tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4166534909113742172024-02-19T00:35:14.839-05:00 Nuts of the Round TableAs most families contain some "nuts" and I find that things are always happening around the table - here I am with stories, crafts, recipes, caregiving advice, and more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-33721576694880186012014-06-10T12:15:00.000-04:002014-06-10T12:15:31.125-04:00Pregnancy did what to you?<div>
<strong class="_36">Hair growth has made me want to start my own at home spa parties that include spot lights, high magnification mirrors, tweezers, waxes, and maybe even one of those No-No hair removal systems. Ah a ladies night of facial hair removal. Good times.</strong><br />
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<b>Not only do you get a baby at the end but you get some of these lovely parting gifts! </b><b>These are the true stories of ladies who have been there and done that, AND have the stretch marks to prove it! I was going to put this into categories but I really think how they put it is much funnier! Names have been removed to save you from accidentally saying something to one of them and then having serious pain inflicted upon you! </b><br />
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"Ok, weird post-pregnancy stuff. I now have a ton of ear wax - like, so much that I can feel it running out of my ear. My food aversions have continued - I could not eat chicken or green beans at all during either pregnancy (both of which I ate ALL THE TIME pre-pregnancy), and I still struggle with them now. I never realized, and maybe it is because of all the swelling I had (I gained up to 7lbs a day in the last week before Conner was born!), that after my c-section, my belly would now lay over the top of itself - GROSS! I thought my breasts would even out as my left was slightly larger than the right; nope - the left just increased more than the right. Another boob one - I was not able to successfully breastfeed and my milk never came in, but my boobs definitely sag now! My sense of smell is still heightened. My vocabulary has decreased - all of those big college level words are gone. Even though I had two c-sections, sex was still way uncomfortable after I was allowed to "get back in the saddle" again - not like I ever want to anymore! Last one I can think of right now - my feet increased a size and a half."<br />
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Me, "That list was wonderfully horrific! I have many of those issues too! But I have to say the earwax made me laugh so hard I peed a little - oh yeah another problem after pregnancy - Kegels - what mom can remember/wants to do that!?!<br />
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" I hate kegels b/c they make me feel that special kind of funny "down there" yet I can't sneeze, cough, or laugh without peeing."<br />
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"Oh, and I now have the attention span of a toddler."</div>
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Me on the topic of Kegels, "Yep and it kinda makes me want to pee so I feel it is all in vain!"<br />
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"Here's another one! I still have flutters in my belly that feel like a baby moving - ghost kicks I guess I would call them - and they are NOT gas."<br />
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Me, "Did we mention your brain goes to crap!"</div>
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Me, "I had no idea that pregnancy would change my skin in so many ways and for good - Not just stretch marks - but my lower abdominal area now breaks out - my Dr. said, "yeah that is one of those things that can happen from pregnancy hormones."<br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462559340490609}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462559340490609}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462559340490609}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">"Mines not really funny, more really sucky. After pregnancy I now have rosacea and skin lesions <span aria-hidden="true" class="emoticon_text">:(</span><span class="emoticon emoticon_frown"></span> Dermatologist has me on meds for the lesions."</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah the pregnancy glow!</td></tr>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">Me, "Uh, why do I now have the complexion of a 15 year old? Zits in my 30's? Boo that!"</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think my expression says it all!</td></tr>
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<span id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462599977153212}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][1]">" </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462599977153212}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]">For me it was facial hair! The hormones from my first pregnancy caused my facial hair to get dark and ever since I've been a bleaching and plucking fool!"</span><br />
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Me, "Then just when you think you have them all - one peeks out in public! If you are like me you run to the bathroom ASAP to pluck it and then can't find it to save your life!<br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462601920486351}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]">"I had to have moles removed b/c they got so much bigger. They would grow each pregnancy from the hormones and never shrink. I don't even want to talk about my stretched-out skin on my stomach!"</span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"I had these little skin tags pop out, and I now have psoriasis on my scalp that I have to constantly deal with (gross, huh!) And of course I can no longer do jumping jacks, and if I sneeze or cough too hard...there goes the pee! I love that AFTER I was pregnant with my third, my midwife looked at me and said, "Yeah, the body really starts to fall apart with the third pregnancy." Gee, thanks!!!"</span><br />
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"I had to switch my deodorant to something more potent. I am STINKY post pregnancy, LOL!"<br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462560867157123}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462560867157123}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462560867157123}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Me, "Oh yeah I forgot about the super sweating!"</span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462719893807887}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462719893807887}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[122].[1][2][1]{comment462551453824731_462719893807887}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">"I was preg the hottest summer on record (had my daughter late July) and my feet (already wide) were so swollen that I got ingrowns nails on almost ALL of my toes and had to go to the podiatrist for a procedure to have them cut out! Remind you I religiously had biweekly pedi's and now my feet haven't had a good polish in 6 mo!"</span></span></span><br />
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"I used to have to sleep with socks on my feet more so in the winter. My husband couldn't stand it. Now my feet are hot all the time so I sleep with my feet out. My husband hates it because if he touches them they are so cold."<br />
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Me, "It changed my changed my body chemistry so much that I was getting monthly infections - yeah cuz that is what you need when you have a new baby!"<br />
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We didn't even go into all the beautiful hair you just gain starts falling out like crazy and my bathroom looks like it has hair tumbleweeds! Those gorgeous nails you had, yep say well to peeling splitting nails!<br />
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<b>So there you have it. All that and a beautiful baby that loves you beyond measure. At the end of the day it is all worth it, at least to all of these brave moms who shared and me. If I grow an entire beard, pee myself everyday, and never loose this weight; I would never trade any of it for my boys. </b><br />
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<b>So look at that my boys already taught me something about letting go!</b><br />
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<b>If you have a post pregnancy change you want to share please comment below or if you are not brave message me and I will share it without your name!</b><br />
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<b>If you think I have forgotten about the Wellness Health Challenge I have not! I am sorry I have gotten a little behind. But I am letting go of that too! Week one went well for me. A 30 minute walk with my family and a 45 minute Aqua Zumba class! It rocked. If you get the chance, check it out. <a href="http://www.zumba.com/en-US" target="_blank">Zumba</a> No one can see what you are doing and it is so much fun!</b><br />
<b> Lets move onto week two! In addition to two days a week 30 minutes of exercise add in 2 serving of vegetables per day. I know that also seems easy but for some that is huge. Keep track and keep on the right path. We can do this!</b><br />
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<b>Today choose love!</b><br />
<b>Kristin </b><br />
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If you laughed and peed a little please like, share,<a href="https://www.google.com/friendconnect/signin/home?st=e%3DAOG8GaBtF%252F%252F6Crs224qiNHaY7IHAwjiXwZBCNwu5z7b%252F29ED5ZLWYWFM%252FfL9Wi1tj1okTKr779hp%252FyhVNg1arKbz7VEleKasvAeBJ3rVMmradg%252BBJ79er7uJsqghe07lNjGQgEx39X%252FWGt3auaKEk5XIcKGoT5LY6cVfLNmeBBzmTYXGcCHsHGNA%252Fu05c%252FrzexK2S3F%252FKpV%252FMK9BQNeiBsounsi8qd%252FKEwSv44bz7A8GSuAqgH48NPA%253D%26c%3Dpeoplesense&psinvite=&subscribeOnSignin=1" target="_blank"> follow the blog</a>, like my<a href="https://www.facebook.com/nutsoftheroundtable" target="_blank"> Facebook</a> page, follow me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristinmf/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, and join in the fun and nuttiness!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-77062850360861452902014-05-23T12:18:00.001-04:002014-05-23T12:21:28.875-04:00Apps to motivate your buns off! As we are going into Memorial Day weekend I wanted to give everyone some positive reinforcement!<br />
Here are some Apps and songs I like to keep me motivated to be healthy! Even better for this penny pincher, they are all free!!!! I am using all of these and I love them. I hope they are helpful to you as well. If you have a health or music related App you love please share with the class! <br />
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<b>My Fitness Pal</b> - You can enter all of the food and water you consume in a day, as well as exercise. You put in your information and it tells you calorie wise how much to eat based on your info and goals. Very easy to use as it has a database of foods that is extremely extensive!<br />
<a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/account/logout" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal app</a><br />
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<b>Nexercise</b> - This is one you log all of your physical activities - including playing with your kids or house cleaning! Easy to use and you get points that go toward Mpoints. If you have not used Mpoints you are missing out! There are tons of apps that you can get points for using that you can redeem for gift cards, stuff, or to give to charity! I love it so much I am practically addicted! I guess I better share a link to that too!<br />
<a href="http://www.nexercise.com/" target="_blank">Nexercise app</a> <a href="http://getmpoints.com/" target="_blank">Mpoints</a><br />
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<b>Everymove</b><br />
I like this reward related app better than some of the others I have tried. It is a little limited on the rewards at this point but motivating none the less. I am using it to donate to The Make-A-Wish Foundation!<br />
<a href="https://everymove.org/" target="_blank">Everymove app</a><br />
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<b>itriage </b><br />
This one is a great way to keep track of your health information! I have to admit I have not spent too much time entering my info into this but it could come in really handy if you were in an accident or something and someone needed to get your info. My hubs could really use it since he would never remember all my health info! Remember that Spencer, if I am unable to give my info get on this app!<br />
<a href="https://www.itriagehealth.com/" target="_blank">iTriage app</a><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Music Apps<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a little shot from my seat last year at a <br />
Dave Matthews Band concert!!!!!!!</td></tr>
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<b>Songza</b><br />
I love this app for a go to playlist for any occasion. It has been a great way to play children's music since we don't have a lot that we own. It has many different ways to find just the music you need to get through any mood or activity! I really wish I could be using the playlist for Lying on a Beach right now (I could but since I am not lying on a beach it would depress me), then I could be listing to artist like Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, and Donavon Frenkenreiter!<br />
<a href="http://songza.com/" target="_blank">Songza</a><br />
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<b>Spotify</b><br />
This is my hubs go to app for music! You can rock your face off to your favorite artist or I can listen to a playlist based on my husband's profile! That might earn me bonus points (I think I have plenty of points racked up) but I think I would probably just go ahead and listen to Dave Matthews Band instead!!!!<br />
<a href="https://www.spotify.com/us/" target="_blank">Spotify </a><br />
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<b>Freegal music</b><br />
Who doesn't wanna download and keep music! You have to have a library card but then you can download 3 free songs from their catalog each week! <br />
<a href="https://www.freegalmusic.com/users/sdlogin" target="_blank">Freegal Music</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Playlist - </span>these are a few I think to keep my motor running right now!<br />
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Roar - Katy Perry<br />
Born This Way - Lady Gaga<br />
Video -India.Arie<br />
Stand Up - Dave Matthews Band<br />
Hey Mama - Black Eyed Peas<br />
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Have a great weekend and if you haven't already joined me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nutsoftheroundtable" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for more good stuff and crazy posts do it! You won't regret it like I regret telling my son I would make him an Octopod from the Octonauts cake!. That oughta turn out special!<br />
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Pin with me on<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristinmf/" target="_blank"> Pinterest </a>too!<br />
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Today choose love!!!<br />
Kristin<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-65747234012750022112014-05-20T17:39:00.002-04:002014-05-20T17:39:38.010-04:00He said what to a 13 year old girl? How did my first week of loving my body go? I have to say there was something very freeing about putting myself out there and letting everyone know my challenges with my personal body image. I received so many wonderful comments. It really made it easier to be kind to myself. Anytime I began to get into old patterns of though, "You look like a stuffed sausage in that!" I would snap right back to, "hey, you just told a bunch of people you aren't gonna do that anymore!" So I would change my thinking. In fact I wore a shirt I had been refusing to wear because I was sure it made me look lumpy. But guess what, I got so many compliments even from my almost 3 year old!<br />
Well lets just jump right into a big one! Overall body image. This one goes a ways back. I would say it was probably around the time I changed dance companies. Up until the age of 11 I had been with one that really focused more on the costumes and less on the dance to put it nicely. But when I changed to a very formal ballet studio it changed a lot of my thinking. <br />
Right away I noticed a huge difference. Everyone looked about the same. Stick thin, super slicked hair in a bun, black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers. No place for individuality and certainly no place for curves. The more and more serious I got about dance, especially ballet, the more I tried to conform. I saw other dancers eating nothing but carrots and celery, so I ate nothing but carrots and celery. Oh the company dancers are only eating baby food, I am gonna do that too. So you can image how a young girl of 13 would take a comment from one of the very respected instructors. I remember it like it was yesterday. He said, "You will never make it with those boobs. You need to lose weight."<br />
I wanted to make it. I wanted to dance. I loved how I felt when I danced. But at that point I felt nothing but fat. So I went down the path many dancers do. Self loathing and self destruction. I danced pretty much daily from the age of 13 and I was sure that was not enough so I would go home and practice and do hundreds of push ups, sit ups, and anything else I could think of that might help me lose weight. When that didn't seem to help I began to seriously limit my intake. Okay to be to the point, I would now characterize myself as anorexic. I lied to everyone saying I had already eaten or wasn't feeling well. I would take super small portions and throw half of it away. I honestly was proud when I was 5'4" and 99lbs. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HT1p2FofDQE/U3uq2x2L-iI/AAAAAAAAOoA/DBn6OKeVUFk/s1600/dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HT1p2FofDQE/U3uq2x2L-iI/AAAAAAAAOoA/DBn6OKeVUFk/s1600/dance.jpg" height="400" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High school dance years, Junior year<br />
I believe and about 105lbs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Did I really look good? Umm, no. I know that now. I looked sick and I felt sick. I hate thinking of the damage I did to my body because someone told me I was too big, fat, or not skinny enough.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsgPcEZlS1wbXqvb39I3h3fYF83rtB_NHHEd7i3zSaEVfEHWWg12hk3l1AI7t6jVkm0KpgF2-y2sZI2T0XUjzJ1GwTNvYyJ8EDesoJsm-HecyBmHA1uEANt6Fdylx9IOEw0JotY7Obas/s1600/senior+prom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsgPcEZlS1wbXqvb39I3h3fYF83rtB_NHHEd7i3zSaEVfEHWWg12hk3l1AI7t6jVkm0KpgF2-y2sZI2T0XUjzJ1GwTNvYyJ8EDesoJsm-HecyBmHA1uEANt6Fdylx9IOEw0JotY7Obas/s1600/senior+prom.jpg" height="400" width="101" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senior Prom I was probably <br />
about 115 lbs here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the end of the day the saying is really only sort of true. "The way you talk to your children becomes their inner voice." My parents did a great job of building us up and making our inner voices strong. Until someone else takes over. So maybe we also need to be more aware of the voices of those in our children's lives. Teachers, coaches, peers, and so many others do play a part in a child's inner voice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wish I could say leaving that ballet company changed everything but it didn't. I was stuck in that mind set until sometime in college. I tried to keep that Freshman 15 away but it got me. And guess what? I actually felt better. I had curves and lets be honest it got me some attention too. So that should be the end right? No way I am a woman and I do see the media.<br />
<br />
I did pretty well in college until depression got a hold of me. I was really in a place where I preferred to eat and be a little heavy so maybe no one would notice me.<br />
Counseling and medication helped me a lot. But I have still been up and down with my weight over the last 10 years. I love food. Sometimes I love it too much. Sometimes I forget to eat all together because everyone need something and like many moms, I put me last. And exercise, well housework and chasing kids counts right?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfDK95u-eQ8/U3uqvwpjSEI/AAAAAAAAOoA/6hPkn5WgqAQ/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfDK95u-eQ8/U3uqvwpjSEI/AAAAAAAAOoA/6hPkn5WgqAQ/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at my healthiest and happiest! On my Honeymoon, 137 lbs. <br />
Yes, some would say that is too much. Not me, I liked me a lot at this point. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircyZhy3rl7YNa-7LyF8G-SOFxuA-PnUO2CujGzhQnHwuT1QcTBRF_EhypSBiWUYzaoO0XL8bG0k0ZDFh4QuCO-SzDqobzPOPSSVD0GaDkG5sokt7N7ZA2hV9JhmynOZ19Oqau25M8JG0/s1600/20140514_202102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircyZhy3rl7YNa-7LyF8G-SOFxuA-PnUO2CujGzhQnHwuT1QcTBRF_EhypSBiWUYzaoO0XL8bG0k0ZDFh4QuCO-SzDqobzPOPSSVD0GaDkG5sokt7N7ZA2hV9JhmynOZ19Oqau25M8JG0/s1600/20140514_202102.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am 170 lbs of post baby-post c-section me.<br />
And yes, if you look closely I am wearing maternity leggings. <br />
I can't help it I love them and if you fold over the <br />
maternity part - well then they are just yoga style leggings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What am I saying to myself now? "This body danced and can still dance for the pure joy of it!" "This body has been though 8 surgeries and broken bones and is still strong!" "This body told science to shut it and created and carried 2 amazing little boys!" "This body has cared for and about more people than I can count!"<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6xrngo7SSXXHR1gsNsn12GFZanLXn0H1h756Fh7mz46GPZ4PmGw3Alibq0fC9nkYukN0mCu3qJhDQln63va3dJ1UmxcQS7Kw4dAhk7RtbjMxHepDeFEHfesFt4ly1N9mVefMQrQV8wI/s1600/20140514_202120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6xrngo7SSXXHR1gsNsn12GFZanLXn0H1h756Fh7mz46GPZ4PmGw3Alibq0fC9nkYukN0mCu3qJhDQln63va3dJ1UmxcQS7Kw4dAhk7RtbjMxHepDeFEHfesFt4ly1N9mVefMQrQV8wI/s1600/20140514_202120.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, I am considering this brave! <br />
That is me now. I'm sorry it isn't better quality<br />
but who wants to waste time on the befores right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Is that it then? I will just love me as I am and go about my business? No way man! We all have to strive to take the best care of ourselves! So does that mean I am going on a diet and going to exercise every day? Uh no, and you know why? Going into self care in an all or nothing fashion does not work for most people. No, I am going back to something I did with my family a while back.<br />
I called it the Family Health Challenge but we will just call it the Healthy Life Challenge. Each week we take on something new. A new lifestyle change. By taking things one change at a time it really can become a habit. Like the saying goes, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!"<br />
<br />
So I hope you will join me. It doesn't matter if you are in the best shape of your life. This is going to encompass many different kinds of health and wellness. I took my starting picture and you might want to too! I will also be taking my measurements and weight, through my energy and how my clothes fit is really how I plan to gauge things.<br />
I also think incentives do a lot to motivate me. I will make some suggestions but feel free to pick your own, but don't use food, even healthy food, very often as food as a reward can be a slippery slope.<br />
<br />
<br />
Lets do this! Consider this week 1 and for week 1 the challenge is to get moving! Exercise of any sort 2 days this week for at least 30 minutes. Ideas for incentive: a new pair of socks, a jump rope from the Dollar Store (for all my penny pinchers out there), or an insulated cup for all the water you will drink!. I am going for the socks! I love me some new cushy socks!<br />
<br />
Good luck and please feel free to comment or ask questions.<br />
<br />
Today choose love,<br />
Kristin<br />
<br />
Hey, if you liked this post please share it, like it, follow my blog, follow me on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/nutsoftheroundtable" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>, and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristinmf/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. This is not a cult but I do love followers! I do love praise and that is as close as it gets!<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-84664902173081257212014-05-13T17:38:00.000-04:002014-05-13T17:38:56.479-04:00Let It Go...no this is not a post about the movie Frozen...but that movie is awesome!<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Well hello all! I know it has been
forever but I am letting go of that too. I am tired; tired of anxiety
over things I do not have to be worried about. I am on a mission to save
myself from myself! So let’s get started and maybe I can help you too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> So yesterday was Mother's Day, my 4th one.
