And on the seventh day..

I rested.

Resting or taking a day off is good for the muscles, the body and the mind. You are not only letting you body recover from the abuse you are putting your body through you are keeping your workout from seeming like a chore and gearing up for an intense session!


Taking a day won't add pounds you are trying to lose; it shouldn't deter you from working, in fact it should make you want to do more. Think of it as a "me day" or a "spa day". Do something for yourself or have fun. The last thing you want to do is wear yourself down. Listen to your body and what it needs. Today, if I would have even gone towards the gym my body would have revolted against me!

What do I do on my days off from the daily grind that is working out? I'm glad you asked!

I worked on this wonderful blog, which is always fun.


Did laundry, which is a never ending cycle.



I hung out with a friend.


The little man and myself watched an episode of criminal minds
.

I made homemade baby food for well, the baby.



I planned my next weeks dinners



Oh and I started putting a list together of recipes to post on here!

"What is your secret?'

When I started posting my journey on social media sites, I have been asked over and over "What is your secret?"

This question makes me stop and think. I really don't believe I have a special secret that no one knows about. In fact, I believe everyone knows what the secret is, but they don't want to hear it. No, they are hoping there is a special way to juggling mommy hood, working out, eating right and running a house (along with all my added activities and volunteer work).

But sadly, there isn't. At least not one that I am aware of. So back to the question at hand. What is my secret? Well here it is:

1. Prioritize my life. I have to stop and think what is more important. Of course my children come first, but it is more than that. My health is also important and so is my husband. If I don't clean the house but I'm having a fun filled family time, then that is what is important. If I have to stay up late to get a work out in, then that is what is important. I might not have the cleanest house on the block and I may always have baby toys all over the house all the time but that is alright with me. My children are loved, I am in the best shape of my life, and I support my husband in everything he does. Those are my priorities.



2. Support System. I have the most amazing support system. My husband is my biggest cheerleader; my friends keep me going; and my daughter is my biggest fan. With all of those put together I have a strong support system. They know what is important to me and not only allow me to be me, they celebrate it. I have put working out on the top of that list and they know I will move mountains once I put my mind to something. There is no stopping me so might as well support me!



3. Eating Right. This one is a big one. I not only eat right, I make sure my family does as well. If you are busting your rear end at the gym but eating Burger King everyday, you are defeating the purpose. I enjoy cooking, which helps, and I love trying out healthy recipes that taste amazing. I don't do fad diets where you eat very little, oh no. I love food! I make sure my recipes are healthy but have all the flavor. Fad diets are called "Fads" for a reason, because they don't last. However, a healthy lifestyle does last. I am a connoisseur of healthy cook books. In fact, I will do a blog on the cook books I have and what I like and dislike about them.



4. Feeling the Burn. This is my final "secret", though I do not think it is so much a secret. I put the hours into working out and "Feeling the burn". I run 5 days a week, anywhere from 2-5 miles each time. I also do circuit training, strength training, yoga and Pilates. When I go to the gym, I'm there for an average of 2 hours. Every workout is a chance to give it my all and let the sweat tell my story. I do not see the point in doing a half assed work out. Even if you can't do that much, still give it everything you have. Now, did I start doing this? HECK NO! I could barely walk 25 minutes without getting winded. But you know what. I didn't give up. That is the biggest secret of all. Never give up!



So, now you know my own personal secret to where I am today. Now, what are you going to do with that knowledge?

Picture taken today (24 Jan 2012)

Run Forrest, Run

I remember my mother taking me to the theaters to watch to Forrest Gump as a child. Everyone remembers the iconic child Jenny in a thick southern accent yelling "RUN FORREST, RUN" and magically his legs where fixed, and he could run everywhere. I remember thinking "why would ANYONE want to run?"



I would rather ride a bike or walk somewhere than run anywhere. It wasn't that I was anti active, it was just I didn't like running.

Well DIDN'T till a few months ago when I set a personal goal for myself.

