Liebster Award

Well a very happy and blustery Monday to everyone! (It is snowing here) I'm so excited because I've been nominated for the Liebster award! I was so kindly nominated by jackiejade. Whom I just found out got engaged over the weekend! YAYY!

What is a Liebster award? The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. And the award is for new and upcoming blogs that have less than 200 followers. First, can I just say what compliments about my work. Thank you thank you thank you! I'm so honored.

This is what happens now:

1. You must post 11 random facts about yourself.

2. Answer the questions by your nominator.

3. Nominate 11 bloggers (with less than 200 hundred followers) and link them in your post.

4. Create 11 questions for your nominees.

5. No tag back required, but leave a comment on this post with the URL to your Liebster post so I can learn more about you.

That being said here are my answers to Jackie Jade's questions

1. When was the first time you were on a plane? The first time I was on a plane was when me, my mom and my brother went to Texas. It was such a great vacation. We went to six flags. The mesquite rodeo. We visited the house from the show Dallas. We went swimming and did a lot of shopping too!

2. Did you have braces? Yes I did have braces for six long painful years.

3. Do you have a lucky number? Well I'm not superstitious but I have a favorite number and that is number 13. It was my dad's baseball number when he played and It's always been my favorite.

4. What was your favorite subject in high school? My favorite subject in high school was language.

5. Where is one place you really want to travel? I really would love to go to Mexico.

6. Are you a fan of scary movies? No. I don't like them one bit! I have terrible nightmares.

7. Do you have any pets now? Yes. I have a dog named Ozzie. He is a jack russell/chihuahua.

8. What is your favorite tv show? My husband and I are obsessed with Grey's Anatomy!

9. Why did you start your blog? I originally had a blog on tumblr. I still do and I started it before I was pregnant with Wyatt. I just wanted it to be inspiring and uplifting to others by sharing my walk with Christ and giving daily devotionals. Then I had my beautiful boy and I wanted to also share everything mommy. And here we are. I'm working on combining the two, currently.

10. How many siblings do you have?  I have eight total siblings. Seven are adopted and one is blood.

11. Do you enjoy cooking? Yes. I love cooking!


The questions for my nominees are:

1. What do you want your blog to stand for?
2. What is your favorite season?
3. Is the job you currently have the job you've always wanted?
4. What is your favorite kind of cuisine?
5. What is your all time favorite movie?
6. Cats or dogs?
7. Have you ever rode a horse?
8. What is your dream vehicle?
9. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
10. How long has it been since your last vacation or staycation?
11. Do you have any kids?

My Nominees:

Angie @ http://keithandangiepope.blogspot.com/

Kacie @ http://www.mamacase.com/

Jess @ http://citysequins.blogspot.com/

Brittany @ http://thelilyfield.blogspot.com/

Andrea @ http://shabbykitteh.blogspot.com/

Clara @ http://walking-inthe-light.blogspot.com/

Tiffany @ http://girlsofgodsheart.blogspot.com/

Leti Del Mar @ http://bookswithletidelmar.blogspot.com/

Loni @ http://thesportsmanswife.blogspot.com/

Sarah @ http://sarahandderek.blogspot.com/

Allison @ http://www.alittleblueberry.com/

Congratulations to you all and job well done! I'm looking forward to learning more about you.


 

Easy Chicken and Quinoa Fry

Isn't it beautiful!

There is a wide variety of ethnicities living on the islands of Hawai'i. This makes it a mecca for all sorts of food influences. From American to Vietnamese to Japanese and obviously Hawaiian. Living there for two years; I really got the chance to explore these different types of unique flavors. It was such a great experience. So much that it is starting to show in my cooking!

This is my first recipe I've ever been able to actually call mine. (YAY!) I've never written one before either so go easy on me. Please, if you try it, let me know how it turned out. I would really love to hear from you. Now, I didn't picture the stars of the meal because we all know what chicken and quinoa look like! The ingredients are highlighted and each step is bold and underlined.

The Co-Stars

First you want to brown the chicken in the pan. I used five chicken tenderloins and there was plenty for hubby and I plus he took a helping to work. I threw the chicken in frozen and let it cook on low until it thawed then turned the heat up to medium high and added some canola oil.
Second I coated both sides of the chicken with freshly ground sea salt and black pepper and also curry powder. I'm not sure what all the differences in curry powders are but the one I used is pictured.
Third I threw in some mushrooms and chopped garlic. This is also when I added my crushed red pepper flakes but if you're not really into spicy foods the diced tomatoes with jalopeno peppers brings a good measure of heat so add as much pepper flakes as you wish. Turn down heat. Let all of those ingredients get really acquainted. About a minute or so.
Fourth I added the spinach. About two handfuls. Add the juice of half a lemon. Some more salt and pepper. Turn the heat back up and let the spinach wilt.
Fifth Add the cooked quinoa. I had cooked mine earlier in the day and had it in the fridge just waiting for its big shiny moment on stage. At this point you may need to add a little more oil. I also added a half a can of diced tomatoes with jalopeno peppers. Let everything cook together for about two minutes and guess what... YOU'RE DONE!! Plate it up and add your chopped scallions.

