Daily Digestive Nutrition

When my daughter was 18 months she was sick all the time, was up all night screaming and scratching. It was awful! I felt inspired to take her off gluten and keep her on a strict Celiac diet. My mom is Celiac and we have a lot of digestive issues in our family. Taking her off gluten was exactly what she needed, but it didn't solve all our problems. Cross contamination is the worst when you are Celiac. She was 1, she didn't know what would hurt her and what wouldn't. A year ago I discovered Shakeology and it has been amazing for her. I give her 1/4 a serving and all the enzymes and pro biotics have made a night and day difference for her. She SLEEPS, sometimes till 9:30! Her skin is soft and she doesn't scratch all night. This is a little TMI, but her bowels are normal. Hallelujah. Madeline's little belly loves Shakeology! It is her daily nutrition to help her digestive system.
This last year I have watched my sweet, crazy little girl THRIVE, GROW and LIVE. She is potty trained, which was a struggle with her tummy issues. I am so thankful I discovered Shakeology

David and Goliath FHE

I always get a crack up at FHE! They are never the sit down and have this amazing spirit. I keep hoping that one time everyone will sit and listen, but we are just not there yet. So we keep it short and sweet.

Opening song: Nephi's Courage

Opening prayer: Madeline's cute little prayer, love 3 year old prayers

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:32, read by Scotlyn

Lesson: 

Tell the story of David and Goliath

Discuss how it took courage to stand up against Goliath

Tell what courage mean: to do something that is dangerous or scary

We discussed how we could be courageous: Scotlyn can share the gospel, even that can be scary. Scotlyn can stand up to a bully at school. Ethan can be courageous and sleep in his bed all night.

We then made grandpa Goliath and threw marshmallows at him. 

Closing Prayer: Ethan, there was a little giggling when he said, "thank you that we can not throw balls at each other." I love hearing children pray!

2nd Annual Couples Challenge

Super excited for The 2nd Annual Couples Challenge! Last year was so much fun! This year is going to be awesome! I am really excited that my husband has finally jumped on the workout train. He is rocking INSANITY MAX:30.
I love the friendly  competition! And prizes are awesome! Best Transformations wins a 1 night stay in a Hotel near you! What a great way to celebrate your HOT new bods! ;) Who wants to join us?
Grab your Valentine and lets sweat!

10 Tips For Dining Out

Sometimes, we aren't always eating at home, birthdays, work parties, date night, lunch with friends, or you really just don't want to cook. Here are 10 tips to keep you from derailing on you healthy lifestyle.

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH This is mandatory for my family. We have some allergies we need to watch out for. Get out your smart phone or get online and look at the restaurant menus. Know what you are going to get before you leave the house. 

2. PAY ATTENTION TO HOW FOOD IS PREPARED  Menu items give a desription of how your food is prepared. (and it never hurts to ask, if you are unsure)

• DON'T get anything that is deep fried, pan fried, basted, batter-dipped, breaded, creamy, crispy, scalloped, Alfredo, au gratin or in a cream sauce.
• DO look for items that are baked, broiled, steamed or sauteed

3. DRINK WATER INSTEAD OF JUICE OR SODA Don't drink your calories! Soda is a huge source of calories, and can ruin your diet. Spice up your water with lemon, limes, berries, cucumber or mint.
4. CONTROL YOUR PORTION SIZE Americans are known for huge portion sizes and all you can eat buffets. 

• 1 serving of lean protein= the palm of your hand
• 1 serving of grains=the size of a tennis ball
• 1 serving of fruits or veggies=one heaping handful

5. EASY ON THE SALT When your not cooking your own food, you can pretty much guarantee the food you are eating has too much salt. Ask restaurants to go easy on the salt or omit it altogether. Avoid the salt shaker, and look for lo-sodium options.

6. SKIP THE BOOZE Sorry to bring the bad news, but beer, wine and margaritas are filled with sugar and empty calories. Remember to eat your calories, not drink them. Plus, once you have a drink or 2 you will want to eat more. 

7. SEND BACK THE FREE FOOD The bread sticks, rolls, bread basket, bottomless chips and salsa, or whatever else they put on your table. They aren't free of calories and you can't keep good portion control when it's not on your plate. 

8. HAVE IT YOUR WAY Most menus use healthy ingredients, its the preparation, battered and fried that make them unhealthy. Most restaurants will happily prepare your food the way you ask. Speak up don't  be shy. Ask for grilled chicken instead of battered and fried. 

9. "UNDRESS YOUR FOOD" Sounds naughty, right? Always ask for sauce or dressing on the side. Instead of drenching your salad, use your fork and dip in the dressing. 

10. SKIP DESSERT Skipping Dessert can save you 500-1000 calories or even MORE. You'll be glad you did! Especially when you are trying to work it off the next day!

Hold Your Light Up

This FHE is perfect for little kids! My kids loved it because it involved a flashlight. I am grateful for amazing women who are prepared and share their lessons and ideas. Here is the lesson Hold Your Light Up.

We changed up the song and sang I know That My Savior Loves Me.

We shared ways that we could be a light at school, Scotlyn had lots of stories to share. I love when my kids open up and talk about things at school. Sometimes I feel like I have to drag it out of them.

We finished the night off with Paleo Lemon bars.

Ethan loves to help cook!

The Paleo Pancake Round up

My kids are pancake kids, who wouldn't be when their Dad makes fluffy, delicious, glutenous pancakes. So I have been on a Mission for some healthy, gluten free, pancakes. I found one!!!! Against all grain has become my go to sight. I love all her recipes. These technically are waffles, but I don't have a gluten free waffle maker, it's been contaminated. So I just made pancakes and they are AMAZING. They are a cashew based pancake. the texture is great and they are perfect! go check them out! All of these recipes are kid approved!

THE BEST PALEO PANCAKES

I also love the Paleo Mom she has some great pancakes. Her 2 plantain pancakes are delicious
Green Plantain Pancakes

Ripe Plantain Pancakes

I love these simple banana pancakes. They are a little tricky to flip, unless you have a pancake griddle. 

Banana Pancakes

I am a sucker for pumpkin. I love pairing pumpkin with the coconut flour it makes it less dry. Great fall recipe.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Lie Monster FHE

I have been looking for a simple FHE on lies. Ethan is starting to lie, and he lies more to get out of trouble. It's hard not to laugh at him, he knows I know he is lying, yet he keeps trying to get out of it! This was a cute lesson and it was just one story and the Lie Monster was so cute. I found it at Mormon Mommy.

Opening song we sang "I know that my Savior Loves Me". It's the song they are learning in Primary.

We also started learning the 13th Article of Faith. I found cute printable here

Nights all by myself are hard and doing FHE with 4 little ones is entertaining. It's all about setting the example right?!? Even if it is a joke some nights!