Memories 5: Valentines Gingerbread Houses

   So I love Valentine's Day. If I just walk in  a store and catch a glimpse of pink and red streamers endorphins automatically release in my brain. I can't help it. Maybe I just love pink. Maybe I just love red. Maybe I just love decorations, but nonetheless, I LOVE love!
   Something else I love is the Thomas family! I have babysat their kids for 7 years and have many memories with them. This includes (but is not limited to): Kaelynn, their youngest, climbing out of her high chair as a baby and almost toppling to the ground (I was making frozen pizzas, but looked over in time to scream and grab her), me smashing the side mirror of their Escalade 5 years ago when backing out of their garage :( (low point), ninja fights in their basement that I organized (the winner got to kick the loser in the butt (literally)), and around 4 summers of nannying Meghan, Joshua, Cameron, and Kaelynn. We have LOTS of memories together.
   Cameron and Kathy Thomas have  been amazing parents, mentors, and friends to me. I respect them so much and love spending time with their family. What even sweetens the deal is the man I married loves the Thomas' too! We watch the kids for long weekends when Cam and Kathy go out of town and even stayed with them for a week this past summer. It was glorious.
   So this last weekend we were with the kids and it was Super Bowl time. Everyone was particularly hyped up because, well, I don't know: MAYBE, just MAYBE it had something to do with the energy drinks, soda, and candy Paul let them get at the gas station. While I was waiting in the car in the gas station parking lot, I kept praying prayers like "Please Lord, just this once let him be strong and make the kids get Gatorade or something..." but obviously, the Lord had other plans and the energy drinks prevailed. ;) Anyways, the boys were wanting to watch the game and seeing as I could care less about sports, us girls decided to decorate gingerbread houses in a Valentine's Day theme. Because I am not crafty at all, I was feeling pretty happy with myself. To be honest, I'm downright proud of how they turned out and we had a BLAST making them. So enjoy our pictures and be sure that this will not be the last Valentine's Day theme post on this blog.

CLEAN: Completed!!!

   So I realized I need to cap off the end of my detox posts. Clean was finished Sunday night of Jan 23rd. Quite possibly the most joyous and anticipated day of my existence. Ok, well not really, but I was ready to be done!

    Clean was a truly good program. By the end of the third week I felt energetic, healthy, and resumed a normal exercise routine. The third and final week of the cleanse I was a good 6 lbs down from my normal weight. The neat thing is that Dr. Junger says your body adjusts itself on the cleanse and tries to find a state of balance. Therefore, if you need to loose weight you will probably loose more than if you are at a healthy weight and just doing the program for detox purposes. Since I wasn't trying to loose weight, I ate lots of nuts (almonds and pecans) for my snacks and didn't loose substantial weight. I also slept really well at night and felt well rested in the mornings. My appetite was smaller as well.

   The downside: I literally DOVE out of cleansing mode. I ate whatever I wanted in any quantity that I desired. I was so pumped to be able to have dinner, brownies, and white carbs. It was truly like being reunite with a lost love. The truth is though: this is NOT a good idea. All of last week I had a low-grade stomach ache and felt sluggish. My body seemed to be reminding me that it did not appreciate all the toxins I was pouring into it. Many people asked if this defeated the purpose of Clean. For some people it would be counter-productive, but I was doing it more as an experiment in personal discipline. Also, every day on Clean has it's own benefits to my health and are not wasted days. 

   By doing clean I acquired some good habits that I will continue to carry over into my daily life. For instance: SMOOTHIES. So healthy! and because it is blended it delivers nutrients in a fuel-injected way that is easier for the body to digest. Even just having a smoothie for breakfast is a great place to start. Another thing I discovered is AGAVE SYRUP which is healthier than sugars and is added to all the smoothies on Clean as a natural sweetener- very good ingredient to have on hand. QUINOA is another staple. It is similar to rice, but is plant based and a complete protein. I like it as much as rice and eat it with everything. LENTILS are other find. These high fiber babies are delish and easy to eat in soups and pair with anything. WATER is another important discovery. Why? you might ask: because you need to drink a lot! It flushes out the system and is vital for proper body function. I now carry a $7 Target water bottle with me wherever I go to have it on hand.

   So........ am I glad I did Clean? Absolutely. Will I do it next year? I can hope so. Should YOU try it? Yes.

CLEAN: An update!!!!! Day 13

Ok! Day 13 of the 21 day cleanse and going strong! Many of you have sent me messages asking for more information. I would love to talk to anyone about it, but a few posts down I write more about the program... Scroll down and take a look, but: Here is a quick update:

-Day 3: Dad drops off (it’s ok, we forced you to begin the cleanse against your own will anyways).