As I was getting ready to go spend time with my family, I studied myself
in the mirror. This is usually an unhappy event that includes beating
myself up over every flaw I see or think I see. I know I am not alone
here. Getting as close as I can to the mirror to try to see how I can
cover that up or what else I need to find a way to fix. I was getting
more and more upset as I noticed the acne that is coming back on my face, that
big bump in my nose, and all the lumpy bumpy overweight parts. I honestly
felt like I couldn't find a good spot anywhere. So I went about the task
of putting on all kinds of products and makeup to try to look better.
Then the even harder task of finding some clothes that might conceal the
post baby (7 month old baby) body I loathed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg-YSHFjhJbongkcDUs6lcBorD8HPVKX6cYEBu9Ck3_8j7S52RqothAkVUgvXZVUioi6y5aLxaPHyGUuyZK2CcpkcBdT8PZw_tIdOUKonM-N6LFEr7qjHB1LgXKQTCX1MGq_ODnErRcA/s1600/20140511_170126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg-YSHFjhJbongkcDUs6lcBorD8HPVKX6cYEBu9Ck3_8j7S52RqothAkVUgvXZVUioi6y5aLxaPHyGUuyZK2CcpkcBdT8PZw_tIdOUKonM-N6LFEr7qjHB1LgXKQTCX1MGq_ODnErRcA/s1600/20140511_170126.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My and my post baby body and 7 <br />
month old on Mother's Day 2014.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> As I was mentally tearing myself a new one, I
thought about each of my boys. 4 years ago I was pregnant with my first
son Coen. Of course at that time I did not know he was a he. We
wanted to be surprised again. See just about 9 months before we told we
were not going to be able to have children naturally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I remember it like it
was yesterday. I lay on that cold metal table as they shot me full of
some dye to see if my one and only fallopian tube was 100% blocked.
That's right I had also found out shortly before that my body only
contained one fallopian tube and one ovary. The Radiologist turned and
looked at me as my lady parts were exposed and I was in terrible pain from the
procedure and said, "Well I guess you will have to talk with your Dr.
about IVF," and left the room. I held it together as long as I could
and when I saw my husband, who was not allowed to go back with me, I lost it.
This body had let me down again and this time it let my husband down too. (To read more about this see my blog post <a href="http://nutsoftheroundtable.blogspot.com/2013/03/babies-babies-everywhere.html" target="_blank">Babies, Babies everywhere!</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I spent a good deal of time being so angry
with my body. See I have always regarded my body and my mind or soul as
separate. It is me against it. So I did what many people do, I ate
my anger and my sorrow until I got up to 185lbs. But somewhere along that
line I got back up on my feet and decided to stop fighting this body and try to
work with it and IVF. 2 weeks before we were to go in for our first
consultation God showed me this body has no mistakes. I was pregnant.
But even more important than the miracle God had made with us was
the gift of renewed faith. A reminder
that above all of this, God loves us and really does have a plan for us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmLfjyt5ioQ/Ui4ZPYrKONI/AAAAAAAAKf0/fAVPpYChrpI/s1600/DSCN5316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmLfjyt5ioQ/Ui4ZPYrKONI/AAAAAAAAKf0/fAVPpYChrpI/s1600/DSCN5316.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me three weeks before my second son was born.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> This was His plan to
show me this body doesn’t have mistakes because He doesn’t make mistakes. This, flawed in my eyes body, against all
odds made and carried two perfect boys.
How can I be mad at that? And how
can I say and truly believe in my mind, that they are perfect and still think
that God, the same Amazing God who created them, could create a horribly flawed
body? I mean, I have never regarded
those with disabilities or scars as ugly or a mistake. From all of the people
and families I have met working with people with disabilities (or as I really
prefer to say, people with different abilities) I know at some point the
majority realize they are not a mistake and that they are each beautiful and
perfect in just the way they were specially made. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> So how did I let all
this mean and evil talk creep back in? Lots
of things I’m sure but I am not going to waste time right now analyzing all of
them, but we will get there because it is important to know what drives us to
that place in order to know how to U-turn from it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I had always thought if
I had a daughter I was going to have to be positive for her so she would never
feel the way I did. When I had boys, I
figured well whatever they won’t pay any attention to what I say and do about
my body. Boys don’t care. What a crock!
If they are going to be self-confident and treat others as though all of
our “packages” (no, I am not taking about what you’ve got in your pants) are
beautiful and deserve respect, then it needs to start from home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxWdS2oBxqZeaL4uy7lTyIJpAh2VStcDZ8pTqYMEF_kgEusDVPCjOJ7HKcsyzhyphenhyphenK9TijwmjKKJ53u6OPPaiDMWemMrtwxZArLQhxNW-gZVPmPZ5OmEaDV1V6GAOBLxnJd4Kyyai73xww/s1600/20140512_172939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxWdS2oBxqZeaL4uy7lTyIJpAh2VStcDZ8pTqYMEF_kgEusDVPCjOJ7HKcsyzhyphenhyphenK9TijwmjKKJ53u6OPPaiDMWemMrtwxZArLQhxNW-gZVPmPZ5OmEaDV1V6GAOBLxnJd4Kyyai73xww/s1600/20140512_172939.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to be that carefree with my body again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Right now these boys
believe they are beautiful and perfect because they hear it from the people who
loved them every day. And you know what
I am going to keep telling them. I know
there are those people who will say telling them that will label them and make
things difficult psychologically. Oh phooey
I say! The world will spend the rest of
their lives and mine telling them they are anything but perfect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> And I am guessing no God
who is all powerful, all knowing, and all loving would be pleased if you hated
on the gifts you were given. </span>“Kristin, so your time is up. Let’s look at how you treated these precious
gifts I gave you. You physically and
emotionally abused your body? The body I
made for you?” I am guess that won’t go
over very well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Well that’s it then. I am going to just think I am beautiful and
perfect all the time and fairies and unicorns are going to prance from each of
my former flaws! Yeah, no. No, one can turn it off just like that. But I want to prove to myself and others that
I can work on turning my thoughts and feeling toward my body around. This is the beginning of this journey. I want to look at the things I have struggled
with and why. Am I going to give up
makeup and my hiding clothes? No. If something makes me feel good about me and
won’t be hurtful I am going to embrace it.
I want to be healthy and happy with me inside and out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFJArDLYDCul41EFQXEf_PLx_tYcfpcmOm7V7CGCl5r1EvADkxiGCSPxlDSzPtyFZG6FH1xeWgLs-MjNYwTjduJ76JqhPkdoKitCGuNTlp0vJUc5Rw4FsJPhVW3RPmN-NW16em1OwULg/s1600/20140511_130225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFJArDLYDCul41EFQXEf_PLx_tYcfpcmOm7V7CGCl5r1EvADkxiGCSPxlDSzPtyFZG6FH1xeWgLs-MjNYwTjduJ76JqhPkdoKitCGuNTlp0vJUc5Rw4FsJPhVW3RPmN-NW16em1OwULg/s1600/20140511_130225.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with makeup and "good" lighting. I actually said to myself,<br />
"Self you look good today!" Let's get more of that, less of, "You fatty put those</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So here we go.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I encourage you to share your story.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">To be honest with yourself.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I accept and welcome comments.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I know that not everyone will have kind
things to say but I ask that no one make rude comments to others.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">And if anyone was
looking for recipes, humor, stuff about kids, Pinterest posts, and the stuff I
blogged about before don’t worry there will still be plenty of that too.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So if you like what you are reading please
follow, share, and like my blog!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Today choose love, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Kristin <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K6cdzlsNueiSm-mCY3iateS049jwgk_rxVyb1qbr8wA0ljuvKnz6YwoGXLp3TV8SKrd_CW9CPHSaSAmFv_f4ZJWy40G35GDksfByE9IbCchiTSifAO5GfUo8de85xE4SsuR2YcMJlss/s1600/20140512_210143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K6cdzlsNueiSm-mCY3iateS049jwgk_rxVyb1qbr8wA0ljuvKnz6YwoGXLp3TV8SKrd_CW9CPHSaSAmFv_f4ZJWy40G35GDksfByE9IbCchiTSifAO5GfUo8de85xE4SsuR2YcMJlss/s1600/20140512_210143.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No makeup fresh out of the shower! <br />
This is gonna be a challenge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-69277434596411697542013-09-09T22:23:00.001-04:002013-09-09T22:23:34.200-04:00Second time around
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So it has been over 4 months since I posted last!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holy cats!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am just gonna say it – this 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> pregnancy is kicking my
butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little bit literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My left butt cheek has been killing me for
about a month now and I do not know why but it blows the big one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so naïve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had such an easy, I would even say,
beautiful first pregnancy that I thought this will be a little harder but only because
I am chasing a toddler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy am I dumb!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you thinking about jumping into number
two (bed), you may not want to read this or you might!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me say I was in slightly better shape this time
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was weighing 15lbs less than
when I started my last pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
that would help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure in some way
it is healthier but a human being growing inside you is gonna weigh you down
regardless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also sit a lot less than I
did working through my first pregnancy but chasing a toddler sucks every bit of
energy I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh and did I mention he
no longer naps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mommy needs naps but not
happening in this house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ate like a champ first time around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By that I mean I ate every 2-3 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt great too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time I am so busy worrying about
everyone else that I think I eat about every 4-5 hours and when I feel dizzy I
sneak something in quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even right now
as I am sitting here with nothing else to do, I am hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am too tired, sore, and lazy to get up
and find something to eat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Okay it is time to talk about those beautiful changes in
your body during pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I toned up a
bit after my first pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breastfeeding
was an amazing way to lose weight and my son’s desire for me to walk with him
and bounce him made him a great personal trainer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when I started to have issues with
my second cyst on my ovary I got lazy and depressed, so guess what happened. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some pounds came back!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as the pregnancy weight began to start
showing up I saw how the second pregnancy looks different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh I have the belly but I also have the
flabby flap at the bottom of the belly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not cute or anything that should be photographed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is there along with the stretch marks, all
of which I have earned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to brag that the first time around, I was always able
to reach my feet, shave my legs, pretty much do anything for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time I can reach my feet but it is
rough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still shaving my legs but it
is so hard and I am thinking about getting in touch with a pharmaceutical company
about a pill for the pregnant ladies that stops hair growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think how awesome that would be!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No eyebrow plucking, no shaving the legs, and
no magnifying glass mirror searching out all of those new chin hairs that seem
to come with pregnancy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have really
found this time that any sort of bending over to do anything requires a bit of
pumping yourself up for and a whole lotta shortness of breath after.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Okay I am only going to share one last sad thing about this
second experience but it is a really bad one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pee myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are not just
talking about a little tinkle when I sneeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do those stupid Kegels
and they have let me and my clothing down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Laugh – pee, sneeze - pee, cough – pee, fart – oh man major pee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay you might think well that is kinda
normal right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well here it is – the big
one I never saw coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lose complete
bladder control in the shower!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just
going about my business and all of the sudden the water gets warmer down my leg
and the shame is running through my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can handle a lot of things but peeing in the shower is
ridiculous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am literally so pissed
about this new change!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what can you
do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I do have to say there have even been a few things that
have been better this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not
spending all of my free time reading about what this baby is growing, getting,
or doing today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are a happening
in there – good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am doing things out
here and we will see you shortly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
has been good for my stress level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have been able to wear my engagement ring the entire time so far (my wedding
band is ½ a size smaller because I was a fool and now I am lazy) and last time
I was only able to wear it 4 months of the pregnancy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The giant pregnancy underpants (they are so
huge we need to call them pants for sure) are too big but they are more
comfortable than my regulars so they still win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But most importantly, getting to watch my son talk to my belly and kiss
it are priceless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talks about the
baby daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it will be a huge
change for all of us but for now he is excited about “his baby” and so are
we.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less than 5 weeks to go!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-13863088725597691342013-04-27T08:37:00.000-04:002013-04-27T08:37:09.336-04:00Allied Forces - Guest Blogger!<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am so excited to introduce my first guest blogger!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a great friend and a wonderful support
mom (another mom who listens without judgment!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please welcome Jessica to the Table!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Allied Forces (Mommy,
Daddy & Naptime) vs. Lyla </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Consistent &
follow through parenting)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hello!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My name is Jessica and I attended high school
with Kristin (we actually taught a dance class together to small children back
then) and I love reading her blog. She asked me if I’d like to write something
sometime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After our WWIII battle today
at my house, I thought this would be a good topic </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all- I am the mother of a very
strong-spirited 2 year old daughter- Lyla and a sweet 6 mos old daughter-Avyn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband is an elementary school teacher
and I am a licensed school counselor and a licensed mental health therapist. I
was an elementary school counselor in the public schools for 6 years and worked
in a behavioral health hospital for 9 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I resigned from both after Lyla was born and pursued a private
practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am currently managing a
part time private practice along with all my mothering duties. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A few
months back I was contacted by the local newspaper to give an ‘expert’ opinion
for an article.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost told the lady
she should probably call someone else as I am no ‘expert’! As she was asking me
if I’d like to contribute I stopped myself from saying my initial response of
“I’m not an expert,” and thought wait- am I an expert? I’ve never thought of
myself as an expert and no one has ever referred to me as one until now… but
what to do with this newspaper article?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I decided against my urge to tell her I’m not knowledgeable enough and give
it a go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have since contributed to three
other articles for magazines, papers, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m sharing this because in my head I’m really no expert- as this infers
“perfect” and I am a life-long learner and feel there is always more to know.
