First Weekend at R&M Ranch

Last weekend we had the blessing to go out and spend 2 nights in the Cabin we will be living in the next few months while our house is built. Our plan for the weekend was to get as much prep work done around there as we can. And to bring up a large load of tools and other items we'll need to do some repairs on the land before we move in 2 weeks later. 

Carson was a "tiny" bit excited to say the least. It was pretty cute, I had already packed all the clothes we'd need (and then some) for the weekend. He came upstairs when it was time to go with his backpack stuffed with 2 pairs of jammies for him and Lily, and he packed snacks. Love that boy so much and his heart.

One of the things I love about our land is that it's only about 5 minutes off the freeway. But once you hit that dirt road leading into our property it feels like you are out in the middle of no where. So quiet, beautiful, and peaceful. 

(Pic on the Left: Back road in/ Pic on Right: Front side in)

The kids "loft" in the cabin. I'm really excited to make this room extra special for them while our house is being built. First night sleep up there was a little rough for Lily. New place, excitement, she just didn't want to go to sleep! I ended up sleeping up there with them this weekend. I think they enjoyed that :)

First morning up there was my favorite. Carson and I were the first to be awake and we quietly went downstairs, snuggled up under a blanket, read a train book and watched the sun rise over the mountains together. I'll never forget that moment, it's something I'll always treasure. Thank you Jesus!

Breakfast on the porch, it was so beautiful outside!

While Hubby and the Grandparents worked hard, my job was to keep these kiddos busy and we worked on organizing the cabin. We even took a few trips hauling material in the golf cart, the kids loved that.

That's our girl. She's totally in her element.

Carson calls this "rock climbing" and he'd do it all day if I let him.

An old Fire pit ring we found on the land. Grandpa used it to make us a new fire pit.

How we ended night #2. Our campfire was literally the only light past the cabin, the stars are so bright out there. It's amazing to see God's canvas like that.

(Board games with Grandma)

Lily checking out the pantry/solar panel conex box.

I shot a gun for the first time this weekend on our shooting range! Never thought that would happen.

This was a major proud mama moment for me. We were all working hard on Sunday to finish up chores so we could head back down the mountain to town. Carson said he wanted to help, got a broom and went and swept every step leading up to cabin without being asked. He said "Mom I made it safe for everyone to walk on!" (tears) I'm so thankful for this boys heart, his desire to help and he's excitement for this new chapter of our lives.

Our first weekend was a success! Great weather, no problems, lots of team work and memories made. I can't believe that in less than 2 weeks this land will be our forever home. Stay tuned for many blog post and updates on the journey to building our homestead, house and adventures. 

With love,

Our New Beginning's - More Details Coming Soon!

God is good! Oh so very good! 

Our Family is beginning a new chapter and we are so excited to journal and share it with you!

We are packing up our bags, leaving the city life and will be creating a Homestead with Carson and Lily's Grandparents :). Building our own home, 38 acres and having a National Forest as our backyard. What a different life it will be from the concrete laden townhouse with no yard we have lived in for the past 7 years. 

More to come as we make the transition, build, and learn how to reduce our carbon foot print and live a simpler lifestyle. 

Stay tuned :)

Rise Up Series: PTSD

Close family and friends know, but it's just recently that I started being more open with others about my diagnoses with PTSD from the car accident I was in several months ago. Before this happened to me I always assumed that PTSD was something that was only diagnosed from war/combat. What I didn't realize was that it can happen from other types of traumatic events (see diagram to the left). I am a firm believer that God gives us life events, seasons, and circumstances to use for His Glory and lift others up who may have gone/going through something similar. So I'm going to share with you what's been going on.

Shortly after I was hit in a freeway collision I started to develop symptoms that would eventually lead to my diagnosis. I was anxious, short fused, I has having severe nightmares, just simple noises like Carson playing cars or trains and having them crash together would trigger these feelings and I would have panic attacks. The first time I drove myself on the freeway after the accident was the worst. It felt like there was an elephant on my chest, I couldn't breath, shaking uncontrollably and my instinct was to just pull over on the side of the freeway and cry. I didn't, but I did take the first exit off the freeway pull over and spent about 30 minutes crying uncontrollably.

I know this can sound dramatic and for someone that hasn't experienced this kind of anxiety it may be hard to understand. Fear, unrelenting anxiety that I couldn't shut off. As a mom I love to take my kids to the zoo, Sea World, and do other outings and this new change was debilitating. I could only drive on streets, I had mastered every side road here in East County to get to where I needed to go without getting on the freeway. I knew I needed to get help.

More importantly I knew that God was in control, and that He was going to get me through this.

After speaking to my Dr. during treatments from my injuries I was referred to a Therapist who after several extensive tests diagnosed me officially with PTSD.

First thoughts I felt when hearing those words out of her mouth was broken and embarrassed.