Yep, I want to run a marathon. Obviously you cannot run 26 miles starting out, it is a process you have to work up to; which means, commitment. I've never had a fear of commitment, so I hit this challenge head on.

The only problem was, I didn't like running. Or so I thought.

After the first few weeks, averaging about .75 miles without stopping and swearing I was never going to do it, I got INTO it!


I was out on Saturday afternoons running around our neighborhood, averaging 4 miles without stopping thinking "I can go further". With no one pushing me, and without that nagging "I hate running" going on in my head.

So I took it indoors (Because winter in England can get COOOLD and windy), though I do get bored running in a 2x4 box of doom; I could still average out 3+ miles.


So now we can yell "RUN AMY, RUN". And I will just keep on going because I can! The first step into this goal is:

10K
Half Marathon
Full Marathon

I will keep this updated as I get further into my goal.

Are you into the Green Monster Movement?

There are always tons of new fads or "movements" going on. With a simple "I lost 20lbs using this product it is so easy" and people will give it a try. I know first hand how that little promise of losing weight, better skin, stronger nails can draw a person in.

So I'm a little hesitant to try these things. What with :

South Beach

"The South Beach Diet is authored by the cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston. This diet promises a weight loss of 13 pounds in just 2 weeks.

Adkins

"Dr. Robert Atkins created the well-known Atkins Diet, a low-carbohydrate diet, blaming on refined carbohydrates for the rise in metabolic disorders."

Cabbage Soup Diet

"Also known as the "Mayo Clinic Diet" and the "Sacred Heart Hospital Diet", the Cabbage Soup Diet is based on a fat-burning soup that contains negligible calories."

Baby Food Diet

"Created by celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson, The Baby Food Diet is the latest weight loss fad promising to curb cravings, allow eating on the run, and lose weight quickly. "

Hollywood Diet

"The Hollywood Diet or Hollywood 48 Hour Miracle Diet created by Sunset Health Products promises you to lose weight naturally, while you cleanse, detoxify and rejuvenate your body."

You can see why a person would be a little hesitant. I like food that doesn't come in baby jars and I like carbs. As a runner, I need those carbohydrates.

However, I do like spinach and fruit. Since I already use protein shakes when I'm not getting enough protein in my diet, I thought "why not". I have friends posting all over Facebook about their Green Monster Smoothies.

If you haven't heard of it you can read more about it Here

So I went to the store, got myself frozen peaches, frozen mango, unsweetened almond milk (vanilla) and spinach. Then gave it a try.

And I was HOOKED.

Every morning I make my smoothie. I never make it the same way twice but it doesn't matter because it always taste great. I know exactly what is going into my body (unlike those other smoothies you can buy at the store that are 500+ calories), I can change it up if I want to (add flax seed, different fruits, use kale instead of spinach, and so much more) and it only takes a few minutes every morning.

I have noticed my skin is clear, which is amazing considering I run 5+ times a week and sweat is not always good for the skin. Usually I have horrible break outs in the T zone.

It fills me up and gets me going. If I had a hardcore work out I will put my Vanilla Whey into it to repair my muscles and give me a boost.


Savannah calls them "Shrek Smoothies" because of the bright green color, and she loves them as well. Obviously I don't put whey into hers!

I fully support this movement. I'm smack in the middle of the Green Monster Movement, are you?

If not, give it a try!

Table for Four

After the craziness of Brett's arrival, we were finally a family of Four. Having one baby is a huge change, but having two, is a whole different thing.


Right off the bat, Savannah was in awe of her baby brother. Which made this transition so much easier. She was thrilled to have approval over his name. After finally telling her that her brother's name is NOT going to be Bon Jovi, she was happy with Brett.


We came across the name Brett when I was looking up baby name meanings.

Brett means: Originally from Britannia. Seeing he was born in Britain, we found it fitting. Isaac is a family name.

All Savannah wanted to do was look at her baby brother and help feed him or hold him. Meanwhile, I was trying to adjust giving my attention to two children. Sometimes I would feel guilty about spending more time with one than the other. It is a fine balance.