However, after having a discussion with my best friend about this “expert”
business I came to the realization that after 10 years of working in mental
health primarily with children and parents I guess maybe I am sort of an
“expert”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a story however to
show that even a child behavior/development/effect parenting counselor “expert”
isn’t a perfect parent by any stretch of the imagination- because perfect
parenting doesn’t exist!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We have
been struggling with nap time at my house over the past month or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started when my 2 year old’s molars began
to appear and went downhill from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am exclusively breastfeeding my 6 month old and my 2 year old nurses
three times a day (morning, nap and bed time) when I am home. Yes call me crazy…
and NO my kid will not be nursing at kindergarten- RELAX!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The international recommendation to nurse is
at least 2 years; the average age world wide of weaning is age 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could say the toddler has created this
habit (well I actually created it- most child habits are parent created) that
she would nurse for nap time, fall asleep in my arms and as soon as I’d go to
lay her in her crib she would wake up, flail like a fish out of water, scream
and well that’s all folks! Good bye nap time…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I realized today that on Tuesday and Thursdays when I leave for work at
2pm I wouldn’t let her cry very long as I didn’t want her to be in a fit of
emotional rage when my 78 year old great aunt (who taught preschool most of her
life & is VERY sprite for her age) to deal with my daughter screaming in
her crib. So I’d let her cry a few minutes and then go get her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This really backfired in my face over the
last few weeks as she wouldn’t lay down for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now on Saturday I worked all day and MAGICALLY she went down for Daddy
with no fight, no crying and of course no nursing? Well that’s just dandy-makes
me feel wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here we are Sunday afternoon-
she woke up early before 7am (oh ya and while she isn’t napping well she is
also getting up early too?) and she’s TIRED at 11am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She usually naps at 12:30 or 1:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect- since we have a birthday party to
attend this afternoon let’s take an early nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’s all for it- says she wants to go nurse and take a nap- I’m doing
cartwheels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do our thing- nurse in
the chair for about 10 min (we play one of those music things when it goes off
time for bed).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s dead asleep in my
arms- I’m thinking- YEAH I can take a shower and get ready and we can leave
when nap time ends (my 6mos old is asleep already). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go to put her down- FLAILING FISH!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to put her blanket over her blow her a
kiss and walk out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go to daddy and
say- see this is what happens. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Daddy
goes up there- talks to Lyla & suggests a book. She buys it- then decides
she wants Mommy to read her the book not Daddy. He says “okay but after the
book you have to go to sleep” and she agrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At this point I may interject- making deals with a toddler is FRUITLESS-
never a good idea to bargain with any child especially a toddler. But we ALL do
it from time to time- even an “expert”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So I go
back in, we sit in the chair and pick out a book- Lyla wants to nurse again
while I read her the book (she’s a nursing addict- she calls my “nursies” the
‘big one’ and the ‘little one’ as we all know one breast is typically slightly
larger than the other and often chooses which one she wants to nurse from at
that moment- weaning her is obviously going to be WWIV).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we read the book- and again I remind her
that when the book is done its nap time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mention we have fun things to do this afternoon and she has to take a
nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Book ends- kisses, hugs, sweet
dreams. She lays down- I walk out- 30 seconds later she’s standing in her crib
(we have a video monitor) SCREAMING!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy went to take a nap, baby Avyn is
napping- screw it I’m taking a shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I take the monitor with me in the bathroom while I shower listening
to Lyla yell: “Mommy I want you right now, I need you right now, I want out of
here, I am not tired, I don’t want to take a nap” etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was extremely difficult, as the comforter
in me wanted to jump out of the shower, wet and soapy and just go get her- but
I knew that wasn’t what was needed at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the record I am NOT a supporter of the
cry it out method in babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use
attachment theory in a lot of my practice and crying it out is not good for bonding/attachment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However at age 2 years and 3 months it’s very
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My “expert” suggestion is
don’t let your baby under 12 months cry longer than 10 minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 2 yrs 3 months I had to undo the bad habit
I created which meant letting her cry and I knew it </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I
get out of the shower the yelling has slowed down a bit- still going in waves-
like the ocean. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quiet whining, building
up to “I want outta here” to then screaming “I need you Momma” then silence and
we start all over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decide she needs
to lay down so I’m going to dry my hair which is a huge treat for me since I
don’t ever have time to dry my hair- heck I don’t usually take a shower alone
as Lyla is often with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I’m
drying my hair the crying/yelling really slows down and even stops a few
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look at the monitor and this
child is of course still standing in her crib holding her blanket and stuffed
animal leaning against the crib rail falling asleep!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her head nods forward her knees to start to
buckle and she slides sideways- then she shakes- wakes up and starts yelling
again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This goes on for probably 10-15
min.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously this child is so stubborn
she’s going to fall asleep standing up in her crib- Lord help me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally 50 min after the last time I walked
out, 1 hr and 50 min after we started nap time Miss Spirited Lyla finally gives
in, lies down in her crib, covers herself up with her blankie and goes to
SLEEP!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately she slept less
than an hour but at this point that was but a small loss in a much larger
victory! When she awoke I told her “Thank you so much for taking a nap- don’t
you feel better?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mommy needs to do a
better job of making sure you take a nap every day and rest in your crib- sorry
you were sad about taking a nap but it’s what’s best for you.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So what
to learn here: 1. Parents create bad habits in kids- not kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accept it and admit it- we all do it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2. I really wanted to go get her when she was
screaming that she needed me, but I knew we had to figure out this nap time battle
and this is one I had to win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3. I
wasn’t following through with what I said over the last few weeks and I needed
to mean what I say, and say what I mean. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4. Always empathize with your kids- EX:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry you’re mad but you can’t have a 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
cookie”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are validating their
feelings; which makes them feel understood by you. You are giving them a word
for their feelings which will help them communicate it later in life. But,
don’t give in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Effective parenting is
labeling and validating feelings but not giving in when you’ve set a boundary
or said no. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Allied Forces won this battle- but rest assured it won’t be the last, and with
Lyla’s strong-willed spirit she will win a few!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All parents make mistakes; all parents create bad habits in their kids and
then get frustrated with their child about it- even “expert” parents!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key is to realize your part in it, fix it
and stand your ground even when it hurts your heart. Parenting is hard- but
admitting your mistakes to yourself and to your children is what fixes all
those darn parenting mistakes we make! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make your goal to be a loving effective parent </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> not a perfect one! </span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Jessica A. Zimmerman LMHC 260.452.5336 </span></o:p><br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thank you Jessica for a wonderful post!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gotta say it does feel good to know even an
“expert” is at a loss at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If any
other followers of Nuts of the Round Table would like to be a guest blogger please
contact me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can all learn from each
other; whether it be about new recipes, parenting, caregiving, green living, or
just plan living; and it just feels good to be heard or find someone you relate
with!</div>
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Today, choose love!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
Kristin </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-56995775908682437152013-04-09T14:19:00.002-04:002013-04-09T14:19:32.816-04:00Caring for another person isn't for wimps!So I really thought, " I can totally care for a toddler while pregnant, all my usual household duties, work part time from home, continue with my jewelry business, get my house really to sell, and blog regularly." Then reality hit me in the face. I pretty much feel like I am doing none of it, or at least none of it very successfully.<br />
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I have hit my second trimester so that is great but nothing has gotten any easier. The house is such a disaster and dirty too. I know what you are thinking, "how dirty is it really, she is a stay at home mom?" It is dirty I tell you. The bathroom is regularly cleaned and the kitchen gets its turn but the dusting and vacuuming? Yeah, I am working on once every two weeks for vacuuming and dusting maybe once a month. Yes, I said it. <br />
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I do work pretty hard on my part time job as we kinda need those dollars. But since I have been napping when my kiddo naps, I end up working at night. This has meant no jewelry making and no blogging. <br />
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I do have to say my child is doing well. He is learning his letters and so many new words everyday. We do artsy stuff and he is getting really good at doing dishes. I have been making more healthy homemade meals so that is a plus too (I can't be all negative).<br />
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But at the end of the day this mom feels like nothing is getting done and certainly not anything for herself. I know I am not alone. We as moms or caregivers think we can do it all and do it perfectly. So not true my friends. I am writing this right now as my kid watches Sesame Street and I ignore him (well just his constant requests for me to sit on the floor - yeah cuz my butt wants to do that all day). I just felt like I needed this right now and I'm not even sure I am making sense.<br />
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But after a morning that involved waking up with a migraine hangover, a super grumpy kid that misses his daddy who was on spring break all last week, and a dog puking on the rug and kid stepping in it; I needed something for me. Yes, the spa would have been better but previously mentioned money and kid are preventing that from happening anytime soon. <br />
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So moms or caregivers out there with a dirty house, a book you have only gotten to read the first 3 pages of, and pile of mail higher than your mattress you miss so dearly; you are not alone. It is hard to do it all. If no one else tell you that I will. And you know what else it is okay not to be - perfect. It is okay to let some things go. Because all of that pressure will just wear you out and don't those we care for do that already? Burn out is real whether you are a mom, dad, wife caring for your husband with dementia, or dad caring for your adult disabled child. I say it isn't just raising a child that takes a village, it caring for one another that takes a village. So if you have a loved one that you know is struggling with caregiving give them a break. Everyone benefits. Someday it could be you on the other end.<br />
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If you or someone you know needs assistance with caring for an older adult or someone with disabilities please check out the links below. This is something very near and dear to my heart!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.alz.org/index.asp" target="_blank">Alzheimer's Association</a><br />
Linking Disclaimer: <br />
<em>The Alzheimer’s Association is not responsible for information or advice provided by others, including information on websites that link to Association sites and on third party sites to which the Association links. Please direct any questions to <a href="mailto:weblink@alz.org">weblink@alz.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.n4a.org/" target="_blank">National Association of Area Agencies on Aging</a></em><br />
<em>Each state has different areas of funding and resources to help older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers find the best means of keeping people in a safe environment. Please check out this site to see what your state offers.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
As for moms well there are about a million blogs, Facebook groups, and many other places to get support! But if you need a place to start let me know maybe we can get you connected!<br />
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<em></em><br />
Today, choose love.<br />
Kristin Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-29519364295117962072013-03-13T09:47:00.000-04:002013-03-13T09:49:10.959-04:00Pinterest success and failures take 2Well I have complied a list of my recent Pinterest adventures and what kind of results I had. Check them out below. I would love to get some input on Pinterest Pins you would like to see me attempt. So if you are already a member of my group "See Kristin Attempt This" please start pinning things you would like for me to try. If you are not and would like to let me know!
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<strong>A little something for the kids: Small Town Driving Mats</strong>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310952616517/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="582" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550x/cf/71/ab/cf71abc98b75ed87e87abc83b61ccea1.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.between3sisters.com/2012/11/toy-car-road-map.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">between3sisters.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I printed these two pages out and whipped out my laminator (man I love using that thing!) The kid loved having something new to drive his "Little People" car and "Hot Wheels" cars on. I have decided though, I think I need two more and some Velcro to attach them and then it will be magnificent!
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<strong>S'mores Dip - yep you read that right!</strong><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310952801740/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/550x/f2/7c/ae/f27cae60a61478cf81c1dce035c17e8f.jpg" width="250" /></a><br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.whatmegansmaking.com/2012/06/smores-dip.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">whatmegansmaking.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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This recipe is perfect! My hubs and I ate half of the bowl of it in one sitting - probably not so good.<br />
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<strong>Homemade creamer!</strong>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310952559992/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/550x/1c/43/c6/1c43c6d6a3a361ef484a5245de0883b8.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/2011/09/french-vanilla-coffee-creamer.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">mrshappyhomemaker.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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This recipe is great. But let me give you two tips. You don't have to add the vanilla. If you use syrups with your coffee for different flavors you won't want it and then it will be more versatile. Second, save a decent plastic creamer container from the store and make it and store it in that. We did the jar and it was difficult to pour without making a mess. Plus then you reuse! Definitely a keeper and cheaper than store bought!<br />
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<strong>Personalized Baked Oatmeal Cups - eh.</strong>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310952280420/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550x/f2/3e/32/f23e321cba138bb7442207a4f4019da8.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.sugarfreemom.com/recipes/personal-sized-baked-oatmeal-with-individual-toppings-gluten-free-diabetic-friendly/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">sugarfreemom.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Well these had such promise but tasted pretty blah. I even ramped up the sugar content but they were just so dense and flavorless to us. In order to eat the 2 dozen that I made we topped them with Ready Whip and that helped. I made them in butterscotch chip, chocolate chip, raisin, and blueberry. Butterscotch was the best by far. I don't think we will make these again, the 1 1/2 year old would not touch them and that was sort of the point - easy go to breakfasts.<br />
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<strong>Homemade deodorizers
- not so easy.</strong>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310952060089/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="399" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/550x/31/2f/5f/312f5f48b7f09865a440654f4ef1db4a.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/09/freshen-up-your-home-make-your-own-homemade-deodorizing-disks.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">onegoodthingbyjillee.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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So I made this up in no time and let them dry for the 24 hrs. I did not have a silicone pan so I used a mini muffin pan as suggest. Yeah, those suckers were not coming out whole. When I tried to "pop" them out with a knife, they just started to crumble. I was a tad upset as I am cheap and ended up throwing it all away - oh the wasted time, money, and resources! I might give it another try if I get my hands on the right sort of pan. I really wanted them for my son's cloth diaper pail that smell worse than death. <br />
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<strong>DIY Dishwasher detergent - Maybe there is hope?</strong>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310951855862/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="421" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/550x/28/c6/a7/28c6a789c46491c5bed4bbd80915b9f3.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://kingdomfirstmom.com/2011/01/homemade-dishwasher-detergent.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">kingdomfirstmom.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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This worked...sort of. Most of the dishes were clean but a few still had some gunk. However, the inside of the dishwasher has never looked cleaner. May have to give it another try with a shot of vinegar in the rinse spout.<br />