Only twelve ingredients people and you've got yourself a healthy, filling and tasteful meal. I steamed some yellow and green wax beans as a side dish. Once they were steamed I added some chopped garlic, salt and pepper but you can use any side dish if you want. There really isn't a need for a side dish since the chicken and quinoa have everything in it but to each his own. Enjoy!
  

Top Four Books for Mommas to Be



 

 

 

 

Good day to all! I've been busy composing a small list of books I recommend for new and or expecting mommas. I have come up with four that I don't think I could have made it through the first eight, yes, eight months without.

• "The Baby Owner's Manual" by Louis Borgenicht, M.D., and Joe Borgenicht, D.A.D.

Oh my goodness this book! It is so entertaining and funny. Not to mention informative. Some of it is like "duh" stuff but still its so stinkin cute.

• "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Harvey Karp, M.D.

Well obviously it's good. It's a national bestseller. You're mommy reading would not be complete without including this. This book keeps your attention while educating you on amazing techniques to keep you and your baby happy, comforted and calm through your transition into mommy-hood.

• "On Becoming Baby Wise" by Gary Ezzo, M.A. and Robert Bucknam, M.D.

Again, obviously this book is popular for a reason. The techniques being taught in this book work for a lot of families. Our babies don't know how to sleep through the night. They don't know when it is time to eat until they're to the point of crying. They must be taught.

• "Infant Massage" by Vimala McClure

All natural approaches to relieve common problems babies face. Infant massage gives a chance for the mother, or father, and baby to get to know each other better and to benefit from the sense of touch. This book is a MUST and there is something in it for everyone.



Remember that nothing beats being prepared. You can't possibly be prepared 100% for being a parent but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try!

Take care.

This is a very cool and unique link up.
What you do is link up like you normally would BUT they have "firsts" that they want everyone to share. Each week will be different. Today's first are: First job, first car and first date. 
Here it goes! 
First Job My first job was at a little sandwich shop in my hometown when I was 15. My brother's friend's parents (cousins' sister's uncle HA! just kidding) built a new restaurant which is HUGE for my little town and they needed workers. I was so excited. My interview was a working interview at their food trailer at the county fair. It was so stinkin HOT and busy in that thing but I must've been qualified cause I got the job! I loved that job so much. I worked there for 3 years then I was off to bigger and better things!
First Car My first car was a easter egg! Literally it was a '99 Mercury Sable and it was a pastel purple-ish pink. A lot of people called it a mary kay car. It got totaled after I drove it for a few years. NOT MY FAULT! I got rear ended and the frame was bent. It was my mom's old car so a hand me down of course.
First Date I never really had a first date like in high school and stuff so I will just tell you a little bit about me and my hunny! We were introduced by a friend. He was living in Hawaii and I lived at home still. We knew it was love after we first spoke on the phone. We "dated" over the phone for three months and he flew from Hawaii to Ohio to see me for the first time ever! I was so nervous waiting for him at the airport. Thoughts like "what if he isn't really coming." "What if he is a killer." "What if he doesn't like me." But when He came 'round that baggage claim conveyor belt he scooped me up and gave me my last first kiss! It was beautiful. MUSH!

Our Last First Kiss!

Anyway now its your turn! I'm looking forward to learning more about you all!

Free signature for my readers!

Hey everybody I have a new feature for you all to enjoy. What makes it even sweeter is that you all can get one for your blogs too. It is a new signature and I got it for free from Melissa Rose Graphic Design. She is super good and on top of things. Visit her blog and follow her. Tell her that I sent ya. Click below to visit her facebook page and to get your signature. Hope you all enjoy!





 

Monday!!

Hello all and a special warm welcome to my new followers! I hope everyone had a great weekend and I hope you all have a great week.

I had a very eventful weekend filled with Dinner parties, sleep overs, a movie date night, church, sewing, and cooking. Here are a few pictures. Enjoy!

This was Wyatt this morning! Such a handsome lil duder

 

My lil sis stayed the night with us Friday night we watched movies and painted our nails!

Ozzie crashed early at our slumber party!

Saturday morning I FINALLY cracked open my new sewing machine. 

Lil sis and I made socktapuses!

I had a little help in the kitchen.

I made a big pot of deer chili. Yumm!

 

We had an absolutely beautiful day Saturday.

Our movie date night! I got a chance to get all gussied up. We went to see "Guilt Trip" with Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogan. I recommend it!

 

My mom and step dad offered to watch Wyatt while we went out. When we came home we all played scrabble. Guess who won.. ME!!

I'd love to hear what fun things you did this weekend. Comment and tell me about it! 

Happy Monday!

Yummy Chicken and Wild Rice Stew

Today I made a slow cooker dinner. And can I just say It was scrumptious! Here is the recipe. This stew is so healthy so go ahead have a second bowl guilt free.

