What a week! (And it isn't even over yet!)

(Little Charlie)

This week Charlie headed to sleep-away camp with our preteen youth group. I believe this is last year to go. While at camp he turned 12. This was our first birthday apart from him. We were super sad, but thankful he was with a group of people who loved him. He comes home tomorrow (July 10th) and I am so happy! Our life is not meant to be without him. I am aware that college is only 6 little years away but I try not to think about it.

Also this week, Maddy started a little day camp with our city's parks and recreation. She had a rough start. She really has to test the person in charge first before she shows how sweet and fun she can be. Poor thing spent Monday and Tuesday grounded. Wednesday was another story, she was 100% better. Once she realized we were on the teacher's side and that she had to obey the rules, things got better. We are trying to teach her that it takes more effort to behave badly then to actually do right. Praying has helped too, I give God the credit for wisdom.

Side Note: You are probably wondering what the story is with the blog header. One day Maddy said to me "Mom, I have been praying for a DS and some games" (while we don't really encourage praying for items, I thought it was neat that she would tell God the desires of her heart) so I said "That is great Maddy, maybe God will help you will get them someday" to which she replied "Mom, I didn't mean God I meant SANTA!!" I got a good chuckle from that and said "Sweetie we don't pray to Santa." I am thinking we may have to come clean on that. Also, that is Zoe's first taste of cake, yummy yummy!

As far as mommy news is concerned I signed up to become a turbo kickboxing instructor this week. I take the course and the test July 25th. I will blog about my experience. I'm sure it will be humorous. Anyways, I figure I might as well get paid for being at the gym everyday right?!

I also enrolled in college this week! I'm super excited! I never went. Partly because I was a mess in high school and also academics have not come easy to me due to the fact I have two major learning differences (ADDHD and Dyslexia). I have to take a placement test since test scores from 1995 are not valid anymore, where does time go?! Me and Dave will take turns pursuing a degree. I have not decided what mine will be, but I am thinking social work or business. I still have to work full time but I am hoping to take some course work online.

Let me think, anything else exciting going on?....Is that not enough? My goodness God is so good to make life so interesting and fun! I am so glad to have good friends and a great family to share it with! We are blessed.

Eat This...NOT THAT!

Yesterday I left my home to embark a new way of shopping. I left at 9:00 pm and did not get hone until midnight. Two hours of grocery shopping. You are probably wondering why it took so long...

You may not know but Dave (my hot hubby) has lost over 40 lbs and I have lost 30. We did this with a mix of exercise and the South Beach Diet. So, now that we are used to eating small meals and watching not only calories but what we eat we have moved on to a new system.

We are using the Eat This Not That books, written by David Zinczenko (http://eatthis.menshealth.com/). So far we have bought The Supermarket Survival Guide and The No Diet Weight Loss Solution. We plan on buying the one for kids next. We purchased these at Target but can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com as well.

These books are great, they do exactly what I love. They do the work of looking at labels and giving clear direction. In the books they have vibrant pictures of products so that they are easily found at the store or a restaurant and are separated by easy to find sections and categories. Such as, the frozen foods are separated by meatless, chicken and beef. While these are easy to look at and find products if you are not used to shopping this way it does take some time, I anticipate it getting easier as I learn what we can and can not eat.

The other feature I like about these books is that David Zinczenko give you the reasons why certain foods are eat worthy and why others are not. Also, there are lists of the perfect pantry, the perfect freezer and the perfect fridge. These give a clear view of what a healthy kitchen looks like and it just makes it so easy.

The only draw back I found was some products are found only at "specialty" grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Central Market and Sprouts. There were 2 things on my list I couldn't buy at Walmart. That is pretty good!

You also maybe thinking that this a way more expensive way to eat. Really, I spent less than I normally do. The reason being is that when you a less fatty, less carb intensive diet and you generally eat less you need less. Self control is key here and listening to your body. I also have the kids on an eating schedule if we are home. They eat like we do, 6-7 small meals a day. I do not allow them to eat out of boredom or thirst. I make sure they stay hydrated and eat only because they need fuel.

I hope you give these books a try if you are interested in discussing them post a comment. Also, if you do use them let me know some fun tips!