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<strong>Dr. Bonner's Sal Suds in the Dishwasher - Not so hot in ours!</strong>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310951614221/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/76/8b/e4/768be465cc9eed1cb0408de2e3444543.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/06/homemade-all-natural-dishwasher-detergent.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">passionatehomemaking.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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This was very watery as you can imagine a solution of Sal Suds, water, lemon juice, tea tree oil, and <br />
white vinegar would be. Most of the dishes were clean but not as clean as a commercial detergent would clean them. I am starting to wonder if my dishwasher is more the problem. But none the less this one did not work for me.<br />
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Okay so there is another round of Pinterest success and failures. If you want to see another round give this post a like and follow/Pin to my board on Pinterest.<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/see-kristin-attempt-this/" target="_blank">See Kristin Attempt This - Pin items for Kristin to try out and blog about!</a><br />
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Today, choose Love.<br />
Kristin <br />
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<a href="http://everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2013/03/weekend-company-guest-blogger-kristin.html?spref=bl">Everyday Mom's Meals: Weekend Company {Guest Blogger Kristin}</a>: Good Morning! I'm so excited for today's guest! She is a fellow mommy, blogger and just a terrific person. It's funny because Kr...<br />
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-41965073009545265592013-03-07T11:11:00.001-05:002013-03-07T11:11:46.504-05:00Babies, Babies Everywhere!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Babies, babies everywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seems like everyone I know is having a baby, including me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a little tip sheet I wrote for my
sister in law before her son was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reading through it reminded me of the things that are important with a
new baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you enjoy and please share your tips
as well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tips for new Mommies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be ready to "waste”. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will
waste diapers – before you can even get them on that little one will pee all
over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chuck it and move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There will be jars of baby food that they may
have eaten only 3 bites out of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chuck it
after the 3 days and don’t think twice about it. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need
to “waste” time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is for your
sanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surf the Internet, read a
magazine (a non-parenting magazine), and nap like it is your job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking time for you, however you choose, is
really not wasting time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will feel
like it is, but it is caring for yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This means it is caring for that sweet baby .</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take a bag of needed items with you everywhere
you go – in the home. I kid you not, I carry a bag with me everywhere in the
house full of things I need .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will
never have enough hands or arms when you need them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bag makes it easy to throw something in and
take it to another room.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take a camera everywhere. I put it in the bag!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This way I have a camera with me wherever we
are because there will be moments you will want a picture of and no time to run
for the camera.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take water or some healthy beverage <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>everywhere – again put it in the bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will not think to drink enough but you
have to.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eat – snack often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may think this is no problem but trust me
you want to be prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buy healthy
snacks you can grab and eat with one hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have healthy frozen meals on hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are going to be many nights you will not want to cook.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be in touch with those who support you – you
will find out fast who supports you 100% and who is going to judge you anytime
they can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Go outside daily! You need fresh air and
daylight on your face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too much time
inside will suck the life out of you.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioae84GVe7aooQaA-x30ILOsEsLM7UehA1doSQ8O39pD4w8bjrOHS5npIUu8l2BJtqE5IM0Wr5Z8B9tBkvmDTieU_K6gmoyKNipvqsza25-EAscP5IW4HL_eCqFYxLHKbVTrEK_AE-ea0/s1600/282478_10150253450842544_4740160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioae84GVe7aooQaA-x30ILOsEsLM7UehA1doSQ8O39pD4w8bjrOHS5npIUu8l2BJtqE5IM0Wr5Z8B9tBkvmDTieU_K6gmoyKNipvqsza25-EAscP5IW4HL_eCqFYxLHKbVTrEK_AE-ea0/s1600/282478_10150253450842544_4740160_n.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have started ordering a lot of things online
because shopping is soooo difficult with a baby. There are a lot of great sites
out there. Amazon Mom gives you free shipping and great deals, especially when
you have items shipped on a regular basis. That is my only commercial I
promise.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take care of the outside of you too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will wash your hands more times than you
can count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long periods of standing and
rocking will make your feet hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will kiss that baby so many times your lips will get chapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So take time for exercise and mini pampering,
because as they say, “You are worth it!”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A word about breastfeeding and lactation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a roller coaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it feels like it will never end and
sometimes it seems like you can’t get them to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may be accidents and some pain, but the
feeling of knowing you alone are the source of nourishment for your child is
worth it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you must have great
nursing pads to prevent the leaks,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cream
to help with the pain, and patience for the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Parenthood will test a marriage like you never
thought possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not seem like
it is possible but you will battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
learn to fight fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communicate,
communicate, communicate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never take
each other for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This little
person came from you two loving each other, so remember to do little things for
each other and date nights are mandatory!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgmNGNg7pN0b9YmfFRjyoWNZThfzRfZgRfi-ua8NQz9iQmqP2pTb6vjFYBijk_N14SMUeXL2kMPSPgzFecrnGe_9ofaiBRwQwmdskY-rZy21z5B0CjmN8t0f2fKIKI7bxz1NFf4IuKK8/s1600/DSCN4265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgmNGNg7pN0b9YmfFRjyoWNZThfzRfZgRfi-ua8NQz9iQmqP2pTb6vjFYBijk_N14SMUeXL2kMPSPgzFecrnGe_9ofaiBRwQwmdskY-rZy21z5B0CjmN8t0f2fKIKI7bxz1NFf4IuKK8/s1600/DSCN4265.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In whatever way you can record the milestones
and the mundane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could never seem to
get that baby book started but I have posts on Facebook , and a box full of
scratch paper with things jotted down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fill in the book later – live the moments now.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Above all else - Listen to you – no one, let me
repeat – NO ONE knows your baby like you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not friends, Dr.’s random people at the store, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your mom, your mother-in-law,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not even your husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it feels right to you, it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spending time second guessing yourself is
time wasted.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone will tell you and it bears repeating –
soak in every second, every smile, every tear, everything you can because it
truly goes faster than you can imagine and it is the most amazing journey you
will ever have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
So if this is your first - good luck on your new journey!</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
If this is your second or more - make time of each of your children, your spouse, and yourself.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOru-ExDzBxXXamZW4wFnk6NjNzL9W_jnQKz-9qdti9xs_stbMW4X422dEw-B_aW3g5mBrqHetdXyaYT3umIMttv-p7uoHNWVdy1Isj-j36w1DCO3Qi_ISiBk2oW7ZxBzo8V3AgxSwVUg/s1600/283005_10150239457672544_7760611_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOru-ExDzBxXXamZW4wFnk6NjNzL9W_jnQKz-9qdti9xs_stbMW4X422dEw-B_aW3g5mBrqHetdXyaYT3umIMttv-p7uoHNWVdy1Isj-j36w1DCO3Qi_ISiBk2oW7ZxBzo8V3AgxSwVUg/s1600/283005_10150239457672544_7760611_n.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
Today, choose love!</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
Kristin <br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-24589974325191715922013-02-26T09:48:00.000-05:002013-02-26T09:50:41.525-05:00Where did I go?Yes, I have been a little MIA in life here lately. But I have a really good reason. At this point this little reason is about the size of a blueberry and is due in October. Yes, that's right, our round table will be adding another nut! <br />
Pregnancy number two is so different. I have been tired out of my mind and getting sicker by the day. The bare minimum is pretty much the status quo for my daily life. My kiddo may be watching a little bit more TV and I may be taking naps in my bed with him just so he will nap longer for me. The first time around I wanted fresh fruit all the time, this time I want beef, beef, and more beef. Which is so crazy since I usually only eat about 4 servings of meat a week. <br />
I would like to share, for those who don't know, where my family's journey began.<br />
I went in for an exam in April 2010 and a cyst that was around 7cm was found on my left ovary. The Dr. wanted to wait and see what it was like in May and when I returned it was over 9cm. I had surgery to have it removed and my new Dr. (the other got fired at that point for several reasons – but mostly her inability to act like she gave a crap about me) found that I did not have a right ovary or fallopian tube and that my left fallopian tube seemed blocked. I went thru a horrible procedure to find that yes indeed my left and only fallopian tube was 100% blocked. As I was laying on the table the Radiologist who did the test told me that I would not be able to have children naturally and then turned and left the room. Spencer and I were crushed but we picked up the pieces of this unimaginable situation and decided to go forward to In Vitro Fertilization. We completed the preliminary tests and all of the paperwork. <br />
We waited for the first visit but two weeks before I began to feel very different. I took a pregnancy test thinking I was ruling it out, only to find (twice) that it was positive. We were excited and terrified at the same time. There was a good risk that it was ectopic or another cyst. Tests and the ultrasound gave us the confirmation that God can create miracles when we cannot create our own. Our beautiful son Coen was born in June 2011. He is the only proof I need of God’s love and that in Him all things are possible.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhhxKqt3eNZb7Ne5p473_NzXiilV80qdAciqr4tnSN7qG0eqnvHu28Y6aOiy5xWIb2_xSrQrxNCv4AY00cNRrR2QsIgEmBL25qetwQaHWfbmZyiPwHahAqccsvKbfKBQswxRk3n0PdR8/s1600/12+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhhxKqt3eNZb7Ne5p473_NzXiilV80qdAciqr4tnSN7qG0eqnvHu28Y6aOiy5xWIb2_xSrQrxNCv4AY00cNRrR2QsIgEmBL25qetwQaHWfbmZyiPwHahAqccsvKbfKBQswxRk3n0PdR8/s1600/12+-+3" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In April 2012 I began to have some problems that seemed all too familiar. I went into my Dr. on 5-1-12 and told him I thought the cyst was back. He did not seem to think that was the case but sent me for an ultrasound. It was confirmed, I had a 4.53cm cyst but not to worry it would probably resolve itself and to come back in 2 months.<br />
I returned on 7-3-12 with hope but knowing the truth deep down. My cyst had grown to over 9cm. I was devastated. Since I only have one ovary we decided to try another option to try to shrink it. To do everything we could to save the ovary and the possibility of any harm but to no avail. I began to have so much pain that it was getting difficult to pick up my sweet Coen. I went back in on 7-31-12 to find it had not gotten any smaller; it had grown to 9.73cm and was possibly causing some harm to my fallopian tube. It has to come out.<br />
I knew that my Dr. will do everything he can to protect my ovary, my possibility to grow our family, my life, but very little gave me comfort to know that in a moment my ability to have any more children could be taken away.And I know there are many ways to add to a family. But for the moment I was being selfish and I admit it. I also know that God has always had a plan for me, for my family; and I needed to trust in nothing but that. So on the morning of 8-13-12 I went into the hospital and put my life and my fertility in my Dr. and Lord’s hands. I was scared. <br />
Though the Dr. had to do a great deal of work in there, my ovary was saved! My fallopian tube remain the same, blocked. But we knew we had to just put our faith in God's hands.<br />
On 2-10-13 I took the test that confirmed it. Went into the Dr. for the blood test to confirm. So then I set out to plan the perfect reveal for the hubs. It was craft time for Coen and me! How great that it was Valentine's week! We finger painted in red and cut out hearts. Then I had him make hand prints. This is what the hand print looked like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBbL9wsz_974MLerNy04UZuDU4B6WoAm3qBVdWNZaGRkDukGMcBbcjpmr9vr7CHJTXQlXKheYDZq6VvNhqeIKxFHRNwoWggJXUCaQGzCCTbHJQF6HKOAWr-cLYt6JJ12YIXxXrAjV2jw/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBbL9wsz_974MLerNy04UZuDU4B6WoAm3qBVdWNZaGRkDukGMcBbcjpmr9vr7CHJTXQlXKheYDZq6VvNhqeIKxFHRNwoWggJXUCaQGzCCTbHJQF6HKOAWr-cLYt6JJ12YIXxXrAjV2jw/s1600/family.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
It was a great surprise! We did the same thing with both of our parents and it was great!<br />
<br />
So here we are! So will I be posting more regularly now? Yeah, who knows. But I will share the journey of going from one kid to two with honesty and humor!<br />
<br />
Today, choose love! <br />
Kristin <br />
<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-68796425223246844342013-02-02T09:30:00.000-05:002013-02-02T10:15:15.246-05:00Stretching Chili Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So if you are a little bit crazy like me you did a year end evaluation of your finances (yes, I am a big nerd and yes, I do know how to have a good time) and nearly passed out. Let's face it the price of everything is going up - gas, toilet paper, bananas, and milk - I am strongly considering buying the cow (nobody is giving the milk for free these days!) but I am pretty sure that might be a little costly too. So what do you do when you see your income versus spending is not getting along in a way that keeps the heartburn beast at bay? You gotta find ways to stretch those precious dollars. So in honor of short funds I give you "stretching it chili style"!</div>
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Here is a list of ingredients you will need for all of the meals.</div>
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2 Qt of Tomato juice</div>
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3/4 cup of dried onions</div>
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2 cans of medium chili beans</div>
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1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies</div>
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1 can of tomato paste</div>
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1 to 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef (turkey, etc)</div>
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1 1/2 cup of Orzo pasta</div>
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8" flour tortillas</div>
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2-4 cups of cheddar cheese</div>
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2-4 tsp of ground black pepper</div>
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4-6 tsp chili powder</div>
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2 tsp chipotle chili powder (if you cannot find this use a little more chili powder)</div>
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1 tsp of Cumin</div>
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1 tsp of granulated garlic</div>
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other extras you might want:</div>
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Diced onions</div>
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Crushed tortilla chips</div>
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Sour cream</div>
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Real bacon bits or crumbles</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9q3n4sb4AXyClQPRjlJVoP3r_-hwLVyvEinHjzx8jCYS2XqT72PRBCQTl-aivEcHQzhyphenhyphenQKJ-dceJXlPjO8oV2r9mNtsZ8SNI-8fSUJfpeLpQeTFAGMrkzf0jwhPxKiMG53VSGWWuyIPk/s1600/2013-01-25+17.48.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9q3n4sb4AXyClQPRjlJVoP3r_-hwLVyvEinHjzx8jCYS2XqT72PRBCQTl-aivEcHQzhyphenhyphenQKJ-dceJXlPjO8oV2r9mNtsZ8SNI-8fSUJfpeLpQeTFAGMrkzf0jwhPxKiMG53VSGWWuyIPk/s1600/2013-01-25+17.48.53.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Here is just a tip - when trying to get something like tomato paste out of the can - use a very small rubber spatula and you will be able to get every bit - see!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAE_2YjcF5qKBHrVeBjsPHW8PL0crEOlZnLfJPVKbBjFmmBz55oAtCdAlb5IoeVg9A4IWkWd0rYglovjvOF8_0cZ8Adw1fxhW5N1T0O_a98mHdlu3_rzvl9JYy6g-P-GLsT-ksH1lDbk/s1600/2013-01-25+17.50.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAE_2YjcF5qKBHrVeBjsPHW8PL0crEOlZnLfJPVKbBjFmmBz55oAtCdAlb5IoeVg9A4IWkWd0rYglovjvOF8_0cZ8Adw1fxhW5N1T0O_a98mHdlu3_rzvl9JYy6g-P-GLsT-ksH1lDbk/s1600/2013-01-25+17.50.14.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Penny pincher's delight!</div>
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Okay so you brown the ground beef (or other) and when it is only about half pink add in the dried onions. I don't know why but for chili I really prefer the dried but if it kills you to use dried you will probably want to use a finely diced medium onion.</div>
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Once the meat is fully browned and the onions rehydrate add the (don't drain anything) 2 cans of chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 qt worth (4 cups) of the tomato juice, and spices. </div>
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Okay I have to be honest. I do not measure spices really at all. I do everything to taste and it also depends on the heat level appropriate for the diners you will be serving. Thus I give you a range. I "measure" like good ol' Rachael Ray, by using my hand or sight.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjY4Og4hFsI4Agguy2-XpuS56H-Tb-6b7-xMGBQWAdIdN9ccyqocCK1cNYiUVDac-gf9EJ8nHD7C6bOb34nX825oykUBhScKDLeT5R1j46AEVm10ed7em8WTDRGzXvNpMUxT8Yp5Nh4Y/s1600/2013-01-25+17.53.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjY4Og4hFsI4Agguy2-XpuS56H-Tb-6b7-xMGBQWAdIdN9ccyqocCK1cNYiUVDac-gf9EJ8nHD7C6bOb34nX825oykUBhScKDLeT5R1j46AEVm10ed7em8WTDRGzXvNpMUxT8Yp5Nh4Y/s1600/2013-01-25+17.53.47.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> About a good tsp!</div>
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Simmer for 25-30 minutes and taste for seasoning. Enjoy as is or top with cheddar cheese (I suppose you could add crackers but then you are just ruining it). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LWtc5sW_cqY-fBvdG-0tNNCrWsYszDqeOj7ClJXOgDACvFPVsHFXpQXavJ6dXSYjDCOiw0Sb4zohkciJ45vsI_G0rKXfcEn_Y5iwelyRG6r3VRlJz4WHLliQqm2Po_3xUK4KywFC7uo/s1600/2013-01-25+17.58.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LWtc5sW_cqY-fBvdG-0tNNCrWsYszDqeOj7ClJXOgDACvFPVsHFXpQXavJ6dXSYjDCOiw0Sb4zohkciJ45vsI_G0rKXfcEn_Y5iwelyRG6r3VRlJz4WHLliQqm2Po_3xUK4KywFC7uo/s1600/2013-01-25+17.58.11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ah the first finished dish - Kristin's Chili </div>
