Hey! I'm still here :)

This summer FLEW by!

The last month and a half, I’ve been spending QUIALITY time with my husband. Getting everything ready for Baby Moses {who is set to arrive in +/- 4 weeks!!}.

So glad we got to spend this time together, just enjoying the TWO OF US <3 Work was super chill, we ate breakfast and had coffee on our porch every single morning. Chatting and laughing with each other is the best. {Mushy alert} I absolutely adore my husband and I’m so blessed by his love for me. We’ve been married almost 7 ½ years and he still makes my heart melt! I have so much love, respect and honor for this man that the Lord has blessed me with, words can’t even express!! He will be the best daddy to our little man – from setting up the crib with me, buying Moses’ first outfit, installing the car seat, feeling all the baby’s kicks, and listening to the heartbeat every night, I’ve seen my husband tear up, laugh and express such love and joy for this little baby he hasn’t even met yet. It’s so wonderful and I owe my successful marriage to the Lord- He is our rock, our bind and the One who has taught us how to love each other.

Now that summer is over L ß Actually I’m not totally sad about it, it just means I don’t get to see the hubs as often, our schedules are crazy opposite, school is back up and running {And YES, I’m taking TWO classes this semester and expecting a baby… It’s going to be interesting!} Dave’s continuing in his pursuit to complete his nursing degree so his schedule is off the chain… And we are trying to get organized, prepared or whatever else you want to call it that we need to do before baby comes!!

Life is good though. I hate being home alone while Dave is gone during his long days {Wed & Thurs}—Blah, boring! I chat with my dogs, but they are always napping so it’s hard to hold full conversations… {Crazy dog mom- That’s me} So, in my times alone at home I’ve been trying to keep busy organizing our budget, creating schedules, trying out new recipes, cleaning ---NESTING---, looking into new health/fitness/wellness ventures {Because I need MORE on my plate ;)}. It’s nice to have such flexibility, but when you spend a whole month and a half with someone NON-STOP and then they leave, it’s sad. I tell ya, I love my hubs, 24/7!

Anywho, this is just a post saying , “Hey, I’m here” Still pregnant, still enjoying life. Trying to get back into the groove of {Fall-Time} before I have to get into a whole new groove of {New-Mom time}.

Hope you had a FABULOUS summer!!!

XO

Hannah

{Toxic} Relationships

                     Today I’m sharing on the topic of “toxic” relationships!

We ALL have them in our lives --> they are the people/relationships in your life that you may or may not constantly be around. They can be family members, co-workers, acquaintances or even someone you’d call a close friend! Whoever they are, their words or actions either hurt you, bring your spirits down or just provide an awful dose of downright rudeness when it’s totally unnecessary.

Whether their comments are small or large, they can hurt and COMPLETELY derail you from the joyful life you were put on this earth to live. My husband and I have experienced this first hand and have over the last couple of years really focused on finding those positive people and relationships to surround ourselves with and ignoring the “noise” and negativity of the toxic ones. 

A little over two years ago we took a HUGE leap of faith and moved across the Pacific to Maui, leaving ALL family, friends, acquaintances, EVERYONE! We knew TWO people here in Maui, they were the sweet couple who moved over here with us. Those were the only two people we knew. Dave & I both grew up in a towns where you’d run into someone you knew every single time you left your house, so this “knowing not-a-single-person” thing, made for an interesting twist in our lives. When we moved, HUGE transformations happened in both of our lives and our marriage. We lost a combined weight of 100lbs, we COMPLETELY changed our eating habits, our views on health, our thoughts on family, our relationships with ourselves and each other and the Lord. We realized that even though we lived a pretty fab life in Oregon, we were not living the life intended for us… The move to Maui was exactly what we needed to CHANGE out of the toxic habits we held! The Lord has done a work and there are no words to describe how amazing I feel and how thankful I am for that work. 

After about 6 months here, after we had our “transformation” ;) Or whatever you want to call it… We started looking into the relationships we had back in Oregon and ones we were making here and realized how many toxic relationships we had in our lives. Not always was it a toxic person, but it was the way we carried a relationship with them or how we handled ourselves around them, it wasn’t healthy. We weren’t friends to them and they weren’t friends to us. It was just toxic, stagnant, no give. When we saw how much changing our mindset had transformed our whole lives it was crucial to look back and see what exactly the root of our issues were and how we could fix them. Most of the relationships have been healed due to us changing and the other person never even knowing there was an issue... Other relationships have had to be mutual, where both parties had to take a step back to get to the point where they feel comfortable and confident to step back in. Then sadly, there are relationships that just didn’t work out. You do what you can, but obviously not EVERYONE can or wants to be your friend and vice versa! 