I got in the car, prayed and the first verse that came to me was Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

It was right there and then that I decided I was going to stop letting fear have control over me and trust and know that God is in control and is with me.

Feeling anxious? Struggling with self doubt, worry or fear of the unknown? Here are a few verses I read daily to help me overcome PTSD:

 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19

“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

Currently I am still struggling to drive on the freeway. I can go for short distances but it is not something I'm going to give up on.

Here are a few things I've been doing while in the car to help ease anxiety and might help you too:

1. I have a playlist of worship music with some of my favorite christian songs and I sing along.

2. I pray every single time I get in the car before I head to my destination.

3. Deep Breaths

4. I remind myself often (and sometimes say this out loud) "God is in control, God's got this. He will lead me through."

5. Sometimes put some essential oils on, one in particular called "stress away".
6. I take small short trips on the freeway slowly inching myself a little bit further reach time.

As a Christian I have struggled with this PTSD because in my rational mind I KNOW God is in control, and if it's His will it will be done. But when that anxiety creeps in it's like a button that is very hard to turn off. I share this with you all because it's a daily choice to put your faith and trust in Jesus.

What are some of the other things that have helped me on this journey to overcome PTSD?

1. Spend more time in my Bible. It's how I jump start everyday. It keeps me centered, and my heart postured to seek Jesus.

2. Prayer: It's crucial.

3. Exercise: It really is a stress relief and mood booster. This past month I did a 31 day #PushPlay Everyday Challenge and shared it on my Facebook page. Getting that daily exercise in I really felt my stress decrease and my anxiety lessen greatly.

4. Eating Healthy: We are only given one body, why not take better care of it?

5. Grace: I remind myself of grace every single day.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

6. Accept Help: This is something I struggle with naturally. I have a hard time asking for help or accepting help. In this process I've learned to accept help by my wonderful family and friends who have supported me through this.

I'd like to take a second (which is not nearly enough), and thank all those that have been there for me through this season. The prayers, hugs, messages, conversations, and support means more to me than I could ever say. I love you and incredibly thankful for you. A huge thank you to my Husband who has been incredibly supportive, understanding and patient with me. Thank you Jesus for these amazing people in my life.

Have you been struggling with PTSD, anxiety or depression? If you would like someone to talk to or have a prayer request I would love to encourage you and pray with you.

Have a blessed day,

I'm not a robot. - I'm a blessed mess.

Hi. 

For those of you that don't know me, my name is Jenny and I'm a blessed mess. What is a blessed mess you ask? I'm blessed because everyday I am given, is an opportunity to be a light , serve and love others. I'm a mess because I fall short daily and I'm 100% ok with that. 

You're probably asking "Why would you be ok with falling short daily?"

I will respond by saying I'm 100% ok with falling short daily because Jesus is enough.

There are days where the laundry is half finished and the sink is full of dishes.

You might notice a little dust on my mantel. 

And there are days when I leave my meal prepped salad in the fridge and have a burger instead. 

Why am I telling you this? Because when I first became a coach one of the things that God put on my heart was to share the whole journey and not just the highlight reel. 

I don't post my daily sweaty selfies, food pics and motivational posts as a "look at me I've got it all together." 

No, not at all.

I post these things because I want to encourage you and I'm sharing my daily decision to move forward each day finding joy in the motion. Each day is a choice and opportunity to lean into Jesus and trust that He is enough.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

When I stopped expecting myself to fit this "mold" that I thought I needed to be,  it was like taking an elephant off my chest. God gives us each different gifts to use for His glory. We aren't all alike. Which is wonderful! Because with the different gifts we've been blessed with, we are able to encourage and help each other. 

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10

So friends I want to encourage you to not perceive other's highlight reels as a sign you aren't enough or doing enough. We are all on this journey as blessed messes together. Take that energy and put your whole heart into Jesus. I promise you, it's the best thing you could ever do.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;" Ephesians 2:8

I love you friends. Thank you for taking to time to read this. If I can pray for you or if there is something on your heart you would like to talk about, it would be a blessing to do so with you. You can comment here or send me an email at coachjennym@gmail.com

Have a blessed day,

Let them be your reason, not your excuse. - 10 Things that have helped me find my groove.

I know from personal experience that it is easy to fall into the trap of not having time to take care of our own health as a mom. Adjusting to being a new mom, savoring each moment with my sweet baby boy, in all honesty eating clean and working out was the last thing on my mind. 

I had gained 75 lbs while I was pregnant and after Carson was born the pounds weren't coming off. I remember reading in books and talking to other mamas how breasting boost weight loss. Not for me! In fact, it was the opposite, I gained weight breastfeeding. But that was ok... I was very thankful to be a Mom and was zeroed in on my sweet baby boy. 

When Carson was 3 months old we were in a wedding, and when I saw the pictures of myself I was shocked. Not only was I frustrated with my weight, but I was tired all the time (not just new mommy tired). I knew I needed to make a change but really struggled at finding balance of working out and carving that time out to take care of my health each day.