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Okay after you have enjoyed as much as you like of the chili take a slotted spoon and put about 2-3 cups in one container and the rest in another.</div>
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Next up we add 2-3 cups of the left over tomato juice and 1 1/2 cups of Orzo pasta to the larger portion of leftover chili. Now I know most of you probably grew up like my hubs with chili containing macaroni and I am sure that is fine. The thing is I had orzo on hand and thought it would not over power the chili and I was SO right! We loved the texture. But if you cannot bear to see another pasta be my guest and change it to another small cut pasta of your liking. </div>
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You may have to adjust seasonings after the pasta is done cooking which will take about 15-20 minutes. (If you were smart and own a pot that can go from the stove to the fridge and back again you saved your self a washing and stored the large portion in the pot you made it and then just added these ingredients). Top with a little cheese, maybe sour cream, and tortilla chips - dress it up anyway you like! - and if it stretches another meal - try it topped another way!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhyAuWAUspuJPCVP4OSi4hWXWBnNYRFTq6VikxHgFvyk0IVDvvIWLine-B05JMzsZmt6Wc4hpLaKUIRx63xkytOfKpHz0dySfIex9TR7Qhje96FttnwyH40usRqz2dcVobxhFb-p5I4U/s1600/2013-01-27+18.39.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhyAuWAUspuJPCVP4OSi4hWXWBnNYRFTq6VikxHgFvyk0IVDvvIWLine-B05JMzsZmt6Wc4hpLaKUIRx63xkytOfKpHz0dySfIex9TR7Qhje96FttnwyH40usRqz2dcVobxhFb-p5I4U/s1600/2013-01-27+18.39.38.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Orzo Chili </div>
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Next break out the tortillas and the strained chili. Heat up that chili, warm your tortillas, top with cheese and whatever else your heart desires!</div>
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Delicious Chili Cheese Burritos</div>
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Now I know you are saying, "But Kristin I still have some stuff left over." No problem. Enjoy the leftovers or slap whatever is left in a tortilla with cheese and fold it in half. Toast in a pan on each side- chili cheese quesadilla! Now take that left over tomato juice and make yourself a Bloody Mary because you just stretched a one pot meals to the extreme!</div>
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If you have a great stretch it meal or an idea for another way stretch this chili please feel free to share!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-78181186554417477202013-01-29T11:10:00.000-05:002013-01-29T11:10:58.094-05:00A Fur Baby Birthday PartyToday's blog is for all my dog lovin' people out there! January 28th is always a bittersweet day for me. It is my sweet Gracie's birthday and this year she turns 10! We rescued each other on November 19, 2003. It was love at first sight!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EYNm-mRG-VAeC8N0UYiVZhTZMCwCenFDd9eI4Xs5I4_QmGq8QNYPsYQcQX8My1J-wCbXhdW83EPfbMBpVxue8CZa4KwxixbuJdKmTHzPeyp7ASjOIWb4lNKxl-sLyNciYcdaiQQRilw/s1600/gracie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EYNm-mRG-VAeC8N0UYiVZhTZMCwCenFDd9eI4Xs5I4_QmGq8QNYPsYQcQX8My1J-wCbXhdW83EPfbMBpVxue8CZa4KwxixbuJdKmTHzPeyp7ASjOIWb4lNKxl-sLyNciYcdaiQQRilw/s1600/gracie.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxsYMX2GVmpl-8WjGrdLYOJNdVVjQF_ejdhpRGsn7qPgjJ7Q3Lovd2hJmvSb2u_-zIaTsX8R-xt_WmwAKZr8kbCC-KLU1jr8hW42kKD45yFJdaIYERMvDhrNG_CG5N-G8aDBAF4LGNI0/s1600/Winter+2008+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxsYMX2GVmpl-8WjGrdLYOJNdVVjQF_ejdhpRGsn7qPgjJ7Q3Lovd2hJmvSb2u_-zIaTsX8R-xt_WmwAKZr8kbCC-KLU1jr8hW42kKD45yFJdaIYERMvDhrNG_CG5N-G8aDBAF4LGNI0/s1600/Winter+2008+028.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>I was living in Muncie, IN and needed a companion. I needed a dog. I spent most of my life with a dog and living all alone was hard but without a dog seemed down right depressing. I had searched all of the local shelters but none of them felt like my soul mate. I was ready to give up until my mom called me at work and said she had found my dog at my hometown shelter and I needed to come home that day and see her. I did and we both knew right away. She was 10 months old and just skin and bones. The picture to the above makes her look pretty good but she was pretty sad. She had been kept outside, tied to a deck with a 6 foot rope. She didn't know how to play, she was unsure of being inside, and she did not understand love. I spent all of my non-working time with her just sitting on the floor loving on her. She began to trust me and love me. And I fell so deeply in love with her. She has been there through everything. (Like in the picture to the below. I had broken my wrist on New Years Day 2010. She didn't want to leave my side.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh0k-1EVojYZD46CwXOCbHKzwiyeJBFwtbo6VP9DQ2Dxwra8ru7s8gRCuBJI30K-TVBQZsQACS94HJ7Ca8sPCIPkxrLV8SC_VhnovO64rVGW-DMbrd05ElJtdoKQYlnNS_Wes8NjOWzQ/s1600/DSC_2698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh0k-1EVojYZD46CwXOCbHKzwiyeJBFwtbo6VP9DQ2Dxwra8ru7s8gRCuBJI30K-TVBQZsQACS94HJ7Ca8sPCIPkxrLV8SC_VhnovO64rVGW-DMbrd05ElJtdoKQYlnNS_Wes8NjOWzQ/s1600/DSC_2698.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
Those who love dogs like I love dogs, you know how unconditional their love is. How deeply they understand your pain, sickness, and love. <br />
I am going to admit something many will think is crazy. I was so worried before my son was born that I would either not love my child like I did my dog, or that I would not be able to give my Gracie the love she deserved. Thankfully, I do love my son so very much and get plenty of good cuddles with my girl. There are days I feel like she is looking at me like, "Lady, why did you ever bring that crazy, noisy thing in here?" But I also know she is very protective of him and loves him too. And he adores her. He looks for her first thing when he wakes up!<br />
So bittersweet another birthday, because I know these angels are called home much too soon for my heart. Every year we celebrate because she is just as special as any other member of the family. But every year I cry a little bit more knowing our days together are getting fewer and fewer. <br />
She may not be born from my body, or even a human being, but she is my first baby and she always will be. So today my son and I made her doggie cupcakes and we sang Happy Birthday to her at least half a million times! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 years old today and that kid makes me feel all of it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doggie Cupcakes without "icing"</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_5SEg2Ij-VUUe7IzqI_JTa6jRpl2ahLkTFOn_0Rpz-wSqK5d3JsBBTPgfXySawXFG89XrWWOnzfffvJ1cOcq7Ko69lCEu9RUdOt2L-oM4rsDlbjVwRrL1Z660mMpKLrV7Fxn2Ksp9to/s1600/2013-01-28+15.50.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_5SEg2Ij-VUUe7IzqI_JTa6jRpl2ahLkTFOn_0Rpz-wSqK5d3JsBBTPgfXySawXFG89XrWWOnzfffvJ1cOcq7Ko69lCEu9RUdOt2L-oM4rsDlbjVwRrL1Z660mMpKLrV7Fxn2Ksp9to/s1600/2013-01-28+15.50.16.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_5SEg2Ij-VUUe7IzqI_JTa6jRpl2ahLkTFOn_0Rpz-wSqK5d3JsBBTPgfXySawXFG89XrWWOnzfffvJ1cOcq7Ko69lCEu9RUdOt2L-oM4rsDlbjVwRrL1Z660mMpKLrV7Fxn2Ksp9to/s1600/2013-01-28+15.50.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">Iced with peanut butter!</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWWqhUDQlj_GtQJ9eDmJ9OYNtlBoPAePo6UzqjvlJjkY-cB1MrhYb_ISO8YJR2s7jhitjG3fFVmrhV-B8EzeWB7Ys5SD-1HlRB7x5qQGaPkO4-1eRnUeFtPc3hKkotyvFrtBdMUpkMSE/s1600/2013-01-28+16.58.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWWqhUDQlj_GtQJ9eDmJ9OYNtlBoPAePo6UzqjvlJjkY-cB1MrhYb_ISO8YJR2s7jhitjG3fFVmrhV-B8EzeWB7Ys5SD-1HlRB7x5qQGaPkO4-1eRnUeFtPc3hKkotyvFrtBdMUpkMSE/s1600/2013-01-28+16.58.35.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Are you sure that is for me?</div>
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Adapted from an e-mail from DogAge<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359426551328_2802" style="font-size: small;"><sup id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359426551328_2801">®</sup></span> Tip of the Week<br />
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<strong>Cheesy Carrot Cupcakes -</strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">12 mini cupcakes</span><br />
1/2 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour<br />
1/2 tablespoon baking powder<br />
3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese<br />
1/4 cup grated carrot<br />
1 large eggs<br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
1/8 cup vegetable oil <br />
Peanut butter or plain yogurt to "ice" them<br />
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper baking cups. I like mini cupcakes but if you wanted to double the recipe you can do 12 regular cupcakes.<br />
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Combine all of the ingredients just until moistened.<br />
Fill the cups full with the mixture. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the muffins feel springy. Be sure to let the muffins cool about 5 minutes and then "ice" them. Let them cool completely before serving to your sweet fur baby!<br />
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Recipe from: <a href="http://link.dogage-mail.com/u.d?TYGtvjATNeyrFl8kPkzj=311" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359426551328_2817" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0066cc;" target="_blank"><em>DOGS: The Ultimate Care Guide</em>, edited by Matthew Hoffman. </a><br />
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So do something a little special for your furry friend for my Gracie!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zZzNs4UY6pTgFVnOcQUvKJLhT_FKmX9iFFgL19vT5LHdevOHNAUAesAKMLdIEA5FxPBRH9T_mWtDKVIQeALpol9Ar5w1TPQJGOoi2JJIgKT31JH4cLm7THfUpTsPjb2yscEVHAtSUIM/s1600/DSC_1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zZzNs4UY6pTgFVnOcQUvKJLhT_FKmX9iFFgL19vT5LHdevOHNAUAesAKMLdIEA5FxPBRH9T_mWtDKVIQeALpol9Ar5w1TPQJGOoi2JJIgKT31JH4cLm7THfUpTsPjb2yscEVHAtSUIM/s1600/DSC_1603.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="userContent">This post is actually coming from a rant of mine on my personal Facebook page (no I will not friend everyone chomping at the bit to see what crazy stuff I post - it is private for a reason - you have to know me to get that level of crazy!) So here it is - some is edited to keep other's comments private.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1L0ShuM-eoQ8EBH1hSXCz4NJ4CwuSoCUQh_51czmsus7X4kt4f_vThIjKaGITuPY87HpWUF6xUI0DQCVw3nPZvvahxhla9yNqeD-mnzn5ETPqScaEjZmshQo-1OJncLb5Cqzc3YxhhY/s1600/2013-01-03+17.56.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1L0ShuM-eoQ8EBH1hSXCz4NJ4CwuSoCUQh_51czmsus7X4kt4f_vThIjKaGITuPY87HpWUF6xUI0DQCVw3nPZvvahxhla9yNqeD-mnzn5ETPqScaEjZmshQo-1OJncLb5Cqzc3YxhhY/s1600/2013-01-03+17.56.03.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chopped butternut squash kinda looks like Velvetta.</td></tr>
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<span class="userContent"></span> </div>
<span class="userContent">"No one asked but I am going to voice my opinion anyway. I HATE THE CIRCUS! It is a terrible, disgusting example to show to anyone about how to treat animals. How would we like to be caged up, made to travel all over in said cages, trained by unspeakable means, and then made to endure people climbing all over them. We are outraged by what Michael Vick and other do to animals but pay money for this filth? And to add to it, area police provided lighted/sirens blaring escort for schools to and from. Are you kidding me? I will be complaining about that to someone. And please DO NOT EVER take my child to the circus! -Yes, I said it - feel free to unfriend me now!"</span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">***Okay background info for those who do not know: Fort Wayne, Indiana - my home sweet home, hosts the Mizpah Shrine Circus every year about this time. </span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"> <a href="http://mizpahshrinecircus.com/">http://mizpahshrinecircus.com/</a></span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">Yes, some of the money from this mess does go to Shriner's charities. Here is a direct quote from the site regarding this,<u> </u><em>"<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Mizpah Shrine Circus is a fraternal fundraiser in which proceeds benefit the Mizpah Shrine. Payments are not deductible as a charitable contribution." </span></em></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><em></em></span><br />
<span class="userContent">I would also like to note that I wrote and shared these comments only after re-researching circus practices. I wanted to make sure I was correct in my understanding of treatment and legality of circus animals - I reviewed several sources - My daddy didn't raise no researching fool! - A fool perhaps.***</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Okay game on.</span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">Someone then posted about the money going to their charities - a worthy cause no doubt. Here is my response, </span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189921}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189921}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189921}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189921}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[0]">"Oh I love the fact that the Shriners raise money for all that they do. They do great work! However, how can we raise money to care for one while hurting another? I would ask that you send that money you would spend on tickets directly to area of the</span></span><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189921}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189921}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189921}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]"> Shriner's organization you would like to help. - Then 100% goes there and not to animal cruelty!"</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/shfc/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=3381&3381.donation=form1">https://secure2.convio.net/shfc/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=3381&3381.donation=form1</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189997}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][1]"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span>"</span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189997}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189997}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189997}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">In fact I posted above for anyone who would like to take a stand with me! I am going to donate the $10 ticket price for me. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25190031}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25190031}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25190031}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Oh and I did e-mail the {Police Department} about the escort - I am very unhappy that they would spend my tax dollars on this. Don't worry school systems are next! Mama is on a rampage - lookout!"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nemn5M7ZW8TaCzkvU8BHH1sSb0Z-C6S5QaHLQkVV1kOCEevg8nzM4LkxkKcFXjCwi9PX10MZhFX2CHaO5SUoiMBVUTnkxRsHLRUiLeWQWgxIGEAWCdcZiYhER4ju92sNAqip1sbodpM/s1600/2012-12-25+09.36.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nemn5M7ZW8TaCzkvU8BHH1sSb0Z-C6S5QaHLQkVV1kOCEevg8nzM4LkxkKcFXjCwi9PX10MZhFX2CHaO5SUoiMBVUTnkxRsHLRUiLeWQWgxIGEAWCdcZiYhER4ju92sNAqip1sbodpM/s1600/2012-12-25+09.36.24.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">What is that?</span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span>I also noted to those reading, "</span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189921}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[2]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189949}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189949}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25189949}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I was taken as a small child by my grandmother and will never forget it. I did not really enjoy it and when I was older and could understand how the animals were treated I was so upset that I ever went."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25190031}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25190031}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25190031}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Comments were then made about me being upset about the police escort and kids going to the circus and this was my response, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25190089}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25190089}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[52].[1][2][1]{comment10151227366892544_25190089}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">"I am complaining about the schools taking kids. I am all for educational experiences about animals but would much rather the kids go to the zoo, museums, humane farms, etc to get a closer and better interaction with animals. If they want to give the kids a show take them to Cirque du Soleil. Sorry kids." </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MusingTreeCreations" target="_blank">Why yes that is jewelry I made!</a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBi5Zs8VLjUaDShUIHcEFLX3uxJY4xQsDndMT-oXHFVgj8Yu1KlnHZi0vqIvajQs-tuptK7902E_D_t21ZAhRjHAkYM5pPOQeoFZ1pxOR_3erwDI0KYa_yQTmB1dwYEtGULZPUFLotPM/s1600/2012-12-06+07.27.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBi5Zs8VLjUaDShUIHcEFLX3uxJY4xQsDndMT-oXHFVgj8Yu1KlnHZi0vqIvajQs-tuptK7902E_D_t21ZAhRjHAkYM5pPOQeoFZ1pxOR_3erwDI0KYa_yQTmB1dwYEtGULZPUFLotPM/s1600/2012-12-06+07.27.59.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>So what is the moral of this "rampage" that I tell? To prove I am nuts? No, but I am sure it helps. To help out "my cause"? No, though I do hope it at least makes you think about animal rights a bit. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>My real reason for today's post is to remind all of us that we are a huge influence on our children. I hope that is not news to anyone. I know you are thinking, "Oh good, she is trying to make her kid into a ranting lunatic like her." Nope, though I am pretty sure it is already in his genes based on some of his OCD behaviors that look all to familiar. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>I am hoping that he embraces who he is and learns that when you believe in something you should find your "voice" to speak up for it. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>Something my mom has always said about me, and I think it is with pride, is that I am not always kind but I am always honest. I do try to be kind about things and to others but I am also very sensitive and passionate about things that are important to me. So will I yell at you in front of your kids that you are a jerk for taking them to see animal cruelty? No, I might be thinking it. I would ask you one on one if you ever thought about how those animals were treated. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>I have rarely been one to "push" my agenda or opinions on anyone - I say rarely because I cannot be sure that I haven't (me, a liberal arts college education, and alcohol don't always mix well). And I must once again state that I do not believe that I am in any way perfect. I will even admit I still have a long way to go in my personal journey of ending animal cruelty for example. I do eat some meat and probably do many other things but I am working on it too.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>Here are a few other things about me that I want my child to know about his mom, hopefully be proud of, and maybe even choose to be in his life.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>I may not always be right or kind, but I am always honest.<br />
I do wear my emotions on my sleeve, and I will not apologize for it.<br />
I do choose to live my life as a pretty open book, I do not expect others to do the same, I just hope they respect my choices as mine.<br />
I am not always comfortable with myself but I accept that I am still growing.<br />
I expect no more from anyone else than I do for myself.<br />
I choose love above all things and ultimately refuse to put one being above another.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZ0azWayIU2Kbf_4sbZbqHx-SuqMQbbnXzf9kA9t_gFgCzwGzHIU1NOrwiXao-AUPiAM7OSxmKANoNF-A8vaNsckeZcti8Z_h07QfCOiq_yyHmRVtk30id2Khkb5HG_X1tHu7-Zxo034/s1600/12+-+14" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZ0azWayIU2Kbf_4sbZbqHx-SuqMQbbnXzf9kA9t_gFgCzwGzHIU1NOrwiXao-AUPiAM7OSxmKANoNF-A8vaNsckeZcti8Z_h07QfCOiq_yyHmRVtk30id2Khkb5HG_X1tHu7-Zxo034/s1600/12+-+14" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
-Yes, that is a Praying Mantis - see I love them too! (Okay spiders, not so much, but I am trying not to kill them.)<br />
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<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>So for those who have already dealt with these various characterics of me and chose to stick with me, thank you!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
For everyone else still here, I hope that you were inspired (re-inspired) to be an example to your children, family, friends, and others of who you are and what is important to you. Maybe it is even time to make your own list! I have to say for me it turned out to be a Brightener!<br />
