My friend Karen and I have struggled with weight a long time together. We have talked about it, planned together, fallen together, and even had successes together. Earlier this year we have had successes, and when I had surgery in February she brought me this book. It looked interesting, but until I opened the cover I had no idea the power it contained to change my life. Yes, it is about weight loss, but the concepts within can be applied to so many areas in life.
Is there something you run to instead of God that has a strong-hold in your life? For me it's 100% food. I love it. It's my hobby. It's my celebration of life. It's my friend when I've had a hard day. But, unfortunately, I love food too much. It doesn't love me back... I can tell by the number on the scale and the size of my jeans. I have loved food my entire life and have always been "chubby".
I have been doing pretty well, not really well, but pretty well on the "diet" that I am on. But honestly, I am terrified that the pounds will come back. I have been slipping lately allowing myself to eat a little more freely. But I got scared last night when I pigged out....the old Jenny was rearing her head. Bryan was gone, the movie was in, popcorn and chocolate chips flowed freely with the girls, and my spanikopita in the toaster smelled good. I was going to only eat half of what I made, but then....you know.
I have been reading a chapter or two every few days of this book and I am inspired by her, but until this morning I thought she may be a little radical in cutting out so much. But, I relate to her and the hold food has in her life. Today I read (about 3/4 of the way through) that it's truly only for a season to not eat certain things until she has grown strong enough to not only reach her goal weight but also have self-control. Self-Control. That is something I want and can gain through drawing closer to God in the times I need Him most. I have the power over the chips and salsa - they don't have power over me. And, I do believe that I was made to be more than this.
I am starting anew (AGAIN!), and feeling strengthened and ready to go. I highly recommend this book if you struggle with weight or any other "idol" in your life that you can't lay down. It's impossible to fight cravings without the power of God, and this book is a wonderful tool to help get you where you want to go!
Bug-n-Bean
We are two sisters (Jenny is Bug, Christina is Bean) who have kids between 21 months to 10 years-old. Here on Bug-n-Bean we want to share ideas and thoughts. Our desire is to help women not only survive, but the thrive in life and live each day to the fullest potential that God intended. We are not naive to days when you just don't have it all together - but when you know you have to laugh or else you'll cry, we will throw our cyber arms around you and say it's all okay, and it's all worth it!
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Saturday, June 18, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Excuses, Excuses
I admit it: I sometimes use my chronic pain as as excuse not to do things. Sometimes I do it knowingly, sometimes I do it out of habit. I'm insecure and not too outgoing, so this weakness in my life has become so worn and comfortable that sometimes I cling to it like a broken in child's blankey.
My pain has also become part of my identity like Superman's cape. It has been a part of me for over 14 years and the closing mantra in my prayer times. I so desperately want to be freed from the nagging pains and vice grip headaches, but without this life companion it would feel awkward going to Target and not visiting the medication aisle.
Do I want to be healed? Yes! But I think the real healing has to come from within my soul. If I take pain away from my resume, what do I have to fill its place? I'm just trying to figure out why I'm not healed: is it because I'm not willing to lay down my excuses or is it not God's timing?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Gifts We Give Our Kids
(Except the last paragraph, this is an article from a school newsletter I wrote last month)
Have you ever read the book, “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman? It’s a great book for figuring out how different people show and receive love. My primary love language? Gifts! I love to give them, and I admit, I love to receive them, too. Even a pack of my favorite gum or a pair of fluffy socks can make me happy the rest of the day if given to me out of love.
I realized that I was giving my kids too many gifts as a result of my love language. We’re at the mall? The Dollar Store? Target? I see a sale on something they’d love and I’d get it for them. But I realized that they were expecting things more often and our house was piling up with more stuff. I decided that my giving was having a negative effect on their wants, the clutter, and our wallet (even dollar store purchases add up!) So, it was time to redirect.