 I made a few tweaks. Instead of plain wild rice I used Near East brand. I didn't use the bouillon cubes and just substituted the packet of seasoning that came with the rice. I didn't have fresh crimini mushroom on hand so I used canned. I also didn't have any spinach so I just didn't use any.  I added cauliflower just cause. It would also be easy to make vegetarian. I have nothing negative to say about this recipe except for I scalded my mouth trying to scarf it down!

I pureed some for W.R. too. I couldn't shovel it to him fast enough! He ate 4 ounces of this stuff. Hubby had two bowls and requested it for his lunch tomorrow. I highly recommend making this for your family. Here are some photos of W.R. chowing down. Enjoy!

He also approves of those no knead dinner rolls I mentioned

 Also HUGE development in our house tonight! W.R. FINALLY took to his sippy. I have been rackin my brain on how to get him to take it. All I can say is that persistence is key. I tried all kinds of different cups; spouts, straws, a small normal cup (which was a mess) turns out the avent sipper with a silicone spout did the trick. I'm so proud of my growing boy. Since we have moved into this place he has hit some pretty major milestones. On new years eve day he started to crawl. Praise God I thought that boy would never be on the move. I love him so! <3

Memorable Moments

Since moving into our new house hubbs and I like inviting my siblings over to spend the night. Since I have eight siblings it gets pretty interesting. New Years Eve we invited my brother A.J.

A.J. has been knocking on doors of neighbors and asking to shovel their driveways for a small fee. So far this winter he has made $20. Our driveway needed some attention and I knew the man for the job!

Anywho, A.J. stayed the night and on New Year's Day he happily shoveled our driveway for three hours. What a worker he is. I happily had some yummy food for his empty grumbling belly and some warm hot dark chocolate with loads of marshmallows. While we were having some lunch he was telling stories about his siblings and class mates. Out of the blue he said "I sure am thankful for mom and dad. Without them I wouldn't be able to be an uncle to W.R."

For those of you who don't know. A.J. is twelve years old and he was adopted. This comment made me smile and think happy thoughts at the time. But later I really got to thinkin about what his words actually meant. How many twelve year old kids think about that kind of stuff? He was genuinely grateful to be apart of my son's life.

This was a great first memory for 2013. Love you A.J.

I knead you!

Tonight we rang in the new year with an all out celebration. My daddy and step momma had a very happenin home. Lots of great food and good company.

I was in charge of the rolls. I wanted them to be special and homemade. (That's how us mommas get things done) so here I was had my kneading hands ready to go to work then I came across this amazing recipe.  Can you believe it? No kneading. How about the part where it's made in a stockpot!?!? Anyway, it's mind blowing. Check it out. Oh I almost forgot the best part... They're absolutely uh-maze-ing. So delicious. I'm really happy with myself.

picture is from pioneer woman's recipe

As I was going through some old pictures with my dad, that my mom and I had come across, I was thinking, "wow, time has flown by. I'm not a little girl anymore." "I have a husband and a son now." I was really set off by these thoughts. I mean I knew these things but dang! Life really is a vapor. We're here and gone and the world will keep on spinning.

What really matters in life isn't the clothes, the gifts, the house, the trucks, or any of that stuff. It's the memories you have and the people you share them with. None of that other stuff has eternal value and they get old or out of style or rusty.

I guess what I'm really trying to say is make this 2013 a memorable one. Embrace the ones you love and show love to a stranger or someone in need. When your time on earth is up make sure someone will smile when they remember your face! Maybe bake some of those awesome rolls for a homeless person or whatever. Just do something. Step out of your comfort zone. Go out of your way. Your children are watching.

I made 3 dozen rolls and this is all that are left. I had dough left over. The recipe says you can put them in fridge and bake another day! Like I said uh-maze-ing!

We have arrived.

Some of you may not know my story as of late. Here is a little insight.

Hubby was recently switched from active duty, in the United States Navy, to inactive duty. That meant closer to family, no more uniforms and one big move. We left our home in Honolulu Hawaii and became Ohioans, again. Moving from an island to the mainland makes it challenging to have a home lined up. Parents' house here we come. Yep that's right. Me, my honey and our one month old stuffed all our belongings in a storage unit and a teeny tiny room I lived in as a teenager. One happy humped up family!

I took my mommy section of my blog off my Christian blog and here we are. I had no idea how much of a challenge it was to keep up two blogs while having your belongings scattered and out of sorts. I apologize to my readers. For 6 months we lived with my folks.

But things are looking up for us. We just finished unpacking into our new beautiful home! I cannot explain how blessed we are. God gave us a trial and only through Him were we able to overcome it and grow through it. Jessie keeps saying that 2013 is our year and I couldn't agree with him more. So far we have gotten a new car, a nice roof over our heads and are surrounded by so many loving family members. (While we do miss our Hawaiian Ohana so very much) And it's not even January 2nd yet.

Praise God for the great things He is working on in our lives. So look out momma experience readers. Expect great things this coming year. I plan on sharing and praising all God has in store for us in the new year.