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It also inspired me to add a tagline to my posts, so from here on out, my words at this Round Table will end with this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ674rb0wT0fgMkCzz-VKoRFnaht7qBlDCOpARvCymV9DgP6gjkrByp9pc08nW441i_sLmU50ggEReS064EIVNg3q630uaJvv9moCkvvs4j4Do8AtgwAzS8rSrcZu-BWyahwljLtId4Q/s1600/191145_10150110665207544_7861816_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ674rb0wT0fgMkCzz-VKoRFnaht7qBlDCOpARvCymV9DgP6gjkrByp9pc08nW441i_sLmU50ggEReS064EIVNg3q630uaJvv9moCkvvs4j4Do8AtgwAzS8rSrcZu-BWyahwljLtId4Q/s1600/191145_10150110665207544_7861816_o.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
Today, choose love! <br />
Kristin <br />
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P.S. I chose this picture because I believe this is one of the greatest ways I have ever experienced unconditional love.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Also as always the opinions and information shared are solely my own and I always suggest you do your own research before you sit down to the table with this or any other nut!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-43453634408241343572013-01-20T20:41:00.000-05:002013-01-20T20:41:33.415-05:00Easy DIY Highchair Cover<div style="text-align: center;">
So you remember taking precious time picking out the perfect highchair? And if you were like me after 6 months of breastfeeding you loved the idea of some meals not seated at the cafe de Mama! This sweet picture below is the first bite of rice cereal my son ate. Look at how sweet he is and how cute that chair is. So what's the problem here? That stupid set of chair covers and straps are not washing machine washable. WHERE were my brain cells when I picked this out and why didn't they read that? Oh yeah I was growing a human being and so my brain was way more needed in that area, so for at least 18 months I was as close to brain dead on many levels. Some call it pregnancy brain, some call it mommy brain. I personally call it unfair and just another blow you don't really know you have coming from the miracle of growing/raising a child! But I digress, I will have to do another post about all the stuff I had no idea was going to happen to me cuz nobody had the balls to tell me (yeah you know who you are and I will pay you back for it).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHUp-uAbkX_zR6VZ9hhqPuX0QH0mtasWLbIaXEadUYFz6Bi24zf30izXhh2qm5FFQd6GpfICtV1UQ9Uj-KuNwfKvIrbPajDVktAnFSOjh9GlRV-eT_fljzq5Guew5NZTiYi7Kh5AZ3Fo/s1600/121011_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHUp-uAbkX_zR6VZ9hhqPuX0QH0mtasWLbIaXEadUYFz6Bi24zf30izXhh2qm5FFQd6GpfICtV1UQ9Uj-KuNwfKvIrbPajDVktAnFSOjh9GlRV-eT_fljzq5Guew5NZTiYi7Kh5AZ3Fo/s1600/121011_3542.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at how pristine this chair is!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, after many attempts to keep this sucker clean
without being able to put it in my magnificent washing machine (I have a
serious crush on my washer and dryer - they are so special to me - we might
need a moment here) I had to come up with another option and here it is. My
T-shirt Highchair Cover! It is so awesome to me because I have about 5 of them
so when one is gross off it goes and into the washer! It is wonderful because it covers more than just the cloth areas but some of the hard to clean parts as well. It is saving me time and money! Two things this penny pincher loves!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSdfZL0D9IALvW5vV58SwXK-E38alI8jYf4zPjHRNH0q58he58m9yd_aF_oY7EUni3XOMwNbXAJCU4De0cHMQ95psoGDLMf_mU_1fTyPYsPRfZwPBcNl9iZvvJ2nTzAzIS-CMFmbLA7Y/s1600/040412_5202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSdfZL0D9IALvW5vV58SwXK-E38alI8jYf4zPjHRNH0q58he58m9yd_aF_oY7EUni3XOMwNbXAJCU4De0cHMQ95psoGDLMf_mU_1fTyPYsPRfZwPBcNl9iZvvJ2nTzAzIS-CMFmbLA7Y/s1600/040412_5202.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you imagine the amount of cleaning it would have taken!<br />
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Here is one of my covers - not cute but does the job and keeps things much cleaner!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxC1QPxVUAoaK4CQbzqZK1Fksms8hBDW20IIU0GGdMI6jVdrImhGrwbO4pfPtnyRBddd34N8dtfOP2hAifPyRJnRW-wjDaHltKJli7ex2IEvjsfbp2YVI5SdfH3Q0k2zNAS5tZFMtpQI/s1600/2013-01-03+18.18.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxC1QPxVUAoaK4CQbzqZK1Fksms8hBDW20IIU0GGdMI6jVdrImhGrwbO4pfPtnyRBddd34N8dtfOP2hAifPyRJnRW-wjDaHltKJli7ex2IEvjsfbp2YVI5SdfH3Q0k2zNAS5tZFMtpQI/s1600/2013-01-03+18.18.40.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It may be dirty but better the cover than the chair!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So</span> <span style="font-size: small;">here is the how to. First, I find that an extra large T-shirt works best for pretty much any chair. You know you or your significant other (there has to be a better term - lets make one - your Siggy - yep I like it - you may use it - I am good at sharing!) have about 10 T-shirt you got in some event, sport, school, or buying disaster that needs a new use - here it is! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Put the T-shirt on the chair like shown below - no it will not fit without a few modifications.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRF76KzBoumSIh9z4zFg-ws9aqwTetNq19S6gSwFpGhCIN-8xvT2F7IZFPiVO79JWxgPuPB79wv1uj4S9UYJOehvkzjIRilkV3DuzvkqZ2MUvxtqkpEaIh-dgOtqHM8LechiRi2tWsLI/s1600/2013-01-18+10.19.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRF76KzBoumSIh9z4zFg-ws9aqwTetNq19S6gSwFpGhCIN-8xvT2F7IZFPiVO79JWxgPuPB79wv1uj4S9UYJOehvkzjIRilkV3DuzvkqZ2MUvxtqkpEaIh-dgOtqHM8LechiRi2tWsLI/s1600/2013-01-18+10.19.06.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Go to the back of the chair and find the middle of the bottom of the shirt.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZuJkfTv79JjnEHClJ9SlUVzPB2jRvdFuN6iJqxmWGDioRAjkbIcFeT8-lolJLgkKct_qvPDAbcle5fbePSIYk1l3QL-SoudlCTTrSPndj3ZN6hGv9FKilyjAZzGyByxDrZLHCWpEW08/s1600/2013-01-18+10.19.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZuJkfTv79JjnEHClJ9SlUVzPB2jRvdFuN6iJqxmWGDioRAjkbIcFeT8-lolJLgkKct_qvPDAbcle5fbePSIYk1l3QL-SoudlCTTrSPndj3ZN6hGv9FKilyjAZzGyByxDrZLHCWpEW08/s1600/2013-01-18+10.19.42.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Cut up the shirt like shown leaving about 6 inches from the collar. (That is my Gracie - she likes to hide from the kid and seems to think the highchair can save her!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kiu_j9Qcqg-EOewzK6wBq_ETClsegJmfW4dCYQXgIFCOcWfeMC5V7IrFYi4pE6OQGQJXAoujBeSKF3PxAeRuhFWIeP0fUSP9DSzw3C3g1U3mLK3co3_7wOEMlozm3oNjMnp475Wcwdo/s1600/2013-01-18+10.20.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kiu_j9Qcqg-EOewzK6wBq_ETClsegJmfW4dCYQXgIFCOcWfeMC5V7IrFYi4pE6OQGQJXAoujBeSKF3PxAeRuhFWIeP0fUSP9DSzw3C3g1U3mLK3co3_7wOEMlozm3oNjMnp475Wcwdo/s1600/2013-01-18+10.20.43.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now you can see how the shirt can cover most all of the fabric ( if you wanted to get fancy and really cover it you could cut some of the extra off the back or side to "patch" the head hole but it generally stays pretty clean - your call). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yes, this is the hubs college shirt from his freshman year in soccer and yes he was good, but more importantly he was a hottie!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-oiqW3YCOd0IyO9_IZzT1jTOoNxHeUwBsWl6Y_FpojBZ_2Ike3_H2QkLxSF61SHyUDpoih6Xt9WtfH5uQfJv33BKxGcc255kJaiPSVn65S-ZrY9YTfAoycXOcNJYJcSdnmtV5cNxkjE/s1600/2013-01-18+10.20.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-oiqW3YCOd0IyO9_IZzT1jTOoNxHeUwBsWl6Y_FpojBZ_2Ike3_H2QkLxSF61SHyUDpoih6Xt9WtfH5uQfJv33BKxGcc255kJaiPSVn65S-ZrY9YTfAoycXOcNJYJcSdnmtV5cNxkjE/s1600/2013-01-18+10.20.57.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Okay now where the straps are you will pinch the fabric. If you want to make this all symmetrical you could measure and all that jazz but come on it is going to be covered in all sorts of pureed mess so go easy on yourself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Cut a hole large enough to get the strap through but not too large so that much food can get thru.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HXtsKuphfsXd-s_4BlqSjeUK1wCCazD-DGCcP6KWpTRV67Qi7BK7p0SxjTJct_ZW_vQEcgsl3_b3r6oUdYUtijaAXrCeVHGuFrpeMCyNIRHIimjIvTpnMaZMSYT-WYL58fOrJPywiMA/s1600/2013-01-18+10.21.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HXtsKuphfsXd-s_4BlqSjeUK1wCCazD-DGCcP6KWpTRV67Qi7BK7p0SxjTJct_ZW_vQEcgsl3_b3r6oUdYUtijaAXrCeVHGuFrpeMCyNIRHIimjIvTpnMaZMSYT-WYL58fOrJPywiMA/s1600/2013-01-18+10.21.44.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">See so easy! Repeat for all straps, including if you have a 5 point harness.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9KsnA7uHngNxxNeN6GwUeGqKIssOrsq3LeXp0fvsuXP-pIfViQJDrPV4JF2SwVJzxShW5v5SL0A0CwdPK_7ednpobcn_CMM9_8RODMM1g9cph-qY_lsnaMB9whNny4lK7kqD2ofPib8/s1600/2013-01-18+10.21.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9KsnA7uHngNxxNeN6GwUeGqKIssOrsq3LeXp0fvsuXP-pIfViQJDrPV4JF2SwVJzxShW5v5SL0A0CwdPK_7ednpobcn_CMM9_8RODMM1g9cph-qY_lsnaMB9whNny4lK7kqD2ofPib8/s1600/2013-01-18+10.21.59.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Finished product! Now you can turn it inside out or whatever but why not enjoy those charity walk t-shirts a little more before you have to make them into rags.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1al1bmTJ9LPpsMJTX-42XxS4hgsQIydhq50DF8WpZ1M-AgSjXie3m-cGBJC-tVgzzcXNBVZf_sp3ShzREeax-0wErhFHgln9Er8RQoB3OmHGrLmRTiEwMythTJzOm3gWD1srRzYC0_-E/s1600/2013-01-18+10.22.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1al1bmTJ9LPpsMJTX-42XxS4hgsQIydhq50DF8WpZ1M-AgSjXie3m-cGBJC-tVgzzcXNBVZf_sp3ShzREeax-0wErhFHgln9Er8RQoB3OmHGrLmRTiEwMythTJzOm3gWD1srRzYC0_-E/s1600/2013-01-18+10.22.53.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is what the kid was doing while I was finishing this. What you cannot see is the poor dog running away because said kid came at her outta nowhere with a headbutt. My kid loves to headbutt - so proud.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVpPjHj_x5s2Uo-CfBj4YlAW4Ae6gEKMJsj8XCJclEQDIl13AlHA6AFM8mnkGZDJXfZDexGsb6ii8aPWJTxrx88Tx4GvKLOp15TdOiyNe0_MmJpp19YMqZRAiyQte7QjRVCA6vodcWDY/s1600/2013-01-18+10.23.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVpPjHj_x5s2Uo-CfBj4YlAW4Ae6gEKMJsj8XCJclEQDIl13AlHA6AFM8mnkGZDJXfZDexGsb6ii8aPWJTxrx88Tx4GvKLOp15TdOiyNe0_MmJpp19YMqZRAiyQte7QjRVCA6vodcWDY/s1600/2013-01-18+10.23.13.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">P.S. That is a PVC free clear shower curtain that we use under the highchair to keep the floor clean. It works like a dream! We have 2 so when one is gross we throw it in the washer and put the other down. Otherwise you can just spot clean it! It is great for food messes as well as crafts!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Happy making parenting life easier crafting!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-38807621567564119832013-01-18T16:30:00.000-05:002013-01-18T16:30:01.634-05:00Can a Mama Get a Minute?<div>
There are things in life you have to be able to do no matter what. Then there are just times you need a Mama Minute - which might just equal enough time to stuff a whole Twinkie (that you have stowed away just for you and only you) in your mouth fast enough so that the kids or significant other do not see it and want some! Here are a few ways to buy yourself a few that yes indeed I have used them and I am not ashamed! Sanity is priceless!</div>
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Lunch/shower! I LOVE to get my kiddo in his highchair in our tiny bathroom and give him his lunch and jump in the shower and actually get a full shower. We put on some music and I sing out in the shower and he enjoys his lunch. There might be some mess to clean up but you know what that is why I chose washable paint and easy to clean flooring! Today he was even content enough that I got to pluck my eyebrows! That hadn't happened in a week! I know what you are thinking, "How is that getting time to yourself?" Well since this kid seems to have some sort of radar that detects when I am going to shower and that is the exact time when he wakes up from a nap - how does he do that - I have to find a way. I tried waking up before he does and everytime he wakes up while I am in the shower! I tried showering at night but dang it, I need a daytime shower to feel human! So thus the Lunch (or breakfast in come occasions)/shower was born!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5GFLWIlakI3_EO5lnUr-mEj5nCUmNB0OOGKhvL6cet5GPAlbovHv6JOZlBQ-Zd9ZMGjJWLBMwNyuwjl-A_4HFtW-NicVhu4jh0I01_m45pGRBG-Qz7tVVAzzwh5XIW6U70dSxZoau_4/s1600/2013-01-17+12.04.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5GFLWIlakI3_EO5lnUr-mEj5nCUmNB0OOGKhvL6cet5GPAlbovHv6JOZlBQ-Zd9ZMGjJWLBMwNyuwjl-A_4HFtW-NicVhu4jh0I01_m45pGRBG-Qz7tVVAzzwh5XIW6U70dSxZoau_4/s1600/2013-01-17+12.04.27.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is a banana on the toilet!</td></tr>
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Let's face it, when you have small children you never get to go to the bathroom on your own. So in order to get through a bathroom break without too much of an issue I have a basket of his bath toys he can play with anytime. In fact I have read that kid a book when my intestinal tract was not feeling so kind! He thought it was great fun to read in the bathroom. Bonus - your kid gets that much more comfortable with what happens in the bathroom. My crazy 18 month old now loves to sit on his potty when Mommy goes potty. Oh the bonding!<br />
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I have at least a couple of "toys" in every single room of my house. This way no matter where I am I can distract him with something. In the kitchen he has kitchen stuff. He likes to cook while I cook. He will stir in his pots or pour with his milk jug. Toys don't always have to be real toys. In my bedroom he loves to play with the latches on an old trunk. He can be distracted for several minutes by an unattended open drawer of clothes. Yes, I then have to refold and put them away but you know what sometimes I need to just sit down. The good news is that as kid age they seem to think helping is fun too so you might just get help putting it back away.<br />
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That item they want to play with but you never let them, yet you know it won't hurt them - do it. I let my kid have our house phone, remote, rearrange the spice rack, etc. He loves it. I am paying attention but he thinks he is getting away with murder. The funny thing is that they are actually learning while they do it. He now knows how to turn on the TV. He knows which button on the phone makes the ringer go off. He will line the spices up in various patterns. So it is kinda a win-win.</div>
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Busted but its cool!</div>
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Put a toy away - take a new or old hidden toy out. I love this so much. First, it keeps my house from looking like I hoard kid's stuff. Second, he acts like it is the best toy ever for at least 10 minutes! I have noticed when I put away a toy he has played with for quite awhile and then bring it back out, he will play with it in new ways. They learn so much so fast that everything changes and evolves for them. For example, my son had a tool bench that he would only do a few of the musical things when he had it from 6 month to 12 months but when I got it back out at 15 months he was able to use the hammer with it and actually "pound" the nails down. How cool is that! He played with that sucker for about 45 minutes and I was able to clean the kitchen in peace!</div>
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Okay, I do not only use tricks for my kid. Oh sweet husband of mine please do not use these against me!</div>
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Let's just say it here and now - men take serious bathroom time too. How many women read in the bathroom? Well I wanna read too! So on occasion I may have some "faux" stomach issues - this is how a read a magazine once in a while. I realized that I could just stash a magazine in there and sit on the bathroom rug for a few. Sweet peace - oh I could light a candle too - "don't go in there for a few!" HA!</div>
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I may or may not hide sweets around the house. I might value chocolate more than diamonds so I gotta keep some safe for Mom when times get rough. Super mom to mom tip - no one wants to look in boxes of feminine products.</div>
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I have set up the majority of my house so that I can let my kid be free range. Now does that mean that he won't make a mega mess that I have to clean up or maybe get hurt? Nope. It means I have some freedom and so does he. He is free to explore but he keeps an eye on me too. This does mean that I have had to put away some of my pretty things but those are just that - things. Not having to worry about stuff getting broken or child proofing every little thing has allow both of us to be a little more free. Besides dance parties can break out anywhere and we don't want to be worried about breakables!</div>
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When you are parenting you have to be creative and flexible. TV can only and should only do so much!<br />
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See I took this woman's idea of a base recipe and then came up with this amazing muffin recipe that my son cannot get enough of and my husband asked to share at a work meeting!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310952436437/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/31384528622732554_SmenHsAN_c.jpg" height="159" width="554" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://compwalla.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/the-macgyver-of-muffins/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">compwalla.wordpress.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://compwalla.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/the-macgyver-of-muffins/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">compwalla.wordpress.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Her basic Muffin Mix is a great way to start experimenting with ingredients. I did a first version that was pretty good with apples and cinnamon but these are what I would like to think of as coffeehouse good!<br />
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<strong>Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins</strong><br />
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For 2 dozen</div>
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Preheat oven to 400 and spray muffin tins with non stick flour spray.</div>
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2 cups of whole wheat flour</div>
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2 cups of quick cooking oatmeal</div>
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2 Tbsp of baking powder</div>
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scant 1/2 tsp of salt</div>
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1 cup of skim milk</div>
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1 cup of vanilla Greek yogurt</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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1/3 cup of applesauce</div>
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1/3 cup of vegetable oil</div>
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2-3 mashed bananas</div>
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2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips</div>
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2/3 cup of packed brown sugar</div>
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1 Tbsp of honey</div>
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Mix dry, add wet, add the rest. Mix until just moistened. Fill muffin cups nearly full.</div>
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Sprinkle with brown sugar. (This gives it a great slightly sweet crunchy top!)</div>
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Bake for 18 minutes.</div>
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Let cool for at least 5 minutes.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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If you wanted to go healthier (sad for you - just kidding - I should be healthier too!) you could substitute raisins for the chocolate chips, egg substitute for the eggs, and Splenda for the brown sugar.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-27125565161390802352013-01-09T16:00:00.000-05:002013-01-09T16:29:39.226-05:00It wasn't me - it was one of the other Tired Mom Personalities!So just to make sure we are all clear that I am no kinda perfect mom, today I will be sharing some of the madness that has been taking place. Just an FYI there will be some personal information about me that may be disturbing to some readers. Judge me all you want. I don't care. I prefer to live my life in a very honest and open manner. This means I like to share - a lot, pretty much what most people think is too much. But you know what? I have always found that it relates to someone. I have gotten more thank yous for things I have had the balls to say (yep I wrote balls - it happens to be my go to word and I say it doesn't have to be a dirty word - it might just be balls!). Alright enough on with my crazy show.<br />
