Getting Old

I just looked down at my hands hitting the keyboard. Bad idea. They look wrinkly and old. Who's are those? How did THAT happen? I sure don't feel any different on the inside, but my outsides are starting to scream "I am OVER forty!". I am not ready.

I realize that I have not been taking very good care of myself over the last 6 years or so. Not only am I GETTING older, but I am MAKING myself older by not taking the time to exercise, eat right, moisturize, condition, firm, de-stress and dress up those body parts that are going to take me through the rest of my years here on earth. Now, I am not a superficial person and don't believe that you should put yourself first (God belongs there) however, I think that I have been in last place so long that "The End" is embedded on my now rather large bum.

Six years and about sixty extra pounds is what I am facing. And I am not happy about it. I want my hubby to be able to walk about with someone who is proud of who she is and right now, that ain't me. I just realized something. I have homeschooled the past six years. The six years that I have slowly been deteriorating. Hmm... wonder what the connection is there. This is the same six years that we started eating organic, whole foods. The same year that I learned to bake some really good foods. Hmm.....

Anyhoo, just wanted you to be fore warned that some mommy's getting healthy post are forth coming. I want to feel like my hubby's "better" half. Not the larger one. :)

Wednesday's here at Pappa Doodles are going to become Happy and Healthy Mom's day. I am going to put a weekly challenge for myself to try and turn my unhealthy living around.
This week's challenge for myself is to take a multi-vitamin a day and drink at least two glasses of just pure water. If you know me, you know this will be a challenge. I am not a water lover. Sweet tea and coffee. Those are my liquids of choice.

So, there it is. My plan. I could use some prayers here. Happy Wednesday.

So what's Baked Oatmeal anyway?

Well, my friend Elm wanted to know about Oatmeal Bake. It is just so yummy, that I am going to share. We sprinkle ours with brown sugar and cinnamon before we pop it in the oven. I also bake, cut up and freeze in squares. This makes for an easy breakfast on those school mornings. Enjoy!

Baked Oatmeal
2 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 c. melted butter

Mix all well. Bake in baking dish sprayed w/Pam for 20-30 minutes at 350 until golden brown. It's good served w/baked, spiced apples (like pie filling), peaches or milk or half & half. Kids who won't eat oatmeal like it. Enjoy!

Some Changes Going On

This is a look into our pantry. Notice anything different? I have recently taken some time to dig deeper into the benefit of eating whole, organic foods. I already knew that artificial colors really affected my little gal, D-Doodle. I have always been a fan of whole foods, but have recently been convicted to feed my family properly all the time. Not just when it was convenient. For us, this includes eating organic and local when we can. Because organic is more expensive, I sought out a local whole foods coop through the United Buying Club. I also found a local organic produce coop where we can pick up once a week. I can't believe the amount of fruits and veggies that I get for $43.00! One of the many benefits of living in the south. (Right next to all that Southern Hospitality)

Because organic food is more expensive, I don't buy as many convenience foods. I bake our bread, muffins, cookies, etc... This in itself is a benefit. This doesn't mean I don't buy a few boxes of Annie's Bunnies. :) I must say that K-Doodle in particular is affected by sugar she takes in when we are out and about. A little candy here.....and it gets her craving for sugar right back. She gets this honest... I have a love for sugar myself.

Doing a lot of baking has proven to take time. Well, duh! Between homeschooling, cooking, cleaning and now doing a lot of baking, I am looking into making a much better routine for our week. But that's a post for another day. I will be listed to great books I have been reading about foods soon. Wishing you all a great week. ~ Kat