Last year my husband and I decided to buy almost nothing for the kids that wasn’t necessary. They could earn money to buy things they wanted, and what a difference in what they really wanted when it was their own money! It was a hard change for us at first, but what got me through was thinking about the bigger gifts I was giving my kids:
1. A Godly Home
2. A Loving Family
3. A Solid Foundation
Where does this foundation come from? I believe a big part of that is having them at Ygnacio Valley Christian School. From the moment I drop my kids off and wave at the Principal, Mr. Johnson, as he greets them (how many principals do that every day??), to the moment I wave at Mr. Johnson and pick them up – I know that they are growing academically, socially, and spiritually. They are learning not only the academics of what they need to get to the next level, but they are challenged and loved by these teachers who are certainly not there to make their millions! The staff is answering a call of God on their lives to touch our children deeper than they would be touched just about anywhere else. It's amazing to sit down at a parent/teacher conference and begin with prayer. It's also amazing to have a kindergarten teacher who can identify spiritual gifts in her students and encourage the parents to develop these gifts. The kids are learning what it means to have character, make the right choices, and to be a friend. Having them there is a sacrifice for us, but what an exchange. What they are gaining is priceless in light of eternity and I am grateful to give them this gift.
If you are considering a private school or not, seek God and His will for your kids. I know that not every child can go and that there are great public schools, too. If you are at a position in life where you are seeking what path God would have you choose - I want to encourage you to carefully interview lots of parents who have been there before and see what their opinions are. You can even email me and I'd love to share our process of decision making and more reasons why we chose what we did. Ultimately, though, the decision must be between you, your spouse (if you are married), and God. In His will your children will flourish and do great where ever God plants them! The greatest gift you can give is keeping them in God's loving care.
Have you ever read the book, “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman? It’s a great book for figuring out how different people show and receive love. My primary love language? Gifts! I love to give them, and I admit, I love to receive them, too. Even a pack of my favorite gum or a pair of fluffy socks can make me happy the rest of the day if given to me out of love.
I realized that I was giving my kids too many gifts as a result of my love language. We’re at the mall? The Dollar Store? Target? I see a sale on something they’d love and I’d get it for them. But I realized that they were expecting things more often and our house was piling up with more stuff. I decided that my giving was having a negative effect on their wants, the clutter, and our wallet (even dollar store purchases add up!) So, it was time to redirect.
Last year my husband and I decided to buy almost nothing for the kids that wasn’t necessary. They could earn money to buy things they wanted, and what a difference in what they really wanted when it was their own money! It was a hard change for us at first, but what got me through was thinking about the bigger gifts I was giving my kids:
1. A Godly Home
2. A Loving Family
3. A Solid Foundation
Where does this foundation come from? I believe a big part of that is having them at Ygnacio Valley Christian School. From the moment I drop my kids off and wave at the Principal, Mr. Johnson, as he greets them (how many principals do that every day??), to the moment I wave at Mr. Johnson and pick them up – I know that they are growing academically, socially, and spiritually. They are learning not only the academics of what they need to get to the next level, but they are challenged and loved by these teachers who are certainly not there to make their millions! The staff is answering a call of God on their lives to touch our children deeper than they would be touched just about anywhere else. It's amazing to sit down at a parent/teacher conference and begin with prayer. It's also amazing to have a kindergarten teacher who can identify spiritual gifts in her students and encourage the parents to develop these gifts. The kids are learning what it means to have character, make the right choices, and to be a friend. Having them there is a sacrifice for us, but what an exchange. What they are gaining is priceless in light of eternity and I am grateful to give them this gift.