Thankfully, my mother in law and her mom came out to help us. They kept Savannah busy, helped me around the house while I was healing, and would take turns with him at night.


Since he was early, he was already a week old before they came out. He lost 13% of his birth weight and was down right tiny at that point.

(That is a premie outfit)

I can say now he not only finally started gaining weight but at three months, has doubled his birth weight (yes, my little guy is now 13lbs!!).


But I wouldn't change a thing. I love watching them interact with each other. Now that Brett is three months old, he can laugh and smile when his sister sings or plays with him. It's a whole different world, but it is a happy (and sometimes sleepless) one. We are starting to get the hang of this.

And he arrives

Woah, It has been awhile!

I guess I should catch up on what has been going on.

Well since my last post (August 2011) a lot has happened. I started having labor contractions at 32 weeks and was put on pelvic rest. They slowly started to increase that by the time I was 34 weeks I was in L&D every other day (it seemed) to be monitored. He really wanted out.

It got to the point that they did my group B test juuuust incase my water broke going to another hospital (Our hospital does not have a NICU, so you have to go to Cambridge, a good 30 minute drive). But luckily, I didn't progress (dilate) and I got the pleasure of dealing with the contractions that would last over a minute and I would have them every 3 to 4 minutes. Yea, not fun.

One night we thought "This is it!" I could barely walk or stand up the contractions where so strong. I was in horrible pain and I could do was cry. So they had me come in, we dropped Savannah off and started talking about names (at this point Kyle was out) because we were pretty sure we were going to be bringing home a baby. I was 36 weeks by this point.


Well after being monitered for 6 hours I was sent home for an hour to come back in. After showering and going back in I was sent home because "there is nothing we can at this point until your water breaks or you dilate further". Ok. So home we go. We go on with the day. As we get ready for bed I felt I couldn't take much more. My poor husband could just hold my hand and tell it will be alright.

At 4am, I woke up out of a sound sleep. I felt a "pop" and jumped out of bed. The minute I landed on the floor I felt something going down my leg. I look down and I realized my water just broke!

I ran the bathroom to get off the carpet, because at that point in time that was what was on my mind. Jeremy calls L&D while I yell "It just doesn't stop! Its not stopping!!! THIS IS NOTHING LIKE THE MOVIES!"

We arrive at the hospital at 0430 and they start preping me for surgery. At our hospital, they do NOT do VBACs. So if you have had a c-section before that is what you are getting again. Fun, huh?!

As I continue to say this isn't like the movies and I can't believe the amount of fluids is inside one person, I was wheeled off to the OR. At 0618 I heard his first cry. My sweet baby boy was born, 3 weeks early. He was perfect.

Brett Isaac Grenfell
22 Sept 11
6lbs 11oz
18 ins long

Fix and Freeze

Last time I had a baby (four years ago), I ended up having an emergency c-section. Needless to say the "Emergency" part, we were not prepared for the recovery, AT ALL.

This time, I am having a planned C-section (our base does not offer VBACs), so I'm going in this prepared. And that would mean, putting together Fix and Freeze meals; as the husband does not cook but he can thaw and bake!

I have been asked by other Mama-to-bes to post some of the recipes. Since I only like to endorse what I have actually tried, here are some of the dishes I have prepared.

* Every recipe I will rate based on taste, they are out of 5 stars (*****)

Chicken Burritos

Yield: Makes 2 batches (1 dozen per batch)
****

1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies
2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno pepper, optional
1 teaspoon EACH ground cumin and chili powder
1/2 teaspoon EACH garlic powder and salt
1 can (15 oz) chili with beans
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
8 cups cubed cooked chicken (8- 12oz canned)
24 flour tortillas, warmed
6 cups (24 oz) shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Salsa, optional


1. In a large skillet, saute the onion and green pepper in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in broth.

2. Bring to a boil; cook and sir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat; add the tomatoes, jalapeno pepper if desired and seasonings. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Stir in chili and cream cheese until cheese is melted. Stir in chicken (or do what I did, and put chicken in large bowl, stir in sauce).