It’s important when you’re {cleaning up} your relationships that you realize, it doesn’t have to get nasty. You don’t have to say everything bad they did or rub their mistakes in their faces. Handling it with love and respect is the best way to go. It’s inevitable that people will come and go in your life… THAT’S LIFE! Sometimes there will be a relationship that will be OH SO hard for you to give up, but they don’t respect you or support you or give you the love YOU deserve. {Those are the toughies} But I can’t stress the amazing feeling it is to get rid of the negative and surround yourself with positive, uplifting and respectful people. People who cheer you on, even when you’ve set a CRAZY goal. People who are there when you fall, even if you’ve fallen 100 times over the same issue. People who laugh with you and don’t talk behind your back. People who will tell you the TRUTH with love and help better you. Be open to criticism, but don’t let people walk all over you. Be open to change and positivity. Your life, goals, dreams, mindset, relationships, health and wellness depend on YOU to be open to having healthy relationships and positive fellowship. 

I REALLY wanted to share this because it’s been a HUGE help in my life, to know my true friends and be okay letting some go. I have rock solid relationships with people who LOVE me. I have best friends who I’d do anything for and they would do anything for me. I have friends who are closer to me even living 2000 miles away from them than people who live down the street. Living a balanced, healthy life is my goal and making sure my friendships and relationships are balanced and healthy aligns with that goal and makes for a pretty happy ME :)

XO Hannah

30 weeks and counting!

I can’t tell you how FAST 30 weeks goes by, but the time sure does fly! I’m entering my 31^st week of pregnancy, getting everything prepared for baby Moses’ arrival and ENJOYING the last few weeks as a family of two with my husband.

 A couple of weeks ago I was able to take a MUCH needed and super relaxing trip to the mainland, Oregon to be exact! It’s where I was born and raised until two years ago when my husband and I packed up and flew across the Pacific to reside in Maui. It was so great to see my family & friends. Having almost two weeks of total relaxation, fun get togethers and enjoying Oregon with the people I love. I definitely ate my way around Oregon, lol! Gaining some poundage in that two weeks {I’ll discuss later}, but it was 100% worth it! I love living in Hawaii, but I will ALWAYS be an Oregon girl at heart and I enjoyed myself THOROUGHLY! Here are a few of my Oregon pics :) ENJOY!

Grandma-Me-Mom on the 4th of July-- My FAVORITE ladies in the WHOLE world!!!!\

My fam! Dad, Mom & my amazing brothers!

I visited my in-laws for a BBQ and fun in the Oregon sun! Not pictured {my 6 brother/sister in laws and 8 nieces/nephews}

My grandpa-- One of my VERY favorite people in this world <3

Lunch with Jaime (Who got married the weekend after this was taken) and our moms. I've known her my WHOLE life. Our moms even grew up together. Such great family friends!

Visited with my BEAUTIFUL friend Meg & her little cutie- Emma. LOVE, LOVE these girls!!!

Girls night with my mom, my BFF Tara (who is pregnant with a little girl!! YAYAY :) and her mom-in-law Candice (my momma's BFF).

Crashed a Johnson family get together, this is my BFF (Ruth's) family and these are her two strapping brothers!! Love them!

 Coming back home to my hubby was also amazing—I am so blessed with a rock solid marriage and a sexy, fun and kind husband. We’ve been together for almost a decade and been married for 7 of those years and my Oregon trip was the longest we’ve been apart. Embracing him when I got off that plane almost brought tears to my eyes. I am in love and there are no words to describe the passion and love I have for my husband. He also had a big surprise for me when I got home. He had completed SO many things off my Honey Do list that I’ve been compiling throughout this pregnancy. He’s continued to spruce up our home and make everything PERFECT for our family. It’s definitely helped me out, because my anxiety has been at an all-time high during this pregnancy, he knows this and has done everything without me asking—He just does it and blesses me beyond what I would’ve asked for. 

FLASHBACK-- 7 years ago on our wedding day! LOVE THAT MAN!!!!!!

 

 As for my health... I’ve been rocking this bump like a pro! Of course back pain is starting to creep in due to all the pressure and weight coming out of the front of my body. Heartburn has been so crazy, I’m poppin’ antacids like nobody’s business. I’ve been trying other things as well and all jokes aside have been really changing my diet to see what helps—Honestly, it doesn’t matter what I eat… Baby is pushing up, my smooth muscle is weak and that combo creates a burn that is excruciating, but will end once baby is born. Sleep is some nights, amazing and others nights I roll from side to side 300 times… It can be annoying for my bedmate, but hey—I’m the one getting kicked ALL night from our future NFL kicker! So, he doesn’t complain. Like I mentioned earlier, I gained a bit “more than normal” when I took my vacation to Oregon and I KNEW I would. Heck, my family took me to EVERY one of my favorite restaurants... Hello!? Yes please, pass the bread basket. LOL All of that to say to you now, I’m back on track! Dave and I have been eating super well since my return, we’ve been doing a two-mile walk almost every night that gets us both sweating. I also get in the pool everyday no matter what and do laps, get my heart rate up and stretch. Having a pool has been Ahhhh-Mazing! I love it! 

