One Year & Temptation

Recently I babysat a sweet little girl who is almost one year old. She's adorable, and very determined. I sat back and laughed as I saw Paul's thoughts illustrated through the actions of a tiny person:

²³ But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. ²⁴ Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? ²⁵ Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
- Romans 7:23-25 NLT

Two things off-limits: fireplace & entertainment center. Out of all the toys and objects on the living room floor, what were the most fascinating? The fireplace hearth/screen and the computer tower with the blinking lights.

She would crawl right up to them and stop just shy of them. Then her little hand would reach out slowly. She would hear, "No, don't touch that. No-no!" and pause. After a few seconds of contemplation, her hand would inch closer until her fingertips touched it. Begin redirection. Over and over, after a few screams and a couple menacing growls she found new interest in some of her toys and a few kitchen gadgets. By the way, Kelly is a genius. I love her blog post about "toys". Hannah's favorite toy of the day was the Oster food processor pusher (I don't know the technical term). She discovered she could put her paci in it and shake it to make music or she could chew on it to help relieve her teething pain. Too cute!

I LOVE her reaction!

Happy!

Jillian Michaels is killing me

...and I love it.

I recently picked up Jillian Michaels' "30 Day Shred" workout DVD. It's a new year, and I'm ready for a new way of life. One filled with a lot more adventure and adrenaline. The challenge begins with dragging out the old (fat, apathy, and a struggling diet), and hauling in the new (discipline, muscles, and metabolism).

Day one was pure embarrassment as Steve watched me huff, puff, spit, and groan my way through it. I collapsed on the floor more than my fair share of times after the strength and cardio segments, but Steve kept encouraging me to keep at it and finish strong. My husband is incredible! And he's showing me that I am too! Even if I lost my supper afterward.

"30 Day Shred" is made up of 3 components: Strength, Cardio, and Abs. The program offers three levels. Each level contains three circuits of Strength (3 minutes), Cardio (2 minutes), and Abs (1 minute), which all combine to give you a rigorous, literally butt-kicking 20-minute workout.

I just finished day two, and I'm already feeling the results. I have more energy, more endurance, and I feel a lot more positive about my body, my life, and my future. It feels amazing to utilize the discipline and strength God designed me with! One result Steve didn't like was my declaration, "I'm never eating at Jack-In-The-Box again!!" That's our favorite fast food burger chain here in Oregon. After his workout, burgers are all he thinks about! :)

I was dreading day two of this workout, and now I can't wait to see what day three brings!

Resolution Breaker Cookies

These are the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever made. I believe they are fail-proof, but you'll have to try for yourself.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 teaspoons almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons hot water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 bag (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are crispy.

Enjoy!