3. Spoon about 1/2 cupful down the center of each tortilla; Sprinkle each with 1/4 cup Colby-Montery Jack cheese. Fold ends and sides over the filling. Wrap in foil or place in 2 greased 13x9 baking dishes.

4. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.


COOKING DIRECTION FOR FROZEN BURRITOS:

Thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes or until heated.

Serve with salsa if desired.

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Mostaccioli Casserole
Yield: Makes 2 casseroles (6 servings each)
***

1 package (16 oz) mostaccioli (I used rigatoni)
1.5 lbs ground beef
1 1/4 cups chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped onion
1 jar (26 oz) spaghetti sauce
1 can (10 3/4) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided


1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, soup, Italian seasoning and pepper.

2. Drain pasta. Add pasta and 1 1/2 cups cheese to beef mixture. Transfer to two greased 11x7 baking dishes. Sprinkle with cheese.
* Or do what I did, put pasta in one 9x13 greased dish, pour mixture on top; stir in well. Sprinkle with cheese.

3. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.


COOKING DIRECTIONS FOR FROZEN CASSEROLE:

Thaw in the fridge overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

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Enchilada Casserole
Yield: makes 2 casseroles (4-6 servings each)
****

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup water
2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups salsa, divided
10 flour tortillas (8 in), cut into 3/4-in strips, divided
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
2 cans (15 1/4 each) Whole kernel corn, drained *I only used one can*
4 cups (16 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese



1. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, chili powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

2. Place 1/4 cup salsa each in two greased 8-in square baking dishes. Layer each dish with a fourth of the tortillas and 1/4 cup salsa.

3. Divide the meat mixture, sour cream and corn between the two casseroles. Top with remaining tortillas, salsa and cheese.

4. Cover and freeze casseroles for up to 1 month.



COOKING DIRECTIONS FOR FROZEN CASSEROLE:

Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through.




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Chicken Pot Pies
Yield: 2 Pot Pies (6 servings each)

4 cups cubed cooked chicken
4 cups frozen cubed has brown potatoes, thawed
1 package (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of onion soup, undiluted
1 cup milk
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 package (15 oz) refrigerated pie pastry


1. In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. Divide between two 9-in deep-dish pie plates. Roll out pastry to fit the top of each pie. Place over filling; trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top or make decorative cutouts in pastry.

2. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.


COOKING DIRECTIONS FOR FROZEN POTPIES:

Remove from the freezer 30 minutes before baking. Cover edges loosely with foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 30 minutes. reduce heat to 350; remove the foil and bake 50-55 minutes longer or until golden brown.



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Pesto-Chicken Penne Casserole
Yield: 2 Casseroles (6 servings each)

1 package (16 oz) penne pasta
6 cups cubed cooked chicken
4 cups (16 oz) shredded Italian cheese blend
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
1 jar (10 oz) prepared pesto
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, cheese blend, spinach, tomatoes, Alfredo sauce, pesto and milk. Drain pasta and add to chicken mixture.

2. Transfer to two greased 8-in. square baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and oil; sprinkle over the casseroles.


3. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.

COOKING DIRECTIONS FOR FROZEN CASSEROLES:

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until bubbly.



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Turkey Tetrazzini
Yield: 2 casseroles (4 servings each)
****

1 lb uncooked spaghetti
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
3 cans (10 3/4 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
3 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup sherry or additional chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided



1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, saute the mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. Add the garlic, cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the soup, turkey, broth, sherry, Italian seasoning, pepper and 1 cup cheese. Drain spaghetti; stir into turkey mixture.


3. Transfer to two greased 8-in square baking dishes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.

COOKING DIRECTIONS FOR FROZEN CASSEROLES:

Thaw in the fridge overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly.



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