This is ME, 7/26/13 entering my 31st week!

 Anywho, that’s where life’s at for us! We have it pretty good, I think!\

XO Hannah

6 months preggo & so thankful for DADS!

It's was a super lazy week for me last week... Not for the hubby though, so I made it my goal to just be THERE for him, encourage him when he was overwhelmed and make sure he's getting fed! He is such a hard worker and as a RN student/hubby/soon-to-be-dad/worker his life is absolutely crazy- While I'm enjoy a more leisurely life until Moses comes, I may as well help my better half out.

Pregnancy Update: 6 months along- Feeling really sleepy this week, back pain {Physical Therapy is helping with that}, heartburn {Tum, Tu, Tum, Tum, Tums!!!}, lots of baby kicks & flips. Overall, not bad-- Can't eat a thing past 4-5pm without feeling super uncomfortable, so I've been juicing, making a shake or eating some protein pudding to get my nutrients.

I've been doing a lot of learning, soul-searching, internalizing... Whatever you want to call it! I've been really trying to work on my mindset and myself. There are a few things that have come up over the last couple weeks that I'm not to happy about. Just the way I approach certain things in life and the fear that I carry with me. Fear is such a handicap-- It's a crutch too. It holds me back from reaching my potential, stops me from being authentic, gives me reasons to make excuses. It's just ugly and the way I let it into my life is ugly. So, lots of praying, spending time in the scriptures, chatting with a guru, my hubby ;) He is SUCH a go-getter, positive, doesn't let anything get in his way type of person. Fear in the areas I struggle with, don't even phase him! I'm so thankful for him- WOW! It's been a learning week, which isn't always fun-- But it's necessary. I have HUGE goals for myself and I won't reach them without digging deep and getting rid of the fears I hold on to. My motto right now-- "Let your faith {and dreams} be BIGGER than your fears." More bold and beautiful Hannah in the works, lol... Stay tuned!

Another fun thing this week was Father's Day-- Dave's first one! He's been an amazing father to our fur-kids for years & he talks about little Moses with excitement in his voice, so it was fun to celebrate him today with some special lovin'.
To MY dad, who is the best father I could ask for! He's loving, hard working, has a huge heart, kind spirit and chose to take ME as his daughter! He didn't have to adopt me and could have been just been my "step-dad" but he stepped up to the plate when no one else would and raised me. We have argued, butted heads, disagreed- I've given him more than his share of teenage girl attitude, but he's loved me every day since we've met and I'm grateful for that. He's also going to be the greatest grandpa ever!    
{Sad that I couldn't find a pic of us :/ but I'll see him in 17 days, when I visit Oregon & I'm taking pics}
I also want to shout out to my father-in-law. His crazy passion for Christ as my youth pastor and pastor has influenced my life in more ways that I could thank him for. Also, his love for my mother-in-law has benefited my life as their son loves me unconditionally because of their amazing examples of a Christian marriage.
To my gramps as well-- He tops the list as one of my most favorite people on this earth. He is one-of-a-kind, he loves me, he has a huge heart {though he covers it with his toughness} and I have so many fun memories with him.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL!

XO Hannah

The Bump Gets Advice! Who knew?!

10 things I didn't know about pregnancy:


Having a baby bump automatically signals people, complete strangers, to:

1- touch you
2- Stare at you
3- tell you their birth story (doesn't matter if you are in a line at the grocery store, in the stall next to them peeing, or anywhere!)
4- show you what breastfeeding did to their breasts
5- comment about what you should or should not be doing
6- Suggest an epidural
7- ask how much you've gained
8- comment on how the baby name should be spelled
9- SET NIPPLE CREAM IN YOUR CART, stating-- You have to have this!
10- give you a handout on why vaccines are bad (who carries those pamphlets in their purse??)

Now, not all of these things are bad, I just smile and nod. I just had no clue how vocal women can be just because they see a baby bump!!  I've received some great advice from some complete strangers... I've also received some horrible advice (:

This is exactly what I think to myself as I walk away from these people...

Anywho, my thoughts for today!

XO Hannah

Getting Back On Track {They call it Clean Eating} ;)

100 lbs LOST!! Yes, between David & I we lost 100 lbs.      Dave = 70, Me = 30
Two years ago June 2011-Sep 2011. We dedicated and devoted ourselves and made NO excuses... Ever!! We were strict and loved every minute of it. It takes extreme diligence and determination to do this and being eachother's partner made all the difference. When he was down-- I was his encourager. When I was down-- He pushed me! Not only do I have the most encouraging and motivating husband in the world, I have never met anyone as hard core or dedicated to something as this man. He puts something in his mind, makes it his goal and NEVER EVER EVER stops until he reaches it. It's amazing to see! {Anywho, enough hubby mush}

We've both put on a little weight since our huge weight loss....

