"Just" a Wife and Mom

I feel like I have started my last few posts out like this but I cannot believe it's been 3 months since I posted.  My good friend sent me the sweetest surprise in the mail over Christmas.  It is a journal that says "Random Thoughts" which she said reminded her of me.  It encouraged me to pick back up on the blogging.  It truly is therapeutic for me and I love the idea of having written documentation of these chapters of my life to look back on.

This post has been simmering for a while.  And it all started with a simple conversation in the car with my 11 year old son a couple of weeks ago.  It went a little something like this:
G: "Mom, what did you want to be when you grew up?"
Me: "Well...." <I was truly trying to think of something profound to say so I could encourage my oldest son to aspire to big dreams.>
G: "Well?"
Me: "Well, I wanted to be a teacher.  But I'm glad that didn't pan out because I know a lot of teachers who feel like they aren't able to really teach because of all these standardized tests and having to deal with crazy parents.  And I wanted to be a nurse but I was really bad at science."  <Just keepin' it real.> "But you know what I truly always wanted to be?"
G: "What?"
Me: "A wife and mom."
G: "A WIFE and MOM?"

I suddenly felt deflated.  As if, yet again, what I always wanted to be was not good enough.  As if it was not worthy enough.  As if it was not important enough.  But I explained to my son that I feel God called me to this very important role and I am so grateful he did.

Here is the thing, y'all.  I feel like in this modern age women like me are looked down upon.  We are considered old fashioned, too submissive or not goal oriented enough.  Why is that?!  I am not ashamed to say that I never needed to have 5 sexual partners to make sure my husband was the right one for me.  I did not need to travel the world and "find myself" before settling down and having children.  I did not need to experience other religions and cultures to know that Jesus is real and alive and has great things planned for me and my family.

Please hear my heart on this.  I am not saying that women with goals are evil.  I am not saying it is wrong to want to experience life before settling down and having children.  I am just saying it is NOT wrong to know who you are, who God created you to be and to be satisfied with being "just" a wife and a mom.

You know where I feel I have learned the most in life?  Through my relationships.  Specifically my relationship with my husband and my children.  God GIVES us these relationships so we can have a small glimpse into unconditional love, sacrifice, compromise, patience and grace.

Lately I have realized I have a choice.  I can choose to fill my time with "things" OR I can spend this window of time, small chapters of my life, developing a more intimate relationship with my husband and teaching my boys about Jesus' love and how to be men with a heart for God.

My relationship with my husband has always been my second priority (just behind my relationship with Jesus) because we need to be united to raise these boys.  I still want a best friend after my boys move on with their lives.
"What God has joined together, let no man separate." -Mark 10:9

And my third priority is my boys.  God has given me these gifts and they are mine and my husband's responsibility.  I am charged with caring for them, raising them to know Jesus and praying boldly over them.
"Start your children off in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." -Proverbs 22:6

I feel like I have not really been able to put into words why we moved way out to the country.  Why we wanted a more simple life.  But this...this is a big part of it.  I feel like God is telling me that my role as "just" a wife and mom mean so much more than I have ever believed.

Don't allow your role as a wife and mom to be diminished.  Allow God to mold you and work on your heart through these relationships.  Trust that He is using you in BIG ways to impact your family.  Be bold in your faith and confident in your abilities as a wife and Mama...even when you have days like this.

My Instagram post today:

Because us moms don't post enough "real life" pictures.
Because sometimes it's 2:30 and you still haven't showered (or washed your hair in three days).
Because these roots are OUT of control.
Because when you're had company for the last month straight you are happy to just have thirty minutes alone to not be productive at all.
And what the hell is this pubic hair like grouping coming out of the back of my head?!
Can ANYONE else relate to these things?! Anyone at all?!
#nofiltercanhelpthismess #keepinitreal #aaaaaandihaveapimple 

I also wanted to use this post as a catch up time.  So, here goes...

In the beginning of December we got a new puppy from the local pound.  Someone dumped him and his sisters on the side of the road.  Thankfully his sisters went to a rescue and this cutie patootie came home with us.  We named him Willie, after Willie Nelson of course!  ;) 

This was taken this morning.  I can't believe how much he has grown!  And he makes a great bible study buddy! :)

These guys... <3 

We went to Luckenbach with my cousin and her boyfriend to see one of our favs, Max Stalling.  Garrison learned to 2 step at school (thank you, small town school) and he swung his Mama around the dance floor a time or three.  Lucky Mama! :)

Garrison's baseball team, Kaos, won 1st place in one of their tournaments.  So much fun!!!

