and sound. I've hated being sick the last couple of weeks, but what a difference it is to be sick when your sweet hubby is home to help tend to things, and with a happy, willing heart.
As I said in my title, this was much about alot...just the different things on my heart and mind today. I've rambled on long enough...
"My our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and stregthen you in every good deed and word." 1 Thessalonians 2:16
These last few weeks have been wonderful because my husband has been home, but crummy because I have been sick most of that time with either a upper respiratory infection and now this stomach virus. I'm preparing to have my 4th ear procedure this coming Friday, and as long as there are no unexpected findings (aka, another tumor), it should be a quick procedure with no real operation needed. The dr will reconstruct my hearing bone and I am expected to come out of it with almost perfect hearing. I'm excited about that!! However, he did tell me at my last appointment that he would not be surprised if he finds another tumor, which kind of disappointed me, but I'm hoping he was just trying to prepare me for the worst case scenario. As much as I'd like to do this procedure and be done with it, I know this is something I'll have to deal with forever, and am trying to embrace it as something God has given me for a reason. I'd never heard of a cholesteatoma until I had it, and since then, I have had the opportunity in the most random of places to meet a few different women that have also had this and those have been blessings. It's always nice to know you aren't the only one to deal with something, but also to see how they have managed and vice versa. Not to mention, it is a way for me to share about my faith and how God has carried me and my family through the last few years of dealing with this. I know that this could be something much more serious, and that it's not, I'm thankful. Neither of my children seem to have the issues that I had at their ages with my ears, and I'm thankful for that as well. The fact that there are surgeons that know how to correct this problem and restore my hearing, I'm just in awe. God is good, isn't He?
Next week, my baby girl is going to "graduate" from kindergarten. I can't believe so much time has passed that she will be going into first grade. Brian will be starting 4th grade next year. How did they get this old? How did I get this old? I pray that I don't miss all the little things that matter. I often find myself frustrated when I'm trying to finish up my day of work in the afternoon right after they get home from school, and feeling torn between them and work. I try to take a few minutes away from my desk and give them full attention, getting them started on homework and a snack, so I can get finished around the same time they do. They are both such blessings to my life, each with their own personality and characteristics that make them unique and special. Brian has entered that age of goofiness that all boys seem to go through at this age, and is ever the entertainer. Rachel is all girl, but enjoys the outdoors as well, and is testing the waters of sassiness each day. The challenges of teaching them how to not only behave and be respectful, but to be young Christians as well, is ever present and the battle to teach them how to recognize the difference between wordly things and Godly things is a tough one. But nevertheless, it is a battle that Richard and I are committed to fighting, and prayerful about.
Richard returned to work today for the first time since he got back from his deployment. He'll have to take off for a few things over the next few weeks, but I think he was kind of ready to get back into a routine. He was able to spend a few quality days fishing last week, and was happy about that. We are still waiting to get our date night alone. We were supposed to go this past Friday night, but my stomach bug had different plans. So, hopefully in a few weeks after my surgery, after the "men in the family" fishing trip, after this, after that...we'll get to have a date night. Those have always been important to us and we've always tried to make them a priority in our marriage. We did get to go to lunch and movie on his birthday last week, and that was a nice treat, as we hardly ever do daytime dates. It was actually less expensive than a normal date, because the kids were at school, we didn't have to pay a babysitter, we were able to order off the lunch menu (cheaper prices) and we paid for a matinee movie. I love that man, and I'm so happy to have him back home safe and sound. I've hated being sick the last couple of weeks, but what a difference it is to be sick when your sweet hubby is home to help tend to things, and with a happy, willing heart.
As I said in my title, this was much about alot...just the different things on my heart and mind today. I've rambled on long enough...
"My our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and stregthen you in every good deed and word." 1 Thessalonians 2:16
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Getting Fit
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
I think the original context of this scripture is referring to sexual immorality, and certainly we should honor God with our bodies in that way. But today, I'm reading it with a context of being physically fit. I have pretty much always been a thin person (give or take 2 pregnancies that I exploded with), but for most of my adult life, I've ranged between 120-135lbs. I'm 5'6", so this is pretty average for my height. However, I have also been pretty jiggly in all those places that no woman wants to be jiggly. Most recently, I have noticed the bat wing effect under my arms and that my butt and thighs don't stop moving when the rest of my body does. Now, granted, as I said before, I've had 2 children and I'm approaching my mid-30's. I've had 2 major surgeries on my head, gall bladder surgery, and a lumpectomy. I have a couple of attractive scars and stretch marks to reflect the joys God has brought to me during my 32 years. I was always pretty active in high school with sports, I played basketball, softball, and threw the discus and shot put in track. Back then, I was muscular. Since then, not so much.
My husband just returned from a 6 month deployment to Afghanistan. During those 6 months he worked out daily, lifting weights and running. He lost right at 30lbs and about 3 inches off his waist. We had to do an emergency shopping trip to get him some clothes that fit when he came home. He has a totally new outlook on taking care of his body and in that shadow, (and did I mention, he looks really good!!) I'm feeling a little insecure and less than mediocre about my own outlook.