-Day 5: Mom caves and has a cupcake while baking for dad’s birthday (to be fair, she did jump back on the bandwagon the next day)

-Day 7: Paul quits (he has lost 7 lbs in one week and doesn’t want to loose more. He also confesses he was only doing the cleanse for moral support… If that isn’t love I don’t know what is ;) ). Paul still eats breakfast and lunch with me but eats dinner instead of a smoothie.

   As for myself, I am going to be honest. At about a week into the cleanse I would feel emotional around dinner-time. I literally felt like crying as I watched my family enjoy my favorite meal of the day. I also was more emotional (poor Paul- I have had to apologize a lot!). It has been kind of liberating in a sense that I realize how food motivated I am and want to purpose to not be so controlled by my love for food.

   The first few days I felt a definite dip in my energy levels. I didn’t work out and went to bed really early (partly to keep myself from eating after my dinner smoothie). I am happy to report that I now have increased energy levels and do not struggle feeling hungry like I did at the beginning. I have also learned many healthy ways of cooking veggies that I will carry over into after the cleanse. Luckily, my fantasies about brownies and pasta seem to be less frequent. I am also learning to love green tea instead of lattes when we go to Starbucks. I frequently skim the first few chapters of “Clean” to keep myself motivated and remind myself why I am suffering through.

Memories 4: Dad's 50th Birthday- A Letter

            This is only the second person I have written about in my blog, but my father’s 50^th birthday seemed like a good reason to write again.

Dad, where do I begin? I guess I’ll start with you as a father. One of the first memories I have is being around two and grandma had bought me a new outfit. I remember running into your arms and you calling me my nickname: ‘Jelly Bean.’ It’s simple and uncomplicated, but that is why I remember it. It that moment I felt so loved, secure, and safe in your embrace and there was nothing but joy. Those same feelings became a trend throughout the rest of my childhood and that was predominantly because of the love and support of you and Mom.

             I am often struck by how emotional I am. I mean seriously, I have to process. A. LOT. The truth is though; I have been this way since I was a little girl. When I went through my dog training phase you would take me and my Golden Retrievers to class and let me cry after obedience school about how I was discouraged or wasn’t making enough progress or didn’t think I had what it took for the ‘dog show world.’ You listened and processed through ever fear, concern, or query I had of my uncomplicated life. You also spent countless hours ‘tucking in’ Annie and I. Even throughout high school we wanted you to come pray for us before we went to bed. Those prayers would often turn into hour-long talks and conversations. But you always made time. You always said yes.

            The way you love is the reason so many are drawn to you. Dad, you love well. Every person who spends time around you is impacted by you commitment to Mom and us kids. The way you pursues the Lord has created a deep sense of groundedness and security in the family. I believe that because of your integrity all of us kids have a confidence and sense of well being. That’s probably one of the reasons Mom felt safe to follow you into North Omaha and start the Hope Center twelve years ago. You were and still are a trustworthy leader.

            Something I love about you and Mom is that you guys know how to celebrate. You enjoy life and seize every opportunity to live in joy. You love your birthday. You love presents. I think it is amazing you have never lost your zeal for life even when things get hard and work can be discouraging. Your 50^th birthday party on Friday was an expression of your contagious appetite for life. No one danced harder on that dance floor than you. As your daughter, I’m so glad that you get to see how many people love and respect you. I think many times people don’t express the depth of their admiration for someone until after that person is no longer on the earth. It makes me happy that you are seeing the fruits of your faithfulness now.

            Dad, thank you for all you have invested in me. You and Mom are even more amazing than most will ever realize. I am so grateful for the way you have been a cheerleader for me my whole life. Paul and I feel it now too. We know that you believe in us, love us, and think we have what it takes. Thank you for your wisdom, counsel, and love.

            Finally, I think your best season of life is still ahead of you. I know that the Lord has many great days in the future. You will only impact more people and develop more gifts as time goes on. I’m so happy you’re my dad and love you so much! Happy 50^th Birthday!!!!!!!!

Memories 3: Christmas 2010

   Christmas this last year was so much fun. I just wanted to include a little bit about it in my blog. Both Paul's sister Amy (and her husband Andrew) and my sister Annie were in town so we got to have lots of family time. I took the whole week before Christmas off of work except for Monday and soaked up the extra family time. 
   My mom, sister, and I baked up a storm. We made my mom's famous cheese danishes. I took them to everyone at work and it was a hit! We also made sugar cookies, soups, and crepes.

     Amy and Andrew were in town the whole week before Christmas so we spent lots of time with them and the rest of the Lanphier crew. We had a girls' night out where Jean, Sarah, Amy, and I went to PF Changs, shopping, and Starbucks. The boys went to BBQ and a movie.
    Christmas Eve we spend with the Schenzels and then wake up Christmas morning and open presents and have Strawberry Crepes. 