If you are considering a private school or not, seek God and His will for your kids. I know that not every child can go and that there are great public schools, too. If you are at a position in life where you are seeking what path God would have you choose - I want to encourage you to carefully interview lots of parents who have been there before and see what their opinions are. You can even email me and I'd love to share our process of decision making and more reasons why we chose what we did. Ultimately, though, the decision must be between you, your spouse (if you are married), and God. In His will your children will flourish and do great where ever God plants them! The greatest gift you can give is keeping them in God's loving care.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Naughty Mac-N-Cheese
The Food Network is my nemesis. I love it. It makes me want things I never knew I wanted or needed until I saw it on a Guy Fieri show or on Man v. Food on the Travel Channel. I have given up watching these shows on my attempt to lose weight - but Guy's Big Bite and The Barefoot Contessa still beckon me relentlessly! I will soon write of what I have discovered on my diet journey, but first....
I came across this mac-n-cheese watching Guy's Big Bite yesterday.It was so easy and tasty (I ate 10 mini shell noodles!) I thought it looked a little greasy, but I added more cheese than the recipe stated. The kids and my neighbor next door loved it. I added a little dry mustard and cayenne pepper to the milk mixture - and I think homemade garlic croutons on top would make it even better... but make it to your taste. MMMMM...... Let mw know how you like it!
Ingredients
- 2 quarts water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
- 1/2 stick butter, melted
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 16 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar
- Dust with paprika
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Bring water, salt, and oil to boil over high heat Add pasta, bring back to a boil and cook until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large bowl, mix together eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese and add the pasta. Spray an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and add the pasta mixture. Top with remaining cheese and dust with paprika.
Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.
Bring water, salt, and oil to boil over high heat Add pasta, bring back to a boil and cook until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large bowl, mix together eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese and add the pasta. Spray an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and add the pasta mixture. Top with remaining cheese and dust with paprika.
Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2011
In our MOPS group several years ago we asked the mentors questions.... their biggest thrills of motherhood, their biggest regrets. What they wished they had done, what they felt they did right. A repeated theme was that time goes so fast - they all had wished they'd slowed down more and played with their kids. They all wished that they had "stopped to smell the roses" more. This was from eight women with anywhere from one to four grown kids. They all felt this way. Their statements made sense to me, but with two toddlers at the time I just wanted a break.
Now, I really want to heed their special advice and learn from them. As I look back and see that my "babies" are now 10, 8 and 4, I see that time does go by so very fast. How can that little baby boy I held be 10? I am more than half way done "mothering" him in a way. In ten years from now he'll be a man making his own choices and finding his way in life. When I think back to when my kids were small I see that the days were slow, but the years went by fast.
This year holds some scary things for the E family and it's a time to stretch our faith and depend on God. In February I am going in for a breast reduction surgery. (Ouch!) In June Nate will have his leg lengthening surgery. He'll have three months recovery with no weight on that leg and me turning pins to stretch the bone. (Ouch!) Bryan's contract job will end and we are hoping and praying that another job comes along. (Ouch!) But, we know that we are in the palm of God's hands. He will not leave us. Despite these things which all can turn into great changes for all of us, I want to stop and enjoy my time with these kids. Watch them more, listen more, love them even more. Instead of being scared, I want to choose to have faith that our Father has good planned for us. I want to enjoy life and live in faith. This is the only place where there truly is peace and joy to it's fullest.
So whatever your 2011 holds, may it be blessed and full of wonderful gifts from God! May we all slow down - even just a bit - and smell the roses more.
Mighty Leaf Tea Mighty Leaf Variety, Whole Leaf Pouches, 1.36-Ounces, 15-Count (Pack of 3)
Now, I really want to heed their special advice and learn from them. As I look back and see that my "babies" are now 10, 8 and 4, I see that time does go by so very fast. How can that little baby boy I held be 10? I am more than half way done "mothering" him in a way. In ten years from now he'll be a man making his own choices and finding his way in life. When I think back to when my kids were small I see that the days were slow, but the years went by fast.