Reason #1 we lost this amount in 3 months... Hard to maintain that kind of loss, usually your body pics up a few lbs to keep a maintained healthy weight. Dave gained 10 lbs back, I gained 3. We then just started using that to build and lift. {Muscle Baby} We got to our fittest around summer 2012 by lift, lift, lifting! Weights WORK ladies & guys you already know this!
Reason #2: I'm pregnant... Self explanatory. <---Insert weight gain!
Reason #3: Dave's a FULL-time nursing student (5 weeks left in current semester), works & tutors as well. He's up at 4am and gets home around 11pm. His schedule is crazy and stressful and overwhelming and more than a human should have to endure at times, therefore, maintaining such a strict regimen isn't as easy. He's constantly on the go, but has no time to devote to even an hour hard-core gym sesh.

Bottom Line-- Our life {as well as millions of other people} is CRAZY busy! Fortunately the last month and the next couple months are pretty easy for me. I'm out of school, working part time and basically just enjoying my time before baby arrives in October. When baby does come, life will be even more busy and excuses more available. Though, if you know me... You know I'm already planning my post-baby body regimen and have ample support to help me reach my hefty goals!

SO all that to say this: Since I have time on my hands I'm seeing what we are eating, how often we are eating, our workouts and it isn't up to par, according to my high standards. Going back to a CLEAN EATING {<--- If you don't know what that looks like E-mail me!} routine is essential. I've noticed that Dave's eating here and there, when he can instead of every 2-3 hours regularly & his water consumption isn't super high. He's constantly on his feet at work and during clinical rotations so he is getting exercise in that aspect, it's not great, but it's something...
My eating has been fairly good besides the occasional pregnancy splurge here and there. I drink PLENTY of water, eat my veggies and fruits. My goal during this pregnancy is to eat as clean as I can and work out as much as I feel comfortable. I don't have a set amount I'd like to gain-- I know my body and how it feels. I know how to feed my body a healthy way and so I'm taking my own advice and dancing to the beat of my own drum. If it's "too little" or "too much" weight gain, I'm okay-- I know myself! All I want is a healthy baby boy in October <3

Today is a new day though-- I have a plan I'm putting into motion because TODAY is the best day to start! Not tomorrow, or next Monday or after the holiday.. It's TODAY!
My goal is to feed myself, my baby and my hubby better, more scheduled and CLEAN! As Dave's wife, I want to be his strength when he is weak and right now with his schedule, he needs help making meals and ensuring he has a big water bottle :) So I'm taking it on!
Yeah, Exciting!

XO,
Hannah

P.S.
If you want a great Clean Eating resource, look no further that the clean eating queen Tosca Reno at The Clean Eat Diet.

The "Salad Dressing"

When I first moved to Maui I met an AMAZING woman who I quickly adopted as my "Maui-Mom" she is also named, Hannah {though pronounced differently}. She introduced me to her FAMOUS salad dressing... It's simple, healthy and everyone who knows her knows of her amazing salad dressing. She puts it on everything and everything from her kitchen tastes AMAZING!

It's the simplest recipe, but just so tasty, I fell in love!

Then pregnancy came along and my one aversion has been olive oil... Isn't that weird?? The ONLY thing I can't even think about is EVOO--- So basically the salad dressing that I love so dearly has been out of our fridge for about 5 1/2 months... SAD! :(

Well, tonight I suddenly got a craving for this dressing!! Not exciting for some... Fantastic for ME!

So, I pulled out my Vitamix and started adding ingredients to make it.

No exact measurements, I just add to taste... But here's my best calculation.

1 C   EVOO
1/8 C  of each Balsalmic, Red Wine and Apple Cider Vinegar {Maybe a few more dashes of Balsalmic}
Good Squirt of Honey
Good Squirt of Mustard {Any kind}
1/4 C Italian herbs
Sprinkle of cayenne <--- I like it hot, so I put a lot!
Pinch of S&P {Salt and Pepper, people!}

After you blend/emulsify, dab a spoon into the dressing and see how it tastes, you'll know if it needs a little more oil or vinegar and add what you need.

This dressing is good on EVERYTHING, well, almost everything.
Tonight I made salmon {Marinated in the dressing}, Quinoa in the rice cooker with lots of herbs and garlic, all on top of a bed of healthy spinach and of course, drizzled with more dressing.
Clean, Healthy and Oh SO Delish!

XO,
Hannah