    We spent Christmas Day with the Lanphiers. I think the pictures show how much fun it is having children around for the holidays. They make everything more special. Delaney and Averey add so much to every family time. 

    I know I didn't write very much about Christmas, but I just wanted to include some pictures on the blog for memory's sake. What a great holiday!

CLEAN: The Detox!

   Around Thanksgiving, I read a book that inspired a very big goal for 2011: to complete a 21 day detox. "Clean" is by Dr. Alejandro Junger and gives insight into how the digestive system can rid the body of ailments that plague it when given the proper nutrients and time to kick into hyper-drive. The program consists of having 2 meals a day as liquid meals- either a smoothie or soup. The liquid meals must be consumed for breakfast and dinner with the solid meal being eaten at lunch. This way the detox has the whole evening to kick in and rid itself of harmful toxins instead of digesting so much food. The liquid meals are blended organic fruits and veggies with no diary. Instead we use coconut or almond milk. You also are supposed to drink large quantities of water (a good indicator is having to pee every hour). The reason Clean is so effective is that it is gives the body a break from digesting tons of food in order that it can eliminate toxins and mucus, thus allowing itself to restore and heal naturally.

   So YES! I am doing it. I am on day 3 and going strong! Luckily both my parents and Paul are showing me moral support by doing the cleanse as well- so we are all in this together! Below is a picture of Paul and I after our Whole Foods/Trader Joe's trip to get all the ingredients for the cleanse. Look how happy we look... We'll see how we feel at about day 12. Hopefully, I still have friends and am speaking with my family members...

 

   Also this brings me to my next point. The blessed blessing that is making this whole cleanse possible is my Vitamix blender that I got from Christmas from my parents... This gift ranks up there with the day I brought home my Dyson vacuum cleaner- SHEER ECSTACY. You may think I am being dramatic, but I am not. This bad boy can crush a HALF GALLON of ice in 3 seconds, make hot soup in minutes, and blend smoothies, juices, and mixed drinks. It's that powerful. I'm convinced it's God's gift to man. Though the price is steep, the investment in your health is worth it. I don't regret having one for one minute.

   Isn't it beautiful? Anyways, the cleanse is going well. I'm not as hungry as I was yesterday, and I will be reporting back on the changes I see. I Emily Lanphier, will do this cleanse for all of you readers out there to let you know if it is worth the hunger, discomfort, and expense (it's not cheap to live off organic folks). Until then, buy the book if you are interested and let me know what you think.

2011!!!

   So the new year is here! Wow 2010 flew by... It is true what "they" say: 'Time goes by faster the older you get.' We rang in the new year with a Kansas City get-away. KC was kinda Paul's and my Christmas gift to each other because we love vacation, plus the International House of Prayer has their annual One Thing Conference every New Years. 

   This last few days in Kansas City were a blast. We stayed two nights and divided our time between the conference and the plaza ;). We spent a few hours at Starbucks (surprise, surprise) and listed top highlights of 2010. They are:

•  Paul's sister Amy getting married! January 2, 2010- Happy Anniversary!
• Both of us graduating from college. Paul finished his business degree and I graduated with a bachelors in Spanish.
• The amazing travels we got take: Colorado, KC, Atlanta, Tennessee, Austin, Myrtle Beach, Cabo, Vermont and West Virginia! Not to mention Paul traveling to multiple other states while running Wellness Clinics.
• Paul 'retiring' from Nursing at the ripe age of 24 and passing his Real Estate test!
• My first job in the 'real world.'
• Great new friendships and lots of quality time with both our families.
• Significant relational and spiritual growth.

   We also had several hopes and goals for 2011:

• I desire to spend more time in prayer and learning to be with the Lord.
• I will attempt a 3 week cleanse the month of January.
• We plan on buying our first investment property.
• I am going to start learning how to plant an organic garden. I say 'learn' because I plan on reading how to garden, but will most likely wait to garden until we buy a long-term home.
•  We both would like to find mentors.
• We want to read a book a week.
• We want to serve more.
• In 2011 we will save up for a trip to Africa to visit cousins Paul and Lindsey Cain! :)

   I know that new years are typically filed with resolutions, but I am ok if none of my goals are accomplished... at least I want to be. I'm simply grateful for the moments of joy that come during while on the journey. I look to a new year with hope and pray that if only one of my goals come to pass it is that I have increased revelation of the Lord's love for me and that I am more infatuated with Jesus than the year before. May I know that He is my treasure, He is my goal. It may sound cliche, but that is what is on my heart. Happy New Year. Happy 2011.