In light of all this, we have decided to take on this new workout regemin, you may have heard of it, P90X. I think only mildly insane people can be excited about this task. We started Day One today. There are 3 different versions you can do, we are doing the "slightly less intense" version, called P90X Lean. Basically, you work out 6 days a week and each work out is between 50-90 minutes long, depending on which one you are doing that day. Did I mention you do a different type of workout each day?? They have workouts titled "Ab Ripper" and "Kenpo X"...I'm afraid. Very afraid. Anyway...today we started Day One. We had to take a before picture...Richard's was much more impressive..mine looked like one of those computer generated before pictures you see on TV ads for diet pills. I'm not going to share these beautiful testaments to the way I've treated my body over the last few years, but you get the idea.
So here's the deal. I'm making a commitment to change the way I treat my body..this gift, or temple, if you will, that God has created just for me to reside in for my duration on Earth. I want to be a better me. I want to be healthy and active and lean and toned...not lazy, sedentary and jiggly. I want my husband to be proud of my efforts and impressed by the results. I want to be proud of my efforts and impressed by the results. I want to be a good example to my children of what it means to respect the gift that God has given each of us in our bodies and what it means to honor Him with our bodies. Not just physically, but spiritually as well. You know, there is another scripture that seems to ruffle some feathers, but I'm going to mention it anyway. 1 Corinthians 7:4 is in reference to marriage, and says "A wife's body does not belong to her alone, but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone, but also to his wife." So yes, I am doing this for myself, but also for my husband. I want him to enjoy looking at ME and to desire ME. If I'm not taking care of myself and turn into a jiggly, unhealthy mess, is this a reflection of how I respect him as well?
So, I'm going to leave with this pledge...I am going to complete this 90 day workout. I'm going to eat healthy for the next 90 days. If I can complete 90 days of this, I can do anything. I'll decide what anything is at the end of this 90 days. I love my husband and I love myself. I want to make this goal.
I think the original context of this scripture is referring to sexual immorality, and certainly we should honor God with our bodies in that way. But today, I'm reading it with a context of being physically fit. I have pretty much always been a thin person (give or take 2 pregnancies that I exploded with), but for most of my adult life, I've ranged between 120-135lbs. I'm 5'6", so this is pretty average for my height. However, I have also been pretty jiggly in all those places that no woman wants to be jiggly. Most recently, I have noticed the bat wing effect under my arms and that my butt and thighs don't stop moving when the rest of my body does. Now, granted, as I said before, I've had 2 children and I'm approaching my mid-30's. I've had 2 major surgeries on my head, gall bladder surgery, and a lumpectomy. I have a couple of attractive scars and stretch marks to reflect the joys God has brought to me during my 32 years. I was always pretty active in high school with sports, I played basketball, softball, and threw the discus and shot put in track. Back then, I was muscular. Since then, not so much.
My husband just returned from a 6 month deployment to Afghanistan. During those 6 months he worked out daily, lifting weights and running. He lost right at 30lbs and about 3 inches off his waist. We had to do an emergency shopping trip to get him some clothes that fit when he came home. He has a totally new outlook on taking care of his body and in that shadow, (and did I mention, he looks really good!!) I'm feeling a little insecure and less than mediocre about my own outlook.
In light of all this, we have decided to take on this new workout regemin, you may have heard of it, P90X. I think only mildly insane people can be excited about this task. We started Day One today. There are 3 different versions you can do, we are doing the "slightly less intense" version, called P90X Lean. Basically, you work out 6 days a week and each work out is between 50-90 minutes long, depending on which one you are doing that day. Did I mention you do a different type of workout each day?? They have workouts titled "Ab Ripper" and "Kenpo X"...I'm afraid. Very afraid. Anyway...today we started Day One. We had to take a before picture...Richard's was much more impressive..mine looked like one of those computer generated before pictures you see on TV ads for diet pills. I'm not going to share these beautiful testaments to the way I've treated my body over the last few years, but you get the idea.
So here's the deal. I'm making a commitment to change the way I treat my body..this gift, or temple, if you will, that God has created just for me to reside in for my duration on Earth. I want to be a better me. I want to be healthy and active and lean and toned...not lazy, sedentary and jiggly. I want my husband to be proud of my efforts and impressed by the results. I want to be proud of my efforts and impressed by the results. I want to be a good example to my children of what it means to respect the gift that God has given each of us in our bodies and what it means to honor Him with our bodies. Not just physically, but spiritually as well. You know, there is another scripture that seems to ruffle some feathers, but I'm going to mention it anyway. 1 Corinthians 7:4 is in reference to marriage, and says "A wife's body does not belong to her alone, but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone, but also to his wife." So yes, I am doing this for myself, but also for my husband. I want him to enjoy looking at ME and to desire ME. If I'm not taking care of myself and turn into a jiggly, unhealthy mess, is this a reflection of how I respect him as well?
So, I'm going to leave with this pledge...I am going to complete this 90 day workout. I'm going to eat healthy for the next 90 days. If I can complete 90 days of this, I can do anything. I'll decide what anything is at the end of this 90 days. I love my husband and I love myself. I want to make this goal.
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