This year holds some scary things for the E family and it's a time to stretch our faith and depend on God. In February I am going in for a breast reduction surgery. (Ouch!) In June Nate will have his leg lengthening surgery. He'll have three months recovery with no weight on that leg and me turning pins to stretch the bone. (Ouch!) Bryan's contract job will end and we are hoping and praying that another job comes along. (Ouch!) But, we know that we are in the palm of God's hands. He will not leave us. Despite these things which all can turn into great changes for all of us, I want to stop and enjoy my time with these kids. Watch them more, listen more, love them even more. Instead of being scared, I want to choose to have faith that our Father has good planned for us. I want to enjoy life and live in faith. This is the only place where there truly is peace and joy to it's fullest.
So whatever your 2011 holds, may it be blessed and full of wonderful gifts from God! May we all slow down - even just a bit - and smell the roses more.
Mighty Leaf Tea Mighty Leaf Variety, Whole Leaf Pouches, 1.36-Ounces, 15-Count (Pack of 3)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
What I'm Not Grateful For
As Thanksgiving approaches, these are the things I am NOT grateful for:
1) The huge zit on the bridge of my nose that looks like a third eye.
2) The grey hairs I had to dye tonight.
3) The black marks that stained my forehead from the hair dye.
4) My cold that has sapped my strength. How can a nose be stuffed up and running like a faucet at the same time?
What I am thankful for: That all these problems are completely petty.
1) The huge zit on the bridge of my nose that looks like a third eye.
2) The grey hairs I had to dye tonight.
3) The black marks that stained my forehead from the hair dye.
4) My cold that has sapped my strength. How can a nose be stuffed up and running like a faucet at the same time?
What I am thankful for: That all these problems are completely petty.
Monday, November 8, 2010
My Little Miracle
September was Missions Month at church and it was amazing. Living in this bubble of being a stay at home mom can be mind numbing at times and a little bit isolating. The missionaries who came to speak at church gave me a shot of reality and a dose of compassion that I sorely needed.
Every Sunday during Missions Month a pastor asks for a Faith Promise from each family so that the church can budget what to give to the missionaries on the field. I strongly felt like God said that we needed to give $50 a month to this cause. When I mentioned this to my husband, he hesitated and commented that things were a bit too tight to commit that amount. I agreed and then dropped the subject. But when God speaks, its pretty scary not to follow through. So after several weeks of prayer I carefully brought up the subject again. To my surprise, Vince filled out a Faith Promise card and already paid the current month's $50.
Now here is the other cool part: three months ago I applied for a job to write for a blog. I was contacted the week Vince submitted the commitment card and now we have more than enough to cover our Faith Promise. Lesson reiterated: God ALWAYS comes through. It's like when Peter walked on water; you first have to step out of the boat.
Every Sunday during Missions Month a pastor asks for a Faith Promise from each family so that the church can budget what to give to the missionaries on the field. I strongly felt like God said that we needed to give $50 a month to this cause. When I mentioned this to my husband, he hesitated and commented that things were a bit too tight to commit that amount. I agreed and then dropped the subject. But when God speaks, its pretty scary not to follow through. So after several weeks of prayer I carefully brought up the subject again. To my surprise, Vince filled out a Faith Promise card and already paid the current month's $50.
Now here is the other cool part: three months ago I applied for a job to write for a blog. I was contacted the week Vince submitted the commitment card and now we have more than enough to cover our Faith Promise. Lesson reiterated: God ALWAYS comes through. It's like when Peter walked on water; you first have to step out of the boat.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Live Without Fear
I live in fear much of the time. I've built a wall around myself to block out fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of the unknown. Don't even get me started on my fear of strangers and fear of another car accident. I'm also terrified that someone I love will get seriously injured or worse.
I had to really think about my fears two days ago when a woman at my husband's work was severely injured. Vince is a nurse at the county jail and an inmate attacked one of my husband's co-workers. My husband could easily have been the target of such violence and that scares me to no end. I really had to pray when he told me about the incident. More importantly, I really had to stop thinking and just listen, really listen, to what God wanted to say. I realized that Vince could have been in that position, but he wasn't. God has called Vince to work at a dangerous place for this season and God will protect him.