It took about two years for me to finally decide enough was enough. Not only did  I want to fit into my old clothes that were shoved in the back of my closet, but I wanted to feel better too!

With 60 days of Insanity, Shakeology and Clean eating I was able to lose the rest of the 75lbs I had gained. I felt great! I fit into old clothes again and my energy had sky rocketed!

In 2014 we welcomed our sweet rainbow baby Lillian into the world. Adjusting to being a new Mommy, juggling work and life in general I was struggling to lose the 35 lbs I had gained. 

On my 29th Birthday, being 6 months postpartum I had a huge wake up call. I realized I was still in size 14 maternity jeans, tired ALL the time, emotional and feeling discouraged. I wanted to be present for my kids, to have the energy to run around with them. I knew if I wanted to be present for my family and to serve others I needed to take charge of my health so I had the energy to do so! It was that day that I made a promise to myself that by the time I turned 30, I'd be healthier than I ever was in my 20's.

5 pant sizes, 35 lbs and one year later I reached that goal.

I have more energy, I'm more present for my family, I'm healthier and I'm happier. 

What helped me make this big change? That's where 21 Day Fix came in. Over the course of a year I completed several rounds of 21 Day fix. Even a few 1/2 completed rounds in there too wink emoticon The containers, the awesome workouts that were only 30 minutes a day, and the easy nutrition plan.. it just clicked for me. After years of counting calories, macro nutrients, weight watchers, etc. The portion control containers just made sense to me. Drinking my Shakeology everyday, following the eating plan and doing the workouts. The #1 thing I've taken out of this is that it  isn't a quick fix, it's a lifestyle change. You gotta show up each day and make those healthy choices. If you slip up or back slide, don't dwell on it. Instead get right back up and keep going towards those goals!

It wasn't tell about 5 months ago that I felt like God had put it on my heart to share my journey with others. To be able to encourage and be a light to others that we can find a balance. We can be healthy and be present for our families. When I decided to become a coach and started thinking about my team name "Life Light Up" instantly came to my mind. 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

We have this one body here on earth, this one opportunity to be a light to others, to be the change you want to see in the world. And through this health and fitness journey I've had a spiritual fitness transformation as well. That feeling of frustration, self doubt, feeling not good enough is gone. For I know that Jesus is more than enough. By taking care of my health, I am not only able to serve my family better, but others as well. 

So you might be asking, what changes have I made to find this balance? First off please know, I am a work in progress. There is no perfect Mom. But, each day I show up, pray, give thanks, love my family and others, and make the choice to be healthy. 

Changes I have made:

1. Time in my Bible. Each morning I start off my day reading God's word. When I don't make this my #1 priority, everything else falls out of place. Reading my Bible and time with God is vital.

2. 30 minutes of Exercise each day (21 Day Fix has been my workout program of choice this past year. Right now I am currently doing Cize)

3. Meal Prep: Every weekend I schedule out our dinners and all my meals for the week ahead and put them on an excel sheet. Print out our grocery list, shop, and cook batch items so use for meals throughout the week. Not only does it save us money but it keeps me on track with clean eating!

4. Water: I drink a minimum of 64 oz of water a day and keep my water bottle with me always.

5.  I don't eat after 7pm. Kitchen is CLOSED. I brush my teeth the same time as the kids so I'm not tempted to grab a snack. If I have craving something I will make myself a hot cup of tea instead.

6. Shakeology. You've seen breakfast selfies, lol. I start out my day with Shakeology every single day! It's my daily vitamin, energy boost and my daily dose of dense super food nutrition. And it tastes like a chocolate milkshake (bonus).

7.  Be Kind to Yourself: That's right, I give myself GRACE. Maybe I cave and have a burrito from my favorite Mexican food place.. or maybe I have a cookie.. That's ok. It's about balance and next meal it's 100% back to my eating plan. 

8. Family Time: It's so important. To have that time to disconnect from social media, tv, news, etc and just be with your family. 

9. Write down your goals: I like to put my goals on post-it notes and put them where I see them daily. (My mirror, by the coffee machine, by my computer). It keeps my goal fresh in my mind.

10. Accountability groups: This was a big game changer for me. To have that accountability group to go to daily and check in with others who were on their own health and fitness journey. It's priceless! We encourage each other, inspire, make each other smile and friendships are formed. I know that even if I slip up, if I go to them they will tell me to move forward and tomorrow is a new day. When I reach a new accomplishments they are there to cheer me on and say good job! We are a team:)

Are you ready to make a change? You don't have to wait tell the new year to set those resolutions. There is PLENTY of time left in 2015 to reach those goals. Let's end 2015 stronger than we started it!

Who's with me? If you are ready to make a change, want to get started fill out the info here and I'll get back to you right away!

Fill out my online form.

Have a blessed day!