So my kid has been on a sleep protest for what seems like forever. Naps are less than an hour, wakes up every night for at least a half an hour, whatnot. I cannot remember the last night I got a decent night's sleep. Oh wait, yes I do. It was November 10, 2012 11pm- 10am Las Vegas, NV. That's right. I went to Vegas and I got sleep! Anyway, the lack of sleep gets to you and sometimes you get well I would like to say a little bit of multiple personalities. So lets visit some of mine shall we?<br />
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<ol>
<li>Meanie Mom - oh she's as mad as hell and she's not gonna take it anymore (movie reference - if you know it shout it out!)!!!!! You better either help her out NOW or get the $%#@ outta her way. This mom has been known to yell at others (including her sweet child), throw things (if I step on that car, dog toy, pile of newspapers, etc one more time, it is getting chucked straight at someone's shins - mom's don't hit heads -causes too much potential work later), and probably more stuff I have blocked out in anger.</li>
<li>Bargaining Mom - I will just let him sleep in my bed just this once (for the 5th night in a row) so we can all get some sleep - all the while getting kicked in the head and sucker punched in the back, why yes you may play with my tampons so I can pluck my chin hair (okay if any men are reading this - and quite frankly I hope some are. I have plenty of goodness to share with you too, I hope this and many other facts about ladies does not shock you too much), lunch in your highchair in the bathroom so I can take a shower and cry in a little bit of peace - yep done it, and the ever popular - cookies for a meal just so you eat something - you bet (I believe it was the great Billy Cosby who said something about chocolate cake being okay for breakfast because it has eggs and milk in it- ha good stuff!).</li>
<li>Pretty much comatose Mom - this mom has zoned out so she has no idea that you have managed to get the remote and somehow locked up the TV (NOOOO! Now how will I keep you occupied while sitting here barely holding it together?), put stuff in the dryer only to find later that there was still a large piece of broccoli wedged in somewhere that made it thru but strangely looks like it shrunk (who knew the dryer could even shrink food!), or stares at her child playing with something for several moments only to realize that what they are playing with happens to be a 50 Cent CD (no, not the price for those of you know do not know who that is) and is trying to see if it bends - go ahead kid - not like I can ever let you know that I listen to gangsta rap with explicit (man is that a hard word to spell -especially with little sleep) lyrics but for everyone else - yes, yes I do - when that kid is not around this mama needs some inappropriateness loud and proud!</li>
<li>Just plain at her wits end Mom - this is the sitting in the corner rocking and sobbing mom, the mom that is pretty sure she has ruined this sweet child that God blessed her with, has let the exhaustion take over and the thoughts that she is doing everything wrong (you should never have let him sleep in your bed, you shouldn't rock him to sleep, you aren't doing it right - other moms just let them work it out themselves - I am not judging how anyone else gets their kids to sleep either - we all find what works for us and our individual kids), and you can't sleep when sleep is an actual option because you are too worried about - work, bills, your health, the housework, exercise, the dog, what other people think, and maybe a little about some of the things you would like to do for yourself. This mom is just holding it together as long as she can. </li>
</ol>
Today I am a little bit of all four plus probably more. I set my alarm for 6:30am so maybe today I could shower in peace, exercise, or get some work done before I am in 100% Mommymode, but this kid woke up at 6:28am. I cried in the shower as my son ate his lunch and threw food on the bathroom floor. I let him happily run off with my tampons. I stood in the bathroom not moving, not really sure what to do next and not sure where he was or what he was doing. I should be napping, working, or paying bills right now but instead I am writing this post. <br />
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I know you are saying, "Hey nut job, why aren't you doing one of those "more important things"? You don't get anything for doing this." At least that is what I have inferred from some comments I have gotten. But the truth is, this is making me feel better. All that stuff will be there when I am done but some of my feelings I have now been able to let go of. See this stay at home, work from home, crafter, perfectionist mom; whom seems to be very outgoing; has actually become a little introverted. Becoming a mom somehow made me think I needed to do it all and do it all more or less alone. Now let me say I am by no means alone. I have a wonderful husband, family, and friends but I have that uncanny knack for...well I'm not even sure how to describe it but if you are anything like me, you just know what I am talking about.<br />
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So now that I have gotten that out I suppose I shall (no one says shall much anymore - oh another tired mom personality - lack of focus - only half of the dishe...oh an M&M on the floor...oh crap don't put that on the dog - she doesn't like that!) go do something more important! But hey if you see any of those moms today help them out or give them a hug! They were probably your mom at one time or maybe you someday! And oh, let's not forget the dads and other caregivers - they have those days and personalities too!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQkLgfWqTUZxBmFTb9nLgYrbP1G4a9rF3he91ow-8wq1IS4NPNm4lQAq19a-2XxjGuGo04DyYagfhfL8eDYmSijzgPSWo_Cfg5bvNRefrFncw4WyFydnAtHGxq6vbdzDK-xKetdHp8BA/s1600/2012-10-21+16.30.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQkLgfWqTUZxBmFTb9nLgYrbP1G4a9rF3he91ow-8wq1IS4NPNm4lQAq19a-2XxjGuGo04DyYagfhfL8eDYmSijzgPSWo_Cfg5bvNRefrFncw4WyFydnAtHGxq6vbdzDK-xKetdHp8BA/s1600/2012-10-21+16.30.00.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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*** Little extra - if you like this post please share, consider following via means to your right-->, or comment. Also if you are on Pinterest (ah my sweet love) I have added a board on my page to let others pin items they would like to see me attempt! Please join in or let me know if you would like to join us!<br />
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(this will happen again right?)<br />
<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-78076939430684104872013-01-07T17:00:00.000-05:002013-01-07T17:00:01.033-05:00Pinterest successes and maybe a little failure<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay by now you have probably figured out that I am fairly obsessed with Pinterest. I probably spend way too much time pinning things I will more than likely never do but hey we can all dream right? Well today in honor of the fact that my kid is sleeping like it is only a suggestion, I thought I would share a few easy recipes and other items you can do with little to no sleep with success!<br />
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Okay, lets get this out of the way. Yes, I give my kid sugar. Yes, I give him sugar at breakfast sometimes. I enjoyed sugar as a kid and grew up fine. Moderation is the key with anything in life and we should all get to enjoy sweets now and then! Phew I feel better. On with the show! <br />
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<strong>Cinnamon Roll Waffles rock my face off!</strong><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310952364118/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/524880531540988258_jHp0glfo_c.jpg" height="640" width="169" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://healthymealpins.com/?p=31255" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">healthymealpins.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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So here is how mine turned out: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClhs2xYZUDVg7_xURgjClIQGfi5Ses6TN8Id6BIQXzg2Lx4ZueczaM9cvTVzau2GVeiLQhHdXQFQtRO3ROW4CLnOZ-XDAcduikPwQ7sULCb3hbebH898yF26FK6v2zbKN7bvwLa6uiUA/s1600/2013-01-06+10.36.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClhs2xYZUDVg7_xURgjClIQGfi5Ses6TN8Id6BIQXzg2Lx4ZueczaM9cvTVzau2GVeiLQhHdXQFQtRO3ROW4CLnOZ-XDAcduikPwQ7sULCb3hbebH898yF26FK6v2zbKN7bvwLa6uiUA/s1600/2013-01-06+10.36.58.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>So good I could lick my monitor a little! They are crispy on the outside but not hard like they are from the oven, and so soft and good on the inside! I obviously put 4 in at time because I used the generic original ones.</div>
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And here is my son enjoying them! He ate two of the four!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmSgxffYSJcP_e0TfkKTxXtJXCI43Q3gAOZgwy-ek3z4UbPRzFcusVxHjVOr4O9yTUXxH3psVUdt-ELVtqbUjj6Pbqn9HeFyxzgr8urpUyD1JYn5pXFPCujKvB5o3mIMypmCWjBd8wjQ/s1600/2013-01-06+10.40.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmSgxffYSJcP_e0TfkKTxXtJXCI43Q3gAOZgwy-ek3z4UbPRzFcusVxHjVOr4O9yTUXxH3psVUdt-ELVtqbUjj6Pbqn9HeFyxzgr8urpUyD1JYn5pXFPCujKvB5o3mIMypmCWjBd8wjQ/s1600/2013-01-06+10.40.19.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<strong>Next up Quinoa!</strong> Okay if you are like me you were saying, "what is this quin-oo-wa stuff and why do I want to eat it?" Well first let me help you with how it is said, because it took me forever to get it right. It is pronounced "keen-wah" and it is stupid easy to work with and delicious. With that said be careful when measuring and pouring - these little suckers want to run everywhere and if you spill them you will be finding them for potentially years.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7usXDi8eTYXI6ilEjafwcVg1NjdwfE5aCLoEJkKeGLeQJzihRUMNsDpolBE1GFeUcvdwcMPG06q-E9zKHaUwwl38mhZN-q_fAmN_o-aLiNQk8hDObgNWB9yqCirhY_Xxncnhm0VVZxZA/s1600/2013-01-03+17.56.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7usXDi8eTYXI6ilEjafwcVg1NjdwfE5aCLoEJkKeGLeQJzihRUMNsDpolBE1GFeUcvdwcMPG06q-E9zKHaUwwl38mhZN-q_fAmN_o-aLiNQk8hDObgNWB9yqCirhY_Xxncnhm0VVZxZA/s1600/2013-01-03+17.56.31.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
So I thought I would start out simple and found this recipe on Pinterest (have I mentioned my love affair yet) but adapted it just a smidge.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310952364305/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/18366310952364305_q2bezVWz_c.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://whatsfordinner-momwhatsfordinner.blogspot.com/2012/12/cheesy-broccoli-quinoa-and-giveaway.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">whatsfordinner-momwhatsfordinner.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cheesy Broccoli
Quinoa - adapted from Mom What's for Dinner</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup quinoa, well
rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups chicken
broth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
2 1/2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped</span><br />
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br />
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Add quinoa, broth and broccoli to a large
pot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszxtNpkG14IJBbyClko4AlDzNereDTz15RTXFkIPoXbCerp26WpYhb9FowVZy4abS5wN6XJoEkswhlXVOZHPP_TC9lsrSdAnlMihqHpJxkM-TOK9DZrSe-wwcaSniL7rMikHQDjUTH7w/s1600/2013-01-03+18.18.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszxtNpkG14IJBbyClko4AlDzNereDTz15RTXFkIPoXbCerp26WpYhb9FowVZy4abS5wN6XJoEkswhlXVOZHPP_TC9lsrSdAnlMihqHpJxkM-TOK9DZrSe-wwcaSniL7rMikHQDjUTH7w/s1600/2013-01-03+18.18.14.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender (tiny taste test). Add the cheese - in my world I do not ever measure cheese - I add until I am happy about the cheesiness! Let it melt into the other goodness and enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlgjkYc0Yxq52SyhHzi6iawsqHY_wwRbdu8kqTEEtNPEKe2j8i1Cz8K1YGhaN0BgQjHAcPdd3DMhJjrfPQFOs-lcL21a56FQb_X7yaPHzJvvuyk8TTCluG7eYj9WUtTZ-gUCFhM7wQpI/s1600/2013-01-03+18.44.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlgjkYc0Yxq52SyhHzi6iawsqHY_wwRbdu8kqTEEtNPEKe2j8i1Cz8K1YGhaN0BgQjHAcPdd3DMhJjrfPQFOs-lcL21a56FQb_X7yaPHzJvvuyk8TTCluG7eYj9WUtTZ-gUCFhM7wQpI/s1600/2013-01-03+18.44.18.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The hubs was very skeptical about quinoa but liked this so much he finished what was left in the pot! Just think of the possibilities with this recipe! I am thinking next time quinoa, diced onions, and chicken broth - then add diced Italian style tomatoes and mozzarella (by the way I was so sure there was a "t" in mozzarella - dang it spelling is hard!).<br />
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<strong>Okay and for one non food item - DIY bows</strong><span class="hdrrmn" style="float: left;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310952216616/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/209910032601588274_I8lMIdh5_c.jpg" height="169" width="150" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.bhg.com/christmas/gift-wrapping/festive-bows/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bhg.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Used this to make a nice bow for my Christmas wreath and it turned out great! I used pens instead of dowels - on hand - no cost!!!<br />
Finished product:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrxLrxKroiHITooJsVvx3_2AFP64xHZ7dIMzpVIUBq7Fi1rWHlpvNmBiLI9AkpyigQOfBkVTTSnKOgMT3e6qVXgHQ2MRhCrGkbP7Ijd5b_whEWMnavBclRWQwiKE0W14vAHmnP4KKX9Y/s1600/2012-12-17+14.00.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrxLrxKroiHITooJsVvx3_2AFP64xHZ7dIMzpVIUBq7Fi1rWHlpvNmBiLI9AkpyigQOfBkVTTSnKOgMT3e6qVXgHQ2MRhCrGkbP7Ijd5b_whEWMnavBclRWQwiKE0W14vAHmnP4KKX9Y/s1600/2012-12-17+14.00.17.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong>And just for fun one Pinterest item I tried and failed.</strong><br />
I made this and it was not addicting and the caramel topping got really watery and pretty gross. This was what someone else said, "Also known as Apple Crack Dip because it's THAT addicting!" It was however, not too shabby when I went at it with the immersion blender and then it was pretty decent but looked NOTHING like this!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310951838502/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/92112754848163939_hy8e60I5_c.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://fakeitfrugal.blogspot.com/2011/07/caramel-apple-cheesecake-dessert-dip.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">fakeitfrugal.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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So that is a little taste of my Pinterest trials.<br />
Please post your Pinterest success and failures!<br />
Oh and if you have any good quinoa recipes please share with the class!<br />
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<li>Continue to "Green" my family's lifestyle - I recycle, donate what I can, I have even started using less chemicals but I know I can do more. </li>
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<li>My goal here is to phase out all chemical based cleaners in my life. I have got a start using vinegar and baking soda to clean the toilet! I know many people think without the smell of bleach it isn't clean but I am here to tell you it bubbles and scrubs great. Don't worry I will share all of my progress and tips! The key is to think a little bit ahead of when you will run out of cleaner. For example, I am not a fan of the detergents for dishwashers so I have been researching alternatives. This is my favorite and I plan to test it this week!</li>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18366310951855862/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/112590059403856823_bMVyZxft_c.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://kingdomfirstmom.com/2011/01/homemade-dishwasher-detergent.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">kingdomfirstmom.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kristinmf/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kristin</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<li> Now let me be honest I want to do this as much for the environment and my family as I do for the ability to save money! But sometimes I have to go with what is easy. I have a serious love affair with Charlie's Soap for our laundry. We cloth diaper (see I am saving money and the Earth) and this stuff is AMAZING. I might have to do a longer feature on it in a Products I love post, but until then check them out!</li>
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<a href="http://charliesoap.com/">Safe, non-toxic, biodegradable soap | Charlie's Soap</a><br />
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<li>Buying more foods from local farmers and organics. This maybe a little more expensive but in the long run I am making a difference in what my family eats and our health so it is totally worth it. In order to make this happen I am now ordering from <a href="http://www.greenbeandelivery.com/indianapolis/">http://www.greenbeandelivery.com/indianapolis/</a> and boy is it worth it. We get fresh produce delivered weekly and feel more incentive to use it. </li>
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There is so much more I want to do but you don't want to be reading this forever so I will check back in on my "greening" soon!<br />
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<li>Care for my body - We can all take better care of ourselves in many ways but this year I am focusing on being healthy. </li>
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<li>Make an appointment for skin check. It is that simple. Something we take for granted is so important - take time to make the important appointments for your health. Some Dr.'s will let you schedule up to a year in advance and with most health insurance carriers and the new health care act prevention or wellness checks are free! So get with it all ready!</li>
<li>30 minutes of movement at least 5 days a week. Yes, I know that is vague but it is that simple too. Maybe one day I go walk the mall with the kiddo and the next I vacuum and dust for 30 minutes. It all counts. </li>
<li>7 hours of sleep each 24 hrs. Okay I have an 18 month old so sleep is never a guarantee but it is important so I will nap more if I need to and go to bed earlier if I need to. Sleep is so important to everything we do. I know my patience is much shorter with my son when I don't get about 7 hours. So sweet Tempurpedic bed, lets snuggle up more!</li>
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<li>Cut myself some slack</li>
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<li>No one is harder on me than me. I will admit it here and I now I am not alone, I want so badly to be perfect at everything. It is not about how others see me but how I see myself. This caused me a huge amount of anxiety for the first year or so of my son's life. I really felt that I had to be the perfect mom who made everything from scratch, worked really well part time from home, and had a successful jewelry making business. Oh did I mention a spotless home, perfect body, and happy husband? Would I ever expect even half of those things from a friend? Absolutely not. Why should I expect them from me? It has only been in about the last month that I have started to change my perceptions and be proud of everything I accomplish. </li>
<li>So how will I do this? Yeah, how? Well I really think only time will tell and everyday will be a chance to be kinder to myself. So when I do mess up, it is just an opportunity to "hug" myself a little tighter, maybe do a little "Brightener", and try again. At the end of the day it is about enjoying the simple moments more.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_C5NHH65AP_qn514pbiOg8twmcEMdHcF61VrbdKjVy2cpsp8OiDJTSX-XEjvMpo4FCWh86K2f9QKxW38thCfkvfxOEreqLgovxHHeQXHKEw5E7ptGQI0wuoAjmv68KHgZdAYkKuA5dA/s1600/2012-12-25+09.37.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_C5NHH65AP_qn514pbiOg8twmcEMdHcF61VrbdKjVy2cpsp8OiDJTSX-XEjvMpo4FCWh86K2f9QKxW38thCfkvfxOEreqLgovxHHeQXHKEw5E7ptGQI0wuoAjmv68KHgZdAYkKuA5dA/s1600/2012-12-25+09.37.19.jpg" /></a></div>
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Okay I could go on and on but then no one really wants to hear all about me. I encourage you to write down some goals and ways you can work on them. We will revisit this in the future to check in on how I am doing and maybe how some of you brave souls who are willing to share are doing! My biggest piece of advice on any goal is to break it down into smaller pieces and only take one piece of one goal at a time. You cannot say I am going to lose weight and give up all sugar, cut 1200 calories, and run 15 miles in the first day and expect you can keep it all up. Take small bites and you are less likely to choke - good advice for life!<br />
Remember it is about doing better but mistakes and taking a different path than planned can end in results you never expected!<br />
Happy journeys my friends!<br />
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-31852352400712027922012-12-31T22:03:00.003-05:002012-12-31T22:03:36.478-05:00Giving...yeah I'm down for that but how do I choose where?So as the minutes tick down to 2013 those of us thinking about our year and, let's face it - tax deductions, how do you choose where your giving goes? I mean let's be honest here, there are a ton of organizations that really need the help, not to mention all the institutions calling for money (as though it is not enough that I give you all my money and signed away my first born to attend your school (totally worth it!) you still want more?!), and then there is your church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious institution. Of course in a perfect world (eh, that must be in some alternate universe 'cus it sure isn't here) you would have given all year and not just in a monetary way, but we are talking penny pincher tactics at this point! Don't worry we will get to other ways to give in a future post!<br />