Ironically, Vince is going back to school to work in an even more dangerous field. When he first told me of his new dreams, I had to step back and not let my emotions get the best of me. I realized that this is what God has called him to do and to do anything less would be out of God's will... that is not a place I'm willing to go. I would also hate for Vince to look back at his life and think of all the "what if's." To be the best wife I can be, I have to support God's plan for my husband. So yeah, I'm still scared. But my faith is bigger than my fear. When God calls any one of us to go home, the decision is a deliberate one for God. It's my daily decision on how I will live: paralyzed in fear or living with trust.
I had to really think about my fears two days ago when a woman at my husband's work was severely injured. Vince is a nurse at the county jail and an inmate attacked one of my husband's co-workers. My husband could easily have been the target of such violence and that scares me to no end. I really had to pray when he told me about the incident. More importantly, I really had to stop thinking and just listen, really listen, to what God wanted to say. I realized that Vince could have been in that position, but he wasn't. God has called Vince to work at a dangerous place for this season and God will protect him.
Ironically, Vince is going back to school to work in an even more dangerous field. When he first told me of his new dreams, I had to step back and not let my emotions get the best of me. I realized that this is what God has called him to do and to do anything less would be out of God's will... that is not a place I'm willing to go. I would also hate for Vince to look back at his life and think of all the "what if's." To be the best wife I can be, I have to support God's plan for my husband. So yeah, I'm still scared. But my faith is bigger than my fear. When God calls any one of us to go home, the decision is a deliberate one for God. It's my daily decision on how I will live: paralyzed in fear or living with trust.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Cure for the Common Life Book Review
Have you ever felt a little burned out on life? That's where I have been. A dark cloud settled over me for a month or so and I had a really hard time shaking free from it. As I look back now, I see that I was on a road to destruction of sorts. I am the "yes" girl to much - too much! People ask for help, people need help, I generally say yes to just about anything. But, to my demise, all these little "yes-es" turn into a big pile of stress on my shoulders. I suppose I felt that since I am a stay-home mom, I need to do a lot to fill my time. But as my family suffered for it, I realized I needed to change some priorities.
In the midst of my valley, I walked into a book store and prayed in front of the Christian section. "Lord, please give me something here that will help." I spotted Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado. I do not like self-help type books, but I know I can read this author. I went to pay for it.... no wallet. The next morning I was debating if I should spend the money and go back for it. I went it to glance at it. I opened it to a page that said in the caption, "Jesus said no to good things to say yes to the right thing." This was a book I had to read.
It is a really good book for figuring out what you are supposed to "be" while here on earth. God has given each person unique gifts that they are supposed to use to serve in the kingdom of God. The back cover reads:
"Sweet spot." Golfers understand the term. So do tennis players. Ever swung a baseball bat or paddled a Ping-Pong ball? If so, you know the oh-so-nice feel of the sweet spot. Life in the sweet spot rolls like the downhill side of a downwind bike ride. But you don't have to swing a bat or a club to know this. What engineers give sports equipment, God gave you.A zone, a region, a life precinct in which you were made to dwell. He tailored the curves of your life to fit an empty space in his jigsaw puzzle. And life makes sweet sense when you find your spot.
But if you're like 87 percent of workers, you haven't found it. You don't find meaning in your work--or you're one of the 80 percent who don't believe their talents are used. What can you do? You're suffering from the common life, and you desperately need a cure.
Best-selling author Max Lucado has found it. In Cure for the Common Life he offers practical tools for exploring and identifying your own uniqueness, motivation to put your strengths to work, and the perfect prescription for finding and living in your sweet spot for the rest of your life.