We had an amazing visit with some of our best friends from Dallas!  

Garrison and Daddy got to go see the Harlemn Globetrotters!  They had a blast!

Just a boy and his dog!  

We had three rounds of Christmas!  

Round 1 - Christmas Eve/Day with my parents.  

To say I am excited they made the move here is the understatement of the century.  SO grateful!!!

As a reminder, Ethan's birthday is also Christmas Day... How in the world is he 5 already?! 

My in-laws came for a visit and we took E to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate his birthday!  

We did our traditional "Christmas" over New Year's weekend with my sister and her family!  

So much cousin love!

One of the perks of living on 5 acres is a private fireworks show! 

Due to an infection in her foot my sister is yet again stuck on a scooter.  She doesn't let anything stop her from having fun though!  Oh how I admire this girl so!  She is SUCH an inspiration!!!

Until next time...

~Jewels*

Boogie

We adopted Sox aka Boogie from the Humane Society when he was just 8 weeks old.  That was in March of 2003, just one month after Garrett and I were married.  I remember when we first got him.  He was the softest dog I had ever touched in my entire life.  That never changed.  Garrett was in the Navy and we were living in Connecticut at the time.  We thought it would be good to name him after our home state of Texas so we first called him Rio.  We quickly realized that name did not fit him at all.  He was tan with all white paws so we thought Sox was a much better fit.  How we came to call him Boogie I do not recall. I just know that was his name for the last 13 years.

We had to put our sweet Boogie down yesterday.  He had been suffering from kidney failure for a while and in those final stages we could not bear to have him suffer.  I had been praying for confirmation for a week.  I needed God to give me a sign that it was time.  When I spoke with the vet she literally said, "It's time".  And as hard as it was to spend that final night and morning with him I never once regretted our decision.  That morning the boys and I said our goodbyes and prayed over him.  When I left our neighborhood to drive them to school we drove through a really thick fog.  My heart felt heavy and thick just like that fog.  I was praying for comfort and peace.  Within a few seconds the fog completely lifted and I saw the sun shining through.  It was one of the most peaceful moments I have ever experienced.  

My husband, my ROCK, took him and stayed with him during his final moments.  I could not bear the thought of remembering my sweet Boogie like that. I wanted to remember him as I knew him best - following me around from room to room, snuggled up next to me on the couch or in bed.  

Boogie was always there to provide comfort.  He just knew when I was sick, sad or in pain.  He was my guard dog and my best friend, especially during those first couple of years when Garrett was gone on deployments in the beginning of our marriage.  He loved us unconditionally.  Even in the final days when I think he knew his time was nearing he was giving us kisses to comfort us while we were crying over him.  He was truly the most selfless creature I have ever known.  

"The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog."  - M.K. Clinton

I wanted to share some pictures of our sweet Boogie over the last 13 years.  

The day Garrett brought him home

They really did have a special bond

 

He LOVED the water!  This was on a beach in Rhode Island.

And a lake in Connecticut

 Snow in Connecticut...I'm surprised he was able to stay above it! 

Boogie and Tex checking out the view from our new house in Virginia Beach.  He just loved chasing the ducks around the pond out back.  He would jump our 6' fence regularly to chase those ducks!

He was so good with the boys.  Garrison loved to feed him from his high chair.

Always nearby for protection

When Ethan came along Boogie was so excited to have another little one in the house!

Sweet hugs!

Just a boy and his dog

They loved Christmas morning!

Snow!!!! In Texas!!! I think he felt like a puppy again!

I think Stoic described him well.

This was the day before he went to be with Jesus.  I miss him so much but I am incredibly grateful he is not suffering.

Brothers.  Tex just doesn't know what to do with himself.  I think he is confused and slowly realizing Boogie is not coming home.

I was able to get a picture of the boys with Boogie on his last day with us.  We all miss him terribly but know he is in a better place.

Thank you for teaching me how to love completely and selflessly, Boogie.  Until we meet again my precious boy. ~Mama

Health Journey, Week 5

I don't have a great update today, unfortunately.  I stayed the same weight as last Monday.  The weird thing is I weighed in Saturday morning out of curiosity and was down 2 lbs from last week.  I guess I gained those 2 lbs back in the last two days though.  Ha!  