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Here are a few ways I use to help my family make this decision:<br />
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<li>What organization has helped me in the past and I may continue to benefit from? This one is a little selfish but you do need to soul search a bit. My husband and I met in college (did not date until years later when we ran into each other - a story for another time) and both believe the scholarships, assistance, support, socialization, and education really helped to mold us into the people we are today and we hope to continue to share that with many others. This could also be your place of worship, YMCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, or any place that is "feeding you" physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc. </li>
<li>If you could give money to a cause in hopes that one day they will never need your money again, how great would that feel? Think money for a cure for... you fill in that blank. Most of us have been touched by some sort of disease or tragedy in our lives and would love to do something about it so our kids never will. Maybe this is the Alzheimer's Association, The American Cancer Society, or MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving. How wonderful would it be to someday be able to say I gave to a cause that cured that disease or ended drunk driving?!? </li>
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<a href="http://www.cancer.org/index" target="_blank">http://www.cancer.org/index</a><br />
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3. Quick if you had $100 to give and had to give it to charity, who would you give it too? Your gut is a powerful thing. Just pipe down and listen. I will just say that rescue animals will win for me 9/10. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPB0zE7t86BAtXe-ujmfbBua9_UNyYLCb5BSFh3fiYLWrmeSqWdbL2T5Nuk5V4RcIPwBp7trPu36O7tJI-ywo-P6qm0SU8XRtyvLHxebhuneyaHDpkKvFqf2zArMNOGXUCQB4FXAgCUE/s1600/1202_39276362543_6773_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPB0zE7t86BAtXe-ujmfbBua9_UNyYLCb5BSFh3fiYLWrmeSqWdbL2T5Nuk5V4RcIPwBp7trPu36O7tJI-ywo-P6qm0SU8XRtyvLHxebhuneyaHDpkKvFqf2zArMNOGXUCQB4FXAgCUE/s1600/1202_39276362543_6773_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>Who would give up this face? She saved me too!</div>
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4. Research. A duh. Of course you should check into areas of giving that interest you before you give willy nilly (ha that was even funnier to type than to think!). Remember some of the Hurricane Katrina money that did not go to the people of New Orleans? Yeah, that is low but well there are some pretty rotten people out there so beware.<br />
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<a href="http://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank">Charity Navigator is America's premier independent charity evaluator. They help charitable givers make intelligent giving decisions by providing in-depth, objective ratings and analysis of the<em> financial health</em> and <em>accountability & transparency</em> of America's largest charities. Use Charity Navigator's simple searchable database to find a charity you can trust and support.</a><br />
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5. It never hurts to go with a charity you like that is also offering the ability for a match. This may mean your own employer will provide a $1 for $1 match or maybe a % of your donation match. Or maybe someone with a nice wad wants to help a little more and offer more incentive to others to give and offers a match. Either way you have to think you are possibly doubling your giving without actually spending the extra. Win-win-win!!<br />
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But the real lesson of this is just to get busy and give! Trust me the benefits of giving far out way the extra latte you were going to get this week. Just think, you could feed the hungry and watch your weight by cutting eating out one time a month - that might be $5 a month but for a year that is $60 to potentially feed a family for up to a month in some situations. How awesome is that? <br />
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So get busy and give. Oh and Happy New Year to all of you!!!!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-68154504909567551062012-12-27T16:00:00.000-05:002012-12-27T16:00:00.606-05:00I never knew how pretty my bathroom ceiling was (or thoughts while crying on the floor)<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">This is what I thought of as I laid on the floor of my bathroom crying my eyes out and glancing up at the ceiling. I had to laugh. How did I get here? Literally, I lay down to cry after another night of not being able to get my son to go to sleep in his own bed. Figuratively, well that's what I wanted to know. How did I become the mom who cannot get her child to self soothe? Why can't I just put him into his bed, and he go to sleep? Why am I a terrible mother? That is where this ends up.</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 7pt;" style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"> That is where so many issues with motherhood end up with me. Do I truly believe I am a terrible mother? Sometimes. Like when I yelled at him this evening to just go to sleep. I let my frustration get the better of me. But then I think of all the good things I am doing for him. Healthy foods, teaching him to count his fingers, and more hugs and kisses than Hersey's can produce!</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 7pt;" style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"> I know that this too shall pass. But in a world of Pinterest, Facebook, and blogs we all see and read these portrayals of perfection and when we hold the mirror up to ourselves we see those "epic fails'. Now I do not write this for a pity party. Any mom who is being honest will tell you they have had these days. I should say any parent or caregiver who cares has these days. </span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 7pt;" style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"> When I worked with people with dementia I knew they were not acting out because they chose to. They acted out because the disease took their ability to choose to act the way they would have wanted to. I have so much patience for them. I have to remind myself a child is no different. They do not really choose to act out. They act in the only ways they know how. If they do not have the tools to express what they want, what are they supposed to do? </span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 7pt;" style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"> So I guess I am saying to be kind. Be kind to the older woman who is asking you for the 10th time where her baby is. Be kind to the child who cries when you do not do what they want. But also be kind to yourself. Care giving is hard whether it be for a 1 year old or a 101 year old. </span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 7pt;" style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">So what do I do next? I take a deep breath, a bite a chocolate, and remember he won't always feel or act his way; and get back in there! Parenting ain't no place for wimps!</span><br />
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Oh and a late Merry Christmas to all of you and your's! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-29815475361417313202012-12-21T16:30:00.000-05:002012-12-21T16:30:01.070-05:00Put the credit card down - new toys are everywhere Part 1<div>
Your house is filled with toys - that you already own. No, not the crazy loud toy with all the buttons and lights. But to the penny pincher's delight, there are so many things you can use as toys! I have turned around a toddler tantrum with some of these gems and you can too! </div>
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We all know about the beauty of cardboard and kids. But it never hurts to look at it in new ways. I have pinned many a new idea on my Pinterest page and I have kept more boxes than my hubs would like. In fact when I see something I need to throw away I start thinking, "Hey nut job what else could you do with this before you throw it out?" (Yes I call myself names, it's cool, me and the "others" are just like that.) You will see what I mean as you scroll. Just please don't call Hoarders, by not buying toys (that is a Grandparent's job right?) and using everyday stuff I have kept my house just out of the range of natural disaster.</div>
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Standard disclaimer - don't try suing me. I may be a penny pincher but I still have no money - see my career choice! Anyway, always supervise your kids as needed, make sure items are appropriate, yadda yadda - aka use some sense and if you don't have any... well may Mr. Rogers be with you!</div>
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<ol>1. Laundry Basket - are you kidding me this is a standard for years of fun. I remember my brother and I pushing each other down the icy ramped driveway in a laundry basket in high school. Yes, you read that right - never stop playing! But early on it is great to put a kiddo in with warm towels out of the dryer - start teaching them to fold and sort! Push them around in it like it is a go cart - add a steering wheel by giving them a large plastic lid. Sock balls are fun to play with but if you wanna spend a little, take your sweet buns to Target and pick up a bag of 150 plastic balls for $14.99. Instant ball pit!! Hours of fun - dumping the balls, picking up the balls, diving for hidden objects in the balls. You could also use the good ol' laundry basket as a cage like I liked to do with my brother, but some frown on that. </ol>
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2. An old wallet and "credit cards" - you can use those fake cards you get in the mail, used, empty gift cards, reward cards you know you are never gonna use but you signed up for because that girl behind the corner was pushy and you felt trapped, shoot my kid loves a good business card. They love to take them out of the slots and try to put them back in. Older kids love to think they have cards like their parents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s9qdB5g7bsdYU58kP6_L5RBdbYxUMFTXEoz_LEM1ZmDbDx_D7taN-uNSKvd4j0spklDFpV2VW8qzuiB3sfTaIteppT8IqMY_ybF8isR-bv96dKlWwuJni2q8xqYo39g8o_N8n2_R_08/s1600/2012-12-20+14.04.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s9qdB5g7bsdYU58kP6_L5RBdbYxUMFTXEoz_LEM1ZmDbDx_D7taN-uNSKvd4j0spklDFpV2VW8qzuiB3sfTaIteppT8IqMY_ybF8isR-bv96dKlWwuJni2q8xqYo39g8o_N8n2_R_08/s1600/2012-12-20+14.04.07.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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3. An old wooden foot massager makes a great musical instrument either a drum stick or use something else to run up and down the ridges - great sound. It can also be used as a phone or microphone as my son loves to do.</div>
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4. Egg carton (cardboard is the best) - fun for sorting items, storing small toys, and best if you have some of the plastic Easter eggs. I like to put small snacks in them. He loves to shake them and find out what's in there! Snack time and play time all in one!!!! It's fun for pretend cooking too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfMDTntipdo59Hqa1FmZ0IlwWBXRcQFBbAijM2O85oiE9xIbTPBtfIgduU_RAN8f-w8RwT3mbO35pth4epmqqbz-p1UucSinwkciEp8-Zuh9lbO5f_jD_oq2PAkSQovt5QL587uiilUw/s1600/2012-12-20+13.58.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfMDTntipdo59Hqa1FmZ0IlwWBXRcQFBbAijM2O85oiE9xIbTPBtfIgduU_RAN8f-w8RwT3mbO35pth4epmqqbz-p1UucSinwkciEp8-Zuh9lbO5f_jD_oq2PAkSQovt5QL587uiilUw/s1600/2012-12-20+13.58.49.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. Paper- Yep I give this kid all junk mail, printer paper to recycle, wrapping paper scraps, magazines, little pads of paper from hotels (you know you take them too). Wrap up boxes with a snack or old toy in the box - some of the fun is unwrapping anyway. Paper airplanes - My kiddo loves to chase them and then run back with it for me to throw again - until the day I first tried this I forgot how much fun it can be to fly paper airplanes! Magazine are fun because they love the bright colors and even better if it has pictures of kids! Paper ball fight, laundry basketball, or volleyball. Oh the possibilities of paper!<br />
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Trust me I have many more and I will share but this is getting long! Use your imagination and you are teaching your child to use theirs! See what everyday items you can turn into great new adventures and share with the class!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-64796381369480448202012-12-19T20:55:00.000-05:002012-12-19T20:55:04.523-05:00Why I will not talk about the tragedy<div>
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I actually wrote this as a post on Facebook but as the innocent souls are laid to rest, I felt it poignant to share here, because I am not the only one who feels this way. And that is okay. No one can ever tell us how to grieve or how to find a way to go on.</div>
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As people have tried to engage me in a discussion about the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT, I have had to ask them to stop or I walk away. I cannot talk about it. I cannot think about it. It isn't because I do not care. It isn't because I want to pretend it didn't happen. </div>
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I will not talk about it because once I start to let it all sink in and really think about it... I am afraid. See as many of you know my husband is a teacher and my father is a teacher. So many of my family and friends are teachers on many different levels. I cannot bear to think about how those teachers felt and will continue to deal with this. I cannot stand to think about the families they left behind. As I was reading the early information about the shooting I got a text message from one of our news channels and all that I saw there was an evacuation of North Side High School where my Dad is a teacher. I fell apart right then. Lucky it was just a small fire, but the what if's are too much.</div>
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I cannot even get into how the children and families have been affected. I am choosing not to. My little boy, only 1 1/2, will someday go to school. That is a fact. He will not always be right by my side. Another fact. Though I would give my life to protect him every moment of everyday, I will not always be able to. A fact that I already struggle with everyday.</div>
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So I choose not to think about this, or discuss it at this time. You can think I am heartless. But my heart needs to be filled with hope. Hope for my child. Hope for my family. Hope for those people. Hope for all people. </div>
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What a season to feel such sorrow. I do pray, as hard, and as much as I can for peace for all touched by this and for all people. </div>
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May Peace, Hope, and God's Love find us all.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249819712264409217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416653490911374217.post-3656102767946971412012-12-18T16:00:00.000-05:002012-12-21T14:00:15.339-05:00Brighteners<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There are just those days. Days when you are pretty sure a gloomy rain cloud is
following you around a la Eeyore. Ya gotta get outta that funk and fast!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One day when I was in a
particularly dumpy day, I had an idea to write a list of things that make me
feel better. I call them Brighteners. They just brighten your day. They can be
whatever makes you smile, laugh, or feel better. Some people like a little retail
therapy - some not so much - I'm a penny pincher so I will not be seen at the
Coach store anytime soon. For others it is volunteering. Even just the thought
of helping others less fortunate can make you feel better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So what is on my list?
Well these are some of the things I came up with. I am sure there are many more
and some may not even make sense to anyone but me, but hey that's why it’s my
list!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Making lists - yes I am that person - judge all
you want - it soothes me!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Organizing - chucking stuff, putting stuff away
- it clears my mind - ahh so Zen.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest - okay this is more an addiction but
it's like dreaming with virtual Post-its. <img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest button" src="http://passets-lt.pinterest.com/images/about/buttons/follow-me-on-pinterest-button.png" height="33" width="200" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crafts - creating something feels so good! All
the better if it is recycled from stuff lying around!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I08MPXAPoMoYo7drGbfR8JnGKGqteeBZpgcwQazhYmLgn02R-G4fqcHLDQoosv0F2oC_dE1_vXIgdzt7Ho-ZIHJOtsmBhQpeaiwHRjnnkPAQWMsUrBDa6YZ6Zdfn-y4Sq3jiYUVBhP0/s1600/2012-08-19+16.02.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I08MPXAPoMoYo7drGbfR8JnGKGqteeBZpgcwQazhYmLgn02R-G4fqcHLDQoosv0F2oC_dE1_vXIgdzt7Ho-ZIHJOtsmBhQpeaiwHRjnnkPAQWMsUrBDa6YZ6Zdfn-y4Sq3jiYUVBhP0/s1600/2012-08-19+16.02.59.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shameless plug for my company -<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kristin.folkerts/posts/10151171337222544#"> Musing Tree Creations</a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exercise - yeah I hate to exercise but I love to
dance, take a walk, and play with my dog and kiddo - it all counts!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dive into another obsession - Dave Matthews
Band. So this might mean some light Internet stalking, listening to their
music, watching their concerts, anything DMB works for me!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pampering - okay I cannot afford the spa (see
penny pincher note above) so I like to do mini home spa stuff. A foot scrub, a microdermabrasion
at home - you can get those handheld dealies and a little of my fav. face scrub
St. Ives Apricot Scrub - works wonders and so much cheaper than the real deal!
In essence, whatever makes you feel fabulous and pampered. I like to think of the
episode of The Middle when Frankie put the pad over her eyes like an eye mask,
lit a candle, and relaxed in the car dealership bathroom!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Give! - give your money, time, stuff you want to
pass on, a hug, a nice note, whatever makes your soul smile! This can be a whole
other list in and of itself. - Ohhh perhaps a post for another day!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dog time - Oh my sweet Gracie. Just cuddling
with her on the couch makes me so much happier. She doesn't judge me - even
when I am eating my 8th cookie of the day. She doesn't demand things of me
other than a little food and love. Done and done my friend! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since my son was born we don't always get
the time we need. This has resulted in her trying to chew her toe off, and me
making her wear the sock of shame but it is all in love! Time, just her and me
- so precious! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 41.15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cuddles with my sweet Coen - cuddles with a
wiggly 1 1/2 year old are somewhat fleeting. You gotta soak them in when you
can and if that doesn’t make me feel good - time to check my pulse!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 41.15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reading - if you have kids you know this is a
luxury! At this point I am excited if I get through a page in a magazine. A
chapter in a book would be bliss!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 41.15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nap - what more do I need to say people?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 41.15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sing - I love to crank up the music and sing at
the top of my lungs like I am The Next Top American Voice Idol! Am I any good?
Eh. I can sing but I am not winning any awards. I like to think I can sing
Christmas music and Country songs pretty good but that might just be in my
head. I have not yet been booed by my son or the dog so... yeah I am pretty
good!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 41.15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Date night with my husband! - yeah it doesn't
happen often enough but even looking forward to it just does something to make
me turn my mood around!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.15pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">I could probably go on but that is more than enough! I hope you
have been inspired to write your own list. Post it somewhere you will look at
it often and put a little bit more of those things in your day! It could spread
- hopefully like Nutella and not like a fungus! I encourage you to share your
brighteners with me!!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span><br />
</div>
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