My First Reward

Today is my 7th wedding anniversary. I am definitely married to my very best friend. Last night his parents kept our children overnight so we could go out for dinner and to see a movie (we saw "Courageous"--fabulous!). I love that I could eat dinner out. I got a fantastic grilled chicken salad and was so satisfied when I was done. I loved laughing with Dan and talking about plans for the upcoming year.

I got up this morning and made a big batch of pancakes for breakfast. Enough that we would have leftovers for Sunday morning breakfast, which always needs to be quick before church. Thanks to the amazing Medifast foods, I was also able to have pancakes. When I make the Medifast pancakes, I've started making more than one packet at a time. I put the rest in the fridge and it makes for something quick, easy and tasty for another meal later.

After breakfast, guess what we did? Went to the mall where I got to pick out my first "Twenty-five Pounds GONE!" bead for my bracelet. See it? It's the awesome white one with the stripes. I think it's called Grey Wolf. But I call it "Blessing!"

While at the jewelry store, I also eyed up a few other beads I want for the future. So awesome!

We then headed to the Asian Market. Our first time. Ummm...unless I need something specific, it might have been my last time. Let's just leave it at that. Interesting experience. And much more laughter.

Then for a late lunch at Ruby Tuesday where I enjoyed a sirloin steak, three little shrimp and veggies. You really have to be specific when you go out to eat. With each thing we ordered we said, "And please don't use any butter on that." Finally the waitress said, "Do you have a butter allergy?" I wanted to say yes. Dan simply said, "It's for health reasons." I have to commend our waitress though. We had ordered the spaghetti squash and she came back to us to tell us that it is already roasted ahead of time--in butter. That was nice of her. I can't overemphasize the importance of being insistant about your needs. Most resturants will cater to them.

Then we picked up our beautiful children and had a fun evening together.

I don't usually talk much about food and eating on here, but I wanted to mention all the eating out because I am SO thankful that I am able to go out and live a normal life while doing Take Shape for Life. Here's the thing though--my tastes have changed. I am VERY happy eating my lean and green food. AND...I am MOST happy when I get to prepare it myself. Both Dan & I agreed that we used to LOVE restaurant food. We ate out several nights a week. But now, we would much rather eat our own food. At a restaurant the food is over seasoned and salted. And often the quality isn't as good as we have been using. Plus, it costs so much more money! So, eating at home is honestly a win/win. But it sure is fun to be able to go out on occassion. The best part of the meals I had this weekend? The company. I am so blessed by my husband!