We did go to Dripping Springs for a baseball tournament so there was definitely more eating out than normal.  I did the best I could but did splurge a little Saturday night when we had Mexican food.  My body has always been a bit odd though and I can gain or lose 3 lbs in a day just from water weight or bloating.  Probably TMI but I don't have periods anymore (take my birth control continuously to help control endometriosis).  But I think my body still goes through PMS and I have been a little more emotional and quite a bit more hungry the last several days.  So I'm going to blame it on that too.  As women we have the ability to do that, right?! 

I did not take my BLOCK every day last week.  I think I only did it 3 days.  It is hard for me to remember since it is not a daily habit.  But I am committed to taking it every evening this week to see if that helps.  I also need to up my water intake.  I've been doing pretty good but definitely not sticking to the 100 oz plus per day like I was doing before.

Here is a great recipe I tried last week and we loved it!

Garlic and Paprika Chicken

Ingredients

6 chicken drumsticks

1/4 cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp smoked paprika

Pinch red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp fresh parsley

1 Tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2.  Clean and dry the drumsticks and season with salt and pepper.  Set aside.

3.  In a small skillet heat the olive oil.  Add the garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes and herbs.  Cook for about 1 minute over medium heat.  (Careful not to burn the garlic.)

4.  Place the drumsticks in a 9X13 baking dish and pour the olive oil mixture over the drumsticks.  Make sure they are coated thoroughly.  

5.  Bake for about 45 minutes or until chicken legs are cooked through.  

Before Baking

Tada!

~Jewels*

Garrison's 11th Birthday Weekend (Family, Paintball and Baseball)

Garrison's birthday was last Friday and we were so excited Nana and PawPaw (Garrett's parents) were able to come in town.  We had such a good visit with them!  And I'll tell you in advance all photo credit in this post goes to my father-in-law.

Friday night Garrett grilled out steak (Garrison's fav) and I made a cookie cake.  Garrison loved opening his gifts!

"Happy Birthday to you!"...Ethan's face - bahahaha!

Love these sweet brothers!

I had to include this one because it cracked me up that Garrison held the shirt right in front of his brother completely blocking him out of the picture.

I think he was slightly excited about his gift from Nana and PawPaw...

...a guitar!!!  This boy is seriously talented and I can't wait for him to learn to play!

He thought that was all but then we told him we had another gift for him in Daddy's truck.  We opened the tail gate and there was his ping pong table!  He loved it!

The next day we had his birthday party with his entire baseball team.  Every kid except one came.  That made this mama heart SO happy!  (I later learned the kid who didn't come was too scared because his cousin told him how much paintball hurts.  Poor thing.)

He was SO excited!

I took this one and my heart about exploded when I did.  

STOP growing!

This sweet boy...I love him so!

I think they're ready!

I love this shot of Ethan!

I think Garret may have been more excited than Garrison was.

Where's Ethan?!  Bahahaha!

Ethan and Nana...how sweet is this?!

Dirty face...check
Dirty hands...check

Cupcake...check

As if the weekend wasn't eventful enough Garrison had a double header on Sunday.  I am SO glad we found this team!  The kids and parents are incredible and seeing Garrison happy is SO worth the hour and 15 minute drive to practice twice a week.  Yes, for real.  

I love these shots of him doing what he loves!

I also had to add these photos my father-in-law took while he and my hubby were dove hunting a couple weeks ago.  We grilled the dove earlier this week and they were DE.LICIOUS! 

When we started dating I wondered if he would always make me feel the way I did then.  Ya' know, the butterflies in the stomach, the mmm mmm mmm factor.  (I'm sure our family is gagging right now as they read this.)  But he is SO much better than he was 17 years ago!  

~Jewels*

Health Journey, Week 4

I had my weigh in this morning and here is my update:

I lost 3.4 lbs last week!

I am down 12.6 lbs total!

I am pretty happy with the progress I made last week.  And I realized that having ONE cheat meal through the week has actually helped me lose a little more.  I'm not talking a Snuffer's loaded cheese fries downed in ranch followed by a cheeseburger with more fries (not sure where that came from but dang, it sounds good!) cheat meal.  I'm talking about pasta at our local Italian restaurant cheat meal.

Of course I am still on my Plexus Triplex.  This week I am going to add in my Plexus Block.  I have not taken it since I started my new health journey a few weeks ago.  This stuff is amazing - it actually BLOCKS 48% of carbs and sugars.  That being said, my plan is to take it in the evening before I have a little wine and what is usually my biggest meal of the day.
Check it out at www.jewelsplexus.com and then click on Products and Block.