The chapters help you to discover how God made you so very special, and how you shouldn't be discouraged if you are not like others or have their gifts. There is even a chapter to help you help your kids to find their gifts as well. The end gives a quiz of sorts to help you unravel and sort out your sweet spot and it really gets you thinking. I thought this book was excellent and I highly recommend it.
I am coming out of my valley now and feeling much better. Was it hormones? Maybe. Was it stress? Likely. Was it not living where I was supposed to be? For sure. I haven't quite figured out everything yet, but that's okay. I am thinking, praying, and working on it and if you read this book I hope it will encourage you, too!
In the midst of my valley, I walked into a book store and prayed in front of the Christian section. "Lord, please give me something here that will help." I spotted Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado. I do not like self-help type books, but I know I can read this author. I went to pay for it.... no wallet. The next morning I was debating if I should spend the money and go back for it. I went it to glance at it. I opened it to a page that said in the caption, "Jesus said no to good things to say yes to the right thing." This was a book I had to read.
It is a really good book for figuring out what you are supposed to "be" while here on earth. God has given each person unique gifts that they are supposed to use to serve in the kingdom of God. The back cover reads:
"Sweet spot." Golfers understand the term. So do tennis players. Ever swung a baseball bat or paddled a Ping-Pong ball? If so, you know the oh-so-nice feel of the sweet spot. Life in the sweet spot rolls like the downhill side of a downwind bike ride. But you don't have to swing a bat or a club to know this. What engineers give sports equipment, God gave you.A zone, a region, a life precinct in which you were made to dwell. He tailored the curves of your life to fit an empty space in his jigsaw puzzle. And life makes sweet sense when you find your spot.
But if you're like 87 percent of workers, you haven't found it. You don't find meaning in your work--or you're one of the 80 percent who don't believe their talents are used. What can you do? You're suffering from the common life, and you desperately need a cure.
Best-selling author Max Lucado has found it. In Cure for the Common Life he offers practical tools for exploring and identifying your own uniqueness, motivation to put your strengths to work, and the perfect prescription for finding and living in your sweet spot for the rest of your life.
The chapters help you to discover how God made you so very special, and how you shouldn't be discouraged if you are not like others or have their gifts. There is even a chapter to help you help your kids to find their gifts as well. The end gives a quiz of sorts to help you unravel and sort out your sweet spot and it really gets you thinking. I thought this book was excellent and I highly recommend it.
I am coming out of my valley now and feeling much better. Was it hormones? Maybe. Was it stress? Likely. Was it not living where I was supposed to be? For sure. I haven't quite figured out everything yet, but that's okay. I am thinking, praying, and working on it and if you read this book I hope it will encourage you, too!
Friday, October 22, 2010
My Favorite Baby Products



Kiddopotomus TinyDiner Portable Placemat - This thing is great. You roll it up in your diaper bag and when you go out to eat, you unroll it on the table. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and this thing keeps the messy meal semi-contained and off the public table. When the baby is finished using it, I wipe off the mess, roll it up and put it in a grocery bag to wash when I get home.
Tommy Tippee Roll Up Bib - I've tried a bunch of bibs, but I like these the best. They are plastic, not oil cloth so they food wipes right off. On the other plastic coated bibs, the food would stick to the velcro or the material would start to mildew... yuck! This has a hole closure and also rolls securely for travel.
Born Free Sippy Cups - I've tried Munchkin, Nuby and several other sippy cups and Lanie ends up choking because too much fluid comes out the spout. She drinks best from the Baby Born version. It's expensive, but we wash it every night and guard it when we go out so we don't accidentally leave it anywhere. However, we bought another one and the spout was a hard plastic unlike the first version which worked much better...
Baby Mum Mum - This is Lanie's favorite snack. They are light rice crackers that dissolve quickly. They are less messy than the little stars and she can hold onto it and bite it. It's even better when they go on sale at Toys R Us but Target also has them at a good price.
Thoses are some things I can't live without right now with my one-year-old. Oh,and Prozac... did I mention that too!?!?
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