WILL BE BACK SOON!

Merry Christmas From Our House To Yours!!!!

Can you believe it?  Christmas is HERE!!!!!  We are down to the final countdown-single digits!!!!  I am not sure where this year has gone.  So much has happened and so much that I have to be grateful for on so many levels.  Not to mention that I’m thinking already about 2019 and it’s coming faster than I can even imagine!
We are settling into our new house and there are still boxes and a few small things to get but that’s ok and it will happen when we are ready!!!!!  We LOVE our new house.  It’s a much older home and the charm and character is just amazing.  There are squeaks in the floor in places and the heat makes noises and their are weird doorknobs and funny locks and we JUST LOVE IT!!!!  There is for sure something to be said about a house being build in the 1920-30’s.
We are awaiting the arrival of grandparents and the last 4 days of school.  Kaleb is growing up right before our eyes and we are amazed everyday how much he is changing and yet at the same time, has his moments of still wanting to snuggle on the couch.
We will have a great Christmas for sure.  Lot’s fo food and fun and presents everywhere!!!!  We wanted to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.  Most important, remember the reason for the season!!!!  Celebrate His Birthday!!!!!!  I know we will be making a Happy Birthday Jesus Cake!!!

Why Bother????

I get asked a lot of times about “why do you bother?”.  Well, I talked my way into an Instagram LIVE post a few weeks ago and I shared about why I “BOTHER”.  I am passionate about what I do.  I love it!!!!  There are not a lot of things that come up in my day that I don’t see as some type of encouragement to the women in my accountability group!!!!!
My COMMUNITY OF WOMEN totally ROCK!!!!  We not only do fitness together but we do LIFE TOGETHER.

The video is short!  Give a listen!!!!!

6 Months Later

I can't believe it has been 6 months.  Some days it seems like it was yesterday and then again it seems like it was a long time ago.  Yesterday, Nov. 11th, was 6 months since Bo had his heart attack.  The only way I know to explain it.....We are now in a new normal.  

When you get comfortable with your life it can be so easy to just go through the motions.  You get up.

You go to work. 

You come home. 

You eat dinner. 

You watch TV. 

You go to bed. 

You get up and do it all over again.  

You are on autopilot. 

Then a LIFE CHANGING EVENT happens.  You find out in those moments what is really important. 

Are the possessions that you have important?  

Are all of the "activities" that important?

Is working extended hours really that important?  

Well, we have realized that we are a blessed family.  

Our schedules have changed.  

Our food choices have changed.

Our priorities have changed. 

Our daily schedule even changed. 

We are still adjusting and things are very different.  You don't just wake up one day and learn a New Normal.  It takes WEEKS, MONTHS and even YEARS I am sure.  I am grateful every day for another day! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!  It's amazing.  You notice and see EVERYTHING in a whole different light.  

So my challenge to you..... Sit back and EVALUTE.  

Evaluate what has become important to you!

Evaluate how much time you spend with your children!

Evaluate how much time you spend working!

Evaluate your health!

BE BLESSED!

Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa
Thanks Rachel for sharing!!!!!!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups dry quinoa*
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp ancho chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1 2/3 cups frozen corn , warmed (optional)
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, warmed along with liquid from the can then drained (optional)
Mexican blend cheese or queso fresco (optional)
Plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream (optional)
Avocado salsa
3 medium roma tomatoes , diced
1 1/2 medium avocados , diced
1/2 cup chopped red onion , rinsed
1 jalapeño , seeded for less heat if desired and minced**
1 clove garlic , minced
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

Instructions
In a medium saucepan stir together quinoa and chicken broth.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then cover, reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer for 15 minutes or until broth has been absorbed.

Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a grill (or indoor grill, panini press, or cook over the stove in a grill pan) to 425 degrees.

In a small bowl whisk together ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.

Pound chicken breasts to even out their thickness using the flat side of meat mallet.

Brush both sides with the 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil then season both sides of chicken with the chili powder mixture (use all of it).

Grill chicken until center registers 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer, about 4 minutes per side (or about 4 minutes total if using an indoor electric grill or panini press set at high heat or sear).

Transfer chicken to a plate, cover and let rest 5 minutes then cut into pieces, season with more salt to taste if desired.

While the chicken is resting, prepare avocado salsa. In a medium mixing bowl gently toss together tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.

To assemble burrito bowls, divide quinoa among 5 serving bowls.

Top with chicken, corn, black beans, cheese, avocado salsa and Greek yogurt.

Serve immediately.

*Rinse quinoa under water in a sieve if it's not listed on the package that it's pre-rinsed.

**If you don't like spicy food just omit the jalapeño, replace it with 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed Acorn Squash 👍👍
Thanks Kim Kessler for sharing!!!!!!!
INGREDIENTS:
🍀 2 acorn squash
🍀 1 pound lean ground turkey or
       Beans for vegetarian
🍀1/2 onion
🍀2 garlic cloves
🍀10 ounces chopped tomatoes
🍀1/4 cup green chilies
🍀1/2 cup tomato sauce
🍀1/2 cup water
🍀3/4 tsp cumin
🍀1/2 tsp chili powder
🍀 1/4 tsp paprika
🍀1 bay leaf
🍀1/2 tsp salt
🍀 TBS grated cheese
🍀cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400.  Place a little foil on bottom of baking dish.  Spread a little coconut oil on the foil.  Cut squash in half.  Place face down on oil.  Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
Meanwhile...  sauté the chopped onion a couple minutes.  Add the garlic, sauté a couple more minutes.  Add the turkey OR beans. Cook through.  Add the seasoning, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chillies, water, cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
Flip the squash over, stuff with mixture, top with cheese, bake another 5 minutes for cheese to melt.   Top with cilantro and serve!!
Enjoy🧡

Go To’s For Meal Prep

Go To’s For Meal Prep

During my Meal Prep Week posting I received a very popular question.  What are your Go-To’s?
Well, that is a super easy question to answer.  There are somethings that are basically a staple in our house.  So, I’ll list them below.  If there should be a recipe, I’ll share that this week as well.
Ready?

Boiled Eggs- Eat for breakfast, snacks, put on a salad, stir into tuna salad, make egg salad.
Roasted Veggies- Peppers, onions and carrots- butternut squash is awesome- Brussel sprouts, asparagus and broccoli are wonderful an of course mushrooms as well.
Chicken- grilled, baked, cubed and sautés is wonderful.  Put on salad, sandwich, wraps, etc.
Meatballs- Italian or BBQ
Quinoa
Brown Rice
Steel Cut Oats
Some type of seafood depending on what is on sale.
Keeping these types of simple and quick foods on hands can really keep you on track and ready to go!!!!!!!!