Now, for the recipe.  I made this last week and it was a pretty big hit!  If you have read my blog for any length of time you will notice I don't tend to follow recipes exactly.  I have included my comments/substitutions in the recipe.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

INGREDIENTS:
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (I used 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
16 oz baby red potatoes, halved (yep, forgot to half these)
16 oz baby carrots
16 oz green beans, trimmed (I bought the packaged, already washed and trimmed green beans at HEB)
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves (didn't have this so didn't use it)

FOR THE SAUCE:
1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup honey (Yeah, so I forgot to buy honey and after a quick Google search I decided to use brown sugar and water)
1/4 cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (I used cayenne pepper instead)
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:  After looking back over this recipe I realized I did not read the directions clearly because instead of mixing the sauce first and then waiting until the last 30 minutes to add the green beans I literally dumped it all in the crockpot together (below is my before picture).  Hey, it cooked just fine!




















So, here are my recommended, non-complicated directions.  Dump it all in the crockpot, cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.  BOOM!

Final Result:
















~Jewels*

Health Journey, Week 3

Happy Monday!

For those of you who missed my video post on Facebook last week, here it is.

https://www.facebook.com/juliana.t.gerber/videos/vb.575945942/10154352513480943/?type=3&theater

As promised I am going to start blogging on the progress of my health journey.  My goal is to get a post up every week to share my progress and a recipe or two along with any other tips/tricks I am finding to be helpful.

For those of you who could care less about my health journey, no offense taken.  I will still blog about other random happenings in life.

I know it is odd I am starting with Week 3 but it is what it is.

Let me rewind a few weeks.  I was sitting on the couch...ahem, IN my workout clothes, watching Fixer Upper, and just finished some nachos for lunch. Yeah.

I sent this picture to my cousin and sister asking them if they wanted to try to get healthy together and hold each other accountable.  They were both all in.  

I realized, as mentioned in my video, that I was no longer using Plexus (www.jewelsplexus.com) as a tool in my weight loss journey.  I lost quite a bit of weight and inches when I first got on it because it reduced my sugar cravings and curbed my hunger.  For the last 15 months I have taken it consistently and I am still finding amazing relief from endometriosis, plantar fasciitis and allergies but after our move to Bandera I started eating and drinking more due to extra downtime.  Plexus is not a diet.  It's not a magic pill.  It's a TOOL on your weight loss journey.  And I have decided to make changes with my diet to allow Plexus to do everything it can for me.  I will eventually get back into an exercise routine but this girl likes to take baby steps.

Update
After just TWO WEEKS I am down a total of 9.2 lbs!  Wooohoooo!  I have a looooooong way to go but I'll get there.  Again, as mentioned in my video, I have never lost that much weight in such a short time, especially in a healthy way.  I know I started eating healthier and drinking more water but I have done this many times before and I certainly give the credit to my Plexus products!

What am I doing? 
I am on the Plexus Triplex which includes three products, Pink Slim, Pro Bio 5 and Bio Cleanse.  Here are some videos I made (a few of which include my adorable little E man) a while back to help explain these better.  (Click on the words below to take you to the videos.)
Plexus Triplex Overview
Plexus Slim aka Pink Drink
Pro Bio 5
Bio Cleanse

I am also eating less and healthier and cut back a little on my wine drinking at night.  Notice I didn't say I cut out all of my wine or all of anything.  It's about balance.  That's seriously all I'm doing, y'all.  No exercise...yet.

Recipe
I wanted to share this ridiculously easy and yummy breakfast recipe with y'all.  It will fill you up but is super low in calories.

Breakfast Sandwich

Ingredients:
Light Whole Wheat English Muffin
1/4 cup egg beaters
1/2 slice of cheese (I use gouda)
1 slice canadian bacon

Directions:
Toast the english muffin
Heat the egg beater in a coffee cup (I grease mine with PAM spray with olive oil) for about 45 seconds in the microwave
Heat the canadian bacon for about 15 seconds in the microwave
Slap it all together and you've got a breakfast sandwich ready in less than 3 minutes!

*Forgive my man hands in this picture.  I seriously thought I had feminine hands until I saw this.  Ha!*

I'll be back next week for another update and recipe.  I am an incredibly open book so if you have questions for me about my journey or Plexus products I am here to answer them!

~Jewels*